Volume 4 — Queries.

DEODANDS AND THEIR APPLICATION.

Blackstone states (1 Comm. p. 300.) that a deodand—

"Is forfeited to the king to be applied to pious uses, and distributed in alms by his high almoner, though formerly destined to a more superstitious purpose. It seems to have been originally designed, in the blind days of Popery, as an expiation for the souls of such as were snatched away by sudden death; and for that purpose ought properly to have been given to holy church."

The authorities for this latter statement are Fitzh., Abr., tit. "Enditement," pt. 27., and Staunf., P.C., 20, 21., neither of which books are in my possession, nor in this remote district can I gain access to them. Hume, Lingard, Henry, and Rapin, omit all mention of this change in the destination of the deodand, at least so far as I can find. Fleta, who lived, according to Dr. Cowell (Interpreter, in verb. "Fleta"), tem. Ed. II., Ed. III., or, according to Jacob (Law Dic., in ver. "Fleta"), tem. Ed. I., says that—

"This deodand is to be sold to the poor, and the price distributed to the poor for the soul of the king and all faithful people departed this life."—Interpreter, in ver. "Deodand."

It would therefore appear that in Fleta's time it was settled law that deodands went to the Crown; nor does this writer seem to take any notice of their having been, at any time, payable to the Church. Hawkins, East, and I think Hale also, are equally silent upon the point.

Can any of your readers kindly supply the information as to when deodands first ceased to be given to the Church, and when they became the property of the Crown?

JONATHAN PEEL.

Minor Queries.

349. Hell Paved with the Skulls of Priests.

—The proverb "Hell is paved with good intentions" (Vol. ii. pp. 86. 140.), brings to my recollection a remark I once heard from the lips of a French priest. He was addressing an audience chiefly composed of students in divinity, and while descanting on the peculiar dangers to which ecclesiastics are exposed, and the obstacles they have to encounter at every step on the road to salvation, he said there could be no doubt that by far the greater number of them would incur eternal damnation. "It was this" (added he, with an emphasis which sent thrill of horror through all present), "It was this that made one of the early fathers assert, that Hell is paved with the skulls of priests." I think the preacher mentioned Tertullian as his authority for this singular sentiment, but he only gave the words: "L'enfer est pavé de têtes de prêtres." Can any of your readers point out the precise passage referred to?

HENRY H. BREEN.

St. Lucia.

350. Charib.

—Can any of your correspondents inform me what is the derivation and meaning of the word Charib? The Charibs were the ancient inhabitants, as is well known, of the smaller West Indian islands.

W. J. C.

St. Lucia.

351. Thumb Bible.

—Can any of your readers tell me the history of the Thumb Bible, reprinted by Longman, 1850? Who was "J. Taylor," who seems to have been the author? He has strangely spoilt Bishop Ken's Morning and Evening Hymns at the conclusion of his book.

HERMES.

352. Tripos.

—What is the origin of the term "tripos" as applied to the mathematical and classical honour lists in the university of Cambridge?

A. F. S.

353. Louis Philippe and his Bag of Nails.

—Has any of your correspondents heard a story about a bag of rusty nails which Louis Philippe used to carry about with him; with which he considered his fate as in some way connected; and which he lost a few days before February 24, 1848? If so, is it known whether the story is well authenticated?

R. D. H.

354. Brass Statues at Windsor.

—"The Brass Statues at Windsor," sold in 1646 by order of the House of Lords to pay the troops at Windsor:—What were these statues?

WAYLEN.

355. Edmund Bohun.

—Is it possible that some Trans-atlantic notist may be able to supply a scrap or two of intelligence respecting the brief career of Edmund Bohun, as Chief Justice of South Carolina, 1698-1701? I believe he died in the latter year, and was buried at Charlestown.

S. W. RIX.

Beccles.

356. Bishop Trelawney.

—To what parliamentary decision does Atterbury allude in the subjoined extract from the dedication to Trelawney, Bishop of Winchester, prefixed to his Sermons in four volumes, 1723?

"This and another parliamentary decision, which your lordship not long after with equal difficulty obtained, and by which the bishop's sole right to judge of the qualifications of persons applying for institution was unutterably confirmed, are such instances of your magnanimity and public spirit as will remain in memory while the church or the law of England lasts."

E. H. A.

Minor Queries Answered.

Companion Ladder.

—Why are the stairs leading from the deck to the chief cabin of a ship called "the companion ladder?"

A CONSTANT READER.

[The companion in merchant ships is a wooden porch placed over the entrance or staircase of the cabin. Hence the ladder by which officers ascend to and descend from the quarter-deck, is called the companion ladder.]

Macaulay's Ballad of the Battle of Naseby.

—Where is Mr. Macaulay's ballad of the "Battle of Naseby" to be found printed entire? It is not republished in the last edition of his Lays of Ancient Rome.

D. B. J.

[It has never, we believe, been printed since its first publication in Knight's Magazine, about the year 1824. From the omission pointed out by our correspondent, it is obvious that the accomplished writer of it does not himself regard this ballad as deserving of republication.]