_Almas-cliffe._--During a brief sojourn at Harrogate, Yorkshire, I have
visited two remarkable groups of rock, locally known as _Great
Almas-cliffe_ and _Little Almas-cliffe_: the former crowning a lofty
ridge about five miles south-west of this place; and the latter standing
upon a wild, heathery moorland, about three miles north of the other.
Both command most extensive views; and, on the table-rock of each, I
noticed circular basins, with channels by which superfluous fluid may be
carried off. Tradition says, that in remote ages they were used as
druidical altars; and, that in later days, after the introduction of
Christianity into England, mass was occasionally celebrated upon them.
In some of the local guide-books they are called _Almias_ Cliff. Whence
is the name derived? Can it be a corruption of holy mass, or hallowmas?
G. H. of S.
Harrogate.
_Amyclæ._--What special ordinance of taciturnity had the burghers of
Amyclæ?