I have since learned Bishop Pritchard was consecrated in 1715.
The reply of E. H. A. to my Query about these Vicars-Apostolic is rather unsatisfactory. I admit his correction of Chalcedon for Chalcis, but wish that he had been more explicit in his notices of both those Vicars-Apostolic appointed in 1685-88, as well as of those since nominated. When did Smith and Ellis die? and what was the see in Italy to which the latter was nominated? Who were the consecrators of Giffard, Ellis, and Smith? Bishop Leyburn was, I think, one, and is said to have been "assisted by two Irish prelates." Who were they? E. H. A. also refers, as his authority, to a tract by the Rev. L. Darwall, in Christian's Miscellany: but he does not give the date of that publication, nor did I ever hear of it. Surely some ecclesiastical reader of "N. & Q." will answer some, at least, of these inquiries of mine. I know many of your subscribers can do so if they choose. I am desirous of possessing the names and dates of consecration and death of every Roman Catholic Vicar-Apostolic appointed for England since 1689, and also of those for Scotland, if possible.
A. S. A.
Wuzzeerabad.
SMOCK MARRIAGES.—SCOTCH LAW OF MARRIAGE.
(Vol. vii., p. 191.)
To a certain extent, the information Mr. F. H. Brett got from his Scotch friend is correct. An idea does exist in some parts of Scotland, that children born out of wedlock must be "under the apron string" at the solemnisation of the marriage of their parents, before they can be legitimated per subsequens matrimonium. How this notion originated, I do not pretend to say; but it is easy to speculate as to its origin. But Mr. Brett's friend showed a blessed ignorance of the laws of his native country, if he ever said that "in the Scotch law of marriage there is a clause providing that all 'under the apron string,' at the time of the marriage, shall be considered legitimate." The Scotch law of marriage is not statutory, and, consequently, it has no clauses.
I have often felt sore at the ignorance displayed, even in well-informed circles in England, as to the real principles of the Scotch law of marriage; and I am encouraged by the comprehensive terms of Mr. Brett's Query, to hope that you will permit me to say a word or two which may serve to dissipate some of the delusions that prevail as to both the constitution of a Scotch marriage, and its effects.
In Scotland, as in every country whose system of jurisprudence is based on the civil law,