T. J. Buckton.
Lichfield.
Anecdote of George IV. (Vol. ix., p. 244.).—In the letter supposed to be written by the late Prince of Wales when a child, I observe these words: "which have stolen from the old woman (the queen)." I think it more probable that the writer refers to Mrs. Schwellenberg, an old German lady, who came over with the late queen as a confidential domestic, and who would have such articles under her keeping. (See Diary of Madame D'Arblay.) The transaction is a notable instance of the prince's forethought and liberality at an early age.
W. H.
Pedigree to the Time of Alfred (Vol. viii., p. 586.; Vol. ix., p. 283.).—I beg to inform your correspondent S. D. that she will find a very interesting notice of the Wapshot family in Chertsey and its Neighbourhood, by Mrs. S. C. Hall, 1853.
Geo. Bish Webb.
Tortoiseshell Tom-cat (Vol. v., p. 465.; Vol. vii., p. 271.).—I have certainly heard of tortoiseshell tom-cats; but never having seen one, I cannot affirm that any such exist. The fact of their rarity is undoubted; but I should like to be informed by W. R., or any other person who has paid particular attention to the natural history of this useful and much calumniated domestic animal, whether yellow female cats are not quite as uncommon as tortoiseshell males?
Honoré de Mareville.
Guernsey.