s of
_Sovereign_, _Sanctus_, _Seneschallus_, or any similar word. It is (as MR.
ELLACOMBE hints, p. 248.) purely descriptive of the _mechanical_ mode of
forming the chain, not by round or closed links, but by hooks alternately
deflected into the shape of _esses_; thus, [Illustration: 3 sideways
capital letter S's]. Whether chains so made (being more susceptible of
ornament than other forms of links) may not have been in special use for
particular {331} purposes, I will not say; but I have no doubt that the
_name_ means no more than that the links were in the shape of the letter S.

C.

* * * * *

SIRLOIN.

Several correspondents who treat of Lancashire matters do not appear to be
sufficiently careful to ascertain the correct designations of the places
mentioned in their communications. In a late number Mr. J.G. NICHOLS gave
some very necessary corrections to CLERICUS CRAVENSIS respecting his note
on the "Capture of King Henry VI." (Vol. ii., p. 181.); and I have now to
remind H.C. (Vol. ii., p. 268.) that "Haughton Castle" ought to be "Hoghton
Tower, near Blackburn, Lancashire." Hoghton Tower and Whittle Springs have
of late been much resorted to by pic-nic parties from neighbouring towns;
and from the interesting scenery and splendid prospects afforded by these
localities, they richly deserve to be classed among the _lions_ of
Lancashire. It is not improbable that the far-famed beauties and rugged
grandeur of "The Horr" may, for the time, have rendered it impossible for
H.C. to attend to orthography and the simple designation "Hoghton Tower,"
and hence the necessity for the present Note.

The popular tradition of the knighting of the Sirloin has found its way
into many publications of a local tendency, and, amongst the rest, into the
graphic _Traditions of Lancashire_, by the late Mr. Roby, whose premature
death in the Orion steamer we have had so recently to deplore. Mr. Roby,
however, is not disposed to treat the subject very seriously; for after
stating that Dr. Morton had preached before the king on the duty of
obedience, "inasmuch as it was rendered to the vicegerent of heaven, the
high and mighty and puissant James, Defender of the Faith, and so forth,"
he adds:--

"After this comfortable and gracious doctrine, there was a rushbearing
and a piping before the king in the great quadrangle. Robin Hood and
Maid Marian, with the fool and Hobby Horse, were, doubtless, en