_Haybands in Seals._--I have, in a small collection of Sussex deeds, two
which present the following peculiarity: they have the usual slip of
parchment and lump of wax pendant from the lower edge, but the wax, instead
of bearing an armorial figure, a merchant's mark, or any other of the
numerous devices formerly employed in the authentication of deeds instead
of one's chirograph, has neatly inserted into it a small wreath composed of
two or three stalks of grass (or rather hay) carefully plaited, and forming
a circle somewhat less in diameter than a shilling. The deeds, which were
executed in the time of Henry the Seventh, relate to the transfer of small
landed properties. I have no doubt that this diminutive _hayband_ was the
distinctive mark of a grazier or husbandman who did not consider his social
status sufficient to warrant the use of a more regular device by way of
seal. I have seen a few others connected with the same county, and, if I
recollect rightly, of a somewhat earlier date. I shall be glad to ascertain
whether this curious practice was in use in other parts of England.