because Stowe, as is reported, was bred a cap-maker. The trade
of Cap-making was then much in fashion, Hats being not at that
time much in request."

J.E.N.

* * * * *

TRANSPOSITION OF LETTERS.

The only reason, I imagine, which can be given for the transposition of
letters spoken of by Mr. Williams (No. 12. p. 184.), is that it was done
on "phonetic" principles--for the sake of euphony:--the new way was felt
or fancied to be easier to the organs of speech, or (which is nearly the
same) pleasanter to those of hearing. Such alterations have at all times
been made,--as is well known to those versed in the earlier stages of
the language,--and often most arbitrarily. It is needless to say that
"provincial and vulgar" usage throws much light on the changes in the
forms of words; and perhaps a little attention to the manner in which
words are altered by the peasantry would illustrate the point in
question more than a learned comment.

No form of verbal corruption is more frequent throughout the rural
districts of England than that produced by the transposition of letters,
especially of consonants: such words as _world_, _wasp_, _great_, are,
as every one knows, still ordinarily (though less frequently than a
dozen years ago) pronounced _wordle_, _waps_, _gurt_. So with names of
places: thus Cholsey (Berks.) is called Chosley.

The dropping of a letter is to be accounted for in a like manner.