Work on Ants (Vol. ix., p. 303.).—I presume that the work for which Σ. inquires is, Recherches sur les Mœurs des Fourmis indigènes, par P. Huber, Paris, 1810.[[7]]

Ἁλιεύς.

Dublin.

Footnote 7:[(return)]

[Our correspondent Σ. begs us to acknowledge the favour of the communication of Ἁλιεύς, but his inquiry "on the habits of ants" is by an author, a M. Hauhart, and of a much later date than Huber's. He is informed it is to be found in the Transactions of the University of Basle in Switzerland, published with this title, Die Zeitschrift der Basler Hochschule, 1825, p. 62; but he has not been successful in obtaining a sight of that work.]

Jacobite Garters (Vol. viii., p. 586.).—I have lately seen a watch-ribbon, or perhaps garter, with a Jacobite inscription in white letters somewhat like that described by E. L. J., but only about half the length. The middle stripe was red between two blue ones, and yellow edges; there was no attempt at a plaid. The owner had no tradition about it, as connected with any particular incident in Prince Charles' career.

P. P.

"The Three Pigeons" (Vol. ix., p. 423.).—I think Washington Irving, in his Life of Goldsmith, satisfactorily explains the origin of the song in She Stoops to Conquer, which your correspondent G. Taylor supposes was suggested by the inn at Brentford, mentioned by Dr. Rimbault. The American biographer says that Goldsmith and his companion Bryanton

"Got up a country club at the inn at Ballymahon, of which Goldsmith soon became the oracle and prime wit; astonishing his unlettered associates by his learning, and being considered capital at a song and story. From the rustic conviviality of the inn at Ballymahon, and the company which used to assemble there, it is surmised that he took some hints in afterlife for his picturing of Tony Lumpkin and his associates, 'Dick Muggins the exciseman, Jack Slang the horse doctor, Little Aminadab that grinds the music-box, and Tom Twist that spins the pewter-platter.' Nay, it is thought that Tony's drinking-song at the 'Three Jolly Pigeons' was but a revival of one of the convivial catches at Ballymahon."

And the author farther remarks, that