I know not the signification of the solitary E. Snelling (Treatise on Abbey Pieces, &c.) has engraved and described many of these counters, and to him I must refer H. C. K. Hans means John, and has no reference to the Hanseatic League.
W. H. S.
Edinburgh.
Meaning of Lode (Vol. v., p. 345.).
—Lode and load, in Cornwall, is the name given to the vein that leads in the mine; or, the leading vein. The word lode is also in common use in Cambridgeshire, having similar reference to the watercourses by which the fens are drained.
Lodestar. The pole-star; the leading star, by which mariners are guided. The magnet is load-stone, that is, leading, or guiding stone. (Nares' Glossary.)
"O, happy fair!
Your eyes are lode-stars——."
Midsummer Night's Dream.
WM. YARRELL.