SHIRLEY HIBBERD. _Rathe_ (Vol. vii., p. 392.).--MR. CROSSLEY is, I believe, mistaken in his derivation of the word _rathe_ from the Celtic _raithe_, signifying inclination, although _rather_ seems indisputably to belong to it. _Rathe_ is, I believe, identical with the Saxon adjective _raetha_, signifying early. Chaucer's-- "What aileth you so _rathe_ for to arise," has been already quoted as bearing this meaning. Milton, in Lycidas, has-- "Bring the _rathe_ primrose that forsaken dies." In a pastoral, called a "Palinode," by E. B., probably Edmond Bolton, in England's _Helicon_, edit. 1614, occurs: "And make the _rathe_ and timely primrose grow." And we have "_rathe_ and late," in a pastoral in Davidson's _Poems_, 4th edit., London, 1621. _Rathe_ is a word still in use in the Weald of Sussex, where Saxon still lingers in the dialect of the common people; and a _rathe_, instead of an early spring, is spoken of; and a species of early apple is known as the _Rathe_-ripe. ANON. _Carr Pedigree_ (Vol. vii., p. 408.).--The pedigree description of Lady Carr is "Gresil, daughter of Sir Robert Meredyth, Knt., Chancellor of the Exchequer in Ireland." Sir George Carr died Feb. 13, 1662-3, and was buried in Dublin. His sons were 1, Thomas, and 2, William; and a daughter Mary, who married 1st, Dr. Thomas Margetson (son to the Archbishop of Armagh); and 2ndly, Dr. Michael Ward. The pedigree is continued through Thomas the eldest son, who was the father of the Bishop of Killaloe. It does not appear that William left any issue. His wife's name was Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Sing, D.D., Lord Bishop of Cork. W. ST. _Banbury Cakes_ (Vol. vii., p. 106.).--In _A Treatise of Melancholy_, by T. Bright, doctor of physic, and published in 1586, I find the following: "Sodden wheat is of a grosse and melancholicke nourishment, and bread especially of the fine flower unleavened: of this sort are bag-puddings or pan-puddings made with flour, frittars, pancakes, such as we call _Banberie cakes_, and those great ones confected with butter, eggs, &c., used at weddings; and howsoever it be prepared, rye and bread made thereof carrieth with it plentie of melancholie." H. A. B. _Detached Belfry Towers_ (Vol. vii., pp. 333. 416. 465.).--To your already extensive list of church towers separate from the church, Launceston Church, Cornwall, and St. John's Church, Chester, may not unfittingly be added. T. HUGHES. Chester. Elstow, Bedfordshire, is an instance of a bell tower separated from the body of the church. B. H. C.