and Scarffe," but in all manner of German uniforms; and, as in 1744, "the Magistrates have little else to do in the Government, but only to take their Rules and Measures from a citadel and great guns." The wealthier residents and landowners have gone, and German " carpet-baggers" have taken their place; and the present gloom of the city is only to be surpassed by that of Metz.

I knew Strasbourg before the war of 1870, and have been there three times since then; but, like the traveller of 1744, "I quickly grew weary of being here, meeting with nothing but complaints of Poverty, and paying exorbitant taxes." volvitur Orbis.

Sic A. J. M.

LETTING THE LIGHTNING OUT (7th S. vi. 8, 96). -MR. ALLISON writes, "At one time in Paris when it began to thunder and lighten, they used to ring the great bell at the Abbey St. Germain, which they believed would make it cease. The same used to be done in Wiltshire at Malmesbury Abbey," &c. It reminds me forcibly how old I am, and how young the majority of the rest of the world is, to find this old custom supposed to be peculiar, and to be met with in certain isolated cases only. It was universal not so very many years ago, and is so still in many parts of Switzerland, where thunderstorms are apt to be more dangerous than with us. Did MR. ALLISON never hear of "Fulgura frango" among the various offices of a bell, enumerated in a distich often inscribed on the bronze? The mention of the old phrase leads me to observe that men of science would probably hesitate to characterize as purely "superstitious," the ringing of great bells during

a violent and near thunderstorm. Budleigh Salterton.

T. A. T.

In the 'Catechism of Health, from the German of Dr. Faust' (1797), to the question, "What precautions are people to take when at home during a thunderstorm?" the following answer is given :

coach-house, where was a large table with a small ledge all round it, the top of which was sprinkled with sand; this was called the sand-desk,' and the rudiments of writing and arithmetic were invariably taught to the younger children upon it, who formed their letters and figures with a stick. Hoo far 'es thoo gitten?' was the frequent inquiry of many a fond p rent; and Wha ah's Thus the sand-desk supplied the place of the then more at t' sand-desk yit' was the equally frequent reply. expensive slate and copy-book, with the latter of which the children were only supplied when considered proficient in the arts of reading [writing?] and arithmetic. Connected with this day-school was a condition and a privilege. The condition was that all the children attending it should also be regular attenders at the church and Sunday school; and the privilege was the use by the boys whilst they remained scholars of a uniform Sunday suit of clothes, which was given out by the vicar to each boy on Saturday evening, and returned by him on the following Monday morning."

This latter end of the nineteenth century would probably scorn the sand-desk, scoff at the "condition," and sniff at the "privilege.'

The use of fine sand in lieu of blotting-paper is also wellnigh a thing of the past, so far as England is concerned, but sand, or some kind of pounce which resembles it, is (or was lately) provided for the convenience of the municipal worthies who have seats in the council-chamber of the Stadhuis at Delft. ST. SWITHIN.

THE FABLE OF THE DOGS AND THE KITE (7th S. v. 387; vi. 53, 90).-Perhaps PROF. SKEAT would like to know that the same fable, under the name of 'The Lion, the Tiger, and the Fox,' is in Croxall's Esop,' the best-known English collection of fables. There is a difficulty in recognizing this fable, because the animals of whom it is narrated vary. The same may be said of another mediæval fable, also mentioned by Chaucer, which concerns a mare and a wolf, or a mule and a wolf, or a horse and a lion.

I have just found La Fontaine's rendering of this fable. It is called 'Les Voleurs et l'Ane,' and the footnote to it refers to 'The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox' of Æsop as the original. That fable is not in Phædrus. E. YARDLEY.

Liverpool.

on all old leather-bound books, let me say that my experience teaches a positive and lasting pleasure in seeing how they revive under the life-giving influence of vaseline. I am glad to be able to endorse what DR. FURNIVALL says in the interest of lovers of books. HAROLD MALET, Col.

school :

"An old inhabitant of the town says that the first dayschool instituted in Northallerton was originated by the Rev. Gideon Bouyer, LL.D., Vicar [between 1814 and 1826]. The children used to assemble in the vicarage

PRACTICAL JOKES IN COMEDY (7th S. v. 125, 215, 372; vi. 129).—I think that there is not much difference between the opinion of MR. JONATHAN BOUCHIER and my own on this subject; and perhaps after the last remarks you may be inclined to consider the subject closed. If not, you may possibly admit one other note of mine. There is no actual practical joke in Corneille's 'Menteur,' though, indeed, the lies of Dorante and the exchange of characters effected by the ladies border upon it. But there is a practical joke in Foote's adaptation of this play, The Liar,' since the personation of the fictitious wife may certainly be so called. I myself think that Foote has turned the comedy into a farce; but I can well see that others may have a different opinion, and may not draw the line as I do.

Perhaps I expressed myself too strongly concerning Gil Blas, but surely some of his tricks were very knavish. He began life by robbing the uncle who had educated him and fitted him out for his travels; afterwards, in his master's clothes, he passed himself off as his master in order to have an intrigue with a lady of quality; he disguised himself as a police officer, and, in order to revenge himself on a woman who had defrauded him, he extorted from her when she was lying sick all that she had. This, although cruel and unmanly, might be thought to some extent justifiable if he had not taken more from her than she took from him. His robbery of the Jew has been mentioned by MR. BOUCHIER. But it may be added that Don Raphael, the companion of Gil Blas in this business, was afterwards executed. E. YARDLEY.

DEAD MEN EMPTY BOTTLES (7th S. v. 448; vi. 38, 131).—The statement as to the story at p. 38, as given by MR. E. H. MARSHALL at the last reference is correct. It is as follows:

"Graceful Excuse.-William IV. seemed in a momentary dilemma one day when, at table with several officers, he ordered one of the waiters to take away that marine there,' pointing to an empty bottle. Your Majesty !' inquired a colonel of marines, do you compare an empty bottle to a member of our branch of the service?' "Yes,' replied the monarch, as if a sudden thought had struck him; I mean to say, it has done its duty once, and is ready to do it again."-Mark Lemon, 'The Jest Book,' London, 1864, No. DCCC., p. 161.

ED. MARSHALL.

It may be worth while to note another use which the term "empty bottles" has acquired. I do not know how much longer it has been in use, but cer

been the received slang among English visitors at all the towns along the Riviera for those who go to Monte Carlo for a day's "play" and are supposed to have their pockets empty when they come back at night. "Here come the 'empty bottles ""; or, "That is not the express, it is only one of the 'empty bottles' trains," are expressions one often hears at Nice, Mentone, &c. R. H. BUSK.

This term occurs in the old and well-known convivial song, written probably in the days of Queen Anne, and to be found in the Book of English Song' in the "National Illustrated Library." The first verse, to the best of my reHere's a health to the Queen, and a lasting peace, membrance, is :To faction an end, and to wealth increase, Come, let us drink it while we've breath, For there's no drinking after death. And he that would this toast deny, down amongst the Down amongst the dead men let him lie.

dead men,

JOHN PICKFORD, M.A. Newbourne Rectory, Woodbridge.

EPITAPH (7th S. vi. 25, 117).—I almost think that by "Bora " we must understand "Boreas." The following, almost identical with the epitaph given by MR. PIERPOINT, was copied by myself in 1850 from a tomb in the churchyard of Runton, Norfolk, erected to the memory of John Webb, mariner :By Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves Toss'd often to and fro,

By God's degree, in spite of both,
I harbour here below.
At anchor now I safely lie
With many of our fleet,
But once again I must set sail
Our admiral Christ to meet.

P. J. F. GANTILLON. WILLIAM LESLIE HAMILTON (7th S. vi. 168). I cannot answer the query as to the father of this gentleman; but as it is stated that he belonged to the family of Hamilton of Monkland I may point out that there are at least two families which may be so designated. One is generally known as Hamilton of Evandale, or Gilkerscleugh, the fifth of which line, James Hamilton, acquired Monkland, where he died Jan. 4, 1773; and Monkland is put down as one of the "chief seats" of that family (see Burke's Landed Gentry,' third edition, p. 506). The second family of Hamilton of Monkland was founded by Robert Hamilton, said to be second son of James Hamilton of Dalzell (see Douglas, 'Baronage,' 464). This, however, seems doubtful, for on March 26, 1668, Robertus Hamil

ton was served "hæres masculus Jacobi Hamilton de Dalzell, Patris"; while Alexander, who appears as eldest son and succeeded to the estate, was on the same date served "hæres provisionis" to his father. If the books are correct, Jean Henderson,

wife of the above-mentioned Jacobus Hamilton de Dalzell, was granddaughter of her husband's brother, Sir John Hamilton of Orbiestoun. The Scots Magazine, vol. lxxxiv., contains the following obituary notice," At Barachny, Nov. 13, 1822, William Hamilton, Esq. He was the last representative of the ancient family of Monkland." SIGMA.

Miscellaneous.

NOTES ON BOOKS, &o.

A New Variorum Edition of Shakespeare. Edited by Horace Howard Furness, Ph. D., LL.D., L.H.D.-Vol. VII. The Merchant of Venice." (Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company.) THE successive volumes of the American Variorum Shakespeare appear with what, under the conditions, must be called exemplary punctuality. Regarded as the work practically of one man, a portion of whose time is necessarily occupied with professorial duties, these volumes strike us with amazement. None of the six plays for which Dr. Furness is responsible involves so much labour as the 'Hamlet,' which extended over two volumes. The present work, however, includes close upon five hundred pages, and contains everything connected with 'The Merchant of Venice' that the student or the actor can seek to know. For the text the First Folio, which Dr. Furness is at some pains to show is practically the same as the second quarto, has been selected as the basis. The various readings of the other three folios, the four quartos, and the subsequent editors are given beneath the text, and lower still, in footnotes, appear the suggestions and emendations of various commentators, from Rowe to Dr. Furness. Equally shrewd, sensible, and scholarly are the notes of the latest editor, and much interesting information, derived from various sources, is supplied. Let a reader who wishes to test this see the comments of a class of young women upon the speech of Portia to Bassanio before he opens the casket (Act III. sc. ii.). In the appendix, which constitutes little less than half the volume, a mass of invaluable information is given. Those who have followed the American Variorum Shakespeare know how exhaustive such information is, and are also aware how largely N. & Q.' has contributed to it. It can scarcely be given to one man to finish a task such as that on which Dr. Furness is occupied, and juvenile indeed must be the reader of N. & Q.' who hopes to see the perfected work. It is, however, to be hoped that many more volumes will receive Dr. Furness's scholarly and intelligent supervision. Scholarship is necessarily the chief characteristic in these works. With so much that is graceful, genial, and human is it accompanied, that the notes signed by the editor can in a moment be distinguished. That this is the edition of Shakspeare is confessed. It is pleasant to see the row of goodly volumes extending upon the shelves, and to know that one more play is in the hands of the student in the best obtainable shape. There is something to be said in favour of a Shakspeare without note or comment of any kind. If notes are, however, necessary-and most find the need of them they are here in excelsis.

Positions. By Richard Mulcaster. With some Account of his Life and Writings by Robert Herbert Quick. (Longmans & Co.)

IN the very interesting account of this forgotten worthy, interest in whom he has sought to revive, Mr. Quick gives Mulcaster strong claims upon our appreciation.

Mulcaster was the first head master of Merchant Taylors' School. He was in favour with Elizabeth, who accepted the dedication of his volume. He was the master of and Shakspeare. It has even been suggested, though Spenser, and was in "relations" with Sir Philip Sydney Mr. Quick does not quite accept the view, that Shakspeara had Mulcaster in view when he depicted Holofernes. When Armado says ('Love's Labour's Lost,' V. ii.) "I protest the schoolmaster is exceeding fantastical; too, too vain; too, too vain," he uses a common expression of Mulcaster. Our worthy is, indeed, as he confesses, not always very easy of comprehension. He speaks of his own "so careful, I will not say so curious, writing," and he adds, with a frankness of confession that is well justified, and must have been good for the soul," Even some of reasonable study can hardly understand the couching of my sentence and the depth of my conceit." Mr. Quick treats him as the equal of Ascham, points to the new features he introduced into education and the general breadth of his views, and likens him to Montaigne. He should go further back. Rabelais alone among Renaissance thinkers excogitated a great scheme of education for the mind and the body, and there are few subsequent teachers, from Montaigne to Mulcaster, and from him to Rousseau and Locke, who have not owed much to the famous author of 'Pantagruel.' Mr. Quick has done good service in reprinting this curious and, in a sense, important work, the first edition of which appeared in 1581. The work does not appeal to a large section of readers, but those to whom it does appeal will give it a warm welcome.

The Catharines of History. (Stock.)

By Henry J. Swallow.

JOHN CAPGRAVE, the chronicler, wrote a book, which was issued several years ago in the Rolls Series, called Liber de Illustribus Henricis.' The thread which connects his biographies together is the fact that every one of the people concerning whom he discourses was called Henry. Mr. Swallow has perhaps heard of this, and so determined to do for women called Catharine what Capgrave did for his Henries. He has produced a book almost the opposite of that which we have suggested may have been his model. The chronicler has preserved for us many facts which, but for his zeal, would have been forgotten. Mr. Swallow has recorded nothing which was not to be found told much better elsewhere. Of what service it can be to jumble together in one book ill-considered lives of St. Catherine of Sienna, Catherine von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, Catherine of Russia, and Catherine Howard, we cannot imagine. To criticize such a book seriously would be a waste of time, space, and temper. As a specimen of Mr. Swallow's qualifications to give instruction, we may mention that he tells us that the letter K "only came from Germany with the printing press." If our readers will consult the index to Domesday, or, for the matter of that, any medieval book of a later date than the Norman Conquest that has been properly printed, they will know what to think of this statement. Mr. Morris's 'Specimens of Early English' is not an uncommon or a costly volume. It would have been well for Mr. Swallow to have looked at the glossary appended thereto ere he made history after this fashion out of his own inner consciousness. It seems even still necessary to tell some people that knowledge of the older forms of English does not come by the light of nature, and that if people who are quite ignorant of it will force themselves into the position of instructors, they must be content with being told that they render themselves ridiculous. Another of Mr. Swallow's blunders has a personal interest to us, as it brings back to our memory one of the most

comical mistakes ever made in our hearing. In the jottings about poor Catherine Howard Henry VIII. is quoted as speaking of the "many strange accidents that have befallen my marriages," and Mr. Swallow prints "accidents" in italics, conceiving, as we surmise, that the king used the term in its modern sense as we meet with it in the newspapers. Had he done so, considering the circumstances connected with his previous marriages, the effect would certainly have been irresistibly comic. Henry was, however, a man who knew the meaning of words, and gave those about him credit for an equal amount of penetration. He meant by accidents not mischances, but properties or attributes not of the essence of the thing in itself. No one at the time could

possibly mistake his meaning, for the air was heavy with theological strife regarding the nature of the holy Eucharist, and the words "accident" and "substance were bandied to and fro as "boycott" and "plan of campaign" are now. We really should not have thought it worth while to mention this had it not given us an opportunity of relating how the misunderstanding of a well-known term may lead to strange mistakes. Our readers must go back more than five-and-thirty years. They must picture for themselves a woodside on a raw December morning. Hounds are drawing the covert with little hope of finding a fox, and men of all ranks and conditions are chatting "de omnibus rebus." It was in the days when the dispute between Mr. Gorham and the Bishop of Exeter filled the popular mind, and when minute points of theology were not only discussed by the religious newspapers, but overflowed into the secular press, and when discussions on the most sacred matters of religion came in odd juxtaposition with the price of horned cattle, accounts of prize fights, and the last new thing in swindling. A young man of great intellectual attainments and no little vanity had been for some time talk ing to a friend on some of the deepest questions included in the cause then before the Privy Council, when a man whose tastes were merely for sport came up to him, and poured out a string of observations concerning hounds, horses, foxes, and the prospective state of the weather. The vain young man gave only half attention, and at last irritated his companion so much that he said in a pet, "I see, Tom, you don't care a d- for the hunting now. "Yes I do, Jack," was the reply. "Hunting would be all very well if it were not for its accidents -the "accidents" meant in this case being intrusive folk of the mental calibre of Jack. Jack did not see this. He was a dull person, whose intellectual horizon was bounded by his family, his game, and his hunters. He went his way, and told the field that Tom had on a sudden turned a coward, and was afraid of breaking his neck. As a matter of course, he was covered with ridicule, for Tom had the well-earned reputation of being the most reckless rider after hounds ever seen in the two hunting countries which he favoured by his

given us in full. They would have borne more annotation than Sir John Maclean has felt justified in giving them. The banner cloths of "Satten Abridges" at Begworth were made of satin from Bruges. The supplementary documents in the appendix are all of value. We have a list of the plundered chantries in Gloucester, and of the lead taken from several of the religious houses. For these we are grateful. Every collection of facts of this kind is an additional stone to the pyramid. Until we get together all these details it will be impossible for us to see the great changes of the sixteenth century as they affected the men who lived through that long period of revolution.

IN the Universal Review Mr. Ford Madox Brown

writes on 'Historic Art,' and complains of the persistent refusal of England-alone, perhaps, among European nations of " recognition and aid to the fine arts." Mrs. Lynn Linton writes boldly on The Philosophy of Marriage,' Mr. W. L. Courtney supplies The Agnostic in Making of the Graphic. The very numerous illustraFiction,' and Mr. W. L. Thomas a good account of 'The tions include reproductions from Messrs. Herkomer, Luke Fildes, and Sir James Linton.

Notices to Correspondents.

We must call special attention to the following notices: ON all communications must be written the name and address of the sender, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

WE cannot undertake to answer queries privately. To secure insertion of communications correspondents must observe the following rule. Let each note, query, or reply be written on a separate slip of paper, with the signature of the writer and such address as he wishes to appear. Correspondents who repeat queries are requested to head the second communication "Duplicate."

WESTMINSTER LIBRARY (7th S. ii. 447).—MR. J. DYKES CAMPBELL is anxious to direct attention to his unanswered query at this reference as to how long this library lasted and what became of its collection. It is mentioned in the 'Picture for London,' 1815.

REXUS.-1. ("Pightle"). Phillips, in his New World of Words,' has "Pigle or Pightel, a small Parcel of Land enclosed with a Hedge, which in some Parts of England is commonly called a Pingle." See 1st S. iii. 391. A long note on the subject, signed J. A. PN., appears 2nd S. ix. 490. 2. ("Springs as applied to Fields and Woods"). Does not this refer to the fact that there was at some time a spring, or springs, of water?

UNCERTAIN ("Pronunciation of Valet ").-Like many other words of French origin (e. g., piquet), valet has been incorporated into the English language, and it is a matter of taste, or perhaps of sentiment, whether the French or English pronunciation is accepted.

M. H. R. ("Spiflicate ").-Anticipated. See p. 115. Very many similar replies were received. DRAWOH ("A Queer Inscription").-Anticipated. See 7th S. v. 472. CORRIGENDUM.-P. 190, col. i. l. 36, for "os" read as.