By permission of Mr. John Hogg.
When James Hogg and Sons removed their publishing house from Edinburgh to London we became intimately connected with them. James, the father, was associated with many of Scotland's best and noblest writers: De Quincey was a friend and companion, also Professor Wilson (Christopher North), and Dr. Brown, the distinguished author of "Rab and his Friends."
The two clever sons, James and John, were both most resourceful men, full of energy and enterprise. James was one of the first to follow the example of the Cornhill by starting a Shilling Illustrated Magazine, London Society, which he successfully conducted for many years. He gave examples of Sir John Millais, P.R.A.; Fred Walker, A.R.A.; John Pettie, R.A.; Tom Graham; Gordon Thomson, and J. D. Watson. Amongst the lady artists were Florence and Adelaide Claxton, whose style of work well suited the nature of the publication. The Christmas Number of London Society held a prominent position for many years.
"To seek their bread from public charity,
They and their wives and children—happier far
Could they have lived as do the little birds
That peck along the hedges, or the kite
That makes its dwelling on the mountain rocks!"
"The Deserted Cottage."—Wordsworth.
By Joseph Wolf.