“Halvergate hares, Reedham rats,
  Southwood swine, and Cantley cats;
  Acle asses, Moulton mules,
  Beighton bears, and Freethorpe fools.”

They seem to proceed simply on the alliterative principle mentioned by J.M.B. (Vol. i., p. 475.) as common to many popular proverbs, &c.  Two others I subjoin from my own recollection, which differ in this particular:—­

  “Blickling flats, Aylsham fliers,
  Marsham peewits, and Hevingham liars.”

These are four villages on the road between Norwich and Cromer.  A third couplet alludes merely to the situation of a group of villages near the sea-coast,—­

  “Gimingham, Trimingham, Knapton, and Trunch,
  Northrepps and Southrepps, hang all in a bunch.”

E.S.T.

Throwing Salt over the Shoulder.—­This custom I have frequently observed, of taking a pinch of salt without any remark, and flinging it over the shoulder.  I should be glad to know its origin.

E.S.T.

Charming for Warts.—­In Vol. i., p. 19., a correspondent asks if the custom of “charming for warts” prevails in England.

A year or two ago I was staying in Somersetshire, and having a wart myself, was persuaded to have it “charmed.”  The village-charmer was summoned; he first cut off a slip of elder-tree, and made a notch in it for every wart.  He then rubbed the elder against each, strictly enjoining me to think no more about it, as if I looked often at the warts the charm would fail.

In about a week the warts had altogether disappeared, to the delight of the operator.

N.A.B.

* * * * *

NOTES ON COLLEGE SALTING; TURKISH SPY; DR. DEE; FROM “LETTERS FROM THE BODLEIAN, &c.” 2 VOLS. 1813.

Having been lately reading through this interesting collection, I have “noted” some references to subjects which have been discussed in your columns.

1. College Salting.  Salt at Eton Montem (Vol. i., pp. 261. 306. 321. 384. 390. 492.).—­I am not quite clear as to the connection between these two subjects:  but an identity of origin is not improbable.  A letter from Mr. Byrom to Aubrey, “On the Custom of Salting at Eton,” Nov. 15. 1693, is in vol. ii. p. 167.:  {151}

“I could send you a long answer to your queries, but have not the confidence to do it; for all that I can say was only heard from others when I was at school at Eton, and if I should depend upon that, perhaps I should make too bold with truth.  ’Twas then commonly said that the college held some lands by the custom of salting; but having never since examined it, I know not how to account for it.  One would think, at first view, considering the foundation was designed for a nursery of the Christian religion, and has not been in being much above 250 years, that it is not likely any remains of the Gentiles, relating to their sacrifices, should in so public a manner be suffered in it; however, I cannot