P. 2, c. 2—“Kělt,” or “Cělt.” A race of Asiatic origin, which in very early time passed into Europe and gradually worked their way to the present countries of France, and Great Britain. The Irish, Welsh, and the Scotch of the Highlands are descendants of the Celts.
P. 2, c. 2—“Eagle.” From the time of Marius the eagle was the principal emblem of the Roman Empire, and the standard of the legions. In the fourteenth century the Germans adopted it, and afterwards Russia. The arms of Prussia bear the black eagle, those of Poland bore the white.
P. 2, c. 2—“De Moribus Germanorum.” Treatise concerning the customs of the Germans.
P. 2, c. 2—“Titus.” (A. D. 40-81.) Roman Emperor. Titus had opportunities of observing the Germans when he was young, being military tribune in Germany.
P. 2, c. 2—“Wō´dan,” The same as Odin, Wuotan, and Wotan. See “Notes on Scandinavian Literature,” in The Chautauquan for April.
P. 2, c. 2—“Hertha,” also written Ærtha, or Nerthus. As goddess of the earth Hertha was believed to bring fertility. In the spring festivities were held to celebrate her arrival, all feuds were suspended and the greatest rejoicing prevailed.
P. 2, c. 2—“Runes.” The Norsemen had a peculiar alphabet of sixteen letters, or signs. It was not used as we use our alphabet; indeed, as the word rune (mystery) signifies, its meaning was known to but few. The letters were carved on rocks, stones, utensils, etc. Also, as in the case alluded to, on smooth sticks for divination. A mysterious power was supposed to reside in these characters.
The article on “Air,” in the Physical Science series, is abridged from the “English Science Primer on Physical Geography,” by Archibald Geikie. The clear, simple style of the article make annotations unnecessary. The same is also true of the paper on “Political Economy.”