_Regium Donum._--What is the origin and history of the "Regium Donum?" HENRI VAN LAUN. King William's College, Isle of Man. [In the year 1672, Charles II. gave to Sir Arthur Forbes the sum of 600l., to be applied to the use of the Presbyterian ministers in Ireland. He professed not to know how to bestow it in a better manner, as he had learnt that these ministers had been loyal, and had even suffered on his account; and as that sum remained undisposed of in "the settlement of the revenue of Ireland," he gave it in his charity to them. This was the origin of the _Regum donum_. As the dissenters approved themselves strong friends to the House of Brunswick, George I., in 1723, wished too to reward them for their loyalty, and, by a retaining fee, preserve them stedfast. A considerable sum, therefore, was annually lodged with the heads of the Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists, to be distributed among the necessitous ministers of their congregations.] _Who was the Author of "Jerningham" and "Doveton?"_ (Vol. viii., p. 127.).--MR. ANSTRUTHER begs to decline the compliment; perhaps the publisher of the admirable _History of the War in Affghanistan_ can find a head to fit the cap. Oswestry. [On a reference to our note-book, we find our authority for attributing the authorship of these works to Mr. Anstruther is the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for September, 1837, p. 283. In the review of _Doveton_ the writer says, "There is in it a good deal to amuse, and something to instruct, but the whole narrative of _Mr. Anstruther_ is too melodramatic," &c. However, as he declines the compliment, perhaps some of our readers will be able to find the right head to fit the cap.] _Alma Mater._--In Ainsworth's _Latin Dictionary_ I observed he limits the use of that expression to Cambridge. I have been accustomed to see it used for Oxford, or any other university. What is his reason for applying it to Cambridge alone? MA. L. [Bailey, too, in his _Dictionary_, applies the epithet exclusively to Cambridge, _Alma mater Cantabrigia_: so that it seems to have originated with that university. It is now popularly applied to Oxford, and other universities, by those who have imbibed the milk of learning from these places. The epithet has lately been transplanted to the United States of America.] * * * * * Replies. ALEXANDER CLARK. (Vol. viii., p. 18.) In communicating a few particulars about Alexander Clark, I must disappoint your correspondent PERTHENSIS; _my_ subject answering in no respect to Peter Buchan's "drucken dominie," the author of the _Buttery College_. Alexander Clark, who has fallen in my way, belongs to the class of "amiable enthusiasts;" a character I am somewhat fond of, believing that in any pursuit a dash of the latter quality is essential to success.