in his first communication, that Abbot Islip was mentioned in the
passage from Stow's _Survey_ cited by MR. RIMBAULT. As that gentleman
quotes from, I believe, the second edition of the _Survey_, I may be
allowed to doubt, until it is clearly shown, that "Islip's name has been
introduced by the error of some subsequent writer." But supposing this
to be so, it would in no way affect the only question which is material,
Who was Caxton's patron? nor touch the accuracy of the _Life of Caxton_,
which MR. NICHOLS seems desirous of impeaching. I am anxious to point
this out, because I feel it right to vindicate to the utmost, where they
deserve it, useful works, which, like the little volume I am writing of,
are published at a price that ensures for them a circulation of almost
unlimited extent.

ARUN.


_Somagia_ (Vol. ii., p. 120.).--This is the plural of "somagium,"
"summagium," and means "horse-loads." It is a word frequently found in
documents relating to agrarian matters, and may signify the load packed
upon the horse's back (whence the name "sumpter-horse"), or in a cart
drawn by a horse. MR. SANSOM will find a full explanation of the
derivatives of its root, "sagma," at p. 50., vol. vii., of Ducange.

J.BT.


_Various Modes of Interment among the Ancients_ (Vol ii., pp. 8, 9. 22.
41. 78.).--In modes of interment some nations have been distinguished by
an idiosyncrasy almost incredible from their inhumanity.