n words, to
change the _c_ or _ch_ into _que_, to have what I started with, viz. the
_divertissement_ concerning which Leroux enlarges, and in which, I am
afraid, it may be said I have followed his example.

However, I consider the _Decameron_ of Boccacio as a probable period
where the temporary queen of the day would impose the _arret_ of
_pique-nique_ upon her subjects; and when I look over the engravings of
the manners and customs of the Italians of the Middle Ages, all
indicating the frequency of the _al fresco_ banquets, and find that
subsequently Watteau and Lancret revel in similar amusements in France,
where the personages of the _fete_ manifestly wear Italian-fashioned
garments; and when we are taught that such parties of pleasure were
called _pique-niques_, I think it is fair to infer that the expression
is a Gallicised one from an Italian phrase of the same signification.

I do not know if it will be conceded that I have proved my case
_positively_, but I might go so far _negatively_ as to show that in no
other European language can I find any word or words which, having a
similar sound, will bear an analysis of adaptation; and though there is
every probability that the custom of _pic-nic_ing obtained in preference
in the sunny south, there are few, I think, that would rush for an
explanation into the Eastern languages, on the plea that the Crusaders,
being in the habit of _al fresco_ banquetting, might have brought home
the expression _pic-nic_.

JOHN ANTHONY, M.D.

Washwood, Birmingham.

This word would seem to be derived from the French. Wailly, in his
_Nouveau Vocabulaire_, describes it as "repas ou chacun paye son ecot,"
a feast towards which each guest contributes a portion of the expense.
Its etymology is thus explained by Girault-Duvivier, in his _Grammaire
des Grammaires_:

"_Pique-nique_, plur. des _pique-nique_: des repas ou ceux qui
_piquent_, qui _mangent_, font signe de la tete qu'ils paieront.

"Les Allemands, dit M. Lemare, ont aussi leur _picknick_, qui a
le meme sens que le notre. _Picken_ signifie _piquer_,
_becqueter_, et _nicken_ signifie _faire signe de la {388} tete_.
_Pique-nique_ est donc, comme _passe-passe_, un compose de deux
verbes; Il est dans l'analogie de cette phrase, 'Qui touche,
mouille.'"

HENRY H. BREEN.

* * * * *

PETER STERRY AND JEREMIAH WHITE.

(Vol. iii., p. 38.)

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