"1. That the matter of fact be such that men's outward senses, their ears and eyes, may be judges of it.
"2. That it be done publicly, in the face of the world.
"3. That not only public monuments be kept in memory of it, but also that some outward actions be statedly performed.
"4. That such observances be instituted, and do commence, from the time at which such matter of fact is done.
"It is said that Dr. Middleton endeavoured for twenty years to find out some pretended fact to which Mr. Leslie's four rules could be applied, but in vain."
"It is said." Where; when; by whom?
H. B. C.
U. U. Club.
Star and Garter, Kirkstall.—What is now a large hotel, at Kirkstall Bridge, near to Kirkstall Abbey in Yorkshire, was many years ago a mere village roadside hostel, under whose sign (the Star and Garter) was inscribed in Greek capitals "ΤΟ ΠΡΕΠΟΝ." How could such an inscription have got into such a place? Could it have been the suggestion of some "learned clerke" of the neighbouring monastery, as more suited to the genius of the vicinity than the ordinary announcement of "Good Entertainment for Man and Horse?"
J. L. S., Sen.
Shrove Tuesday.—Happening to be at Newbury on Shrove Tuesday, I was struck with the tolling of the church bell as for a death, and, on inquiry, was informed that such was the custom of the place on this day. Does such a custom exist anywhere else, and what is the origin of it?
Newburiensis.
"Tarbox for that."—On reading a book of funny stories some years ago in the British Museum (a sort of Joe Miller of Charles II.'s time), whenever any story was given that seemed "too good to be true," the anecdote ended with the words "Tarbox for that." Am I right in suspecting that this is equivalent to the expression, "Tell that to the marines," so well known in our day? "Tarbox" was probably a nickname for a bumpkin, or guardian of the tarbox, in which was kept the tar composition used for anointing sheep. Can anybody suggest another solution of the meaning of this expression?
Henry T. Riley.