Replies to Minor Queries.
_Collar of Esses._--As an original subscriber, and the _first_ Querist
who opened the _vexata questio_ of Collar of Esses, I shall perhaps be
doing you a kind service, Mr. Editor, if I may be allowed to step
forward once more as _moderator_ between the disputants, as I did (Vol.
ii., p. 394.) between ARMIGER and a much respected correspondent.
There may be some excuse for H. B. as he confesses (Vol. v., p. 182.)
himself to be _freshman_ in the pages of "N. & Q.;" and therefore he is
a stranger to the tone of courtesy and good humour which are so
essential to the prosperity, maintenance, and extension of your very
useful periodical. A little more experience in his readings, and less of
self-opiniatedness, would have spared him the severe but merited remarks
of MR. L. EVANS (Vol. v., p. 207.).
As of old all writers were wont to consider their readers _most
courteous_, so let those who write for your pages reverse this rule--and
then there will be nothing contrary to such a tone, to the injury of "N.
& Q."