THAT the north-eastern quarter of the city could show, not very many years ago, such a picturesque "bit" as the artist has here preserved will excite a feeling of surprise in the minds of those to whom that district is suggestive only of chemical works, black smoke, and evil smells. It is true that the architectural features of the scene depicted still remain the same. The dome of the Royal Infirmary, the tower of the ancient Cathedral, and the somewhat dumpy monument to John Knox, which occupies the highest point of the Necropolis, still break the sky line; but the trees which gave a charm to the picture have long ago succumbed to noxious vapours; the thatched cottages have ceased to exist; the valley has been filled up, and the Alexandra Parade stretches its straight, unbending line where the classic Molendinar once meandered. It may be of interest to note that the suggestion to erect a monument to the great Reformer was made at a public dinner given by the citizens to Dr. Chalmers, when that famous orator and philanthropist was leaving Glasgow for St Andrews. The proposal was received with enthusiasm, and on the 22nd September, 1825, the foundation stone was laid with the usual solemnities by Stevenson McGill, D.D., Professor of Theology in the University. The statue was the work of Robert Forrest, the self-taught sculptor of Carluke.

The formation of the Monkland Canal was suggested to the Magistrates in 1769, and the celebrated James Watt, then resident in Glasgow, was appointed to survey the ground. An Act of Parliament authorizing its formation was obtained in 1770, but it was not until 1791 that it was actually constructed.