"It is not generally known that this word, presently so much in vogue, is of Scottish origin. There was in olden time a race called Bogue, or Boag of that ilk, in Berwickshire. A daughter of the family married a son of Hume of Hume. In process of time, by default of male issue, the Bogue estate devolved on one Geordie Hume, who was called popularly 'Hume o' the Bogue,' or rather 'Aum o' the Bug.' This worthy was inclined to the marvellous, and had a vast inclination to exalt himself, his wife, family, brother, and all his ancestors on both sides. His tales however did not pass current; and at last, when any one made an extraordinary statement in the Mearns, the hearer would shrug up his shoulders, and style it just 'a hum o' the bug.' This was shortened into _hum-bug_, and the word soon spread like wildfire over the whole kingdom." How far this is, or is not true, cannot be known; but it is certain that the Lands of Bogue, commonly called by country folk "Bug," passed by marriage into the Hume family; and that the male representatives of this ancient family are still in existence. This much may be fairly asserted, that the Berwickshire legend has more apparent probability about it than any of the other ones. J. MT. P. S.--"That ilk," in old Scotch, means "the same:" in other words, Hume of that ilk is just Hume of Hume; and Brodie of that ilk, Brodie of Brodie. _Table-moving_ (Vol. vii., p. 596.).--I imagine that the great object in _table-moving_ is to produce the desired effect _without_ pressure. During experiments I have often heard the would-be "table-movers" cry "Don't press: it must be done without any pressure." J. A. T. _Scotch Newspapers_ (Vol. viii., p. 57.).--In Ruddiman's _Life_, by G. Chalmers (8vo. Lond. 1794), it is stated that Cromwell was the first who communicated the benefit of a newspaper to Scotland. {162} In 1652, Christopher Higgins, a printer, whom Cromwell had conveyed with his army to Leith, reprinted there what had been already published at London, _A Diurnal of some passages and affairs for the information of the English Soldiers_. A newspaper of Scottish manufacture appeared at Edinburgh, the same authority relates, on the 31st of December, 1660, under the title of _Mercurius Caledonius_; comprising the affairs in agitation in Scotland, with a survey of foreign intelligence. It was published once a week, in a small 4to. form of eight pages. Chalmers adds, that-- "It was a son of the Bishop of Orkney, Thomas Lydserfe, who now thought he had the wit to amuse, the knowledge to instruct, and the address to captivate the lovers of news in Scotland. But he was only able, with all his powers, to extend his publication to ten numbers, which were very loyal, very illiterate, and very affected." JOHN MACRAY. Oxford.