There is one agreeable feature in this explanation, viz., that it professes somewhat naturally to account for the mysterious relation between the flesh of the unclean animal, and the name of a very ancient and honourable family. But its chief value is to be found in the singular _authentication_ of it which I accidentally discovered in Collins's _Baronetage_. In the very ample and particular account there given of the pedigree of the Premier Baronet, it will be seen that the _first_ man who assumed the surname of Bacon, was one William (temp. Rich. I.), a great grandson of the Grimbaldus, who came over with the Conqueror and settled in Norfolk. Of course there was _some_ reason for his taking that name; and though Collins makes no comment on it, he does in fact unconsciously supply that reason (elucidated by Verstegan) by happily noting of this _sole_ individual, that he _bore for his arms_, "argent, _a beech tree_ proper!" Thank you, Mr. Collins! thank you kindly, Richard Verstegan! You are both excellent and honest men. You cannot have been in collusion. You have not, until _now_, even reaped the merit of truthfulness and accuracy, which you silently reflect upon each other. The family name, Bacon, then, undoubtedly signifies "of the beechen tree," and is therefore of the same class with many others such as ash, beech, &c., latinized in ancient records by De Fraxino, De Fago, &c. The motto of the Somersetshire Bacons, noticed by NOCAB, when read as written, is supposed to be in the _ablative_ case; when transposed, the evident ellipse may be supplied _ad libitum_. From Grimbaldus, downwards, it does not appear that these _beechen_ men ever signalized themselves by _deeds of arms_, the favourite boast of heralds and genealogists. Nor indeed could we expect them to have "hearts of _oak_." But several have rendered the name illustrious by their contributions to literature, science, and the fine arts. Its _appropriateness_, therefore, must be apology for the motto; which, like most others, is by no means too modest and unassuming. Duly blushing, I subscribe myself, yours, PROBA CONSCIENTIA. P.S. The pedigree of the Norfolk Bacons is one of the most _perfect_ in the Herald's College. Any of your readers fond of genealogy might find himself repaid in seeking further information regarding the _particular coat of arms_ above referred to, and might throw still more light on the subject. In Vol. ii., p. 247., your correspondent, NOCAB, quotes (without reference) the remark _en passant_ of a previous correspondent "that the word _bacon_ had the obsolete signification of 'dried wood.'" I have searched in vain for this allusion in your preceding Numbers.[2] The information is too curious, however, to be lost sight of. The _Saxon_ word _bacon_ is, without doubt, simply and purely _beechen_--pertaining to, or relating to the beech tree.