_Bands_.--What is the origin of the clerical and academical custom
of wearing _bands_? Were they not originally used for the purpose of
preserving the cassock from being soiled by the beard? This is the
only solution that presents itself to my mind.

OXONIENSIS NONDUM-GRADUATUS.

* * * * *




REPLIES.


DERIVATION OF "NEWS" AND "NOISE."

I hasten to repudiate a title to which I have no claim; a compliment
towards the close of the letter of your correspondent "CH." (Vol. i.,
p. 487.) being evidently intended for a gentleman whose _christian_
name, only, _differs_ from mine. The compliment in his case is
well-deserved; and it will not lower him in your correspondent's
opinion, to know that he is not answerable for the sins laid to my
charge. And now for a word in my own behalf.

Indeed, CH. is rather hard upon me, I must confess. In using the
simple form of assertion as more convenient,--although I intended
thereby merely to express that such was my opinion, and not dreaming
of myself as an authority,--I have undoubtedly erred. In the single
instance in which I used it, instead of saying "it is," I should have