348. Which is the “Maiden Town”?
Edinburgh is so styled from a monkish fable or tradition that it was once the residence of the daughters of Pictish kings, who were sent to this stronghold for protection in times of war and trouble.
349. What was the “War of the Roses”?
This name is given to the civil war which raged in England from the reign of Henry VI. to that of Henry VII. (1452–1486), on account of the badges or emblems of the parties to the strife,—that of the house of York being a white rose, and that of the house of Lancaster a red rose.
350. Which was the first American bird taken to England?
The turkey. When John Cabot returned from his discovery of the American continent, he took two of these birds and three savages as his booty.
351. What was the origin of “$”?
There are several theories for the origin of the sign of the American dollar:—
1. That it is a combination of U. S., the initials of the United States.
2. That it is a modification of the figure 8, the dollar being formerly called a “piece of eight,” and designated by the symbol 8/8.