_Haybands in Seals._--M. A. LOWER thinks that MR. T. HUDSON TURNER has
misapplied his description of the seals in his possession. The seals are
not _impressed upon haybands_, neither do "some ends of the hay or straw
protrude from the surface." The little fillet or wreath of hay, about equal
in diameter to a shilling, is _inlaid_ upon the pendent lump of wax, and
forms the ornament or device of the seal, rather than an integral portion
of it, like that in the specimens referred to by MR. TURNER.
M. A. LOWER begs, under favour, to add, that the very fact of a Query being
inserted in the pages of this invaluable--one might almost say
indispensable--publication, implies a candid avowal _pro tanto_ of
ignorance on the part of the Querist, who might reasonably expect a plain
answer, unaccompanied by any ungracious reflection on the side of the more
highly-gifted _savant_ that furnished the reply. As a simple matter of
taste, many other correspondents besides MARK ANTONY LOWER may probably
object, like the latter's eminent namesake, Mr. Tony Weller, to being
"pulled up so wery short," especially in cases where there is a clear
misapprehension on the part of the respondent.
_Haybands in Seals._--It is impossible for one moment to doubt the
correctness of MR. HUDSON TURNER'S remarks on this question, and I hasten
to retract my own suggestions, frankly acknowledging them to be erroneous.
I had always taken the same view as MR. TURNER (for it is very palpable to
the eye, and speaks for itself), till diverted from it by one of those
sudden fancies which, spite of all caution, will ever and anon
unaccountably cross the mind and bewilder the better judgment. To have
established my view, these rushes should have been proved to be affixed to
deeds of _feoffment alone_; a point which, at the moment, I overlooked.
Even while I write, I have before me a _lease_ granted by the abbey of
Denney in the fifteenth century, with a rush in the seal; and MR. TURNER'S
cited instances of royal charters put an end to all question.
Lest others be led astray by my freak of fancy, without an opportunity of
correcting it by MR. TURNER'S statement, the proper course for me is to
acknowledge myself wrong--palpably, unmistakeably wrong,--MR. TURNER'S
explanation is the correct one; thanks to him for it--_liberavi animam
meam_.