The sound, therefore, is a combination of _two simple_ sounds. But in a previous article (8.) _a_, _e_, _o_ are called _simple_ vowels; or (according to his definition): "Those which are formed by _one_ conformation of the organs only; that is, the organs remain exactly in the _same_ position at the _end_ as at the _beginning_ of the letter; whereas, in the _compound_ vowels _i_ and _u_, the organs _alter_ their position before the letter is completely sounded." Walker, therefore, makes the sound to be "_combination_ of _two simple_ sounds," although he had already declared it to be a _simple_ sound. Now, strange to say, Dr. Richardson, in his very valuable contribution to our literature, viz. his 8vo. _Dictionary_ (a veritable _Richardson_, very long ago foretold by Joe Miller), is guilty of the same inconsistency. In the "Grammatical and Etymological Examination adapted to the Dictionary," he reckons _thirteen simple_ vowels in our language. The _tenth_ is the "long slender sound of _a_," as Walker would call it; and the sound is given us (according to Richardson) in these words: "_Lame_, _Tame_, _Crane_, _Faint_, and _Layman_." My Query is, ought not this sound to be transferred from the _simple vowels_ under the _true diphthongs_? And ought we not to distinguish between the pronunciation of _pail_ and _pale_, just as we do between _neigh_, and _né_ (French); _bait_ and _bête_ (French); or between _pay_ and _pe_ (Welsh); _tay_ and _te_ (Welsh)? It is worthy of remark, that the Welsh language has only the _simple_ sound, _not_ the _diphthongal_? R. PRICE. * * * * * Minor Notes. _A Bit o' fine Writin'._--In the Preface to certain _Lectures on Ecclesiastes_, recently published, there occurs a choice scientific illustration, the "intellectual vastitude" whereof "necessitates a certain catholicity" of acquirements possessed by few readers. The author is referring to Jerome, and says: "The most painful thing in his writings is the tone of _litigious infelicity_ by which they are pervaded. It is a sort of _formic acid which flows from the finger-points not of our good father alone, but of a whole class of {582} divines; and, like the red marks left by the feet of ants on litmus-paper, it discolours all his pages_." There are two vignettes in the work: one illustrates "Consider the lilies," concerning which the artist had the benefit of an eminent botanist's opinion, to ensure correctness in the design. The other represents Solomon in all his glory, _driving his own chariot_, holding the reins in his right hand, and a sceptre or "morning-star" in his left hand. Methinks this illustration would not have passed muster with Mr. Scharf or Dr. Braun. AN UPLONDISHE MANNE. _Custom of Cranes in Storms._--Some of your readers may be able further to illustrate the customs which I mention: