---- Rectory, Hereford.
Will you permit me to observe that the proper word is _locusts_? For I
remember when I was at Constantinople in the year 1809, that passing
through the fruit and vegetable bazaar, I observed some dried fruits,
resembling a large French bean pod; they appeared dry, and were of a
brown colour. I inquired the name of "the fruit;" I was told they were
"locusts." I was struck with the name, for I remembered the passage in
the New Testament, and I could not reconcile my mind to St. John living
upon locusts (the insects) and wild honey. I immediately tasted some of
the fruit, and found it sweet and good, something similar to the date,
but not so good, although nutritious. I was thus instantly convinced of
the possibility of St. John living upon "locusts and wild honey" in the
desert. I have related to you this fact as it occurred to me. The locust
tree must be well known amongst horticulturists. I do not pretend to
enter into the question whether the translation is right or wrong, as I
am no "scollard," as the old woman said.