On the side borders, he is receiving the attack of a lion on his arm,
covered with a mantle; and then, with a raised sword, cutting at the
proboscis of an elephant. I have seen, also, an older specimen, I think,
of the same manufacture; the subject being the "Bear and Ragged Staff,"
on alternate rows, with figures of trumpeters. I know not if this
subject is of sufficient interest for your "Notes and Queries," but I
trust you will make what use of it you please.

R.G.P.M.

_Flourish._--We are told that a writer _flourished_ at such and such a
time. Is any definite notion attached to this word? When it is said of a
century there is no difficulty; it means that the writer was born and
died in that century. But when we are told that a writer flourished
about the year 1328 (such limitation of florescence is not uncommon),
what is then meant? What are we to understand he did in or about 1328?

M.

_Drax Abbey and Free School._--Can you, or any of your intelligent
contributors, direct me where I can find any records of Drax Abbey, near
Selby, Yorkshire, or of the Free School in Drax, endowed by Robert Reed,
whom tradition states to heave been a foundling amongst the _reeds_ on
the banks of the Ouse, about half a mile distant. Such information will
place me under great obligation.

T. Dyson.

Gainsboro.