_Kissing under the Mistletoe_ (Vol. v., p. 13.).--The editorial reply to An M.D. seems to me very unsatisfactory. Would it not be more reasonable to refer the custom to the Scandinavian mythology, wherein the mistletoe is dedicated to Friga, the Venus of the Scandinavians; especially when we remember that previous to the introduction of Christianity, the feast of Thor was celebrated by the Northmen at nearly the same period? a fact which also accounts for the Bacchanalian character of the Christian feast. Students of the Edda will remember the importance of the mistletoe in the Scandinavian legends; the story of Loke's attack on Balder hinging upon the parasite character of the plant. It is worth a note in passing, that the holly owes its importance in the Christmas festivities to paganism. The Romans dedicated the holly to Saturn, whose festival was held in December; and the early Christians, to screen themselves from persecution, decked their houses with its branches during their own celebration of the Nativity. SHIRLEY HIBBERD. _The Ring Finger_ (Vol. v., p. 114.).--I allow all that has been said, though the Rubric in our Prayer Book directs the ring to be placed _on_ the fourth finger, and held there, &c. Still I have read of the earliest custom being, after repeating the words "With this ring I thee wed," &c., on coming to "In the name of the Father," to place the ring on the top of the thumb; "and of the Son," to place it on the top of the forefinger; "and of the Holy Ghost," to place it on the top of the third finger; _and_, on repeating the word "amen," to put the ring _down_ over the fourth finger; thereby "ratifying, and confirming the same." This seems the most _serious_ conclusion of the matter. R. F. M. _Sanctus Bell_ (Vol. v., p. 104.).--The _Glossary of Architecture_ is right in its description, but not in its conclusion. There are many instances where the _Sanctus Bell_, or its remains, still exist in the tower or bell chamber. As _e.g._ at Addington, Bucks, the "Parson's Bell," as it is now called there, is to be seen in a small aperture in the wall of the bell-chamber, exposed to the outside, on the west. A similar aperture, size, and position, but _minus_ the bell, can also be seen in the tower of Merriott, Somerset. The recess in the wall of the tower of Trumpington Church was clearly for the sacristan (perhaps) to stand in to ring the bell. In the ringing chamber in the tower of Halstock, Dorset, is a _wedge-like_ aperture in the wall next the nave; it is about three feet square, and _splays_ from a narrow slit in the church over the tower arch. This was evidently for the sacristan to observe the proper times for ringing the bell. The top of the tower, bell-chamber, &c., had been rebuilt about a hundred years since, which may account for no loop-hole now to be seen. No doubt there are many others. R. F. M.