The antiquarian magazines of the last century are full of correspondence and ingenious explanations of such signs as the _Pig and Whistle_, _Cat and Fiddle_, or _Goat in Boots_. Many of the suggestions offered are far more whimsical in character than the devices they profess to explain. “Cat and Fiddle” is supposed to be a corruption of _Caton Fidèle_, a certain incorruptible Governor of Calais. _Pig and Whistle_ has been traced to “Peg and Wassail,” with reference to the pegged tankards formerly passed round for the loving cup, each guest being expected to drink down to the next peg. “Pix and Housel,” in honour of the Blessed Sacrament, or the Danish _Ave Maria_, and “Pige Washail” have also been suggested by the learned. Mr. T. C. Croker, in his “Walk to Fulham,” attempted to derive the _Goat in Boots_ at Fulham from _der Goden Boode_, the “Messenger of the Gods,” or Mercury; the idea being that the house was originally a posting inn. The _Pig and Whistle_ may possibly be a rustic corruption of the _Bear and Ragged Staff_ on a somewhat faded signboard. Animals masquerading in human attire or performing human actions were a favourite conceit of the mediæval craftsman, as may be seen by the carvings on the stalls of our old cathedrals. Most likely we owe these humorous signs to the sign-painter himself. He was commissioned to design an advertisement that would puzzle inquisitive people and so attract customers. The _Goat and Compasses_ is supposed to be a corruption of a motto set up over inns during the period of puritan tyranny, “God encompasses us”; _Bag of Nails_ of “Bacchanals.” In default of better explanations we must accept these. Until recently a public house existed in St. James’ Street, called the _Savoy Weepers_--a name which might open up an endless mystification if we did not know that the house was previously occupied by the _Savoir Vivre_ Club. The _Goose and Gridiron_ is, according to the _Tatler_, a parody of the favourite trade-mark of early music houses, the _Swan and Harp_; while the _Monster_ in Pimlico may have been the monastery inn, built during the time that the monks of Westminster Abbey farmed this estate. _Why Not_, and _Dew Drop Inn_ are, of course, invitations to the wayfarer; _Bird in Hand_ and _Last House_, or _Final_, suggestion that he should not waste his opportunities to imbibe.