Law of Copyright: British Museum.—Observing that the new law of copyright, which was passed and came into operation on the 1st of July, 1842, expressly repeals all of the statutes previously existing on that subject, I am anxious to know, through the medium of "N. & Q.," if the British Museum authorities can claim and enforce the delivery of any book, although not entered on the books of Stationers' Hall, which may have been printed and published before the passing of the said act of 1842. If so, then what is the state of the act or statute which bears upon that particular privilege?
J. A.
Glasgow.
Veneration for the Oak.—The oak—"the brave old oak"—has been an object of veneration in this country from the primæval to the present times. The term oak is used in several places in Scripture, but nowhere does it appear to refer to the oak as we know it—our indigenous oak. The oak, under which God appeared to Abraham, bears apparently a resemblance to the tree of life of the Assyrian sculptures; and, perhaps, the Zoroastrian
Homa, or sacred tree, and the sacred tree of the Hindus; and the same may yet be found in the British oak. Is there a botanical affinity between these trees? Are they all oaks? Was the tree of life, as described in the Bible, an oak?
G. W.
Stansted, Montfichet.
Father Matthew's Chickens.—Can any of your correspondents explain why grouse in Scotland are sometimes called "Father Matthew's chickens?"
M. R. G.
Pronunciation of Bible and Prayer Book proper Names.—I feel sure that many of your clerical correspondents would feel much obliged by any assistance that might be forwarded them through the medium of your columns respecting the correct pronunciation of those proper names which occur during divine service: such as Sabaoth, Moriah, Aceldama, Sabacthani, Abednego, and several others of the same class.—The opinions already given in publications are so contradictory, that I have been induced to ask you to insert this Query.