In 1429, an important change was made as to the qualifications of the voters for knights of the shires.  The voters were obliged to prove themselves worth 40_s._ per annum.  Before this time, every freeholder might vote, and the vast concourse of electors brought on riots and murders.  Seventy pounds would, in modern days, be barely an equivalent for our ancestors’ 40_s._ The freeholders were, at the same time, directed to choose two of the fittest and most discreet knights resident in their county; or, if none could be found, notable esquires, gentlemen by birth, and qualified to be made knights; but no yeoman or persons of inferior rank.

W.G.C.

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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

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MARVELLOUS CURE OF THE TOOTHACH.

(From a Correspondent.)

A friend, who has recently returned from India, relates that he received a perfect cure for the toothach, in a very remarkable way.  He had occasion to land on the Isle of Bourbon, at the time of his being afflicted with a tormenting toothach; and a handkerchief being tied about his head, his appearance excited the curiosity of the natives, who approached him, and inquired, by signs and gestures, the nature of his complaint.  Having been satisfied on this point, they made him understand that they could cure him, if he would consent to their method; which he did with great willingness, as he was maddened with pain, and eager to make any experiment to gain relief.  They first kindled a fire on the ground with a few dry sticks, and then directed their patient to hold the fore finger of his right hand to the tooth that was affected, while they articulated a sort of jargon among themselves.  When they had finished, and the sticks were all burnt, they told him to withdraw his hand, and the pain would cease.  He did so, when his joy and astonishment exceeded all bounds to find that the pain had actually left him!

This story may appear somewhat strange, yet I have no reason to doubt the veracity of my friend, who supposes that the artful natives burned some kind of herb in order to impregnate the air with its qualities, which being admitted into the cavity of the tooth, effectually removed the pain.  He says he has never experienced a return of the complaint since.

G.W.N.

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JOURNAL OF A SHERIFF OF LONDON.

(Concluded from page 198.)

“Wednesday, Oct. 29th.  This being our grand feast day, my Lord Mayor, Humphry Parsons, Esq., sent his summons to attend at Guildhall, by ten o’clock, and that he would set out from thence, to Westminster, precisely at eleven, in order to be back to our entertainment more early.  What added magnificence to this day’s Shew was, that his lordship’s coach was drawn by six horses, adorned with grand harnesses, ribbons, &c., a sight never before seen on this occasion.—­The Lord Chancellor and some of the Judges dined with us; the whole entertainment was happily conducted with great order and decency, and the company was broken up by about one o’clock in the morning.