The poem has no subscription, nor, from the appearance of the paper, should I say there had been one. The comparatively modern phraseology points to a late era. The poem is bound up with a quantity of John Stowe's papers, and I think is in his handwriting, upon comparing it with other papers known to be his in the same book. As it is my chief object (next to contributing to the preservation and publication of these ancient ballads) to obtain data regarding the anonymous productions of the earlier days of England's literature, any remarks, allow me to say, that other contributors will favour our {220} medium of intercommunication with, will be much appreciated by KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE. [Our correspondent is certainly mistaken in supposing this poem to be in Stowe's handwriting. We have the best possible authority for assuring him that it is not.] [Footnote 1: _Blason_, describe.] [Footnote 2: We have here an instance of the use of the word _prayers_ as a dissyllable.] * * * * * FOLK LORE. _Moths called Souls._--While I am upon this subject, I may as well mention that in Yorkshire the country-people used in my youth, and perhaps do still, call night-flying white moths, especially the _Hepialus humuli_, which feeds, while in the grub state, on the roots of docks and other coarse plants, "souls." Have we not in all this a remnant of "Psyche?" F. S. [This latter paragraph furnishes a remarkable coincidence with the tradition from the neighbourhood of Truro (recorded by MR. THOMS in his Folk lore of Shakspeare, _Athenaeum_ (No. 1041.) Oct. 9. 1847) which gives the name of _Piskeys_ both to the _fairies_ and to _moths_, which are believed by many to be _departed souls_.] _Holy Water for the Hooping Cough_ (vol. iii., p. 179.).--In one of the principal towns of Yorkshire, half a century ago, it was the practice for persons in a respectable class of life to take their children, when afflicted with the hooping cough, to a neighbouring convent, where the priest allowed them to drink a small quantity of holy water out of a silver chalice, which the little sufferers were strictly forbidden to touch. By Protestant, as well as Roman Catholic parents, this was regarded as a remedy. Is not the superstition analogous to that noticed by MR. WAY? EBORACOMB. _Daffy Down Dilly._--At this season, when the early spring flowers are showing themselves, we hear the village children repeating these lines:-- "Daff a down dill has now come to town, In a yellow petticoat and a green gown." Does not this nursery rhyme throw light upon the character of the royal visitor alluded to in the snail charm recorded by F. J. H. (p. 179.)? EBORACOMB. * * * * * DR. MAITLAND'S ILLUSTRATIONS AND ENQUIRIES RELATING TO MESMERISM.