iamentary debates we frequently read of one honorable
member accusing another honorable member of dragging in a certain
expression or quotation for the mere sake of hanging upon it some argument
or observation apposite to his motion or resolution.--Query, The origin of
this term?

My attention was drawn to it by reading the First Lesson at Morning Prayer
for 25th May, viz. Ezra ix. 8., where the expression means something to
hold by, or some resting-place.

In the following verse, the term is changed into "a wall," meaning some
support or help.

Has this passage ever challenged the attention of any of your numerous
readers, or can the common saying fairly be referred to it?

ANON.

Norwood.

_Turkish and Russian Grammars._--At the present moment it may be found
interesting to make a note of it for "N. & Q.," that the first {562}
Turkish and Russian grammars published in this country appeared at Oxford;
the Turkish, by Seaman, in 1670, and the Russian, by Ludolf, in 1696. Both
are written in Latin.

J. M.

_Oxford._

_Chronograms in Sicily._--After the opening of the gold mines at
Fiume-di-Nisi, which are now being reworked, the Messinese struck coins
bearing the motto--

"eX VIsCerIbVs MeIs haeC fVnDItVr."

Giving XVICIVMICVDIV. 1734?

On a fountain near the church of St. Francesco di Paola:

"D. O. M.
Imperante Carlo VI., Vicregente Comite de Palma,
Gubernante Civitatem Comite de Wallis.

P. P. P.
Vt aCtIonIbVs nostrIs IVste proCeDaMVs."

Which gives VCIIVIIVCDMV. 1724.

The death of Charles, Infanta of Spain, is thus indicated:

"FILIVs ante DIeM patrIos InqVIrIt In annos."

1568.

G. E. T. S. R. N.

_Stone Pulpits._--A complete list of _ancient_ stone pulpits in England and
Wales would be desirable. Their positions should be specified; and whether
in use or not, should be stated. I have seen the following:

Nantwich, Cheshire; at the junction of north transept and chancel (not
used).

Bristol Cathedral; adjoining one of the north pillars of nave (not used).

Wolverhampton Collegiate Church; adjoining one of south pillars of nave (in
use?)

T. H. KERSLEY, B.A.

Audlem, Nantwich.

_Advertisements and Prospectuses._--It is, I believe, the custom for the
most part to make wastepaper of the advertisements and prospectuses that
are usually stitched up, in considerable numbers, with the popular reviews
and magazines. Now, as these advent