"The people here use umbrellas in hot weather to defend them
from the sun, and something of the same kind to secure them from
snow and rain. I wonder a practice so useful is not introduced
in England, (where there are such frequent showers,) and
especially in the country, where they can be expanded without
any inconveniency." {415}

Query, what is the date of the first introduction of the _umbrella_ into
England?

Edward F. Rimbault

* * * * *

MINOR QUERIES.

_Duke of Marlborough._--The Annual Register for the year 1758 (pp.
121-127.) contains an account of the circumstances connected with the
trial of one Barnard, son of a surveyor in Abingdon Buildings,
Westminster, on a charge of sending letters to the Duke of Marlborough,
threatening his life by means "too fatal to be eluded by the power of
physic," unless his grace "procured him a genteel support for his life."
The incidents are truly remarkable, pointing most suspiciously toward
Barnard; but he escaped. Can any of your readers refer me to where I can
find any further account or elucidation of this affair?

Buriensis.