"_One New Year's Day_" (Vol. ix., p. 467.).--The lines quoted by MR. SKYRING are the opening lines of an old ballad, entitled "Richard of Taunton Dean, or Dumble Dum Deary." It may be found in _Ancient Poems, Ballads, and Songs of the Peasantry of England_, edited (for the Percy Society) by J. H. Dixon, Esq., who says: "This song is very popular with the country people in every part of England, but more particularly so with the inhabitants of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. There are many different versions." In the notes to his volume, Mr. Dixon mentions two Irish versions of this ballad, communicated to him by T. C. Croker, Esq., one of which, entitled "Last New Year's Day," is almost _verbatim_ with {527} the English ballad. The other version (which is given by Mr. D.) is entitled "Dicky of Ballyman." J. K. R. W. [This reference renders it unnecessary to insert the versions kindly supplied by E. L. H. and J. A.] _Unregistered Proverbs_ (Vol. ix., p. 235.).--The following I find among the poor parishioners of Tor-Mohun in Devonshire, and they were new to me. In answer to some remarks of mine on the necessary infirmities of old age, one of them replied, "You cannot have two forenoons in the same day." And on another occasion, in answer to my saying that something _ought_ to be done, although it was not, there came, "_Oughts_ are nothings unless they've strokes to them." WM. FRASER, B.C.L. _Orange Blossoms_ (Vol. viii., p. 341.; Vol. ix., p. 386.).--I have seen it stated that the use of these flowers at bridals was derived from the Saracens, or at least from the East, and that they were thus employed as emblems of fecundity. WM. FRASER, B.C.L. _Peculiar Use of the Word "Pure"_ (Vol. viii., p. 125.).--Your correspondent is evidently not a Gloucestershire man. The word _pure_ is commonly used in that county to express being in good health. I remember an amusing instance, which occurred many years ago. A gentleman, a friend of mine, who resided in an establishment where young ladies were educated, was met one day by an honest farmer; who, after inquiring kindly for his own health, said with equal good nature and simplicity, "I hope, Zur, the ladies be all _pure_." GLOUCESTRENSIS. _Worm in Books_ (Vol. viii., p. 412.).--ALETHIS is presented with the following recipe from a very curious old French book of receipts and secrets for everything connected with arts and trades. Put some powdered colocynth into a phial, and cover the mouth with parchment pierced with holes. With this the books should be powdered, and from time to time beaten to drive out the powder, when the same process must be repeated. F. C. H.