Shines by the side of every path we tread
With such a lustre, he that runs may read."
LOUISA JULIA NORMAN.
Wild Oats (Vol. v., p. 227.).
—I think I can give a clue to the Query of BEAU NASH respecting the origin of this phrase. In Kent, if a person has been talking at random, it is not uncommon to hear it said, "you are talking havers," or folly. Now I find in an old dictionary that the word havers means oats; and therefore I conclude, that the phrase "to sow your wild oats" means nothing more than "to sow folly."
RUBY.
Portrait of Mrs. Percy (Vol. v., p. 227.).
—The picture of Mrs. Percy holding in her hand the scroll, mentioned by W. S. G., is still in the house of Ecton. I have made the inquiry from the present Mr. Isted of Ecton's sister-in-law, who lives within three miles of the place.
L. M. M. R.