valuable papers, which are of the highest importance to
the Historian, as a slight extract will show. Small 4to., calf.

'Sept. 12. The Sutherland, at anchor off St. Nicholas:--The enemies'
forces are not divided; great scarcity of provisions in the camp, and
universal discontent amongst the Canadians. The second officer in
command is gone to Montreal or St. John's, which gives reason to think
that Governor Amherst is advancing into that colony. A vigorous blow
struck by the army at this juncture might determine the fate of Canada.
Our troops below are ready to join us; all the light infantry and tools
are embarked at the Point of Levi, and the troops will land where the
enemy seems least to expect it.'"

J. BALCH.

Philadelphia.

_Custom at University College, Oxford._--What is the origin of the
following custom observed at this college? On every Easter Sunday the
representation of a tree, dressed with evergreens and flowers, is placed on
a turf, close to the buttery, and every member there resident, as he leaves
the Hall, after dinner, chops at the tree with a cleaver. The college-cook
stands by holding a plate, in which the Master deposits half a guinea, each
Fellow five shillings, and the other members two shillings and sixpence
each; this custom is called "chopping at the tree." When was this custom
instituted, and to what circumstance are we to attribute its origin? Who
presented to the chapel of this College the splendid eagle, as a lectern,
which forms one of its chief ornaments? Was it presented by Dr. Radcliffe,
or does it date its origin from the happy reign of Queen Mary?

M. A.

"_Old Dominion._"--It is stated in a newspaper that the term "Old
Dominion," generally applied here to the state of Virginia, originated from
the following facts. During the Protectorate of Cromwell the colony of
Virginia refused to acknowledge his authority, and sent to Flanders for
Charles II. to reign over them. Charles accepted, and was about to embark,
when he was recalled to the throne of England. Upon his accession, as a
reward for her loyalty, he allowed the colony to quarter the arms of
England, Ireland, and Scotland, as an independent member of the "Old
Dominion;" whence the term. What truth is there in this story?

PENN.

"_Wise men labour_," _&c._--

On the fly-leaf of Sir Roger Twysden's copy of Stow's _Annales_ are the
following, lines, dated 1643:

"Wise men labou