Note 158 — Vol. I.—18.

Vermin and destructive birds are nailed, or rather crucified, on the park barns of noblemen by their gamekeepers, to hold intruders in terrorem, and give ocular proofs of skill and vigilance.

[159] The Saxon word “Halidom” signifies “Holy Judgment:” whence in old times, “By my Halidom!” was a solemn oath among country people.—“By Gonnies!”—“By Gosh!” and a hundred other exclamations, may have originated in the avoiding an oath, or the performing a pledge—but what is “Huck’n?”