ich is properly called _Eyebright_, is as
likely to have had its name from its proved efficacy as a simple, as from
any fancied likeness to the region affected. The old monks were shrewd
herbalists. They were generally the physicians of their neighbourhood, and
the names and uses of the simples used by them survive the ruin of the
monasteries and the expulsion of their tenants.

KERRIENSIS.

"_Nettle in Dock out_" (Vol. iii., pp. 133. 201. 205.).--I can assure
A. E. B. that in the days of my childhood, long before I had ever heard of
Chaucer, I used invariably, when I was stung with nettles, to rub the part
affected with a dock-leaf or stalk, and repeat,

"Nettle out, dock in."

This charm is so common in Huntingdonshire at this day that it seems to
come to children almost instinctively. None of them can tell where they
first heard it, any more than why they use it.

ARUN.

* * * * *

METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENTS.

The following passage from a sermon preached at Paul's Cross, March 26,
1620, by John King, Bishop of London, refers in a curious manner to many
improvements and alterations which have either been already effected in our
own time, or are still in contemplation. The sermon was "on behalfe of
Paule's Church," then in a ruinous condition; and was delivered in the
presence of James himself, who suggested the preacher's text, Psal. cii.
13, 14.

"So had my manner ever beene aforetime," says the Bishop, "to open the
volume of this Booke, and goe through the fields of the Old and New
Testament, plucking and rubbing such eares of corne therein as I best
liked, makings, choice (I meane) of my text, and buckling myself to my
task at myne owne discretion; but now I am girt and tied to a Scripture
by him, who as he hath most right to command, so best skill to direct
and appoint the best service I can."

After an elaborate laudation of England, and of London as the "gem and
eye," which has

"the body of the King, the morning and midday influence of that
glorious sun; other parts having but the evening.... _O fortunati
nimium_; you have the finest flowre of the wheat, and purest bloud of
the grape, that is, the choice of His blessed Word hath God given unto
you; and great is the companie of the preachers"--

the Bishop proceeds thus:

"Not to weary mine eyes with wandering and roving after private, but to
fixe upon public