_Symbolism of the Fir-cone_ (Vol. i., p. 247.).--The Fir-cone on the Thyrsus--a practice very general throughout Greece, but which is very prevalent at Athens, may perhaps, in some degree, account for the connexion of the Fir-cone (surmounting the Thyrsus) with the worship of Bacchus. Incisions are made in the fir-trees for the purpose of obtaining the turpentine, which distils copiously from the wound. This juice is mixed with the new wine in large quantities; the Greeks supposing that it would be impossible to keep it any length of time without this mixture. The wine has in consequence a very peculiar taste, but is by no means unpleasant after a little use. This, as we learn from Plutarch, was an ancient custom (_Sympos. Quaest._ iii. and iv. p. 528. edn. Wytten); the Athenians, therefore, might naturally have placed the Fir-cone in the hands of Bacchus. ("Lord Aberdeen's Journals," Appendix to Walpole's _Memoirs of Turkey, &c._, vol. i. p. 605.) F. B. RELTON. _Dr. Robert Thomlinson_ (Vol. i., p. 350.).--The gentleman who is very anxious for the communication of any matter illustrative of the life of the doctor, his family, &c., will find considerable useful and interesting information relating to him, his widow, and brother, by referring to the under-mentioned _Reports from the Commissioners for inquiring concerning Charities_: 5th Report, pages 67. 69.; 23rd Report, pages 56. 450.; 31st Report, pages 754. 757. There is a slight allusion to the doctor in the _Returns of Corporate Offices and Charitable Funds, &c._, p. 375. H. EDWARDS. _Touching for the Evil_ (Vol. iii., p. 93.).--St. Thomas Aquinas refers the practice of touching for the evil by French kings to _Clovis_. See a work published in 1633, by Simon Favoul, entitled, _Du Pouvoir que les Rois de France ont de guerir les Ecrouelles_; also a work by Du Laurens, entitled, _De Mirabili Strumas sanandi vi, regibus Galliarum Christianis divinitus concessa, libri duo_, Paris, 1609, in 8vo. Edward the Confessor is said to have been the first English king who touched for the evil. Consequently the English can hardly be said to have owed their supposed power to their pretensions to the crown of France. E. J. R. [We are indebted to MR. J. B. DITCHFIELD and MR. JOSEPH SULLEY for very elaborate notices of the custom of the French kings touching for the evil; but the principal facts contained in those communications have already been laid before our readers by MR. COOPER (Vide No. 69. p. 148. et seq.)]