There is a great error as to custom here, for the Jews never attempt to pronounce the "four-lettered" Name, and in reading and speaking always use instead Adonai or Elohim. And even converted Jews retain for the most part the same habit. The writer of Charles Auchester can only defend himself by the example of the writer of
Ivanhoe, who has made the same oversight; and a still more glaring one besides in making Isaac the Jew wish his daughter had been called Benoni, i.e. the son of sorrow. The vowel letters of Jehovah are merely those of Adonai, inserted by the Massorites; but this is another subject.
W. Fraser.
Tor-Mohun.
Lachlan Macleane.—This individual, whose claim to the authorship of Junius has been lately revived, was in Philadelphia ninety-five years ago, and his name figures there in the accounts of the overseers of the poor, under date of November 9, 1758:
"By cash received of James Coultass, late sheriff, being a fine paid by Laughlane M‘Clain for kissing of Osborn's wife (after his commissions and writing bond were deducted)
£24 : 5 : 0"
This was in Pennsylvania currency; but it was an expensive kiss even in that, being (besides the commissions and sheriff's charge for writing the bond) equivalent to sixty-four dollars and fifty cents of our present currency.
M. E.
Philadelphia.
German Tree.—The following extract concerning this accessory to Christmas, which is now so popular, may perhaps be interesting at the present season. It is taken from the Loseley Manuscripts, edited by A. J. Kempe, F.S.A., 1836, p. 75. note.