Essay viii.):

"As for the business of friendship you mentioned, 'tis not to be had at
a _Westminster Wedding_."

Being much interested in weddings in Westminster at the present day, I
should be much obliged to any of your readers who can throw any light on
the observation of the Essayist, as above cited. What other authors use the
term?

R.H.

_Stone's Diary._--Stone, the celebrated sculptor, left a valuable diary.
The MS. was in the possession of Vertue the engraver. Has it ever been
printed?

EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

_Dr. King's Poem of The Toast._--Where can I find a key to Dr. King's
_Heroic Poem_, called _The Toast?_ Isaac Reed's copy, with a _manuscript
key_, sold at his sale for 10l. 10s.

EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

_Anima Magis, &c._--To whom is this sentence to be ascribed--

"Anima magis est ubi amat
Quam ubi animat."

TYRO-ETYMOLOGICUS.

_The Adventures of Peter Wilkins._--Is the author of this delightful work
of fiction known? The first edition was published in 1751, but it does not
contain the dedication to Elizabeth, Countess of Northumberland, found in
later impressions. When was this dedication added? It is observable that in
all the editions I have seen, the initials R.P. are signed to the
dedication, while R.S. appears on the title-page.

EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

_Talmud, Translations of._--1. Have there been any English translations of
the Talmud, or any complete section of it? 2. What are the most esteemed
Continental and Latin translations?

S.P.H.T.

_Torn by Horses._--What is the last instance in the history of France of a
culprit being torn by horses? Jean Chatel, who attempted to assassinate
Henri Quatre, suffered thus in 1595. (Crowe's _France_, i. 364.)

ED. S. JACKSON.

_The Marks_ *, [obelus], [diesis], _&c._--What is the origin of the
asterisk, obelus, &c., used for references to notes? When were they first
used? What are their proper names?

ED. S. JACKSON.

Totteridge, Herts, Oct. 23.

_Blackguard._--Walking once through South Wales, we found an old woman by
the roadside selling a drink she called _blackguard_. It was composed of
beer and gin, spiced with pepper, and well deserved its name. Is this a
common beverage in the principality?

J.W.H.

* * * * *

REPLIES.

CHURCH HISTORY SOCIETY.

I am much obliged to your correspondent LAICUS for his inquiry respecting
the proposed Society (Vol. ii., p. 464). Will you allow me