ts. The skin was very thin; the
pulp farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was given
to the potatoes during the time they remained on the sand, and they
grew without the influence of the sun or light. This trial may be
advantageously applied in fortified places, hospitals, houses of
correction, and, in general, in all places where cellars or
subterraneous places occur, being neither too cold nor too moist; and
where it is important to procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for
many individuals.--_From the French_.

* * * * *

Retrospective Gleanings.

* * * * *

CHILTERN HUNDREDS.

The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in Bucks, are
called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their name from the Chalk
Hills which run through Bucks and the neighbouring counties. The
property of these Hundreds remaining in the Crown, a Steward is
appointed at a salary of 20_s_. and all fees, which nominal office is
accepted by any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat.

* * * * *

PEG TANKARDS.

At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a pot of
ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the first of which is
called _neckum_, the second _sinkum_, and the third _swankum_. In
Bailey's Dictionary, _swank_ is said to be "that remainder of liquor
at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just sufficient for
one draught, which it is not accounted good manners to divide with the
left-hand man, and according to the quantity is called either a large
or little swank."

* * * * *

CHIMNEYS.

Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon the present
mode were first constructed in England? It was apparently not sooner
than Henry the Eighth's time; for Leland, when he visited Bolton
Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to have been greatly surprised by the
novelty and ingenuity of the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much
notyd in the haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills
made in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this
meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed."

The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one of the
most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of our early
domestic architecture. This building was erected 1495, but it is
possible