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;