hether this crook originally meant the shepherd's crook (a very
efficient instrument for the purpose), or simply such a _crook_-ed
_stick_ as boys use for gathering hazel-nuts, is not very material. It
seems highly probable that, in the vast forests which once overspread
this country, the right of taking "_fire bote_" by "hook or crook" was
recognised; and we can hardly wish for a more apt illustration of the
idea of gaining a desired object by the ordinary means--"a hook," if it
lay close to our hand; or, by a method requiring more effort, "a crook,"
if it were a little beyond our reach.

J.A.S.

_By Hook or by Crook_ (pp. 205, 237. 281. &c.).--In confirmation of this
phrase having reference to forest customs, my hind told me that my
plantations were plundered by hook or by crook, and he and I once caught
a man in _flagrante delicto_, with a hook for cutting green wood, and a
crook at the end of a long pole for breaking off dry branches, which
could not be otherwise reached. For an early use of the term, see
Bacon's _Fortress of the Faithful_, 1550.

"Whatsoever is pleasant or profitable must be theirs by hook or
by crook."

S.S.S. {406}

_Tablet to Napoleon._--Will it assist "EMDEE's" interpretation of the
inscription to Napoleon (No. 17 p. 262.) if I suggest that it may
mean--AEgyptiaco bis, Italico semper invicto?

C.I.R.
Feb. 25.

_Lines on Pharaoh_ (No. 19. p. 298.).--I beg to inform "J.T.," that the
well-known _couplet_ about Pharaoh, and _rascal_ rhyming to _pascal_,
are from a certain _History of the Bible_, or _Bible History_, by the
Rev. Dr. Zachary Boyd, of Todrig, who was either Principal or Professor
of Divinity at Glasgow in the seventeenth century.

He left considerable property to the College there, on condition that
his bust should be placed in the quadrangle, and his great work printed
under the care of the Academical Senatus. The bust was placed
accordingly, and is, or lately was, to be seen in a niche over the inner
doorway. The _History_ was also printed, it is said, but never
published. However, curious visitors have always, I believe, been
allowed a peep into it--whether the MS. or the solitary printed book, I
am not sure--and a few choice morsels are current. I recollect one stave
of the lamentation of Jonah--

"Lord! what a doleful place is this!
There's neither coal nor candle;
And nothing I but fishes' tripes
And greasy guts do bandle."

I think it a