Stops, when first introduced (Vol. v., p. 1.).
—The semicolon had been freely used in England some years before the date (1589) of Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie. If Sir Henry Ellis will turn to the first edition of Archbishop Sandys' Sermons, Sermons made by the most reuerende Father in God, Edwin, Archbishop of Yorke: At London, printed by Henrie Midleton, for Thomas Charde, 1585, he will find semicolons in abundance. I see that the note of interrogation occurs in A Compendiovs and very frvtefvl treatyse teachynge the waye of Dyenge well, by Thomas Lupsete; London, 1541. It is no doubt to be found at an earlier date, but my poor library does not afford an older English book. The same mark, I may add, was used as a note both of interrogation and of exclamation.
A. J. H.
Force of Conscience (Vol. iii., p. 38.).
—The relation given by your correspondent J. K. is also to be found in a volume entitled The Providence of God illustrated, 12mo., London, 1836, pp. 386. 387., in very similar words, but no authority is given. Many anecdotes equally extraordinary are to be found in this work; it would be very desirable to authenticate them.
W. SPARROW SIMPSON, B.A.
Monton in Pembroke (Vol. iv., p. 371.).
—I have to remark that this mountain, or monton (the meaning of which B. B. finds it difficult to explain), is situated outside the walls of Pembroke on the adjoining hill; and there is now the remains of a priory in or about the midst to which this village belonged, and that in old deeds it is written Monkton, or Moncton. Perhaps this may solve his difficulty.
J. D.