Replies to Minor Queries.
Ell-rake (Vol. iv., p. 192.).
—VASHTI inquires the derivation of ell-rake or hell-rake. In this district (the Cotswolds) we generally suppose the derivation to be from the rake being an ell in width. In the vale, however (i.e. about Tewkesbury), they are called heel-rakes, from their being drawn at the heel of the person using them, instead of being used in front, as rakes ordinarily are.
C. H. N.
Cirencester.
Heel-rake, Ell-rake, or Hell-rake, is a large rake, which upon being drawn along the ground the teeth run close to the heels of the person drawing it. This has given it the name of heel-rake, its right name. In Shropshire (and probably in other counties also) this has become contracted into ell-rake.
SALOPIAN.
Freedom from Serpents (Vol. iii., p. 490.).
—Ireland is not the only country supposed to be inimical to reptiles. I may perhaps be allowed to add to the "Note" of your correspondent as to Ireland, that the Maltese declare that St. Paul after his shipwreck cursed all the venomous reptiles of the island, and banished them for ever, just as St. Patrick is said to have afterwards treated those of his favourite isle. Whatever be the cause of it, the fact is alleged by travellers to be certain, that there are no venomous animals in Malta. "They assured us" (says Brydone in his Tour through Sicily and Malta, vol. ii. p. 35.) "that vipers have been brought from Sicily, and died almost immediately on their arrival."
Although perhaps more strictly coming under the head of folk lore, I may here advert to the traditions found in several parts of England, that venomous reptiles were banished by saints who came to live there. I have read that Keynsham—the hermitage of Keynes, a Cambrian lady, A.D. 490—was infested with serpents, which were converted by her prayers into the "Serpent-stones"—the Cornua Ammonis—that now cover the land. A similar story is told at Whitby, where these fine fossils of the Lias are called "St. Hilda's Serpent-stones;" and so, too, St. Godric, the famous hermit of Finchale, near Durham, is said to have destroyed the native race of serpents.