Tewars.
St. Christopher and the Doree.—Brand, in his Popular Antiquities, vol. iii. p. 194., says that the fish called the Doree is traditionally said to have derived the spots on its sides frown the fact of St. Christopher, in wading through the arm of the sea, having caught a fish of this description en passant, and having left as an eternal memorial of the fact an impression on its sides to be transmitted to all posterity.
Can any of your readers inform me from what source Brand derived this idea?
E. A. H. L.
Custom of Women wearing Masks in the Theatre.—When did this custom originate? It was not common before the civil wars, nor in fashion till some time after the Restoration. Masked ladies are often mentioned in the prologues and epilogues to the plays of Dryden, Lee, Otway, &c. The custom probably originated in France. A dispute which ended in a duel (concerning a Mrs. Fawkes) caused the entire prohibition of women's wearing masks in the playhouse. This was about the 5th of Queen Anne.
Edward F. Rimbault.
Brass of Abbot Kirton; Matrices.—When was the brass of Abbot Kirton, in Westminster Abbey, removed? Have there been any brasses taken away (of which the matrices have been also removed); and if so, in whose possession are they at the present time?
Unicorn.
Lines on Chaucer.—
"Swan-like, in dying