THE "SALT-PETER-MAN."

[Lambert was removed to the island of St. Nicholas, at the entrance of Plymouth Harbour, in 1667, where his death took place during thehard winterat the close of 1682 or commencement of 1683.—See "N. & Q"., Vol. iv., p 340. Probably some of our readers in that neighbourhood might, by a reference to the parish registers, be enabled to ascertain the precise date of that event.]

(Vol. vii., p. 377.)

Your correspondent J. O. asks for information to No. 4. of his notes respecting the "salt-peter-man," so quaintly described by Lord Coke as a troublesome person. Before the discovery and importation of rough nitre from the East Indies, the supply of that very important ingredient in the manufactory of gunpowder was very inadequate to the quantity required; and this country having in the early part of the seventeenth century to depend almost entirely upon its own resources. Charles I. issued a proclamation in 1627, which set forth that the saltpetre makers were never able to furnish the realm with a third part of the saltpetre required, especially in time of war. The proclamation had reference to a patent that had been granted in 1625 to Sir John Brooke and Thomas Russel, for making saltpetre by a new invention, which gave them power to collect the animal fluids (ordered by the same proclamation to be preserved by families for this purpose), once in twenty-four hours in summer, and in forty-eight hours in winter. This royal proclamation was very obnoxious and inconvenient to the good people of England, increased as it was by the power granted to the saltpetre makers to dig up the floors of all dove-houses, stables, cellars, &c., for the purpose of carrying away the earth, the proprietors being at the same time prohibited from laying such floors with anything but "mellow earth," that greater facility might be given them. This power, in the hands of men likely to be appointed to fulfil such duties, was no doubt subject to much abuse for the purposes of extortion, making, as Lord Coke states, "simple people believe that Lee (the salt-peter-man) will, without their leave, breake up the floore of their dwelling-house, unless they will compound with him to the contrary." The new and uncertain process for obtaining the constituents of nitre having failed to answer the purpose for which the patent was granted, an act was passed in 1656, forbidding the saltpetre makers to dig in houses or lands without leave of the owner: and this is the point to which the learned commentator of the law, in hisDiscouerie of the Abuses and Corruption of Officers, alludes, when "any such fellowe if you can meete with all, let his misdemenor be presented, that he may be taught better to understand his office." In England, up to about the period when these curious acts of parliament were passed, the right of all soil impregnated with animal matter was claimed by the crown for this peculiar purpose; and in France the rubbish of old houses, earth from stables, slaughter-houses, and all refuse places, was considered to belong to the Government, till 1778, when a similar edict, to relieve the people from the annoyances of the saltpetre makers, was made.

J. Deck.

Cambridge.

(Vol. iii., pp. 119. 198.)

In reply to your correspondentArun, who inquired about the origin and authority of metrical psalms and hymns in churches, in addition to an extract from one of Bishop Cosin's letters on the subject, I referred also to the treatise commonly known as Watson'sDeduction, but of which treatise Heylin was in fact the author. I have recently met with a passage in Heylin'sHistory of the Reformation(ann. 1552, Lond., 1674, p. 127.) which seems to contain the rudiment or first germ of theDeduction, and to whichAruntherefore (if not already acquainted with it) may be glad to be referred:

"About this time (says Heylin) the Psalms of David did first begin to be composed in English meetter by one Thomas Sternhold, one of the grooms of the Privy Chamber; who, translating no more than thirty-seven, left both example and encouragement to John Hopkins and others to dispatch the rest:—a device first taken up in France by one Clement Marot, one of the grooms of the bedchamber to King Francis the First; who, being much addicted to poetry, and having some acquaintance with those which were thought to have enclined to the Reformation, was persuaded by the learned Vatablus (professor of the Hebrew tongue in the University of Paris) to exercise his poetical phancies in translating some of David's Psalms. For whose satisfaction, and his own, he translated the first fifty of them; and, after flying to Geneva, grew acquainted with Beza, who in some tract of time translated the other hundred also, and caused them to be fitted unto several times; which hereupon began to be sung in private houses, and by degrees to be taken up in all the churches of the French, and other nations which followed the Genevian platform. Marot's translation is said by Strada to have been ignorantly and perversely done, as being but the work of a man altogether unlearned; but not to be compared with that barbarity and botching, which everywhere occurreth in the translation of Sternhold and Hopkins. Which notwithstanding being first allowed for private devotion, they were by little and little brought into the use of the church,permitted rather than allowedto be sung before and after sermons; afterwards printed and bound up with the Common Prayer Book, and at last added by the stationers at the end of the Bible. For, though it is expressed in the title of those singing psalms, that they were set forth and allowed to be sung in all churches before and after Morning and Evening Prayer, and also before and after sermons; yet this allowance seems rather to have been aconnivancethan anapprobation: no such allowance being anywhere found by such as have been most industrious and concerned in the search thereof. At first it was pretended only that the said Psalms should be sung before and after Morning and Evening Prayer, and also before and after sermons; which shows they were not to be intermingled in the public Liturgie. But in some tract of time, as the Puritan faction grew in strength andconfidence, they prevailed so far in most places, to thrust theTe Deum, theBenedictus, theMagnificat, and theNunc Dimittis, quite out of the church. But of this more perhaps hereafter, when we shall come to the discovery of the Puritan practices in the times succeeding."

J. Sansom.

Oxford.

(Vol. vii., p. 380.)

The cross, X, in the Greek Church, represents the initial ofΧριστὸς, the Messiah, the symbolic affixing of which (sealing) before and after baptism indicates that the name of Christ is imposed on the believer, who takes his new or Christian name at baptism. This mark on the forehead refers to Revelation vii. 3., xiv. 1., xxii. 4. The longer catechism of that church, in answer to the question, "What force has the sign of the cross, used on this and other occasions?" says, "What thenameof Jesus Christ crucified is, when pronounced with faith by the motion of the lips, thevery sameis also the sign of the cross, when made with faith bythe motion of the hand, or represented in any other way." The authority quoted is Cyril of Jerusalem (Cat. Lect.xiii. 36.).

In the Western Church the cross,Latin cross, represented theσταυρὸςwhereon Christ suffered.

Both these crosses are now found in the Greek Church; and the Latin form,Latin cross, has at least been used therein nine centuries, for in Goar'sRituale Græcorummay be seen (pp. 114, 115. 126.) the icons of Saints Methodius, Germanus, and Cyrillus, whose vestments are embellished with Latin crosses. The Latin cross is marked on the sacramental bread of the Greek communion,—which bread is also impressed with an abbreviation of the words on Constantine's labarum: "Jesus Christ overcometh." (Eusebius'sLife of Constantine, lib. i. c. 25.: compare with Goar'sRituale Græcorum, p. 117.)

The Latin cross,Latin cross, is rarely found on the sepulchres in the catacombs at Rome,—the most ancient Christian memorials; but, instead of it, a combination of the lettersΧΡprevails, as the monogram for "Christ." Aringhi, in hisRoma Subterranea(Romæ, 1651) says:

"Illud autem fatendum nobis est, nullatenus ante felicissima Constantini Magni ad fidem traducti tempora crucem publicæ populorum venerationi expositam fuisse."—Vol. ii. lib. vi. c. xiv. p. 546.

The following statement from Humphrey'sMontfaucon(vol. x. part ii. book iii. cap. 1. p. 158.) is very clear as to the form of the cross:

"The cross, made with beams put together, had the shape of the Samaritantau, says St. Jerome, whose words are these: 'In the oldestHebrewletters, which the Samaritans now make use of, the last, which istau, had the form of a cross.' Thistau, like a cross, was like theΤof the Greeks, according to Paulinus, who says that the shape of the cross is expressed by the Greek lettertau, which stands for three hundred. The cross of our Lord was something different from the lettertau; the beam that was fixed in the earth crossing that which was athwart it above, and made as it were a head by rising above it: such a cross we see in the medals of Constantine the Great, in this form,Latin cross, and such is it found described in the most ancient Christian monuments; this is the form of the cross which St. Jerome means, when he compares it to birds flying, to a man swimming, and to a man praying to God, with his arms extended."

The Greek church has retainedbothforms: the Latin Church, in its ignorance of the Greek language, has lost the more important symbol. These forms were probably invented by Constantine, who used them on his helmet, as crests were afterwards used in the ages of chivalry.

T. J. Buckton.

Birmingham.

The difference between the manner in which the members of the Greek and those of the Latin Church used to sign themselves with the sign of the cross is this: both used the right hand, the thumb and first and second fingers open, and the third and fourth closed; both began at the forehead, and descended to the breast: but in crossing that vertical line by an horizontal one, from one shoulder to the other, theGreeks go from the right to the left, but theLatins from the left to the right. It is said, that in the Latin Church, up to the thirteenth century, the cross line was traced indifferently from either shoulder.

Whilst there is this difference between the Greek and Latin sign of the cross when made upon oneself, there is also a difference between the two when made upon others. The LatinBenedictionis given with the thumb and the first two fingers open; the third and fourth fingers remaining closed. This arrangement of the the fingers is symbolical of the Trinity: the three open fingers signifying the three divine persons, and the two closed fingers being emblematic of the two natures of Christ.

The Greek benediction is given with the forefinger entirely open; the middle finger slightly bent, the thumb crossed upon the third finger, and the little finger bent.

In the present day, however, in the Latin Church, a person making on himself the sign of the cross, employs the right hand entirely open, instead of three fingers only. And as it has been thought desirable to make a distinction between the benediction given by a bishop and a priest, bishops reserved to themselves the right of blessing with three fingers; and priests give the benediction with the hand entirely open.

J. C. B. will find this subject fully treated in Didron'sChristian Iconography, Bohn's edition, pp. 405. 412.; and an illustration of the Latin benediction at p. 205., and the Greek benediction at p. 176.

Ceyrep.

New Developing Fluid.—Dr. Diamondhas reported very favourably of the developing fluid, which I spoke of in "N. & Q." of March 12 as "being simple, inexpensive, and keeping good a length of time." In accordance with what I then stated, I herewith give the readers of "N. & Q." the benefit of it, and leave them to form their own opinion of its value after trying it:

Protosulphate of iron — 12 grs.Nitrate of lead — 8 grs.Water — 10 drs.Acetic acid — ½ dr.

Protosulphate of iron — 12 grs.

Nitrate of lead — 8 grs.

Water — 10 drs.

Acetic acid — ½ dr.

Dissolve the protosulphate of iron in the water; then throw in the nitrate of lead in powder; stir with glass rod until it is dissolved; keep stirring while pouring in the acetic acid, and for a few minutes afterwards. Let the precipitate subside, then filter. I have used nothing else for positives on glass since I discovered the preparation. I have not tried it for developing in the wax-paper or other paper process. The liquid is colourless as water when first made. By long keeping it will change colour, but throws down no deposit, nor loses its properties. If those gentlemen who try it would give their opinions of it, I should be obliged.

J. L. Sisson.

Edingthorpe Rectory.

[Since this was in type,Mr. Sissonhas written to say, that he has been informed that the use of nitrate of lead has already been recommended byMr. W. Brown.Mr. Sissonwas not aware of that fact, but is unwilling to appear in any way to appropriate to himself the suggestion of another.—Ed.]

Photographic Tent.—Can any of your readers inform me how, or where, to procure aneffective tentfor photographic operations out of doors? All those I have yet seen are sadly wanting in the two great essentials—portabilityandcheapness. If any one could suggest the means for supplying the desiderata, it would prove in the coming season a boon to photographers at large, and confer a favour on

M. F. M.

Mr. Wilkinson's simple mode of levelling Cameras.—The following ingenious suggestion appears in the 3rd Number of theJournal of the Photographic Society, and deserves to be widely circulated. "My plan is to place a T-square on the bottom of the camera, and draw one perpendicular line on each side (exactly opposite to each other), either with paint or pencil; or the ends of the camera itself will do if perpendicular to the base. Then, having two musket bullets attached to a silk thread, simply hang them over the camera, and everything required will be attained much quicker by these plumb-lines, and with accuracy equal to the spirit-levels. The advantage of the simple contrivance of two bullets suspended by threads is, that when the thread is laid across the camera, it is at once seen whether the thread touches all the way down both sides; if not, one or other side of the camera is raised, until the thread lies close on each side: this gives the level crossways. The other perpendicular of the line is then sought for, and the back or front of the camera raised or lowered, until the thread cuts the line drawn below. Here then we have the most perfect line that can be obtained, at the expense of two bullets and a bit of silk, answering every purpose of the best spirit-level, and applied in one-half the time. It has since occurred to me, that as we sometimes require to measure the distance for stereoscopic pictures, this thread ought to be about three feet long; and we might as well make three knots, and then we should have the measure of a three-feet rule always with us. It has also occurred to me, that in taking portraits you sometimes require to have a measure of time; and by a little modification we have here the most accurate chronometer that can be produced. Instead of three feet, I make it thirty-nine inches and the decimal necessary, say two-tenths from the centre of support to the centre of the bullet. I then get a pendulum which vibrates to second exactly, from the point of suspension to the point of oscillation. I hang it by a pin, and I there have a chronometer of the greatest possible accuracy; and I can employ it for taking portraits of one, two, three, or four seconds: it will vibrate for a minute. Consequently I have a mode of levelling my camera with the greatest accuracy, a measure of time, and a measure of distance; and all at a cost considerably under one penny."

Antiquarian Photographic Club.—This association for the interchange of photographic views of objects of antiquarian interest, has now nearly attained the number of members to which it is proposed to limit it. For the few remaining vacancies preference will be given, for obvious reasons, to parties resident in varied localities. Any gentlemen or ladies desirous to join the club, may send their names, with specimens of their skill, to theHonorary Secretary, care of Mr. Bell, 186. Fleet Street. The amount of the annual subscription is not yet fixed, but as all that can be required will be to meet the expenses incident to the receipt and interchange of the photographs, it must necessarily be very limited.

Erroneous Forms of Speech: Mangel Wurzel(Vol. vii., p. 329.).—Against the dictum of E. G. R., I beg insertion of the following quotation from theAgricultural Gazette, March 4, 1848, p. 166.:

"Mangold wurzel is simply the German ofbeet-root. 'Mangel wurzel,' on the other hand, is one founded on an idea, which, though absurd, did not the less effectually answer the object of those who introduced the plant. 'Scarcity root,' or 'Famine root,' made a good heading to an advertisement."

And Rham,Dictionary of the Farm, p. 62.:

"The German name is 'Mangold wurzel,' or 'Mangold root;' but it is sometimes pronounced 'Mangel wurzel,' which meansscarcity root; and, by a strange translation, it is called in Frenchracine d'abondance, as well asracine de disette. The name of field-beet is much more appropriate."

I hope E. G. R. will, however, not insist on classing those who say and write "mangold" with those who would write "reddishes, sparrowgrass, and cowcumbers." I should be sorry to be suspected of any one of the three last; but "mangold" I will say and write till the authority of the best German scholars decrees otherwise.

Geo. E. Frere.

The Whetstone(Vol. vii., pp. 208. 319.).—Herbert, in hisTypographical Antiquities, vol. ii. p. 1144., cites a book entitled,Fower great Liers striving who shall win the Silver Whetstone. Also a Resolution to the Countreyman, proving it utterly unlawful to buy or use our yearely Prognostications, by W. P.: 8vo., printed by R. Waldegrave; no date.

H. C.

Charade(Vol. vi., p. 604.).—

"By mystic sign and symbol known,To Daniel, wise and meek, alone,Was Persia's comingwoforeshown."And in great Cæsar's proudest day,The Gospel held a mightier sway,Andmanshone forth with purest ray."But when, in Babylonia chain'd,Manof his deepeningwocomplain'd,Awomanconquering both, in faithful Esther reign'd."

"By mystic sign and symbol known,To Daniel, wise and meek, alone,Was Persia's comingwoforeshown.

"By mystic sign and symbol known,

To Daniel, wise and meek, alone,

Was Persia's comingwoforeshown.

"And in great Cæsar's proudest day,The Gospel held a mightier sway,Andmanshone forth with purest ray.

"And in great Cæsar's proudest day,

The Gospel held a mightier sway,

Andmanshone forth with purest ray.

"But when, in Babylonia chain'd,Manof his deepeningwocomplain'd,Awomanconquering both, in faithful Esther reign'd."

"But when, in Babylonia chain'd,

Manof his deepeningwocomplain'd,

Awomanconquering both, in faithful Esther reign'd."

Sophronia Sphynx.

Parochial Libraries(Vol. vi., p. 432. &c.; Vol. vii., p. 392.).—Totnesmay be added to the list of places containing parochial libraries. The books are placed in presses in the vestry room of the church, and so preserved from loss and damage to which they were formerly subjected. The collection is principally composed of works of divinity published in the seventeenth century, the age of profound theological literature. I noticed amongst the goodly array of weighty folios, the works of St. Augustine, theHomiliesof St. Chrysostom, works of St. Ambrose, St. Gregory, &c., the works of the high and mighty King James, Birckbek'sProtestant Evidence, and Walton'sPolyglott. Nothing is known of the history and formation of this library. Inside the cover of one of the volumes is the following inscription:

"Totnes Library. The guift of Mr. Thomas Southcott, July 10. 1656."

I found the following incorrect and antiquated piece of information respecting this library in a flimsy work, published in 1850, entitled,A Graphic and Historical Sketch of the Antiquities of Totnes, by William Cotton, F.S.A.,note, p. 38.:

"I know not what the library contains. I believe nothing more than theological lumber. It is always locked up, and made no use of by those who keep it, and it is inaccessible to those who would wish to examine it. I was once there by accident, and looked into some books, which were all on Divinity."

J. M. B.

Tunbridge Wells.

Judge Smith(Vol. vii., p. 13.).—Judge Smith lived towards the close of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and was noted for severity against witches. His monument is in Chesterfield Church. He belonged to the ancient family seated at Dunston Hall, near that town, which I believe has lately ended in co-heiresses. The late Sir J. E. Smith was of the same family: his father, a considerable merchant of Norwich, married a Kindersley descended from Geoffrey,—who was queried in Vol. vi., p. 603., and is ancestor of the present Vice-Chancellor.

Z. E. R.

Church Catechism(Vol. vii., p. 190.).—B. H. C. will confer a favour by printing the Latin original of the Catechism.

Z. E. R.

Charade attributed to Sheridan(Vol. vii., p. 379.).—Several years ago, I think in 1818 or 1819, a friend gave me some verses nearly similar to those communicated by your correspondentBalliolensis, and requested me to ascertain if they were Mrs. Piozzi's, as my friend had been told that they were written by that lady. Soon afterwards I asked Mrs. Piozzi if she ever wrote a riddle on a gaming-table. She replied, "Yes, a very long time ago." She immediately repeated a line or two, and, after some consideration, recited the following, which, she assured me, were her original composition. These lines, it will be observed, differ somewhat from those attributed to Sheridan, but they were probably the basis of those, and also of other versions of the riddle, which, I believe, are in existence. This statement so thoroughly removes all uncertainty about theauthor of the original, that I trust you will deem it worthy of insertion in your journal.

"A place I here describe, how gay the scene!Fresh, bright, and vivid with perpetual green,Verdure attractive to the ravish'd sight,Perennial joys, and ever new delight,Charming at noon, more charming still at night.Fair pools where fish in forms pellucid play;Smooth lies the lawn, swift glide the hours away.No mean dependence here on summer skies,This spot rough winter's roughest blast defies.Yet here the government is curs'd with change,Knaves openly on either party range,Assault their monarch, and avow the deed,While honour fails, and tricks alone succeed;For bold decemvirs here usurp the sway;Now all some single demagogue obey,False lights prefer, and hate the intruding day.Oh, shun the tempting shore, the dangerous coast,Youth, fame, and fortune, stranded here, are lost!"

"A place I here describe, how gay the scene!

Fresh, bright, and vivid with perpetual green,

Verdure attractive to the ravish'd sight,

Perennial joys, and ever new delight,

Charming at noon, more charming still at night.

Fair pools where fish in forms pellucid play;

Smooth lies the lawn, swift glide the hours away.

No mean dependence here on summer skies,

This spot rough winter's roughest blast defies.

Yet here the government is curs'd with change,

Knaves openly on either party range,

Assault their monarch, and avow the deed,

While honour fails, and tricks alone succeed;

For bold decemvirs here usurp the sway;

Now all some single demagogue obey,

False lights prefer, and hate the intruding day.

Oh, shun the tempting shore, the dangerous coast,

Youth, fame, and fortune, stranded here, are lost!"

J. S. S.

Bath.

Gesmas and Desmas(Vol. vii., pp. 238. 342.).—The names of the two thieves crucified with our blessed Saviour are variously written. In the verses quoted by A. B. R. (p. 238.) they are writtenGesmas and Desmas. In the edition of the Gospel of Nicodemus, quoted by W. C. H. (p. 342.),i.e.the edition of "William Hone, Ludgate Hill, 1820," the names are writtenGestas and Dimas. He also gives an authority for the spelling "Dismas and Gestas." I find them written in the edition I have of the Gospel of Nicodemus,i. e."Hutman's, London, 1818,"Dismas and Gesmas(pp. 87, 88.). Elsewhere I have met with them written as in the following verse,Gistas and Dismas:

"Gistas damnatur, Dismas ad astra levatur,"

which I have ventured to translate:

"Gistas to hell—with Dismas all goes well;"

or perhaps better thus:

"Gistas goes down, Dismas receives a crown."

The names of these two men in early life is said to have beenTitusandDumachus: see theEvangelium Infantiæ, quoted by Hutman (p. 13.).

Ceyrep.

Lode(Vol. v., pp. 345. 350.).—There is in Gloucester a church and parish called Saint Mary de Lode, touching which Mr. Fosbroke (History of City of Gloucester, p. 341.) observes:

"This parish is said to have derived the adjunct ofLodefrom the Severn formerly running near it; and this may have been the fact, but it is not easy to give a satisfactory explanation of the term."

I would remark, that as the termLodemay be considered a general name for any navigable river, that if it be a fact that the river Severn did formerly run near the parish in question, it appears to me not difficult to give a satisfactory explanation of the term by which such parish is distinguished from St. Mary de Crypt and St. Mary de Grace.

C. H. Cooper.

Cambridge.

Epitaphs imprecatory(Vol. vii., p. 256).—I have no doubt that the churchyards of Scotland will furnish many examples of the embittered feelings which religious persecution produced, during the latter half of the seventeenth century; and as a specimen I forward the following, which is found in the churchyard of Dalgarnock, in Dumfriesshire. The Duke of York alluded to was afterwards James II.; and the descendants of Mr. Harkness are still most respectable inhabitants of the parish of Closeburn, which has been united to Dalgarnock:

"Here Lyes the body ofJames Harkness, in Locherben, who died 6th Dec. 1723, aged 72 years."Belo this stone his dust doth ly,Who indured 28 yearsPersecution by tirranyDid him pursue with echo and cryThough many a lonesome place,At last by Clavers he was taenSentenced for to dy;But God, who for his soul took care,Did him from prison bring,Because no other Cause they hadBut that he ould not give upWith Christ his Glorious King.And swear allegence to that beast,The duke of York I mean.In spite of all there hellish rageA natural death he diedIn full assurance of his restWith Christ ieternalie."

"Here Lyes the body ofJames Harkness, in Locherben, who died 6th Dec. 1723, aged 72 years.

"Belo this stone his dust doth ly,Who indured 28 yearsPersecution by tirranyDid him pursue with echo and cryThough many a lonesome place,At last by Clavers he was taenSentenced for to dy;But God, who for his soul took care,Did him from prison bring,Because no other Cause they hadBut that he ould not give upWith Christ his Glorious King.And swear allegence to that beast,The duke of York I mean.In spite of all there hellish rageA natural death he diedIn full assurance of his restWith Christ ieternalie."

"Belo this stone his dust doth ly,

Who indured 28 years

Persecution by tirrany

Did him pursue with echo and cry

Though many a lonesome place,

At last by Clavers he was taen

Sentenced for to dy;

But God, who for his soul took care,

Did him from prison bring,

Because no other Cause they had

But that he ould not give up

With Christ his Glorious King.

And swear allegence to that beast,

The duke of York I mean.

In spite of all there hellish rage

A natural death he died

In full assurance of his rest

With Christ ieternalie."

The following may be given as an example of a punning epitaph. It is found in St. Anne's churchyard, in the Isle of Man, and is said to have been written by Sir Wadsworth Busk, who was for many years attorney-general of the island:

"Here, Friend, is little Daniel's Tomb,To Joseph's age he did arrive;Sloth killing thousands in their bloom,While labour kept poor Dan alive.Though strange yet true, full seventy yearsWas his wife happy in herTears.

"Here, Friend, is little Daniel's Tomb,

To Joseph's age he did arrive;

Sloth killing thousands in their bloom,

While labour kept poor Dan alive.

Though strange yet true, full seventy years

Was his wife happy in herTears.

Daniel Teardied December 9th, 1787, aged 110 years."

C. T. R.

Straw-bail(Vol. vii., pp. 85. 342.).—The origin of the expression "a man of straw" may be traced to those mannikins or effigies representing the human figure, which are (or used to be) paraded in the streets during the Carnival in most continental countries. These mannikins weregenerally stuffed withstraw; and hence, in legal phraseology, "a man of straw" denotes the semblance of a man—a person of neither substance nor responsibility, who is put forward to screen a real delinquent, or bear the brunt of a prosecution. Such, at least, is the origin commonly assigned by the French to their "homme de paille," the prototype of our "man of straw."

Henry H. Breen.

St. Lucia.

How to stain Deal(Vol. vii., p. 356).—If C. will apply by letter or otherwise to Mr. Henry Stevens, 54. Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road, he will learn every particular, and be furnished with samples of its effect on common deal, as now very extensively used in churches, school-rooms, &c.

Detached Belfry Towers(Vol. vii., pp. 333. 416.).—Add to the list, Marston Morteyne in Bedfordshire, not far from Ampthill, and Gunwalloe, in Cornwall, about five miles south of Helston. Gunwalloe tower appears to be much older than the church, and faces the south-west angle of the nave, from which it is distant about fourteen feet.

J. M. B.

Tunbridge Wells.

Cambrensishas forgotten that thecloich teachs(bell-houses), or round belfries, peculiar to Ireland, and which have become famous as "round towers," are almost always separate from the churches.

James Graves.

Kilkenny.

To your instances of detached belfries in England add Magdalene College and New College in Oxford, and Woburn in Bedfordshire.

H. C.

Thurles.

Detached church-towers exist at Beccles, Suffolk, and at East Dereham, Norfolk.

G. J. C.

Oxford.

The anniversary of the Camden Society on Monday last, when Mr. Peter Cunningham, Sir F. Madden, and Sir C. Young were elected on the Council, was distinguished by two departures from the usual routine: one, a special vote of thanks to Sir Harry Verney for placing his family papers at the service of the Society; and the other, a general expression of satisfaction on the part of the members at the steps taken by the Council to bring under the consideration of the Commission appointed to inquire into the laws regarding matters testamentary, the great impediments thrown in the way of all historical and literary inquirers by the authorities in the Prerogative Office.

It does not require the skill of an Œdipus to divine that in giving us so graphic a picture ofThe Vicar and his Duties, the Rev. A. Gatty has had the advantage of sketching from the life, and that his portraiture of

"A good man of religiounThat as a poore Persone of a toun;But riche he was of holy thought and werke."

"A good man of religioun

That as a poore Persone of a toun;

But riche he was of holy thought and werke."

is as much a true effigy, though taken with pen and ink, as if he had put that capital parish priest, the Vicar of Leeds, before his camera. To the many friends of Dr. Hook, this little volume will be deeply interesting.

Books Received.—Pulleyn'sEtymological Compendium, or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions. Third Edition, revised and improved, byMerton A. Thoms. This new edition of a very popular and useful little book has had the advantage of a thorough revision, and contains much new and interesting information.—Longman'sTraveller's Libraryhas lately been enriched by two of Mr. Macaulay's brilliant essays, viz. onLord ByronandThe Comic Dramatists of the Restoration, and by a carefully compiled life ofMarshal Turenneby the Rev. T. O. Cockayne: while Mr. Murray has added to his valuable collection ofRailway Readings, a reprint ofThe Life of Lord Bacon, by his noble biographer Lord Campbell.—Reynard the Fox, after the German Version of Göthe, with Illustrations byJ. Wolf. Part V. This translation is kept up with spirit, and the present number carries us toThe Pardonof the wily transgressor.—Mr. Bohn has put forth numerous fresh claims on the favour of poor scholars: in hisStandard Libraryhe has given a third volume ofMiss Bremer's Works, containingHomeandStrife and Peace; in hisClassical Libraryhe continues the translation ofAristotleinThe Politics and Economics, translated by G. Walford, M.A.; in hisAntiquarian Library, he has continued in his series of translations of Early English Chronicles by giving us in one volume a translation ofHenry of Huntingdon, and also of theGesta Stephani; while he will have done good service to naturalists and keepers of aviaries and cage birds by the edition of Bechstein'sCage and Chamber Birdsand Sweet'sWarblers, which he has included in the same volume of hisIllustrated Library.

Jacob's English Peerage. Folio Edition, 1766. Vols. II., III., and IV.

Gammer Gurton's Needle.

Alison's Europe. (20 Vols.) Vols. XIII., XX.

Tillotson. Vols. I., II., IV., V., XI. 12mo. Tonson, London, 1748.

Livy. Vol. I. 12mo. Maittaire, London, 1722.

Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Vols. I., II., III., IV., V., XIX., XX. 5s.each. The above in Parts or Monthly Numbers will do.

The Aviary, or Magazine of British Melody.

A Collection of Diverting Songs, Airs, &c. both published about the middle of last century.

Churchman's Sheet Almanac: all the Years.

Gretton's Introduction to Translation, &c. Part II.

Views of Arundel House in the Strand, 1646. London, published by T. Thane, Rupert Street, Haymarket. 1792.

Parker's Glossary of Architecture. 2nd Edition.

Pickering's Statutes at Large. 8vo. Edit. Camb. From 46 Geo. III. cap. 144. (Vol. XLVI. Part I.) to 1 Wm. IV.

European Magazine. Nos. for May, 1817; January, February, May, June, 1818; April, June, July, October, and December, 1819.

Stanhope's Paraphrase of Epistles and Gospels. London, 1732. Vols. III. and IV.

The Lawyer and Magistrate's Magazine, complete, or single Volumes,circa1805-1810.

Todd's Cyclopædia of Anatomy and Physiology.

Phelp's History and Antiquities of Somersetshire. Part 4., and Parts 9. to end.

Bayle's Dictionary. English Version, byDe Maizeaux. London, 1738. Vols. I. and II.

Swift's (Dean) Works. Dublin: G. Faulkner. 19 volumes. 1768. Vol. I.

Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London. Vols. I. and II.

Archæologia. Vols. III., IV., V., VIII. Boards.

Martyn's Plantæ Cantabrigienses. 12mo. London, 1763.

Abbotsford Edition of the Waverley Novels. Odd Vols.

The Truth Teller. A Periodical.

R. Mant's Church Architecture considered in relation to the Mind of the Church. 8vo. Belfast, 1840.

J. L. Petit's Church Architecture. 2 Vols.

Cambridge Camden Society's Transactions. Vol. III.—Ellicott on Vaulting.

Quarterly Review, 1845.

Collier's further Vindication of his short View of the Stage. 1708.

Congreve's Amendment of Collier's false and imperfect Citations. 1698.

Bedford's Serious Reflections on the Abuses of the Stage. 8vo. 1705.

***Correspondents sending Lists of Books Wanted are requested to send their names.

*** Letters, stating particulars and lowest price,carriage free, to be sent toMr. Bell, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet Street.

J. N. C.will see by this week's Number, that the line to which he refers is fromHamlet.

K. R. H. M.'scommunication was marked for insertion before we received his Note.

W. F.We were quite unable to attend to your wishes this week.

Stupiditas.We have never known such failures to take place as you describe. In all probability you have notperfectlyimmersed your paper in the saline solution. Half a drachm of muriate of soda, and the same quantity of muriate of barytes and muriate of ammonia, dissolved in a quart of water, forms a very excellent application for the paper, previous to the use of the ammonio-nitrate.

H. Henderson.Any application applied to your window would in a great part obstruct the light. Brushing it over with starch might be tried.

B—z.Yes. Many of the very best pictures in thePhotographic Exhibition in Bond Street,as we may probably take an opportunity of pointing out in some future notice of that interesting collection, are from collodion negatives.

Price of Iodide of Potassium.I beg to say that the price named by me, i. e. 1s. 3d.per oz., for iodide of potassium, is quoted from the list of Messrs. Simpson and Maule, Kensington Road.

F. Maxwell Lyte.

Torquay.

A few complete sets of"Notes and Queries," Vols. i.tovi.,price Three Guineas, may now be had; for which early application is desirable.

"Notes and Queries"is published at noon on Friday, so that the Country Booksellers may receive Copies in that night's parcels, and deliver them to their Subscribers on the Saturday.

SPECIMEN COPIES of the First Volume of this Work may be seen at MR. SKEFFINGTON'S, 192. Piccadilly, and at MR. RUSSELL SMITH'S, 36. Soho Square, London.

The Editor having, at a great sacrifice, adhered to the original limit, and the estimates having been considered exceeded, has been compelled, to avoid incurring an extravagant loss, to make the terms very absolute, and to raise the Subscription to the later copies. Notwithstanding, therefore, the great demand for the Work, a few copies may still be secured by early written application.

All communications on the subject are request to be addressed to—

J. O. HALLIWELL, ESQ.,Avenue Lodge, Brixton Hill, Surrey.

OPENING OF THEPHOTOGRAPHIC SCHOOL.—ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.

The spacious Plate Glass House, 30 feet by 15, with the Class Rooms and Ladies' Apartment, being nearly completed, Classes or Private Lessons, embracing all branches of Photography, are now forming.

A perfect Apparatus with Ross's finest Lenses has been procured, and every new improvement will be added.

The School is under the joint direction of T. A. MALONE, Esq., who has been long connected with Photography, and J. H. PEPPER, Esq., the Chemist to the Institution.

A Prospectus, with terms, may be had at the Institution.

PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER.—Negative and Positive Papers of Whatman's, Turner's, Sanford's, and Canson Frères' make. Waxed-Paper for Le Gray's Process. Iodized and Sensitive Paper for every kind of Photography.

Sold by JOHN SANFORD, Photographic Stationer, Aldine Chambers, 13. Paternoster Row, London.

PHOTOGRAPHY.—Collodion (Iodized with the Ammonio-Iodide of Silver).—J. B. HOCKIN & CO., Chemists, 289. Strand, were the first in England who published the application of this agent (seeAthenæum, Aug. 14th). Their Collodion (price 9d.per oz.) retains its extraordinary sensitiveness, tenacity, and colour unimpaired for months; it may be exported to any climate, and the Iodizing Compound mixed as required. J. B. HOCKIN & CO. manufacture PURE CHEMICALS and all APPARATUS with the latest Improvements adapted for all the Photographic and Daguerreotype processes. Cameras for Developing in the open Country. GLASS BATHS adapted to any Camera. Lenses from the best Makers. Waxed and Iodized Papers, &c.

PHOTOGRAPHY.—HORNE & CO.'S Iodized Collodion, for obtaining Instantaneous Views, and Portraits in from three to thirty seconds, according to light.

Portraits obtained by the above, for the delicacy of detail rival the choicest Daguerreotypes, specimens of which may be seen at their Establishment.

Also every description of Apparatus, Chemicals, &c. &c. used in this beautiful Art.—123. and 121. Newgate Street.

PHOTOGRAPHIC PICTURES.—A Selection of the above beautiful Productions (comprising Views in VENICE, PARIS, RUSSIA, NUBIA, &c.) may be seen at BLAND & LONG'S, 153. Fleet Street, where may also be procured Apparatus of every Description, and pure Chemicals for the practice of Photography in all its Branches.

Calotype, Daguerreotype, and Glass Pictures for the Stereoscope.

BLAND & LONG, Opticians, Philosophical and Photographical Instrument Makers, and Operative Chemists, 153. Fleet Street.

TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS, RESIDENTS IN INDIA, &c.—A Lady residing within an hour's drive westward of Hyde Park, and in a most healthy and cheerful situation, is desirous of taking the entire charge of a little girl, to share with her only child (about a year and a half old) her maternal care and affection, together with the strictest attention to mental training. Terms, including every possible expense except medical attendance, 100l.per annum. If required, the most unexceptionable references can be furnished.

Address to T. B. S., care of MR. BELL, Publisher, 186. Fleet Street.

SPECTACLES.—WM. ACKLAND applies his medical knowledge as a Licentiate of the Apothecaries' Company, London, his theory as a Mathematician, and his practice as a Working Optician, aided by Smee's Optometer, in the selection of Spectacles suitable to every derangement of vision, so as to preserve the sight to extreme old age.

ACHROMATIC TELESCOPES, with the New Vetzlar Eye-pieces, as exhibited at the Academy of Sciences in Paris. The Lenses of these Eye-pieces are so constructed that the rays of light fall nearly perpendicular to the surface of the various lenses, by which the aberration is completely removed; and a telescope so fitted gives one-third more magnifying power and light than could be obtained by the old Eye-pieces. Prices of the various sizes on application to

WM. ACKLAND, Optician, 93. Hatton Garden, London.

HEAL & SON'SILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF BEDSTEADS, sent free by post. It contains designs and prices of upwards of ONE HUNDRED different Bedsteads; also of every description of Bedding, Blankets, and Quilts. And their new warerooms contain an extensive assortment of Bed-room Furniture, Furniture Chintzes, Damasks, and Dimities, so as to render their Establishment complete for the general furnishing of Bed-rooms.

HEAL & SON, Bedstead and Bedding Manufacturers, 196. Tottenham Court Road.

BENNETT'S MODEL WATCH, as shown at the GREAT EXHIBITION, No. 1. Class X., in Gold and Silver Cases, in five qualities, and adapted to all Climates, may now be had at the MANUFACTORY, 65. CHEAPSIDE. Superior Gold London-made Patent Levers, 17, 15, and 12 guineas. Ditto, in Silver Cases, 8, 6, and 4 guineas. First-rate Geneva Levers, in Gold Cases, 12, 10, and 8 guineas. Ditto, in Silver Cases, 8, 6, and 5 guineas. Superior Lever, with Chronometer Balance, Gold, 27, 23, and 19 guineas. Bennett's Pocket Chronometer, Gold 50 guineas; Silver, 40 guineas. Every Watch skilfully examined, timed, and its performance guaranteed. Barometers, 2l., 3l., and 4l.Thermometers from 1s.each.

BENNETT, Watch, Clock, and Instrument Maker to the Royal Observatory, the Board of Ordnance, the Admiralty, and the Queen

65. CHEAPSIDE.

SAVE FIFTY PER CENT.by purchasing your WATCHES direct from the MANUFACTURER, at the WHOLESALE TRADE PRICE.

£.

Gold Watches, extra jewelled, with all the recent improvements

Ditto, with the three-quarter plate movement, and stouter cases

Silver Watches, with same movements as the Gold

Ditto, with the lever escapement, eight holes jewelled

And every other description of Watch in the same proportion.

A written warranty for accurate performance is given with every Watch, and twelve months allowed.

Handsome morocco cases for same, 2s.extra.

Emigrants supplied with Watches suitable for Australia.—Merchants, Captains, and the Trade supplied in any quantities on very favourable terms.

£.

Gentlemen's fine Gold Albert Chains

Ladies' ditto, Neck ditto

Sent carefully packed, post free, and registered, on receipt of Post-Office or Banker's Order, payable to

DANIEL ELLIOTT HEDGER,

Wholesale Watch Manufacturer, 27. City Road, near Finsbury Square, London.

FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION TO THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO.

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