Inventor of a secret Cypher.—I think that there was in the fifteenth century a Frenchman so profound a calculator that he discovered for the King of France a secret cypher, used by the court of Spain. I saw a notice of him in Collier's great Dictionary, but have forgotten him, and should like to renew my acquaintance.
Tyro-Etymologicus.
Fossil Elk of Ireland.—Can any of your learned readers give me information on the fossil elk of Ireland—Cervus Megaceros, Cervus Giganteus of Goldsmith? It is stated to be found in various countries, as France, Germany, and Italy, besides England and Ireland. In the Royal Dublin Society museum there is, I am told, a rib of this animal which has the appearance of having been wounded by some sharp instrument, which remained long fixed in the bone, but not so deeply as to affect the creature's life. It seemed to be such a wound as the head of an arrow would produce.
It has been by some thought to be the "Sech" of Celtic tradition. I have learned that the last specimen was shot so lately as 1533, and that a figure of the animal, mistaken for the common elk, is, engraved in the November Chronicle. Now I should feel exceedingly obliged if any information could be rendered me on the matters stated above, as I am most anxious to collect all possible information regarding this most noble species of the Dama tribe.
W.R.C. (a Subscriber).
Exeter, Nov. 1850.
Red Sindon (Vol. ii., p. 393.).—Will Mr. Planché be so good as to say what the red sindon of the chamber of Philippa was?
B.W.
Lights on the Altar.—1. What evidence is there that in the British or Saxon churches lights were burned on the altar at the time of the eucharist?
2. Are there any Canons of these churches, sanctioning the practice?