Replies to Minor Queries.
Erroneous Forms of Speech: Mangel Wurzel (Vol. vii., p. 329.).—Against the dictum of E. G. R., I beg insertion of the following quotation from the Agricultural Gazette, March 4, 1848, p. 166.:
"Mangold wurzel is simply the German of beet-root. 'Mangel wurzel,' on the other hand, is one founded on an idea, which, though absurd, did not the less effectually answer the object of those who introduced the plant. 'Scarcity root,' or 'Famine root,' made a good heading to an advertisement."
And Rham, Dictionary of the Farm, p. 62.:
"The German name is 'Mangold wurzel,' or 'Mangold root;' but it is sometimes pronounced 'Mangel wurzel,' which means scarcity root; and, by a strange translation, it is called in French racine d'abondance, as well as racine de disette. The name of field-beet is much more appropriate."
I hope E. G. R. will, however, not insist on classing those who say and write "mangold" with those who would write "reddishes, sparrowgrass, and cowcumbers." I should be sorry to be suspected of any one of the three last; but "mangold" I will say and write till the authority of the best German scholars decrees otherwise.
Geo. E. Frere.
The Whetstone (Vol. vii., pp. 208. 319.).—Herbert, in his Typographical Antiquities, vol. ii. p. 1144., cites a book entitled, Fower great Liers striving who shall win the Silver Whetstone. Also a Resolution to the Countreyman, proving it utterly unlawful to buy or use our yearely Prognostications, by W. P.: 8vo., printed by R. Waldegrave; no date.