The supply of corn in these remarkable storehouses is still kept up; nor as late as the time of my departure from those colonies last year, did I hear of any intention of discontinuing this old custom.
Now the termination of this word in o marks it as Spanish; and accordingly, on reference to Baretti's dictionary of that language, I find the word "Silo, a subterraneous granary." But, Sir, this discovery only raises another question, and one which I wish much to see solved. A Spanish substantive must be for the most part the name of something existing at some time or other in Spain.
When, therefore, did such granaries exist in Spain, in what part of the country, and under what circumstances?
Augustus Strong.
Walcot Rectory, Bath.
Minor Queries.
Handwriting.—I should be much obliged if any of your correspondents could inform me (and that soon) whether there be published, in English, French, German, or Spanish (though it is most desired in English), a manual giving a standard alphabet for the various kinds of writing now in use, viz. English hand, engrossing, Italian, German text, &c., with directions for teaching the same; in fact, a sort of writing-master's key: and if so, what is its title, and where it can be procured.
A friend believes to have seen such a work advertised in The Athenæum (probably three or four years ago), but has no recollection of the name.
E. B.