Chapter 4

_Welsh Ambassador._--The origin of the word "Welsh," from the Saxon "Wealh," a stranger, and the use of it in this sense by our old writers (see Brady's _Introd._, p. 5.: Sir T. Smith's _Commonwealth of England_, chap. xiii.), sufficiently explain this designation of the Cuckoo, the temporary resident of our cold climate, and the ambassador _extraordinary_ in the revolutions of the seasons, in the words of the Nursery Rhymes,--

"She comes as a _stranger_, and stays three months in the year."

"Quid tibi vis aliud dicam? me _vox mea prodit_."

_Alciati, Emblema_ lx. _Cuculi, Comment_.

T.J.

_Prince Madoc._--I was much gratified on reading "T.T.'s" note, commenting on my observations respecting the Mandan language, as he proves the existence of Celtic words amongst the American Indians. Regarding "T.T.'s" doubts as to the Mandans being descended from the followers of Madoc, I confess that my opinions on the point do not differ very widely from his own. The circumstances attending Madoc's emigration, in the paucity of its numbers and the entire separation from the mother country, with the character of the Indians, would almost ensure the ultimate destruction of the settlement, or the ultimate absorption of its remains by those who might have had friendly relations with the Welsh. In this most favourable view, the evidences of the presence of the Welsh seven centuries since would be few indeed at the present day. The most striking circumstance of this nature that I met with in Mr. Catlin's work, is a description of what he calls a "bull-boat," from its being covered with a bull's hide, which, in construction and form, is perfectly identical with the Welsh "_cwrygl_." Yet, strong as this resemblance is, it will have but little weight if unsupported by other evidence. In conclusion, I would observe, that I never supposed Prince Madoc to be the discover of America, but that his voyage was induced by the knowledge that other lands existed in the great ocean (_see_ Humboldt's _Examen critique_). The emblems found in America, and said to be crosses, are obviously the _tau_ [cross symbol], or symbol of life, and can have no connection with Christianity.

GOMER.

_Poghell_ (No. 12. p. 186.).--In Cornwall and Devon there are places called Poughill or Poghill,--in _Domesday_, Pochelle; and in the _Taxatio Ecclesiastica_, Pockehulle and Pogheheulle. The etymology of the word, I take to be merely the addition (as is often found) of the Anglo-Saxon _hill_, or _hull_, to the old Teutonic word Pock, or Pok, an eruption or protrusion. In low Latin, Pogetum is colliculus. (See Ducange.)

S.S.S.

_Swingeing Tureen_ (No. 19. p. 211., and No. 21. p. 340.).--How could "SELEUCUS" "conclude" that Goldsmith's "Poor Beau Tibbs and Kitty his Wife," should have had "a _silver_ tureen" of expensive construction? It is evident that "Kitty's" husband, in the "Haunch of Venison," was the Beau Tibbs of the "Citizen of the World." There can be no doubt that, however the word be spelled, {407} the meaning is _swingeing_, "huge, great," which I admit was generally, if not always, in those days spelled swinging, as in Johnson--"_Swinging_, from _swinge, huge, great_;" but which ought to be, as it is pronounced, _swingeing_.

_Tureen_ (pp. 246. 307. 340.).--"And instead of soup in a China terrene." (Knox, Essay 57 _Works_. vol. ii. p. 572.)

S.S.S.

_"A" or "An."--Quem Deus vult perdere._--Allow me to refer your correspondents "PRISCIAN" and "E.S. JACKSON" (of No. 22.), to the _Selections from the Gentleman's Magazine_, London, 1814, vol. ii. pp. 333. and 162., for some interesting papers on the subjects of their respective inquiries.

The paper first referred to, at p. 333., is certainly well worth perusal, as the writer, "KUSTER," has examined the question with considerable care, and proves, by many curious instances, that most of those whom we have been taught to look up to as the greatest authorities in English writing--Dryden, Swift, Pope, Johnson, and others--seem to have had no fixed rule on the subject, but to have used "a" or "an" before the same words with the most reckless inconsistency.

The second paper, at p. 162., gives a more detailed account of the adage, "Quem Deus (potius _Jupiter_) vult perdere," &c., than "F.C.B." (whose object, of course, was rather to compare _results_ than to trace _derivations_) has supplied in his interesting communication.

C. FORBES.

* * * * *

MISCELLANEOUS.

NOTES ON BOOKS, CATALOGUES, SALES, ETC.

Such of our readers as do not possess Halliwell's _Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words_, which Mr. Way, a very competent authority, lately designated in our columns as Mr. Halliwell's "useful glossarial collections," will be glad to learn that Mr. Russell Smith has announced a second and cheaper edition of it.

The new number of the _Archæological Journal_ is a very interesting one. That portion if it, more particularly, which relates the Proceedings of the Meetings of the Archæological Institute, contains a great mass of curious and valuable information; made the more available and instructive by means of the admirable woodcuts by which it is illustrated.

We have received several curious communications on the subject of Parish Registers, with reference to the article on "Early Statistics," and the "Registers of Chart, Kent," to which we shall endeavour to give early insertion. We have also received a copy of _A Letter addressed to R. Monckton Milnes, Esq. M.P., on the Condition and unsafe State of Ancient Parochial Registers in England and the Colonies_, to which we beg to direct the attention of such of our friends as take an interest in this important subject.

Messrs. Puttick and Simpson, of 191. Piccadilly, will sell on Monday, the 29th instant, and three following days, a selection from the valuable library of the Rev. Dr. Maitland. Although only a selection from the library of the learned historian of the Dark Ages, the Catalogue exhibits, in addition to numerous Polyglot and other important editions of the Scriptures, and the great collections of Baronius, Mabillon, Dupin, Martene, and Durand, &c., a vast number of works of the highest value in the departments of Theology and Ecclesiastical History.

We have received the following Catalogues:--Part III. for 1850 of J. Russell Smith's (4. Old Compton Street) Catalogue of Books and Autographs, chiefly Old and Curious. Part II. for 1850 of a Catalogue of Choice, Useful, and Interesting Books, in fine condition, on sale by Waller and Son (188. Fleet Street).

* * * * *

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES

WANTED TO PURCHASE.

(_In continuation of Lists in former Nos._)

SACRED SONGS, DUETS, AND TRIOS, Words by Thomas Moore; Music by Stephenson and Moore. Power, Strand.

SIR PETER PETT'S DISCOURSE OF THE GROWTH OF ENGLAND, &c. (being the 2nd edition of the "Happy Future of England.")

MONK'S LETTERS RELATING TO THE RESTORATION, published by Toland, 1714-15.

LADY RUSSELL'S LETTERS, edited by Miss Berry.

DU QUESNE'S ACCOUNT OF BOURBON, published in Holland about 1689.

VOYAGE DE L'ARABIE HEUREUSE PAR L'OCEAN ORIENTAL ET LE DETROIT DE LA MER ROUGE, 12mo. Paris, 1716.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUARTERLY JOURNAL, 8vo. Cape Town, 1830 (all that is published).

Odd Volumes

HUMBOLDT'S COSMOS, Nos. forming Vol. I. of Longman's 1st edition, 1847-48.

PERUSSAC'S BULLETIN DES SCIENCES NATURELLES, Vols. XIX. to XXVII., Paris, 1829-31.

SOUTHEY'S POETICAL WORKS, Vols. IX. and X.

LANGARD'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, 12mo. edition of 1839. Vols. V. to IX. (both inclusive).

PENNY CYCLOPÆDIA. Monthly Parts 82, 84 to 90 (both inclusive), 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 99 to 113 (both inclusive).

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

* * * * *

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Adolphus' History of England. "INDACATOR" _is informed that the continuation of this work is proceeding with, as fast as Mr. L. Adolphus' professional duties will admit; and we are sure that gentleman would at all times readily explain, to those entitled to ask him what progress has been made in it_.

_Our numerous Correspondents will, we trust, excuse our specially acknowledging the receipt of their various communications, and agree with us in the propriety of economising our limited room, so as to insert rather than acknowledge the articles with which they have favoured us._

_A Third Edition of Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4., forming Part I., is reprinted, so that complete sets of our work may again be had._

* * * * * {408}

Theological and Miscellaneous Library of the Rev. S.R. Maitland, DD., A noble Mahogany Bookcase, &c.

PUTTICK and SIMPSON, Auctioneers of Literary property, will SELL by AUCTION, at their great Room 191. Piccadilly, on Monday, April 29., and three following days, the Library of the Rev. S.R. Maitland, D.D.; consisting of Versions of the Scared Scriptures, a fine copy of Walton's Polyglott (with the Republican Variations in the Preface), Critical and Expository Works, best editions of the Works of the Fathers of the Church, Ecclesiastical History, Councils Canon Law, and Miscellaneous Literature. Catalogues are now ready, and will be sent on application.

* * * * *

On a large sheet, price 7s. 6d. plain; 15s. richly coloured; in case 10s. 6d. plain; 18s. coloured.

A CHART of ANCIENT ARMOUR, from the ELEVENTH to the SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES; containing Eighteen Figures, with a Description and a Sketch of the Progress of European Armour. By JOHN HEWITT.

"A graphic outline of the subject of military costume during the period of its greatest interest to the English antiquary. The author has made a judicious selection of the examples, chiefly from the rich series of monumental effigies; and, in the brief text which accompanies these illustrations, a useful resumé will be found of a subject which, not many years since was attainable only through the medium of costly publications."--_Archæological Journal._

GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.

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THE PRIMÆVAL ANTIQUITIES OF ENGLAND ILLUSTRATED BY THOSE OF DENMARK.

THE PRIMÆVAL ANTIQUITIES OF DENMARK. By J.J.A. WORSAAE, Member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Copenhagen. Translated and applied to the Illustration of similar Remains in England, by WILLIAM J. THOMS, F.S.A., Secretary of the Camden Society. With numerous Woodcuts. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

"The best antiquarian handbook we have eve met with--so clear is its arrangement and so well and so plainly is each subject illustrated by well-executed engravings.... It is the joint production of two men who have already distinguished themselves as authors and antiquarians."--_Morning Herald._

"A book of remarkable interest and ability.... Mr. Worsaae's book is in all ways a valuable addition to our literature.... Mr. Thoms has executed the translation in flowing an idiomatic English, and has appended many curious and interesting notes and observations of his own."--_Guardian._

"This work, which we desire to commend to the attention of our readers, is signally interesting to the British antiquary. Highly interesting and important work."--_Archæological Journal._

See also _Gentleman's Magazine_ for February, 1850.

JOHN HENRY PARKER, Oxford, and 377. Strand. London.

* * * * *

NEARLY READY.

CHOICE EXAMPLES OF THE WORKMANSHIP Selected from the Exhibition of ANCIENT AND MEDIÆVAL ART at the Society of Arts

A Prospectus, containing a Specimen of the Illustrations, will be sent on receipt of two postage stamps.

JOSEPH CUNDALL, 21. Old Bond Street.

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THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY.--The Ninth Annual Meeting of the Society will be held on FRIDAY NEXT, the 26th inst., at the Rooms of the Royal Society of Literature, No. 4. St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square, at which the attendance of Subscribers is earnestly solicited. The Chair will be taken a THREE o'clock precisely.

By Order of the Council, F.G. TOMLINS, Secretary Agent to the Society, Mr. Skeffington, No. 192. Piccadilly.

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THE CHURCH WARDER and DOMESTIC MAGAZINE contains Theological, Historical and Moral Papers, besides amusing and instructive Tales. Price Twopence. Published by GROOMBRIDGE and SONS, Paternoster Row, on the First of every Month.

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Royal 32mo., cloth 2s.; morocco (Hayday), 7s.

SELDEN'S TABLE TALK

Royal 32mo., price 2s. 6d. cloth, 7s. 6d. morocco (Hayday). THE TEMPLE, SACRED POEMS, and PRIVATE EJACULATIONS. By GEORGE HERBERT.

Also, by the same Author, Price 2s. cloth, 7s. morocco (Hayday). A PRIEST TO THE TEMPLE; or, THE COUNTRY PARSON: his Character, and rule of Holy Life, &c.

London: GEORGE BELL, Fleet Street. Leicester: J.S. CROSSLEY.

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Next week, 1 vol. 8vo., with etched Frontispiece, by Wehnert, and Eight Engravings, price 15s.

SABRINÆ COROLLA: a Volume of Classical Translations with original Compositions contributed by Gentlemen educated at Shrewsbury School.

Among the Contributors are the Head Masters of Shewsbury, Stamford, Repton, Uppingham, and Birmingham Schools; Andrew Lawson, Esq., late M.P.; the Rev. R. Shilleto, Cambridge; the Rev. T.S. Evans, Rugby; J. Riddell, Esq., Fellow of Baliol College, Oxford; the Rev. E.M. Cope, H.J. Hodgson, Esq., H.A.J. Munro, Esq., W.G. Clark, Esq., Fellows of Trinity College, Cambridge, and many other distinguished Scholars from both Universities.

The Work is edited by three of the principal Contributors.

Folio, price 30s.

THE CHORAL RESPONSES AND LITANIES OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND IRELAND. Collected from Authentic Sources. By the Rev. JOHN JEBB, A.M., Rector of Peterstow.

The present Work contains a full collection of the harmonized compositions of ancient date, including nine sets of pieces and responses, and fifteen litanies, with a few of the more ancient Psalm Chants. They are given in full score, and in their proper cliffs. In the upper part, however, the treble is substituted for the "cantus" or "medius" cliff: and the whole work is so arranged as to suit the library of the musical student, and to be fit for use in the Choir.

MEMOIRS OF MUSIC. By the Hon. ROGER NORTH, Attorney-General to James I. Now first printed from the original MS. and edited, with copious Notes, by EDWARD F. RIMBAULT, L.L.D., F.S.A., &c. &c. Quarto; with a Portrait; handsomely printed in 4to.; half-bound in morocco, 15s.

This interesting MS., so frequently alluded to by Dr. Burney in the course of his "History of Music," has been kindly placed at the disposal of the Council of the Musical Antiquarian Society, by George Townshend Smith, Esq., Organist of Hereford Cathedral. But the Council, not feeling authorised to commence a series of literary publications, yet impressed with the value of the work, have suggested its independent publication to their Secretary, Dr. Rimbault, under whose editorial care it accordingly appears.

It abounds with interesting Musical Anecdotes; the Greek Fables respecting the origin of Music; the rise and progress of Musical Instruments; the early Musical Drama; the origin of our present fashionable Concerts; the first performance of the Beggar's Opera, &c.

A limited number having been printed, few copies remain for sale: unsold copies will shortly be raised in price to 1l. 11s. 6d.

LONDON: GEORGE BELL, 186. Fleet Street.

* * * * *

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, April 20. 1850.