Chertsey.
[The best explanation of this custom will be found in the _Gentleman's
Magazine_ for 1804, where we read: "The ceremony on this occasion in
the Court of Exchequer, which vulgar error supposed to be an unmeaning
farce, is solemn and impressive, nor have the new sheriffs the least
connexion either with chopping of sticks, or counting of hobnails. The
tenants of a manor in Shropshire are directed to come forth and do
their suit and service; on which the senior alderman below {158} the
chair steps forward and chops a single stick, in token of its having
been customary for the tenants of that manor to supply their lord with
fuel. The owners of a forge in the parish of St. Clement (which
formerly belonged to the city, and stood in the high road from the
Temple to Westminster, but now no longer exists) are then called forth
to do their suit and service; when an officer of the court, in the
presence of the senior alderman, produces six horse-shoes and sixty-one
hobnails, which he counts over in form before the cursitor baron, who
on this particular occasion is the immediate representative of the
sovereign."]
_A Race for Canterbury._--I have just met with a little volume of sixteen
pages entitled _A Race for Canterbury or Lambeth, Ho!_ It is dated 1747,
and was evidently written on the death of Archbishop Potter; and describes
four aspirants to the see of Canterbury as four rowers on the Thames:
"No sooner Death had seized the seer,
Just in the middle of his prayer,
But instantly on Thames appear'd
Four wherries rowing very hard."
&c. &c. &c.
The first is thus introduced:
"Sh----, though old, has got the start,
And vigorously plays his part."
The second:
"H---- in order next advances,
And full of hopes he strangely fancies,
That he by dint of merit shall
Get first to land by Lambeth wall."
The third:
"M--s--n moves on a sober pace,
And sits and rows with easy grace.
No ruffling passion's in him seen,
Indifferent if he lose or win."
The fourth:
"Next Codex comes with lab'ring oar,
And, envious, sees the three before;
Yet luggs and tuggs with every joint,
In hopes at length to gain the point."
Having no list of the bishops by me, of the above-mentioned date, to which
I can refer, I should be glad if any of your correspondents can tell me who
these four bishops are. May I ask likewise, if it is known who was the
author of this not very refined or elegant composition?