"auld Lang Syne."

Mr. Cuyler Reynolds contributes to Tbe Ceutury an artiole on 'The Manuscript of 'Aurd Laug Syne, ' " the article heiug accompauied by a facsimile of the üiutograph. Mr. Reynolds says: ïho late Cbaaoellor John V. L. Pruyn of Albnny was the successful purchaser of "Auld Laug Syne" and the one to make the autograph one of America's treasures. The facts regarding its removal to this couutry are of peculiar interest, and they briug the history of the autograpl), now more thun a ceutury oíd, up to date. Mr. Pruyn was a lover of curios, and particularly of the kind connected with an interestiug past, and his collecting showed a refinement not evident in the taste of the usual collector. In 18S9 the centennial of the birthday of Robert Burns was made the occasion for a celebration in different cities of the United States, and the literary peopleof Albany decided to observe the day by memorial exercises in a large hall on the evening of the day. Previous to the eveut Mr. Prtiyu plauned that it would be a feature if he could secure this autograph copy of the poet's "Auld Lang Syne." Heury Stevens was a famous purchaser for collections in those davs. sunnlvinc Mr. James Lenox, Mr. John Carter Browu, the British museum and others with souie of tbe most valnable oíd works, íxná tbereby bangs a tale to be told later. He owued tbe verses in question. He was a frieud of Mr. Prnyn, aud a correspondente regarding the matter in hand began. The resul t was that Mr. Stevens sold the verses to Mr. Pruyn, and tbe manuscript was intrnsted to Captain Moody, who gnaranteed that it should reach Chaucellor Priiyn iu time for the celebration. His stoamship reached New York late on the day of the celebration, leaving but a few hours to get it to Albauy, or the mission would prove fruitless. The only way was for tbe captain to select one of his trnsty men. With this special messenger it was sent from the steamer aud conveyed with all dispatch directly to the hall in Albany. Mr. Pruyn was all expectant when, during the exercises, he was called from the hall. Though he was gone only a moment, all interest in what was goiDg on upon the stage was lost for the time being. Another swing of the door, and Mr. Pruyu eutered, waving aloft the manuscript and exclaiming, "It is here!" With exultant delight and amid cries of " 'Auld Lang Syne' is with us!" Chancellor Pruyia advanced to the stage and read the poem through. Hardly could the people be prevented from breaking in upon hün, and when it was proposed to siug it through enthusiasm knew no bounds. Never did a chorus so williiigly lend aid, and the familiar air swelled forth iu mighty volume. The cherished page was bound within Russia leather covers, and with it was placed a letter to Dr. Richmond from Burns, dated Feb. 7, 1788, proving the identity of the writing iu the poem and also the letter written to Chancellor Pruyn by Henry Stevens when seudiug the poem to him.