far the greater portion was treated with brandy to make
it saleable.

The small quantity that resisted the acetous fermentation, turned out to be
very different in flavour to the ordinary sherry wine, and it was sent over
to this country under the name of Amontillado sherry, from the circumstance
of the grape having been grown on the mountains.

The genuine wine is very delicate, with a peculiar flavour, slightly
aromatic rather than nutty; and answers admirably to the improved taste of
the present age.

PATONCE.

"_Mairdil_" (Vol. ix., p. 233.).--I have heard the word "maddle" often used
in the West Riding of Yorkshire, in exactly the same sense as the word
_mairdil_, as mentioned by MR. STEPHENS. And in this part the work-people
would use the word "muddle" in a similar sense.

J. L. SISSON.

_Separation of the Sexes in Church_ (Vol. ii., p. 94.).--In many churches
in Lower Brittany I observed that the women occupied the nave exclusively,
the men placing themselves in the aisles. {337} I speak, of course, of
Roman Catholic churches; but I believe that in the Protestant congregations
in France, the rule of the separation of the sexes has always been
observed.

In the island of Guernsey it has been usual, although the custom is now
beginning to be broken through, for the men to communicate before the
women. As the Presbyterian discipline was introduced into that island from
France and Geneva, and prevailed there from the time of the Reformation
until the Restoration of Charles II., it is probable that this usage is a
remnant of the rule by which the sexes were separated during divine
service.

EDGAR MACCULLOCH.

Guernsey.

_Costume of the Clergy not Enarean_ (Vol. ix., p.101.).--A. C. M. has no
other authority for calling the cassock and girdle of the clergy
"effeminate," or "a relique of the ancient priestly predilection for female
attire," than the contrast to the close-fitting skin-tight fashion adopted
by modern European tailors; the same might be said of any flowing kind of
robe, such as the Eastern costume, or that of the English judges, which as
nearly approaches to the cassock and cincture as possible. In a late number
of the _Illustrated London News_ will be found drawings from the new
statues of the kings of England lately erected in the new Houses of
Parliament: of, I think, twelve there represented, eight have a
"petticoat-like cassock," or frock, and of course for convenience a girdle.

Can a