Especially is this the case with many that have become proverbial. The following list of the sources from whence many of these spring may be useful :— Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.— Congriete Let who may make the laws of a people, allow me to write their ballads, and I'll guide them at my will.Sir Philip Sidney. When Greeks join Greeks then was the tug of war. -Nat Lee. Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.Gray. Nursing her wrath to keep it warm.-Burns. She walks the water like a thing of life.-Byron. The cup that cheers but not inebriates.-Corper. Masterly inactivity.-Mackintosh: 1791. The almighty dollar.-Washington Irving. Entangling alliances.-George Washington. Where liberty dwells, there is my country.-Benj Franklin. The post of honour is the private station.-Thos. Jefferson. A good time coming.-Walter Scott. Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no fibs.-GoldSmith. And make a sunshine in a shady place.-Spenser. Exhausted words, and then imagined new.-Dr Johnson. Look before you ere you leap.-Butler. He whistled as he went for want of thought.Dryden. Great wits are sure to madness near allied.Dryden. None but the brave deserve the fair.-Dryden. -Pope. An honest man's the noblest work of God.-Pope. Looks through nature up to nature's God.-Pope. Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw.-Pope. Who never mentions hell to ears polite.-Pope. From seeming evil still educing good.-Thomson. To teach the young idea how to shoot.-Thomson. "Tis distance lends enchantment to the view.— Campbell. ED. ALTRINCHAM AND ITS ANTIQUITIES. [814.] As this quiet, clean, and respectable town is only a short distance from Stockport, a review of its antiquities may prove interesting to your readers. It is a respectable market town of considerable antiquity, the principal of the union and polling district to which it gives its name, containing in 1821, 2,302 inhabitants, in 1831, 8,200, and in 1841, 9,373, of which last number about 600 were returned for the township. The population of Altrincham was 2,708, and in 1841 3,399. In 1861 the district containing 657 acres had by the census of 1861 6,628 inhabitants, and in 1871, 8,478. The situation of the town is remark corn, ably dry and healthy, and the views from the high grounds in the neighbourhood of Bowdon are extensive and pleasing. Dunham Park is the finest seat in the neighbourhood. There are plenty of inns in the town. The Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway have a station here for Altrincham and Bowdon. The London and North-Western Railway have a Station at Broadheath. There are many handsome residences which border the town, the gardens attached to which display great taste. The Bridgewater Canal passes through the north end of the town at Broadheath. Before the day of railways the Navigation Inn was a place of great resort, where passengers were accommodated whilst waiting for the packets which passed between Manchester, RunLiverpool, &c. The spinning of linen thread and manufacture of bobbins are the only branches of trade which can be stated under the head of manufactures. Agriculture is the prevailing occupation of the labouring classes, while the produce of the many gardens around assist in supplying the Manchester markets. The soil all through the parish is principally of a light and sandy nature, peculiarly favourable to the growth of the potato, large quantities of which are produced here. The Altrincham carrots have a world-wide fame, being the principal kind in request amongst the farmers of this county. This place once enjoyed the privileges of a free borough, having been created such by a charter of the 18 of Edward 1st, on the application of Hamon de Massey, lord of Dunham, who was at that time lord of the manor, which charter also granted a market on Tuesday; it also granted a fair on the eve-day and morrow of the Feast of the Assumption. A guild mercatory, or society of free traffic, together with freedom from tolls throughout the barony, &c., was also granted. The borough has become obsolete, but in consequence of a yearly payment of £5 (which was exchanged for land) having been granted to the Mayor at some remote period by the lord of the manor, a mayor and other officers are annually appointed by the Court Leet held at Michaelmas, but they possess no magisterial functions, the Mayor's duty appearing to be only to receive the rent of 13 acres 1 rood 20 perches of land, which produces about £80 per annum. It is said a considerable sum is spent in Court Leet dinners, &c., but it should be remembered the illuminated clock and drinking fountains in the Market Square have been pro vided out of this fund. From its proximity to the city of Manchester a considerable number of villa residences have sprung up, and the town has been very materially extended and improved. In a quaint old history of the county of Chester, published in 1787, I find it stated that it has two annual fairs, namely, on the 5th of August and the 22nd of November. It then continues:-"Some London idolators have a good-natured saying, 'The farther from the capital the farther from civilisation.' This little spot is one among the many in the kingdom which may be adduced as striking exceptions to so curious a remark, for although Altrincham is situated at the distance of 184 miles from the capital, it is the seat of a considerable manufactory in the worsted branch, and for civilisation, though they may not have laid in so large a stock of complaisance as some Cocknies, they are in possession of a commodity that will last longer and wear better-namely, plain dealing." In 1848 and 1874 a description of the town appeared, in which is described the principal features of its history from which and other sources this sketch of its history has been compiled. The church dedicated to St. George, a brick edifice situated in Church-street, which was erected in 1779, was for many years a chapel of ease under Bowdon Church. It was erected by subscription. A writer in 1848 thus describes it:-"Neither its exterior nor interior exhibits anything remarkable; it corresponds in neatness with the town, which is marked by an air of quiet comfort and respectability." This church was enlarged in 1858 and again in 1861, and will now accommodate between 1,100 and 1,200 persons. The living is a perpetual curacy, valued at £340 per annum, with residence. In the year 1848 the Rev. Francis Orton was incumbent. At the present time the living is enjoyed by the Rev. George London. It is under the patronage of the Vicar of Bowden. Another church, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, was consecrated December 14, 1866, and was erected by subscription, aided by a grant of land from the Earl of Stamford and Warrington, at a cost (including the endowment and repairs fund) of nearly £8,000. It is a very handsome building of stone, erected in the early English style. The principal entrance is at the west end, and there is also a door in the basement of the tower. The height of the tower and spire is 140 feet. The only notable features in this church are the apsidal chancel, and the pulpit and font, both of stone. Nine hundred and forty people can be seated in this church. Half of the seats are free to all comers. The incumbency is a vicarage in the possession of the Rev. Frederick Wainwright, M.A., the first vicar. It is in the gift and patronage of the Bishop of Chester. There is a neat parsonage house to the west of the church, built in 1871. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners also furnished part of the fund towards its erection. There are other churches and mission chapels which were called into existence in consequence of the rapid increase of the population. St. Margaret's, in Dunham Road, was erected in 1855, and has connected with it a mission chapel. St. John's has one, also, at Newtown. Connected with St. George's Church there is a school at Broadheath. The Dissenters have also places of worship here, and there is also the Roman Catholic Chapel. Small as the town is it can boast of its schools, its town hall, its sessions hall, its board of health, its literary institution, its market gardens, its lecture rooms, its churches and chapels, and, I must mention, the Jubilee National Schools, with a house for the master adjoining St. George's Churchyard, reerected in 1860 in the place of the old ones, which were originally erected to commemorate the Jubilee of King George the Third. There are also the British Schools, off Ashley Road, erected in 1860 at a cost of £2,500. The Roman Catholics and Wesleyans have day schools here. There is also an amateur dramatic society, an agricultural society, also one for floral and agricultural purposes. It possesses a provident dispensary and hospital and fever hospital, and a num ber of other useful associations. E. H. Queries. [815.] THE COMPSTALL WATER WHEEL-In your issue of the 15th ult. I noticed a paragraph announcing the stoppage of the "Lily" at the Compstall Printworks. It is stated to be the largest wheel in Great Britain. Any information as to size, age, &c., would, I feel sure, be interesting. WARREN-BULKELEY, MUSCULAR POWER IN BEETLES.-Cassell's "World of Wonders" quotes from Mr. Gosse the following aneedote of a three-horned beetle, the Oryctes maimon, which is not larger than the ordinary English stagbeetle :-"This insect has just astonished me by a proof of its vast strength of body. When it was first brought to me, having no box immediately at hand, I was at a loss where to put it until I could kill it; but a quart bottle full of milk being on the table I clapped the beetle for the present under that, the hollow at the bottom allowing him room to stand upright. Presently to my surprise, the bottle began to move slowly, ard glide along the smooth table, propelled by the museular power of the imprisoned insect, and continued for some time to perambulate the surface, to the astonish. ment of all who witnessed it. SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD, 1882. Notes, 16.] CURIOUS MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS.-The >wing are a few more curious epitaphs which I e collected from various sources. The following iption is a copy of one in Westminster Abbey:— ed to the memory of Sir Godfrey Kueller, knight of the man Empir», and a baronet of England: painter to the ngs Charles II., James I., William III., Queen Aase, and ug George I. He died Oct. 26th, 1723, aged 77. Kneller, by Heaven, and not a master, taught. ON MRS MARY DOVE. Here lies interr'd this turtle dove, And has bid this wick d world good night. Here lies the corpse of Lady Aun. ON THOMAS HEARN. Live to die, for die you must, ON MR DAVID JONES. In this vain world short wa- my stay, I go befo e and lead the way, ON A CHILD. That flesh i grass, It's grace a flower; Rend ere you pass, Whom worms devour. The following inscription was written upon Annie leton, wife of Edward Littleton, of the Inner mple, Esq., who died the 6th of Feb., 1623, and was ied in the Temple Church. Here she lies whose spotless fame From lawless fire remai: ed as free Nottinghamshire Anecdote of the aptitude for business displayed by Lord John Scott, the brother of a late Duke of Buccleuch. About 50 years ago, when there had been severe distress in the manufacturing districts, and, among other places, in Hawick, where the Buccleuch family possesses a large property, his grace and his brother went from one weaving-shop to another, making enquiries as to the wages paid for this and that bit of work. At last they came to a shop where the men were weaving woollen hose. These men assured his grace that they could only earn 3d a pair, or 9d a day. "That is little," said Lord John to the man sitting at the loom. "Will you allow me to try my hand at the loom, and see if I can't make more than you?" "Your lordship will make little of this," said the man. Lord John, however, sat down, took up the shuttle, and worked away, the men all the while looking on in wonder. After a short time he pitched off one hose; then took out his watch and worked another, and at last exclaimed-"I could make 1s 3d a day at this work!" It was then explained that Lord John had been brought up a great deal with his uncle, Lord Montagu, who lived near Nottingham, one of the conditions of his staying there being that he should visit that town every Saturday in order to learn weaving. The consequence was that, unlike many fairly-educated people of his station in society, he could, at the outset of his career, do one thing really well. ED. NURSERY RHYMES OF THE ARABS. [818.] Four or five years ago the Rev. H. H. Jessup D.D., long a missionary in Syria, published a volume called "The Women of the Arabs," with some curious rhymes. There is one which is supposed to be sung as a lullaby by a mother to her baby boy : Whoever loves you not, My little baby boy May she be driven from her hous and never know a joy One heard at Hasbelya, in Syria, is in the following style: O sleep to God my child, my eyes, Your heart no ill shall know; Who loves you not as much as I May God her house o'erthrow! May the mosque and the minaret, dome and all, On her wicked head in anger fall! May the arabs rob her thrashing floor, And not one kernel remain in her store! Somewhat milder, but still not over charitable, is this: We've the white and the red in our baby's cheeks For our neighbours' chilren are. My boy, my moon, I bid you good morrow, Here is a pretty Moslem lullaby, embodying a prayer worthy of quotation : O Lord of the heavens, knowing and wise, Another is used by the women of all sects, the name being changed according to that of the baby to whom the mother sings: : ALTRINCHAM AND ITS ANTIQUITIES. [819.] King, in his "Vale Royal of England," originally published in 1656, says, at page 101, Ed. 1852:"Next to this is the well-known parish church and township of Bowdon, conspicuous far off on a hill in the road to Manchester and Stockport, at the foot whereof is Altrincham, a fine little market town, with a maior of an ancient foundation." Altrincham is also mentioned in John Speed's "England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland," described Anno 1627 in the Map of Chester. An epitome of the tradesmen in the year 1782 may prove interesting:-Woolcombers and twisters 4, wheelwright 1, unclassified 3, innkeepers and victuallers 4, yeomen 2, barber 1, woollen and linen draper 1, grocers and cheesemongers 3, maltster 1, cabinet maker 1, butchers 2, millowner 1, clergymen 2, gardener 1, attornies 2, farmer 1, clockmaker 1, shoemaker 1, apothecary, surgeon, and man mid wife 1, mercer 1, baker 1, cotton twister and manufacturer 1, glover 1, chandler 1; total 38. Such was Altrincham in 1782, with its tradesmen of mark. Coming down a few years later, 1787, the classification varies, and is as follows: -Minister 1, gentlewomen 2, attornies 2, ladies 3, cotton manufacturer 1, surgeons 2, linen drapers 2, milliner 1, mercers 2, grocers 2, cabinet makers 2, innkeepers and victuallers 3, unclassified 1, glaziers 3 saddlers 2, corn factor 1, timber merchant 1, maltster 1, yeoman 1, curriers 2, hatter 1; total 36. During the lapse of 44 years, a great change occurred, for in 1832 Mr William Knowles was postmaster. Letters from Knutsford arrived every morning at five, and were despatched every evening at nine, meeting the London and Birmingham mails. Letters from Manchester arrived every evening at nine, and were despatched every morning at five. Glancing at the population table of that period, I find it as follows: showing an increase of 135 males and 271 females, making a total of 406 in the 10 years 1821 to 1831. It also had its coaches, the "Dart," from Chester to Manchester, calling at the Roebuck, in the Market Place, Altrincham, every morning at 11, whilst the "Emerald" called at the George and Dragon, Sandiway Head, and the "Victory" at the Waggon and Horses, Market Place, every morning, at a quarter before seven, all going through Northwich. The coach from Manchester to Knutsford, the " "Royal Mail," called at the post office every night at nine, and the "Bang-up" passed through every morning at half-past 10. To Manchester the Royal Mail from Knutsford called at the Post Office every morning at five; the "Sir Oliver," from the Roebuck, in the Market Place, every morning at eight, and the Dart," from Chester, called every afternoon at four The " Victory" also called at the Waggon and Horses every evening at six, and the " Bang-up," from Knutsford, every afternoon at five. The "Pilot,” from Northwich, every morning (Sunday excepted) at nine, and the "Nettle," from Nantwich, called at the same inn and the George and Dragon every alternate forenoon. To Nantwich from Manchester, the "Nettle" called at the Waggon and Horses and George and Gragon every alternate afternoon, four, going through Knutsford to North 66 at The "Pilot," from Manchester, called at the gon and Horses, Market Place, every evening, lays excepted, at six. So, after all, the little of Altrincham could not be so dull, quiet, and teresting as some suppose. In addition to these › were the carriers, an important body of mer, to e custody valuable cargoes were often cond. To Manchester, Peter Smith proceeded from own house, Lower Town, and John Warburton Bowden every Tuesday, Thursday, and SaturJohn Warburton also went from Bowdon to wich every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and nas Walker went to Stockport from his own e, Lower Town, every Friday morning. There also ample conveyance by water to Liverpool and porn, a packet boat leaving every morning at 10, cket boat also left the canal wharf for Maner every morning at eight, and afternoon at , and an extra packet boat during the summer E. H. ths. a man's word is not as good as his bond, the thing is to get on without either. If this can't one, look well to the bond, and treat the word ough it had never been spoken, NGULAR STORY OF A DWARF.-When Christina pain was in Rome, about twenty years ago, a if named Georgia Leili was presented to her. was full of wit and intelligence, and pleased the n so much that she attached him to her service. nks to her liberality, the dwarf was able to mulate a small fortune, which he left when he , recently, to two sisters married and living in ila. The heirs sent two persons to Paris to rethe gold pieces and bank bills which their utian relative had left them, and these innocountrymen on their return to Rome were w travellers with three persons who became friendly with them. The feigned travellers e going, so they said, to Alexandria, for busiof the greatest importance, and were delighted ave found such agreeable companions. When men of Aquila told them that they carried the tage of ten thousand dollars in a small valise, of them said they also had a large sum of money them, and proposed putting it all together. countrymen agreed to this novel arrangement, one of the three travellers took the charge of united treasure until arriving at Turin. There pretended friends left the train, giving the ious valise into the hands of the Aquilinesi, promising soon to return. But they never did, the deluded countrymen found, on examining r valise, that the treasure had been replaced by e lumps of lead. When they related their adture to the police of Rome, it seemed so imable that they themselves were held in custody the truth of their story was proved, and some e of the real culprits discovered. SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH, 1882. Notes. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF STOCKPORT WORTHIES: MR SAMUEL OLDKNOW. [820.] About 12 years ago the following was published by me, which I now re-produce:-" Few men have quitted this transitory scene who led a life of greater industry and more active benevolence. In the manufacturing, commercial, and agricultural world he was known for nearly half a century as a man of enterprising skill, coupled with the most unremitting industry and honourable integrity. As he was locally connected with the early history of the trade of Stockport a few passages from the biography of his useful and active life may prove interesting He was born at Anderton, near Bolton, in Lancashire, on the 5th of October, 1756, of respectable parents, and at an early age was apprenticed to his uncle, Mr Thomas Oldknow, a draper, at Nottingham. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he returned to his native place, and began to manufacture muslin handkerchiefs, which was almost unknown in that part of the country. In this business he was successful, and he soon sought out a place where his enterprising genius might be further developed. About 1784 he removed to Stockport, where he erected a very extensive muslin manufactory in Hillgate (the premises are still standing and are now occupied by the Messrs Christy as a hatworks). To him the country is in a great measure indebted for the introduction of that branch of manufacture. So assiduous was he in business that (to use his own language) he seldom observed a muslin dress on any lady, of a pattern different from his own, than he had an improved piece in the loom the following day. About 1790 he removed to Mellor, and erected an extensive establishment for spinning cotton on the banks of the Goyt. It is about two miles (south-west) from Mellor Church, and has a water-power of 120 horses. About 400 persons are employed there in spinning cotton. It is very pleasantly situated, and in 1846 was the property of Peter Arkwright, Esq., being occupied by John Clayton and Co. He became an extensive landed proprietor, both there and in the adjoining township of Marple, and a great practical agriculturist. He was a kind and indulgent landlord, and the tenant must have been a hopeless character if he sent any distress to his household. In his agricultural pursuits he was surpassed by none for care and judgment in |