This derivation of the term _haberdasher_ is from _Thomson's Etymons_,
and seems to be satisfactory.

_Haberdascher_ was the name of a trade at least as early as the reign of
Edward III.; but it is not easy to decide what was the sort of trade or
business then carried on under that name. Any elucidation of that point
would be very acceptable.

D.


"_Rapido contrarius orbi_" (Vol. ii., p. 120.).--No answer having
appeared to the inquiry of N.B., it may be stated that, in Hartshorne's
_Book-Rarities of Cambridge_, mention is made of a painting, in Emanuel
College, of "Abp. Sancroft, sitting at a writing-table with arms, and
motto, _Rapido contrarius orbi_. P.P. Lens, F.L."

Brayley, in his _Concise Account of Lambeth Palace_, describes a
portrait, in the vestry, of "A young man in a clerical habit, or rather
that of a student, with a motto beneath, 'Rapido contrarium orbo'"
(whether the motto, as thus given, is the printer's or the painter's
error does not appear), "supposed to be Abp. Sancroft when young.--Date
1650."

G.A.S.


_Robertson of Muirtown_ (Vol. ii., p. 135.).--C.R.M. will find a
pedigree of the family of Robertson of _Muirton_ in a small duodecimo
entitled: