_Sewell, Meaning of._--It is usual in some deer-parks in different parts of
England, but more especially, as far as my own knowledge goes, in Kent, for
the keepers, when they wish to drive and collect the deer to one spot, to
lay down for this purpose what they call _sewells_ (I may be wrong as to
the orthography), which are simply long lines with feathers attached at
intervals, somewhat after the fashion of the tails of kites. These
"sewells," when stretched at length on the ground, the herd of deer will
very rarely pass; but on coming up will check themselves suddenly when in
full career, and wheel about. The same contrivance was in use in Virgil's
time for the same purpose, under the name of _formido_ (_Geor._ iii.
372.):--"Puniceaeve agitant pavidos formidine pennae." Can any of your
readers help me to the origin of the modern term _sewell_?