H. T. Ellacombe.
"Largesse" (Vol. v., p. 557.; Vol. ix., p. 209.).—The use of this word is not confined to Essex and Northamptonshire, but extends also to Norfolk. It is met with in many parishes in the western division of Norfolk: where, at the time of harvest, after accompanying the last load of corn home with the procession of the "Harvest Lady," it is customary that the labourers on the several farms should go round their respective parishes, and collect various sums of money, under the name of largesse, at the houses of the chief inhabitants, whether lay or clerical. Few were to be met with who refused this species of "black mail" thus levied on them; doubtless regarding it as one out of many means of testifying their thankfulness to the "Lord of the Harvest" for "filling their mouth with good things," and giving them an abundance of "corn and wine and oil."
Σ.
This word is of common occurrence in Suffolk during the shooting season, where sportsmen are affrays greeted with it, for a donation, by the labourers on the land where game is sought for.
N. L. J.
Precious Stones (Vol. viii., p. 539.; Vol. ix., pp. 37. 88. 284.).—As the titles of so many works on this subject have been already given in your pages, perhaps I may be of some service to your correspondents in farther completing the list, and referring them to the following in my own collection:
On the Origin of Gems, by the Hon. Robert Boyle: London, 12mo.
The Mirror of Stones, in which the Nature, Generation, &c., of more than 200 Jewels, &c., are distinctly described by Camillus Leonardus, 12mo.: London, 1750.
A Treatise on Diamonds and Pearls, by David Jeffries, 2nd edit., 8vo.: London, 1751. [This work, which was very scarce, has been recently reprinted by E. Lumley for 6s.]
Traité des Pierres précieuses et des Pierres fines, par L. Dutens, 12mo.: London, Paris, and Florence. [Reprinted, with additions, in "Les Œuvres Mélés de Dutens:" Génève, 8vo., 1784.]
A Treatise on Diamonds and Precious Stones, by John Mawe, 2nd edit.: London, 8vo., 1823.
A Memoir of the Diamond, by John Murray, F.S.A., &c., 12mo.: London, 1831.
Besides these may be consulted, the treatise of Gemma, Delle Gemme pretiose, 2 vols. 4to., a ponderous map of obsolete puerilities; the Minéralogie of M. de Bomare; the Crystallographie of M. Romé Delisle; the essay of Wallerius, De Lapidum Origine; the learned researches of Bergman, Sur les Pierres précieuses, &c.
I may add, that a practical work on the nature and value of precious stones, comprehending the opinions and superstitions of the ancients respecting them, together with an essay upon engraved gems, an account of celebrated collections and specimens, &c., is much wanted, and would probably be well received.
William Bates.