r;
this was noticed by Alexander Ferguson, mason, who was standing on the
jetty, and he, without divesting himself of any of his clothes, swam to
their rescue. Having succeeded in getting hold of three lads, he landed
them ashore, and then struck out for the other, who by this time had
almost disappeared, his hands only being visible above the water.
Ferguson landed him ashore also. After some time all the four were able
to walk home to Liverpool. A large crowd was on the jetty at the time,
and great excitement prevailed. Ferguson deserves great credit for the
courage and presence of mind he displayed, and it is believed that but
for his efforts the lads would have been drowned.--_Liverpool Mercury_,
1872.

GREAT SWIMMING FEATS.

1. Fourteen miles down the river with the rapid ebb tide, from the
middle buoys opposite the Tay ferries to far buoy at the mouth of the
river Tay, in 5-1/2 hours (1859.)

2. Across the Frith of Clyde from Carrought, Ayrshire, to Ailsa Rock; 8
miles in 3 hours, through strong currents.

3. Across the Frith of Forth, from Buckhaven, in Fifeshire, to North
Berwick; 18 miles in 7 hours (1862.)

4. Across the Bay of Leece, from the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse to
Barrowhead; 10 miles in 4 hours.

5. Across the mouth of Loch Ryan, from Ronmach, in Ayrshire, to Kirkcolm
Point in Gallowayshire; 4 miles in 2 hours.

6. From John O'Groat's House to Stoma; 8 miles in 2-1/2 hours, through
dangerous currents (1873.)

7. Across the strong-currented river to Cardell Point, on the east of
Cantyre, from Penrioch, on the coast of Arran; 11 miles in 3-1/2 hours
(1874.)

8. Across the Frith of Clyde from West Kilbride, in Ayrshire, to Grombe,
on the east coast of Arran, a distance of 12-1/2 miles in 4-1/2 hours
(1874.)

9. Across the Frith of the Clyde from Port Glasgow to Cardross; 9 miles
in 2-1/2 hours (1874.)

In all these instances he was followed by persons in boats.

We are informed that he has received presents for rescuing lives of the
value of L300, besides twenty suits of clothes, and has also won many
cups and other prizes in swimming and diving matches, and has also
received several gold and silver medals.

Alexander Ferguson has on several occasions been present at the services
for the adult deaf and dumb held at the Institution at Derby.

[Illustration]

A DEAF MUTE'S GRATITUDE.

[Illustration]

M. Felix Martin, an artist, deaf and dumb from his birth, has just
execu