Queries.
IS THE WALRUS FOUND IN THE BALTIC?
Is the Walrus, or Sea-Horse, ever found in the Baltic, or in the ocean near Norway or Lapland?
Mr. J. R. Forster, in his Notes on the Geography of Europe by King Alfred, appended to the edition of Orosius by Daines Barrington, says, at p. 243.:
"In the country of the Beormas he (Ohthere) found the horse-whales or the Walrus, animals which he distinguishes carefully from the whales and the seals, of whose teeth he brought a present to King Alfred, and which are found nowhere but in the White Sea, near Archangel, and the other seas to the north of Siberia. In all the ocean near Norway and Lapland, no walruses are ever seen, but still less in the Baltic."
I wish to know if the walrus is found in the Baltic, and where it most abounds, with a reference to voyages or written works of authority where it is mentioned. Personal testimony would be valuable.
THROW.
ENGLISH FREE TOWNS.
A great many of your readers are doubtless aware that there are in France a number of towns commonly known by the name of Villes Anglaises, or the English towns, and also called Bastides. Many of these were certainly founded by Edward I., and important privileges were granted to these Free Towns from motives of sound policy. These towns are all built on a regular plan, the principal streets wide, open, and straight, and crossing each other at right angles, with a large market-place, usually in the centre of the town. I have seen several of these towns, which preserve their original ground plan to the present time. I could mention other peculiarities about them; but it is not necessary for my purpose, which is to inquire whether we have any towns in England corresponding with them, of the same regular plan and arrangement. The only one I have been able to hear of is the ruined town of Winchelsea, which corresponds closely with them, and was also founded by Edward I. If any of your readers can inform me of any other town in England of the same plan, I shall be greatly obligated to them.
J. H. PARKER.