J. F. M.
Petworth Register (Vol. iii., p. 449.).
—Your correspondent C. H. appears to give me too much credit for diligence, in having "searched" after this document; for in truth I did nothing beyond writing to the rector of the parish, the Rev. Thomas Sockett. All that I can positively say as to my letter, is, that it was intended to be courteous; that it stated my reason for the inquiry; that it contained an apology for the liberty taken in applying to a stranger; and that Mr. Sockett did not honour me with any answer. I believe, however, that I asked whether the register still existed; if so, what was its nature, and over what period it extended; and whether it had been printed or described in any antiquarian or topographical book.
Perhaps some reader may have the means of giving information on these points; and if he will do so through the medium of your periodical, he will oblige both C. H. and myself. Or perhaps C. H. may be able to inquire through some more private channel, in which case I should feel myself greatly indebted to him if he would have the goodness to let me know the result.
J. C. ROBERTSON.
Beakesbourne.
Apple-pie Order (Vol. iii., p. 330.).
—The solution of J. H. M. to MR. SNEAK's inquiry is not satisfactory. "Alternate layers of sliced pippins and mutton steaks" might indeed make a pie, but not an apple-pie, therefore this puzzling phrase must have had some other origin. An ingenious friend of mine has suggested that it may perhaps be derived from that expression which we meet with in one of the scenes of Hamlet, "Cap à pied;" where it means perfectly appointed. The transition from cap à pied, or "cap à pie," to apple-pie, has rather a rugged appearance, orthographically, I admit; but the ear soon becomes accustomed to it in pronunciation.
A. N.
[MR. ROBERT SNOW and several other correspondents have also suggested that the origin of the phrase "apple-pie order" is to be found in the once familiar "cap à pied.">[