Mind your P's and Q's (Vol. iii., p. 328.)—This expression arose from the ancient custom of hanging a slate behind the alehouse door, on which was written P. or Q. (i. e. Pint or Quart) against the name of each customer, according to the quantity which he had drunk, and which was not expected to be paid for till the Saturday evening, when the wages were settled.
The expression so familiar to schoolboys of "going tick," may perhaps be traced to this, a tick or mark being put for every glass of ale.
C. De la Pryme.
The Sempecta at Croyland (Vol. iii., p. 328.).—He was not there, however; and I am sorry to say, I do not remember where he was personally, or exactly where the account of him is to be found. I have no doubt of its being in one or other of the fourteen volumes of Martene's Thesaurus et Amplissima Collectio. I do not now possess those books, and have not access to them; but I think your correspondent will find what he wants without much difficulty if (as I suspect) it is with some other pieces in rhyme, and therefore likely to catch the eye in turning over a volume chiefly in prose. Perhaps the name "Francis" may be in the index. If he does not, I shall be happy to seek for information.
S. R. Maitland.
Gloucester.
Solid-hoofed Pigs (Vol. iii., p. 263.).—I saw a pig of this kind a few years ago, in possession of Sir William Homan, Bart., of Dromroe, near Cappoquin, in the county of Waterford.
I do not know whether he has any of that breed at present; but have little doubt that a note, addressed to Sir William on the subject, would receive a courteous reply.
H. C.