entire score of 'Lucia di Lammermoor' is replete with snatches and fragments of the minstrelsy of Scotland." There is then added a few lines relative to Rossini, whose family is also alleged to be Scotch. How far this legend is true I know not; but perhaps some of your correspondents might throw light on the subject. But assuredly there _did_ exist a Scotch family called _Izett_; and a lady of that name is at present living in, or near, the romantic town of Stirling. What is remarkable is this: that in the list of subscribers to the Edinburgh Circus, afterwards better known as Corri's Rooms, and now the Adelphi Theatre, occurs the name of _Izatt_ or _Izett_, who followed the calling of a hatter. This was in 1790. On making inquiry, it has been ascertained that he came from Perthshire; that his father was a farmer there; and what is still more striking, that, having realised an ample fortune, he retired from business and purchased an estate in that county. It was also said, that he corresponded with some relative on the Continent. All this is very inconclusive, but still it is worth noticing. J. G. S. FOLK LORE. _Ash Sap--The Ash_ (Vol. iv., p. 273.).--The reason for giving ash sap to new-born children in the Highlands of Scotland is, first, because it acts as a powerful astringent, and, secondly, because the ash, in common with the rowan, is supposed to possess the property of resisting the attacks of witches, fairies, and other imps of darkness. Without some precaution of this kind, they would change the child, or possibly steal it away altogether. The herd boys in the district of Buchan, in Aberdeenshire, always prefer a herding stick of ash to any other wood, as in throwing it at their cattle, it is _sure_ not to strike on a vital part, and so kill or injure the animal, which they say a stick of any other wood _might_ do. "Rowan, ash, and red thread, Keep the devils frae their speed." It is common practice with the housewives in the same district, to tie a piece of red worsted thread round their cows' tails, previous to turning them out to grass for the first time in the spring. It secures their cattle, they say, from an evil eye, from being elf-shot by fairies, &c. &c. ABERDONIENSIS. _Souling._--On the 2nd of November, All Souls' Day, it is in Shropshire the custom for the village children to go round to all their neighbours souling, as they call it, collecting small contributions, and singing the following verses, which I took down from two of the children themselves:-- Soul! soul! for a soul-cake; Pray, good mistress, for a soul-cake. One for Peter, two for Paul, Three for Them who made us all. Soul! soul! for an apple or two; If you've got no apples, pears will do. Up with your kettle, and down with your pan; Give me a good big one, and I'll be gone. Soul! soul! for a soul-cake; Pray, good mistress, a soul-cake, &c.