_Bells._--Can any of your readers inform me why the bells of the Convent of
Santa Theresa, at Madrid, alone have the privilege of tolling on Good
Friday, in that city? In all Roman Catholic countries the bells on that day
are forbidden to be rung; and there is no exception made, even in Rome.
As much has been said about the _baptizing_ of bells, as if it were a
custom nearly or entirely obsolete, I beg to say that I was present at the
baptizing of a bell in the south-west of France not very long ago; and have
no doubt that the great bell at Bordeaux, which is to have the emperor and
empress as its sponsors, will undergo the full ceremony.