ooden handle; the other forms being called paalstabs on the Continent. It
seems clear that there is no connexion between this word and the name of
the nation (_Celtae_); but its true origin may perhaps be elicited by a
little discussion in the pages of "N. & Q."

C. R. M.

_Ancient Superstition against the King of England entering or even
beholding the Town of Leicester._--The existence of a superstition to this
effect is recorded in Rishanger's _Chronicle_, and also, as I am informed,
in that of Thomas Wikes; but this I have not at present an opportunity of
consulting.

Rishanger's words are:

"Rex [Henricus III.] autem, capta Norhamptun., Leycestr. tendens, in ea
hospitatus est, quam nullus regni praeter eum etiam videre,
prohibentibus quibusdam superstitiose, praesumpsit."--P. 26.

It is also mentioned by Matthew of Westminster. (Vide Bohn's edition, vol.
ii. p. 412.) The statement, that no king before Henry III. had entered the
town, is however incorrect, as William the Conqueror and King John are
instances to the contrary.

Can any of your correspondents explain the origin of this superstition, or
favour me with any farther notices respecting it?

It is not unworthy of observation that very many of the royal personages
who have visited Leicester, have been either unfortunate in their lives, or
have met with tragical deaths.

We may, however, hope, for the credit of the town, that their misfortunes
may be attributed to other causes, rather than to their presence within its
time-hallowed walls.

WM. KELLY.

Leicester.

_Burton._--Is there any family of this name who can make out a descent
from, or connexion with, a Mr. John Burton, alderman of Doncaster, who died
1718?

C. J.

_The Camera Lucida._--I should feel much obliged to any reader of "N. & Q."
who would be kind enough to answer the following questions, and refer me to
any work treating of the handling and management of the Camera Lucida. I
have one made by King of Bristol, and purchased about thirty years ago: it
draws out, like a telescope, in three pieces, each six inches long; and at
full length will give a picture of the dimensions of twenty inches by
twelve. The upper piece is marked from above downwards, thus: at two inches
below the lens, "2;" at an inch below that point, "3;" at half an inch
lower, "4;" at half an inch lower still, "5;" half an inch below the point
"5," a "7" is marked; and half an inch below the "7," ther