A contributor to a periodical work[14] rejects the notion, that wearing _leeks_ on St. David’s day originated at the battle between the Welch and the Saxons in the sixth century; and thinks it more probable that _leeks_ were a _druidic_ symbol employed in honour of the British _Ceudven_ or Ceres. In which hypothesis, he thinks, there is nothing strained or far-fetched, presuming that the Druids were a branch of the Phœnician priesthood. Both were addicted to oak worship; and during the funereal rites of Adonis at Byblos, _leeks_ and onions were exhibited in “pots with other vegetables, and called the gardens of that deity.” The _leek_ was worshipped at _Ascalon_, (whence the modern term of _Scallions_,) as it was in Egypt. _Leeks_ and onions were also deposited in the sacred chests of the mysteries both of Isis and Ceres, the _Ceudven_ of the Druids; _leeks_ are among the Egyptian hieroglyphics; sometimes a _leek_ is on the head of Osiris; and at other times grasped in an extended hand; and thence, perhaps, the Italian proverb, “_Porro che nasce nella mano_,” _a leek that grows in the hand_, for a virtue. _Porrus_, a _leek_, is derived by Bryant from the Egyptian god Pi-orus, who is the same as the _Beal Peor_ of the Phœnicians, and the _Bel_ or _Bellinis_ of the Druids. These accordances are worth an ancient Briton’s consideration. Ridicule of national peculiarities was formerly a pleasantry that the English freely indulged in. They seemed to think that different soil was good ground for a laugh at a person, and that it justified coarse and insolent remarks. In an old satirical tract there is the following sneer at the Welch: “A WELCHMAN, Is the Oyster that the Pearl is in, for a man may be pickt out of him. He hath the abilities of the mind in _potentiâ_, and _actu_ nothing but boldnesse. His Clothes are in fashion before his Bodie; and he accounts boldnesse the chiefest vertue. Above all men he loves a Herrald, and speakes pedigrees naturally. He accompts none well descended that call him not Cosen, and prefers _Owen Glendower_ before any of the nine worthies. The first note of his familiaritie is the confession of his valour; and so he prevents quarrels. Hee voucheth Welch a pure, an unconquered language; and courts Ladies with the storie of their Chronicle. To conclude, he is pretious in his own conceit, and upon St. David’s day without comparison.”[15] Not quite so flouting is a poetical satire called, _The Welchman’s Song in praise of Wales._