ALEHOUSE SIGNS.

(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.)


Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking the
origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been led away by a
love of etymology--the other would string the fiddle at the expense of
poor puss's viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of
language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then
generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the _human
voice_: those of a clarionet, the notes of a _goose_: and, all the
world knows that a well-played violin (especially in the practice of
gliding) yields sounds so inseparable from the _strains of a cat_, as
not to be distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science.

In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small fiddles
which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at this day called
_kits_. But our etymologist will readily perceive this to be a mere
abbreviation, and that they must originally have been known as
_kittens_.

E.D. Jun.

* * * * *


ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON.