270. Etymology of Salter.
—I wish to ascertain the precise etymology of the word salter as applied to localities far removed from the sea, and from those districts in which the making of salt is carried on. It seems to be applied in the north of England to places adjoining ancient roads, or where these pass: e.g. part of the old highway from Rochdale to Burnley is called the Salter's Gate. The old road from Rochdale to Hebden Bridge crosses Salter Edge, on Blackstone Edge. The road from Rochdale to Middleton crosses Salter Edge in Hopwood. The road from Ashton to Peniston passes Salter's Brook in the woodlands of Cheshire. It is somewhat remarkable that all these roads lead in direct lines to the Cheshire salt works.
F. R. R.
271. Chattes of Haselle.
—Sir John Mandeville, in giving the account of the growth of pepper in India, says:
"The long Peper comethe first, whan the Lef begynnethe to come; and it is lyche the Chattes of Haselle, that cometh before the Lef, and it hangethe lowe."
Is this old name for "catkins" retained in any part of England, or is it the same word?
H. N. E.
272. "Truth is that which a man troweth."
—Would some one of your correspondents furnish the authority for the saying, "Truth is that which a man troweth?"