[Footnote 13: "The first book, together with the eighth, and the books from the eleventh to the twenty-second inclusive, seem to form the primary organisation of the poem, _then properly an Achilleïs_," &c.--Grote, Vol. ii. pp. 235. fol.] [Footnote 14: Mure, vol. i. p. 23 n. Ticknor, _History of Spanish Literature_, vol. i. p. 11. seq.] I said before (Vol. v., p. 99.) that the Cyclic poems illustrated the history of the Homeric compositions, just as the letters of Poplicola, and those of Philo Junius, illustrate the history of Junius; but I am not inclined to deprive them all of credit as the compositions of the same poet. For instance, part of the Ιλιας μικρα was probably done from the notes of Melesigenes, who was, like Herodotos, always at work upon some matter. The origin of writing has been made a stumbling-block in the Homeric question, and most foolishly; and I must again agree with Colonel Mure on this subject. Mr. Grote, Mr. Granville Penn, and the Colonel, have done more for the elucidation of the question than any other scholars of the present or last age; and it is to them we must turn for further assistance. I wish they would give their attention to the hymns, especially that to Hermes; for "thereby hangs a tale." As for me, I leave my speculations to the mercy of those who do not think like myself. I am satisfied that they are not far from the truth, and as near as we can hope to come in these days. Indeed, it is a well-known fact, embodied in the old proverb, "What's one man's meat's another's poison;" and that which is convincing to one is the contrary to another. Ere I "close" my "scribblings," however, I must tender my thanks to the Editor of "N. & Q.," for his kind admission of these articles to his pages. Haveto! KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE. March 3. 1852. FOLK LORE. _Ancient Custom on Interment._--I have read that it was a custom to inter an hour-glass with the deal, as an emblem of the sand of life being run out; or perhaps (as I should rather suggest) to intimate that the departed, having entered upon eternity, had done with time. I believe that in the early part of the last century the custom had not entirely disappeared, and that small hour-glasses were given to the friends of the deceased attending at funerals, and were put beside the corpse (like rosemary), or thrown into the grave? Does the custom still linger in any remote parts of the country? W. S. G. Newcastle-on-Tyne. _Pure Rain Water._--_Pure rain water_ is said to be an infallible cure for sore eyes, and cases are reported to the writer by persons who have tried and fancy they have proved its efficacy. The rain water must be collected in a clean open vessel, _in the month of June_, and must not be contaminated be being previously collected by any other means; it will then remain pure for any length of time, if preserved in a bottle. T. D. Gainsbro'.