Chapter C

_Sir Gammer Vans._--This worthy is mentioned in that curious little chap-book, _A Strange and Wonderful Relation of the Old Woman that was drowned at Ratcliff Highway_, in two parts. I now quote the passage from a copy of the genuine Aldermary churchyard edition:--

"At last I arrived at Sir John Vang's house. 'Tis a little house
entirely alone, encompassed about with forty or fifty houses, having a
brick wall made of flint stone round about it. So knocking at the door,
Gammer Vangs, said I, is Sir John Vangs within? Walk in, said she, and
you shall see him in the little, great, round, three square parlour.
This Gammer Vangs had a little old woman her son. Her mother was a
churchwarden of a large troop of horse, and her grandmother was a
Justice of the Peace; but when I came into the said great, little,
square, round, three corner'd parlour, I could not see Sir John Vangs,
for he was a giant. But I espied abundance of nice wicker bottles. And
just as I was going out he called to me and asked me what I would have?
So looking back I espied him just creeping out of a wicker bottle. It
seems by his profession he was a wicker bottle maker. And after he had
made them, he crept out at the stopper holes."

There are two notes worth recording with respect to this curious medley, which is obviously a modern version of a much older composition. Query, is any older edition known?

1. That the wood-cut on the title page, which has been re-engraved for Mr. Halliwell's _Notices of Fugitive Tracts and Chap-books_, printed for the Percy Society, is one of the few representations we have of the old _Ducking Stool_.

2. That it is said that the Rev. Thomas Kerrich, the well-known librarian of the University of Cambridge, could repeat by heart the whole of the eight and forty pages of this strange gallimawfrey.

W. J. THOMS.

_Hipperswitches_ (Vol. ii., p. 280.).--I saw a story which was copied into the _Examiner_ of Oct. 5. from "NOTES AND QUERIES," entitled "Sir Gammer Vans." The correspondent who has furnished {397} you with the tale says that he is ignorant of the meaning of "hipper switches." Now hipper is a word applied in this part of the country to a description of osiers used in coarse basket making, and which were very likely things to be bound up into switches. A field in which they grow, near the water side, is called a "hipper-holm." There is a station on the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway, which takes its name from such a meadow. My nurse, a Cornwall woman, tells me _hipper_ withies fetch a higher price than common withies in her country.

E. C. G.

Lancaster.

_Cat and Bagpipes_ (Vol. ii., p. 266.).--A public-house of considerable notoriety, with this sign, existed long at the corner of Downing Street, next to King Street. It was also used as a chop-house, and frequented by many of those connected with the public offices in the neighbourhood.

An old friend told me that many years ago he met George Rose,--so well known in after life as the friend of Pitt, clerk of the Parliament, secretary of the Treasury, &c., and executor of the Earl of Marchmont,--then a bashful young man, at the Cat and Bagpipes.

I may mention that George Rose was one of the few instances which I have met with, where a Scotsman had freed himself from the peculiarities of the speech of his country. Sir William Grant was another. Frank Homer was a third. I never knew another.

R.

_Forlot, Firlot, or Furlet_ (Vol. i., p. 371.).--It may be interesting to your correspondent J. S. to be informed that there is a measure of capacity in universal use in this part of India called a _fara_ or _fura_, which is identical in shape, and, as nearly as can be judged by the eye, in size, with the Scottish _furlet_. The _fura_ is divided into sixteen _pilys_, a small measure in universal use here; in like manner as the _furlet_ is divided into sixteen _lipys_, which measure was, and I presume still is, in general use throughout Scotland. A friend informs me that, in the west of Scotland, the common pronunciation of the word _furlet_ is exactly the same as that of the word _fura_ here by the Mahrattas. It is unnecessary to point out the numerous instances in which such changes as that from _pily_ to _lipy_ take place _per metathesem_.

Now, an interesting subject of investigation, supposing the coincidence above noticed not to be an accidental one, would be to trace the links of connexion between these words; and in this, some of your German readers may be enabled to afford valuable aid.

As an illustration of the same article being in use in widely distant localities, I may mention that on returning to England from a voyage to China, I brought with me a Chinese _abacus_ or _swanpan_, the instrument in general use among the Chinese for performing the ordinary computations of addition, subtraction, &c., thinking it a grand article of curiosity, particularly in a remote seaport town on the east coast, with which to astonish the natives. But what was my chagrin when I was informed by an honest Baltic skipper, that to him, at least the instrument was no rarity at all; that he had seen them used hundreds of times for the same purposes at various ports in the Baltic; and that, moreover, he had one of them in his home at that very time, which he forthwith produced.

J. SH.

Bombay.

_Sitting during the Lessons_ (Vol. ii., p. 246.).--The rubric directing the people to stand while the Gospel is read in the Communion service, was first inserted in the Scotch Common Prayer Book, A. D. 1637. The ancient and more reverential practice of standing whenever any portion of God's word is read, had not fallen into entire disuse as late as 1686, as will appear from the following extract from _The Life of Bishop Wilson_, by Cruttwell, prefixed to the folio edition of his works. It occurs (p. 4.) under certain heads of advice given to that holy bishop, at the time he was ordained deacon, by his much-esteemed friend, Archdeacon Hewetson:--

"Never to miss the church's public devotions twice a day, when
unavoidable business, or want of health, or of a church (as in
travelling), does not hinder. In church to behave himself also very
reverently; nor ever turn his back upon the altar in service time, nor
on the minister, when it can be avoided; _to stand at the lessons and
epistle as well as at the gospel_, and especially when a psalm is sung:
to bow reverently at the name of Jesus whenever it is mentioned in any
of the church's offices; to turn towards the east when the Gloria Patri
and the creeds are rehearsing; and to make obeisance at coming into,
and going out of the church, and at going up to, and coming down from,
the altar; are all ancient, commendable, and devout usages, and which
_thousands_ of good people of our Church practise at this day, and
amongst them, if he deserves to be reckoned amongst them, Thomas
Wilson's dear friend."

J. Y.

Hoxton.

_Engelmann's Bibliotheca Auctor. Class._ (Vol. ii., pp. 296. 312. 328.).--"I hereby attest that the English titles to my _Bibliotheca Scriptorum Classicorum_ were _not_ printed without my knowledge or wish, but _by myself_, for my customers in England. ... W. ENGELMANN."

Leipzig, Oct. 25. 1850.

I also enclose the original, for the benefit of MR. DE MORGAN, if he is not satisfied.

ANOTHER FOREIGN BOOKSELLER.

_News_ (Vol. ii., p. 81.).--Much wit and ingenuity have been wasted on this word. It seems {398} clear, however, that its origin is Dutch or German, and probably Flemish, like the "NEW'S BOOK," so frequently occurring in the correspondence of the seventeenth century.

Look into that valuable German, French, and Latin dictionary of the Elzeviers, Amst. 1664, where you will find "NEWE, _F._ une novelle; _Lat._ nova, novorum." Then follow "Etwas newes, quelque chose de nouveau; Aliquid novi;" and "Was newes, quelles nouvelles;" or, more accurately, "Quid novi; quoi de nouveau?" The inference is forced upon us that, during the Flemish wars, in which the Sidneys and a long catalogue of noble English volunteers distinguished themselves, the thing and the term were imported hither.

Agreeably to so natural a presumption, the Hollandish "Nieuws" occurs, as a neuter substantive, in the sense of "niewe tijding," or "nouvelles," and, of course, the English "news," as perfect as can be wished. It is true that the "Nieuws-Boek" now circulates under the modest name of "Nieuws-Papieren," or of "Nieuws-Verteller:" but, to convince readers wise enough not to expect in such matters as these a geometrical demonstration, what is here humbly stated might suffice.

G. M.

Guernsey.

_Derivation of Orchard._--What is the derivation of _orchard_? Is the last syllable "yard," as in vineyard, rickyard? If so, what is "orch?" By the way, is the provincial word "hag-gard" hay-yard?

H. A. B.

[Orchard is from the Anglo-Saxon _ort geard_, or _wyrt geard_; the
final syllable _gard_ or _yard_, in the words cited by our
correspondent, being the modern form of _the A.-S. geard_.]

* * * * *

Miscellaneous.

NOTES ON BOOKS, SALES, CATALOGUES, ETC.

Were _Anschar, a Story of the North_, a mere work of fiction, we should not think of recording its appearance in our columns. But it has other claims to our notice and the attention of our readers. Based on the life of Anschar the monk of Corbey, by Rembert, his successor in the archiepiscopal see of Hamburgh,--a biography which the writer of the work before us describes as one of the most important documents we possess for the elucidation of the early history, manners, and religion of the races of Northern Europe,--Mr. King has produced a narrative of considerable interest, abounding in curious pictures of the social condition of the Swedish people at the close of the ninth century. But Mr. King's pleasing story has also this additional merit, that while his learning and scholarlike acquirements have enabled him to illustrate the early history, religion, customs, and superstitions of the North in a most interesting and instructive manner, he has so done this, as at the same time to throw much curious light on many of our own old-world customs, popular observances, and folk-lore.

Such of our clerical readers as may be anxious to introduce cheap maps into the schools under their superintendence, will thank us for calling their attention to the series of _Penny Maps_ (twopence each with the boundaries coloured), now publishing by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. That they have been constructed and engraved by Mr. J. W. Lowry, is a sufficient guarantee for their accuracy.

We have received a copy of Mr. Walker's engraving from Mr. Doyle's picture of _Caxton submitting his proof-sheet to John Esteney, Abbot of Westminster, in 1477_. The subject--and what can be of greater interest to us than the great event it commemorates, the vast social change it has wrought--has been very ably treated by the artist, and very successfully rendered by the engraver. The calm dignity of the patriotic mercer, Master William Caxton, as he watches the countenance of the abbot, who is examining with astonishment this first specimen of the new art, contrasts well with the expression of pride exhibited by Earl Rivers at the success of his protege, on whose shoulder he rests his hand with an air half-patronizing, half-familiar, and with Wynkyn de Worde at the case behind, constitute altogether a picture which tells its story well and effectually, and furnishes a Caxton Memorial which will doubtless be very acceptable to all those who remember, with the gratitude due to him, the many precious volumes with which the learning of Caxton, no less than his mechanical genius, enriched the literature of England.

Messrs. Sotheby and Wilkinson will sell on Monday next, and the two following days, an interesting Collection of engraved British Portraits, the property of the late Mr. Dodd, the author of the _Connoisseur's Repertorium_. We may specify one lot as very interesting to lovers of illustrated works, viz. a copy of Robert Smythe's _History of the Charter House_, with two hundred and twenty-six sheets of prints illustrative of the printed text.

We have received the following Catalogues:--Bernard Quaritch's (16. Castle Street, Leicester Square) Catalogue, No. 20., of Books in European Languages, Dialects, Classics, &c.; John Petheram's (94. High Holborn) Catalogue, Part CXVII., No. 11 for 1850, of Old and New Books; John Miller's (43. Chandos Street) Catalogue, No. 13. for 1850, of Books Old and New.

* * * * *

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES WANTED TO PURCHASE.

BERRINGTON'S MISCELLANEOUS DISSERTATIONS, Historical, Critical, and
Moral. 8vo. 1751.

HARSENET'S DECLARATION OF POPISH IMPOSTURES. 1603 or 1605.

MAYER'S HISTORIA DIABOLI.

ANDREWE'S CONTINUATION OF HENRY'S GREAT BRITAIN. 2 vols. 8vo.

_Odd Volumes._

GIBBON'S DECLINE AND FALL, &c., 12 vols. 8vo. 1815. Vol. X.

JAMES' NAVAL HISTORY, 4 vols. Vol. IV.

DRYDEN'S WORKS, by SCOTT. 1808. Large paper. Vols. II., IV., VI.

*** Letters, stating particulars and lowest price, _carriage free_, to
be sent to Mr. BELL, Publisher of "NOTES AND QUERIES," 186. Fleet
Street.

{399}

* * * * *

Notices To Correspondents.

H. A. B. _The superstition respecting the number thirteen in company most probably arose from the Paschal Supper._ See Ellis' _Brand_, iii., p. 143. ed. 1841.

E. M. (Darlington) _is thanked for his kind suggestion, which will not be lost sight of._

F. G. (Edinburgh) _will find, upon reference to_ Vol. ii., p. 120., _that the charade given in_ Vol. ii., p. 158. _had been answered in anticipation._

_As we again propose this week to circulate a large number of copies of_ "NOTES AND QUERIES," _among members of the different provincial Literary Institutions, we venture, for the purpose of furthering the objects for which our paper was instituted, to repeat the following passage from our 52nd Number:--_

It is obvious that the use of a paper like "NOTES AND QUERIES" bears a direct proportion to the extent of its circulation. What it aims at doing is, to reach the learning which lies scattered not only throughout every part of our own country, but all over the literary world, and to bring it all to bear upon the pursuits of the scholar; to enable, in short, men of letters all over the world to give a helping hand to one another. To a certain extent, we have accomplished this end. Our last number contains communications not only from all parts of the metropolis, and from almost every county in England, but also from Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and even from Demerara. This looks well. It seems as if we were in a fair way to accomplish our design. But much yet remains to be done. We have recently been told of whole districts in England so benighted as never to have heard of "NOTES AND QUERIES;" and after an interesting question has been discussed for weeks in our columns, we are informed of some one who could have answered it immediately if he had seen it. So long as this is the case the advantage we may confer upon literature and literary men is necessarily imperfect. We do what we can to make known our existence through the customary modes of announcement, and we gratefully acknowledge the kind assistance and encouragement we derive from our brethren of the public press; but we would respectfully solicit the assistance of our friends upon this particular point. Our purpose is aided, and our usefulness increased by every introduction which can be given to our paper, either to a Book Club, to a Lending Library, or to any other channel of circulation amongst persons of inquiry and intelligence. By such introductions scholars help themselves as well as us, for there is no inquirer throughout the kingdom who is not occasionally able to throw light upon some of the multifarious objects which are discussed in our pages.

_Volume the First of_ "NOTES AND QUERIES," _with very copious Index, price_ 9s. 6d. _bound in cloth, may still be had by order of all Booksellers._

_The Monthly Part for October, being the Fifth of_ Vol. II., _is also now ready, price_ 1s. 3d.

NOTES AND QUERIES _may be procured by the Trade at noon on Friday: so that out country Subscribers ought to experience no difficulty in receiving it regularly. Many of the country Booksellers are probably not yet aware of this arrangement, which enables them to receive Copies in their Saturday parcels._

* * * * *

JOURNAL FRANCAIS, publie a Londres.--Le COURRIER de l'EUROPE, fonde en 1840, paraissant le Samedi, donnes dans chaque numero les nouvelles de la semaine, les meilleurs articles de tous les journaux de Paris, la Semaine Dramatique par Th. Gautier ou J. Janin, la Revue de Paris par Pierre Durand, et reproduit en entier les romans, nouvelles, etc., en vogue par les premiers ecrivains de France. Prix 6d.

London: JOSEPH THOMAS, 1. Finch Lane.

* * * * *

On the 2nd of December will be published, in post 8vo., 6s. cloth,

THE ANTEDILUVIAN HISTORY, and NARRATIVE OF THE FLOOD; as set forth in the early portions of the Book of Genesis; critically examined and explained. By the Rev. E. D. RENDELL, of Preston.

HODSON, 22. Portugal Street, Lincoln's Inn, London.

* * * * *

THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

Just published, price 10s. cloth,

A COMPLETE INDEX to the PICTORIAL HISTORY of ENGLAND; forming at the same time an Alphabetical Chronology of all Public Events and National Characteristics. By H. C. HAMILTON, Esq., of the State Paper Office.

*** Early applications for this work will be necessary, as only a limited number has been printed.

London: Wm. S. ORR and Co., Amen-corner, Paternoster-row.

* * * * *

LITERATURE.--Inexperienced Writers, Possessors of Manuscripts, Poets, Clergymen, Young Authors, and others seeking Publishers for their Works, should consult the "AUTHOR'S PRINTING AND PUBLISHING ASSISTANT." By adopting the information and plan which it contains, they may have their productions brought out, whether pamphlets or expensive volumes, without the risk of publication, and with every chance of success.

THE AUTHOR'S ASSISTANT, 7th Edition, price 2s. 6d., or post-free, 3s.

SAUNDERS & OTLEY, Publishers, Conduit-street, Hanover-square.

* * * * *

COLLECTION OF MEDIAEVAL ART OF MR. GEORGE ISAACS.

PUTTICK AND SIMPSON, Auctioneers of Literary Property and Works of Art, will Sell by Auction at their Great Room, 191. Piccadilly, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the well-known and carefully chosen Cabinet of Mediaeval Art, collected by Mr. George Isaacs, (who is about to leave England for a permanent residence abroad). Some of the rare objects in this Cabinet are from the celebrated De Bruge Collection, and several were not unimportant items in the recent Exhibition of the Society of Arts. Also some curious printed books, and a few highly interesting heraldic and other MSS., including the long lost volume of the works of Dr. Dee, and others from the Ashmolean Collection. Catalogues will be sent on application.

* * * * *

THE LATE MR. THOMAS DODD'S INTERESTING COLLECTION OF ENGRAVED BRITISH PORTRAITS, FRAMED AND GLAZED PRINTS, WORKS OF HOGARTH, &c.

MESSRS. S. LEIGH SOTHEBY and JOHN WILKINSON (Auctioneers of Literary Property and Works illustrative of the Fine Arts,) will Sell by Auction, at their House, 3. Wellington-street, Strand, on Monday, the 11th day of November, 1850, and two following days, at One o'clock precisely, in pursuance of his Will, the interesting Collection of Engraved British Portraits, combining every class of the community that have figured in British History and Biography; Governors of the Charter House, from the date of the foundation of the establishment to the present time. Also, an illustrated History of the Charter House, in five imperial folio volumes, containing Two Hundred and Twenty-six Sheets of Prints, illustrative of the printed text, and accompanied by an elaborate MS. Index, compiled by and in the hand-writing of the Illustrator; the property of the late Mr. Thomas Dodd, author of the "Connoisseur's Repertorium," and late a brother on the foundation of the Charter House. Also, Works of Hogarth, Prints, framed and glazed, Portrait of Sir T. Lawrence, by Cousins, Five Hundred Impressions, with the Steel Plate. May be viewed two days prior, and Catalogue had (if in the country, on receipt of six postage stamps). {400}

* * * * *

OXFORD, AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

* * * * *

A LIST OF EDITIONS OF THE BIBLE IN ENGLISH. BY HENRY COTTON, D.C.L. Second Edition. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

A TYPOGRAPHICAL GAZETTEER attempted by HENRY COTTON, D.C.L. Second Edition. 8vo. 12s. 6d.

PAROCHIAL ANTIQUITIES attempted in the History of Ambrosden, Burcester, and other adjacent parts of the Counties of Oxford and Bucks. By WHITE KENNETT, D. D., Vicar of Ambrosden, afterwards Bishop of Peterborough. A new edition in two volumes, greatly enlarged from the Author's MS. notes. Edited by the Rev. B. BANDINEL, D.D. 4to. 3l. 3s.

CATALOGUS LIBRORUM IMPRESSORUM BIBLIOTHECAE BODLEIANAE IN ACADEMIA OXONIENSI. Tomi III. Folio. 5l. 15s.

A CATALOGUE OF THE MANUSCRIPTS bequeathed to the University of Oxford by ELIAS ASHMOLE, Esq., M.D., &c. By W. H. BLACK. 4to. 1l. 11s. 6d.

A CATALOGUE OF THE PRINTED BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS bequeathed by FRANCIS DOUCE, Esq., to the Bodleian Library. Folio, with Plates plain, 1l. 8s. coloured, 2l. 5s.

CATALOGUS CODICUM MSS. ORIENTALIUM BIBLIOTHECAE BODLEIANAE: Pars Prima a J. URI. Partis secundae Volumen primum ab ALEXANDRO NICOLL, A.M. Partis secundae Volumen secundum, Arabicos complectens, ab E. B. PUSEY, S.T.B. 3 Vols. Folio. 4l. 14s. 6d.

CATALOGUS MSS. E. D. CLARKE, qui in Bibliotheca Bodleiana adservantur. Pars Prior. Inseruntur Scholia inedita in Platonem et in Carmina Gregorii Nazianzeni. Pars Posterior MSS. Orientalium ed. A. NICOLL, A.M. 2 Parts. 4to. 14s.

CATALOGUS CODICUM MSS. ET IMPRESSORUM, cum Notis MSS. olim D'ORVILLIANORUM, qui in Bibliotheca Bodleiana adservantur. 4to. 8s. 6d.

CATALOGUS MSS. BOREALIUM PRAECIPUR ISLANDICAE ORIGINIS, qui nunc in Bibliotheca Bodleiana adservantur. Auctore FINNO MAGNO ISLANDO. 4to. 4s. 6d.

THE WORKS OF SIR WALTER RALEIGH, KT. History of the World, &c. 8 Vols. 8vo. 3l. 19s.

THE TWO BOOKS OF COMMON PRAYER, Set forth by Authority of Parliament, in the reign of King Edward VI., compared with each other. By EDWARD CARDWELL, D.D., Principal of St. Alban's Hall. Second Edition, 8vo. 8s.

HISTORY OF CONFERENCES and other Proceedings connected with the Revision of the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, from the Year 1558 to the Year 1690. By EDWARD CARDWELL, D.D., Principal of St. Alban's Hall. Third Edition. 8vo. 7s. 6d.

DOCUMENTARY ANNALS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF ENGLAND; Being a Collection of Injunctions, Declarations, Orders, Articles of Inquiry, &c., from the Year 1546 to the Year 1716. With Notes, Historical and Explanatory. By EDWARD CARDWELL, D.D., Principal of St. Alban's Hall. 2 Vols. 8vo. 18s.

SYNODALIA. A Collection of ARTICLES OF RELIGION, CANONS, AND PROCEEDINGS OF CONVOCATIONS in the Province of Canterbury, from the Year 1547 to the Year 1717. With Notes, Historical and Explanatory, by EDWARD CARDWELL, D.D., Principal of St. Alban's Hall. 2 Vols. 8vo. 19s.

CERTAIN SERMONS OR HOMILIES, appointed to be read in Churches in the Time of Queen Elizabeth, A New Edition, with Scripture Reference, and Indexes. To which are added, The Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical. 8vo. 6s. 6d.

FORMULARIES OF FAITH put forth by Authority during the Reign of Henry VIII. 8vo. 7s.

THREE PRIMERS put forth in the Reign of Henry VIII. A New Edition. 8vo. 9s.

THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. By GILBERT BURNET, D.D., late Lord Bishop of Sarum. A New Edition, with a Copious Index. 7 Vols. 8vo. 3l. 10s.

ORIGINES BRITANNICAE; OR, THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE BRITISH CHURCHES. By EDWARD STILLINGFLEET, D.D. To which is added, AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT. By W. LLOYD, D.D. A New Edition, with Additional Notes. By the REV. THOS. P. PANTIN, M.A. 2 Vols. 8vo. 1l. 1s.

* * * * *

SOLD BY JOHN HENRY PARKER, OXFORD, AND 377. STRAND, LONDON; AND E. GARDNER, 7. PATERNOSTER ROW.

* * * * *

Printed by THOMAS CLARK SHAW, of No. 8. New Street Square, at No. 5. New Street Square, in the Parish of St. Bride in the City of London; and published by GEORGE BELL, of No. 186. Fleet Street, in the Parish of St. Dunstan in the West, in the City of London, Publisher, at No. 186. Fleet Street aforesaid.--Saturday, November 9. 1850.