[3] See Mirror, No. 205, vol. xi.

To turn by a not unnatural transition from birds to eggs, permit me to inform your Scottish correspondent, S.S. (see No. 536,) where he asserts that the plan of rubbing eggs with grease in order to preserve them, “is not so much as known in our own boasted land of stale eggs and bundlewood;” that the said discovery has long been known and practised in many parts of old England; and that the repeated experience of several friends warrants me in giving a decided negative to his assertion that eggs so prepared “will keep any length of time perfectly fresh.”  If kept for a considerable period, though they do not become absolutely bad, yet they turn very stale.  I happen to know something of Scotland, and was never before aware that the raw clime of our northern neighbours was so celebrated for its poultry. M.L.B. is certainly misinformed in speaking of the trade in Scotch eggs to America.  The importation of eggs from the continent into England is very extensive:  the duty in 1827 amounted at the rate of 10_d_. per 120, to 23,062_l_. 19_s_. 1_d_.; since which period there has, we believe, been an increase.  The importation of eggs from Ireland is also very large.  If S.S. resides in London, he may have occasion to sneer at “our boasted land of stale eggs;” but he should rather sneer at the preserved French eggs, with which the London dealers are principally supplied.

VYVYAN.

* * * * *

THE CURFEW BELL.

(To the Editor.)

In addition to the remarks made by Reginald, in No. 543, and by M.D., and G.C., in No. 545 of The Mirror, let me add that the Curfew is rung every night at eight, in my native town, (Winchester,) and the bell, a large one, weighing 12 cwt., is appropriated for the purpose, (not belonging to a church) but affixed in the tower of the Guildhall, and used only for this occasion, or on an alarm of fire.

In that city the Curfew was first established under the command of the Conqueror, and the practice has continued to the present day.  I have been assured by many old residents, that it formerly was the custom to ring the bell every morning at four o’clock, but the practice being found annoying to persons living near, the Corporation ordered it to be discontinued.

To such of your readers who, like myself, are fond of a solitary ramble along the sea shore by moonlight, I would say, go to Southampton or the Isle of Wight; take an evening walk from Itchen through the fields to Netley, thence to the Abbey and Fort ruins, under woods that for a considerable distance skirt the coast; or on the opposite side, through the Forest of Oaks, from Eling to Dibden, and onwards over the meadows to Hythe:  there they may, in either, find ample food for reflection, connected with the Curfew Bell.