as were a people of a later age to that of the
first inhabitants of Britain. The first inhabitants of Britain I call the
Celtae, as I know no other name for them; but there seems reason for
thinking that this island was visited by an earlier tribe, though probably
they were of the same race.

The origin of the Ciratas and first inhabitants of Britain is this:--A
powerful monarchy appears to have been established at the earliest dawn of
history in the country we now call Persia, long before there was any
Assyrian government, and under this monarchy that country was the true
centre of population, of knowledge, of languages, and of arts. Three
distinct races of men appear to have migrated in different directions from
this their common country. One of these divides into two parts, one
proceeding to the west, the other to the south-east of the place where the
division took place. The western party passed through Asia Minor, and also
by the north of the Black Sea, carrying with it all that was then known of
the different arts and sciences, until we find the descendants at this day
in the British Isles. The south-eastern party, also, continued its progress
to the part now known to us as India, where its descendants may be found at
this day. Long after the settlement in India, various tribes, all
proceeding from it, migrated from that country to the parts now known to us
as Egypt and Syria; and one of these tribes was the Ciratas.

That the Ciratas, Shirutana, or Phoenicians, call them as you may, were the
first who passed the Pillar of Hercules in ships on their way to obtain tin
here at first-hand, is almost certain; and that the western party, as
described above, had broken ground to supply it long before their customers
came for it, is scarcely less so. They all had a common origin, and used
nearly the same language, religion, and laws.

My Query has brought out a highly satisfactory elucidation of the origin of
the term _Britain_; and this, looking at the position in which that term
stood on the day the last Number of "N. & Q." was published is by no means
a slight acquisition. I now leave it.

G. W.

Stansted, Montfichet.

* * * * *

PICTORIAL EDITIONS OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER.

(Vol. vii., pp. 18. 91. 321.; Vol. viii., p. 318.)

The following list may prove an acceptable addition to those already
printed in your pages. Some of your correspondents perhaps will make it
more comp