_Derivation of Sterling._--What is the derivation of _Sterling_? Some authors say from "Easterling," a race of German or Dutch traders; but is it not more likely from "steer," a bull, or ox, viz. a coin originally stamped with a figure of that animal? Of this, and parallel cases, we have many instances among the ancients. I find also, that, in a decree issued in the time of Richard I., the word is used, and explained by "peny" as a synonym. Now peny or penny is clearly from _pecunia_, and that from _pecus_, so that we have the two words brought side by side, one through the Latin, and the other through the Saxon language. R.F. Johnson. _Hanging out the Broom._--In some parts of England a singular custom prevails. When a married woman leaves home for a few days, the husband hangs a broom or besom from the window. When, how, and where did this originate, and what does it signify? R.F. Johnson. _Trunck Breeches.--Barba Longa.--Mercenary Preacher._--In reading Smith's _Obituary_, edited by Sir H. Ellis for the Camden Society, I find the following entries:-- "1640. May 29th, old M'r Grice, in Aldersgate S't, who wore _trunck_ breeches, died." "1646. Oc'r 1. William Young, Chandler, within Aldersgate, a discreet Juryman, and _Barba Longa_, died." "Fe'r 21., old M'r Lewis, the _Mercenary Preacher_, buried." Can any of your correspondents explain the meaning of "_Trunck_ Breeches," "_Barba Longa_," and "_Mercenary Preacher_?" X.Y.Z. Suffolk, March 4. _Apposition._--Can any one give me a little information upon the following passage?-- "Quin age, te incolumi potius (potes omnia quando, Nec tibi nequiequam pater est qui sidera torquet) Perficias quodcunque tibi nunc instat agendum." _Hieronym. Vid. Christ._ lib. i. 67. I want to know in what case _te incolumi_ is; and, if in the ablative absolute, can any one bring a parallel construction from the writers of the Augustan age, where the law of _apposition_ appears to be so far violated? A.W. _Pamphlets respecting Ireland._--"J." wishes to be informed where copies may be found of the following pamphlets, described in Ware's _Irish Writers_, under the head "Colonel Richard Laurence," and "Vincent Gookin, Esq.," son of Sir Vincent Gookin, who, in the year 1634, published "a bitter invective, by way of letter, against the nation." Vincent Gookin's pamphlet is dated London, 1655, 4to. Any particulars relative to _his_ family and descendants will oblige. The title of Col. R. Laurence's book is,-- "The interest of Ireland in the first Transplantation stated; wherein it set forth the benefit of the Irish Transplantation: intended as an Answer to the scandalous seditious Pamphlet, entitled 'The Great Case of Transplantation Discussed.' London, 1655."