The DON COSSACK, so frequently seen, dates from the celebrity acquired by those troops in the extermination of the unfortunate half-starved and frozen soldiers, on their retreat from Moscow; though a more intimate acquaintance with the formidable Cossacks, during the Crimean campaign, considerably damaged their ancient reputation. The signs of the DRUID, the DRUID’S HEAD, the DRUID AND OAK, and the ROYAL ARCH DRUID, are more to be attributed to various kinds of masonic brotherhoods, than as a mark of respect paid to our aboriginal clergy. The UNION originated with the union of Ireland with this kingdom; the JUBILEE dates from the centenary of the revolution of 1688, held with considerable pomp and national rejoicing, in 1788. The HERO OF SWITZERLAND, Loughborough Road, Brixton, and in a few other places, refers to William Tell; and the SPANISH PATRIOT, (Lambeth Lower Marsh and White Conduit Street,) dates from the excitement of our proposed intervention in the Spanish Succession question, in 1833. The SPANISH GALLEON, Church Street, Greenwich, simply owes its origin to the pictures of our naval victories in the Greenwich Hospital. These, then, are some of the principal and most curious historic signs. From the perusal of this catalogue, we can draw one conclusion--namely, that only a few of what we have termed “historical signs,” outlive the century which gave them birth. If the term of their duration extends over this period, there is some chance that they will remain in popular favour for a long time. Thus, in the case of most heroes of the last century, few publicans certainly will know anything about the Marquis of Granby, Admiral Rodney, or the Duke of Cumberland, yet their names are almost as familiar as the Red Lion, or the Green Dragon, and have indeed become public-household words. Once that stage past, they have a last chance of continuing another century or two--namely, when those heroes are so completely forgotten, that the very mystery of their names becomes their recommendation; such as the Grave Morris, the Will Sommers, the Jack of Newbury, &c. [54] Lloyd’s _Evening Post_, February 11-13, 1761. [55] Horace Walpole’s Letters. Thirteenth Letter to Mr Conway, April 16, 1747. [56] In the Print-room of the British Museum. [57] Pennant’s History of London, vol. i. p. 99. [58] “The Quack Vintners, 1710,” a tract written against Brooke and Hilliers, the famous wine-merchants of that time, frequently mentioned by the _Spectator_. [59] _Newcastle Journal_, June 28, 1746. [60] Nugæ Antiquæ, vol. i. p. 348. [61] Barrow’s Life of Peter the Great. [62] _Gent. Mag._, March 1842. [63] Peacham’s Compleat Gentleman, p. 79.