The curiosity of these lines so forcibly impressed them on my memory, that time has not been able to efface a tittle of them. But from what source did the boy obtain them?"
Permit me to repeat this Query?
J. R. M., M.A.
Derivation of the Word "Humbug" (Vol. viii. passim).—Not being satisfied with any of the derivations of this word hitherto proposed in your pages, I beg to suggest that perhaps it may be traced to a famous dancing master who flourished about the time when the word first came into use. The following advertisement appeared in the Dublin Freeman's Journal in Jan. 1777:
"To the Nobility.
"As Monsieur Humbog does not intend for the future teaching abroad after 4 o'clock, he, at the request of his scholars, has opened an academy for young ladies of fashion to practise minuets and cotillions. He had his first assembly on Friday last, and intends continuing them every Friday during the winter. He does not admit any gentlemen, and his number of ladies is limited to 32; and as Mrs. Humbog is very conversant in the business of the Toilet Table, the ladies may depend on being properly accommodated. Mr. Humbog having been solicited by several gentlemen, he intends likewise to open an academy for them, and begs that those who chuse to become subscribers will be so good as to send him their addresses, that he may have the honour of waiting upon them to inform them of his terms and days. Mr. Humbog has an afternoon school three times a week for little ladies and gentlemen not exceeding 14 years of age. Terms of his school are one guinea per month and one guinea entrance. Any ladies who are desirous of knowing the terms of his academy may be informed by appointing Mr. Humbog to wait upon them, which he will do on the shortest notice. Capel St. 21 Jan. 1777."
Omicron.
Bees (Vol. viii., p. 440.).—In the midland counties the first migration of the season is a swarm, the second a cast, and the third a spindle.
Erica.
Topsy Turvy (Vol. viii., p. 385.).—I have always understood this to be a corruption of "Topside t'other way," and I still think so.
Wm. Hazel.