espective parishes, and collect
various sums of money, under the name of _largesse_, at the houses of the
chief inhabitants, whether lay or clerical. Few were to be met with who
refused this species of "black mail" thus levied on them; doubtless
regarding it as one out of many means of testifying their thankfulness to
the "Lord of the Harvest" for "filling their mouth with good things," and
giving them an abundance of "corn and wine and oil."

[Sigma].

This word is of common occurrence in Suffolk during the shooting season,
where sportsmen are affrays greeted with it, for a donation, by the
labourers on the land where game is sought for.

N. L. J.

_Precious Stones_ (Vol. viii., p. 539.; Vol. ix., pp. 37. 88. 284.).--As
the titles of so many works on this subject have been already given in your
pages, perhaps I may be of some service to your correspondents in farther
completing the list, and referring them to the following in my own
collection:

On the Origin of Gems, by the Hon. Robert Boyle: London, 12mo.

The Mirror of Stones, in which the Nature, Generation, &c., of more
than 200 Jewels, &c., are distinctly described by Camillus Leonardus,
12mo.: London, 1750.

A Treatise on Diamonds and Pearls, by David Jeffries, 2nd edit., 8vo.:
London, 1751. [This work, which was very scarce, has been recently
reprinted by E. Lumley for 6s.]

Traite des Pierres precieuses et des Pierres fines, par L. Dutens,
12mo.: London, Paris, and Florence. [Reprinted, with additions, in "Les
Oeuvres Meles de Dutens:" Geneve, 8vo., 1784.]

A Treatise on Diamonds and Precious Stones, by John Mawe, 2nd edit.:
London, 8vo., 1823.

A Memoir of the Diamond, by John Murray, F.S.A., &c., 12mo.: London,
1831.

Besides these may be consulted, the treatise of Gemma, _Delle Gemme
pretiose_, 2 vols. 4to., a ponderous map of obsolete puerilities; the
_Mineralogie_ of M. de Bomare; the _Crystallographie_ of M. Rome Delisle;
the essay of Wallerius, _De Lapidum Origine_; the learned researches of
Bergman, _Sur les Pierres precieuses_, &c.

I may add, that a practical work on the nature and value of precious
stones, comprehending the opinions and superstitions of the ancients
respecting them, together with an essay upon engraved gems, an account of
celebrated collections and specimens, &c., is much wanted, and would
probably be well received.

WILLIAM BATES.

Birmingham.

"_A Pinch o