ily name, Bacon, then, undoubtedly
signifies "of the beechen tree," and is therefore of the same class with
many others such as ash, beech, &c., latinized in ancient records by De
Fraxino, De Fago, &c.

The motto of the Somersetshire Bacons, noticed by NOCAB, when read as
written, is supposed to be in the _ablative_ case; when transposed, the
evident ellipse may be supplied _ad libitum_. From Grimbaldus, downwards,
it does not appear that these _beechen_ men ever signalized themselves by
_deeds of arms_, the favourite boast of heralds and genealogists. Nor
indeed could we expect them to have "hearts of _oak_." But several have
rendered the name illustrious by their contributions to literature,
science, and the fine arts. Its _appropriateness_, therefore, must be
apology for the motto; which, like most others, is by no means too modest
and unassuming.

Duly blushing, I subscribe myself, yours,

PROBA CONSCIENTIA.

P.S. The pedigree of the Norfolk Bacons is one of the most _perfect_ in the
Herald's College. Any of your readers fond of genealogy might find himself
repaid in seeking further information regarding the _particular coat of
arms_ above referred to, and might throw still more light on the subject.

In Vol. ii., p. 247., your correspondent, NOCAB, quotes (without reference)
the remark _en passant_ of a previous correspondent "that the word _bacon_
had the obsolete signification of 'dried wood.'" I have searched in vain
for this allusion in your preceding Numbers.[2] The information is too
curious, however, to be lost sight of. The _Saxon_ word _bacon_ is, without
doubt, simply and purely _beechen_--pertaining to, or relating to the beech
tree.

It is probable enough, therefore, that the word _has_ borne the
signification of "dried wood." But it is very desirable to know on what
authority the assertion rests. Will your correspondent refer us to the
book? Or can any of your learned readers say how, where, and when _bacon_
has signified "dried wood?"

The subject is well worth the bestowal of some pains upon its elucidation;
for the meaning and derivation of the word _bacon_, both as a substantive
noun and as a proper name, have been frequently discussed by etymologists
and philologists for the last 300 years; and yet, apparently, without any
satisfactory determination of the question. The family is ancient, and has
been highly distinguished {42} in literature, and science and art. The
pedigree is one of the