an use, occurred during Cumine's occupation of
the abbacy. He wrote a life of St. Columba, probably to vindicate
his sanctity after the apparent slight offered to his memory by the
synod in setting aside the traditional usage which he had
cherished. This life seems to have been the result of St. Colman's
visit to Iona before his return to Ireland (see Feb. 18th).

A more important work is St. Cumine's letter on the Easter
controversy, which he wrote before he became abbot, and which
shows a thorough acquaintance with the difficulties of the subject,
as well as deep knowledge of the Sacred Scriptures and writings
of the Fathers. He is often called _Cumine Ailbhe_ (Cumine the
Fair-haired). His name survives in _Kilchuimein_ (Church of St.
Cumine), the ancient designation of Fort-Augustus, and the only
name by which it is still called in Gaelic. A spot in the same
neighbourhood is known as St. Cumine's Return; it is in the
vicinity of a hill called St. Cumine's Seat. The parish church of
Glenelg also is named after this saint.

MARCH

1--St. Marnock or Marnan, Bishop, A.D. 625.

Like so many of the Celtic saints, the name of this one has been
changed by the addition of particles expressive of reverence. The
original form was Ernin; the Scottish name is a contraction of the
Gaelic words _Mo-Ernin-og_ (my little Ernin). He is considered by
some writers to have been of Irish nationality, but this is by no
means established. St. Marnock laboured as a missionary in Moray,
being specially noted for his zeal in preaching. He died at
Aberchirder in Banffshire, and was buried in the church there. The
place after wards received the additional name of Marnock from its
connection with the saint. St. Marnock's shrine became a favourite
place of pilgrimage, and miracles were wrought through his relics,
which were religiously preserved there. The head of St. Marnock was
frequently borne in procession to obtain fair weather. It was the
custom also to have lights placed round it every Sunday and to wash
the relic with water, {33} which was afterwards used, greatly to
their benefit, by the sick. The Innes family, who chose the saint as
their patron, had a particular devotion to that relic.

Traces of the _cultus_ of St. Marnock are to be found in many
districts of Scotland. Besides the church in which his remains
were honoured, a holy well at Aberchirder still bears his name. A
fair on the second Tuesday in March, held there ann