Y. S. M.
Orange Blossom.—Can any reader of "N. & Q." inform me why the flowers of the orange blossom are so universally used in the dress of a bride? and from what date they have been so used?
Augusta.
Mr. Pepys his Queries.—I cannot say that I met with Pepys as Fielding did Shakspeare, in a Journey from this World to the next; but I met with seven of his Queries among the Rawlinson MSS. in the Bodleian, addressed to Sir William Dugdale, a name dear to all orthodox antiquaries. It would appear the Secretary to the Admiralty felt the want of a "medium of inter-communication" in his day. Here are his Queries:
1. Whether any foreigners are to be found in our list of English admirals?
2. The reason or account to be given of the place assigned to our admirals in the Act of Precedence?
3. Whether any of the considerable families of our nobility or gentry have been raised by the sea?
4. Some instances of the greatest ransoms heretofore set upon prisoners of greatest quality.
5. The descent and posterity of Sir Francis Drake; and what estate is now in the possession of any of his family derived from him.
6. Who Sir Anthony Ashby was?