iar sense, or Mr. Teale makes an unhappy use of the
quotation.

JARLTZBERG.

_Saying of Pascal_ (Vol. vii., p. 596.).--In reply to the question of W.
FRASER, I would refer him to Pascal's _sixteenth_ Provincial Letter, where,
in the last paragraph but one, we read,--

"Mes reverends peres, mes lettres n'avaient pas accoutume de se suivre
de si pres, ni d'etre si etendues. _Le peu de temps que j'ai eu a ete
cause de l'un et de l'autre. Je n'ai fait celle-ci plus longue que
parceque je {45} n'ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte._ La
raison qui m'a oblige de hater vous est mieux connue qu'a moi."

R. E. T.

_Paint taken off of old Oak_ (Vol. vii., p. 620.).--About twenty-six years
ago, by the adoption of a very simple process recommended by Dr. Wollaston,
the paint was entirely removed from the screen of carved oak which fills
the north end of the great hall at Audley End, and the wood reassumed its
original colour and brilliancy. The result was brought about by the
application of soft-soap, laid on of the thickness of a shilling over the
whole surface of the oak, and allowed to remain there two or three days; at
the end of which it was washed off with plenty of cold water. I am aware
that potash has been often tried with success for the same purpose; but, in
many instances, unless it is used with due caution, the wood becomes of a
darker hue, and has the appearance of having been charred. It is worthy of
remark, that Dr. Wollaston made the suggestion with great diffidence, not
having, as he said, had any practical experience of the effect of such an
application.

BRAYBROOKE.

_Passage in the "Tempest"_ (Vol. ii., pp. 259. 299. 337. 429.).--As a
parallel to the expression "most busy least" (meaning "least busy"
emphatically), I would suggest the common expression of the Northumbrians,
"Far over near" (signifying "much too near").

H. T. RILEY.

* * * * *

Miscellaneous.

NOTES ON BOOKS, ETC.

The Committee appointed by the Society of Antiquaries to consider what
improvements could be introduced into its management, has at length issued
a Report; and we are glad to find that the alterations suggested by them
have been frankly adopted by the Council. The principal changes proposed
refer to the election of the Council; the having but one Secretary, who is
not to be a member of that body; the appointment of Local Secretaries; the
retirement annually o