_Real Signatures versus Pseudo-Names_ (Vol. vi., p. 310.; Vol. viii., p. 94.).--There is no doubt that the straightforwardness of open and undisguised communications to your excellent miscellany {182} is desirable; but a few words may be said on behalf of your anonymous contributors. If the rule were established that every correspondent should add his name to his communication, many of your friends might, from motives of delicacy, decline asking a question or hazarding a reply. By adopting a _nom-de-guerre_, men eminent in their various pursuits can quietly and unostentatiously ask a question, or contribute information. If the latter be done with reference to standard works of authority, or to MSS. preserved in our public depositories, the disclosure of the name of the contributor adds nothing to the matter contributed, and he may rejoice that he has been the means of promoting the objects of the "N. & Q." without the "blushing to find it fame." It should, however, be a _sine quâ non_ that all original communications, and those of matters of fact, should be authenticated by a real signature, when no reference can be given to authorities not accessible to the public; and it is to be regretted that such authentication has not, in such cases, been generally afforded. THOS. WM. KING (York Herald). _Lines on the Institution of the Garter_ (Vol. viii., p. 53.).-- "Her stocking's security fell from her knee, Allusions and hints, sneers and whispers went round." May I put a Query on the idea suggested by these lines--that the accidental dropping of her garter implied an imputation on the fair fame of the Countess of Salisbury. Why should this be? That it did imply an imputation, I judge as well from the vindication of the lady by King Edward, as also from the proverbial expression used in Scotland, and to be found in Scott's _Works_, of "casting a leggin girth," as synonymous with a female "faux pas." I have a conjecture, but should not like to venture it, without inquiring the general impression as to the origin of this notion. A. B. R. Belmont. _"Short red, God red," &c._ (Vol. vii., p. 500.).--Sir Walter Scott has committed an oversight when, in _Tales of a Grandfather_, vol. i. p. 85., he mentions a murderer of the Bishop of Caithness to have made use of the expression, "Schort red, God red, slea ye the bischop." Adam, Bishop of Caithness, was burnt by the mob near Thurso, in 1222, for oppression in the exaction of tithes; John, Earl of Orkney and Caithness, was killed in retaliation by the bishop's party in 1231.