which stood near the centre of the grove, it is remembered that it was known as the Hanging Oak. The propriety of that title is confirmed by the fact that a quantity of human bones was found in the soil about its roots, and that at certain times of the year it was the custom for those who wished to secure a successful issue to their affairs, whether of love or the ordinary business of life, to suspend from its boughs small images or puppets rudely fashioned of straw, twigs, or the like rustic materials.”
So much for the archdeacon’s archæological
investigations. To return to his career as it
is to be gathered from his diaries. Those
of his first three years of hard and careful
work show him throughout in high spirits,
and, doubtless, during this time, that reputation
for hospitality and urbanity which is mentioned
in his obituary notice was well deserved. After
that, as time goes on, I see a shadow coming
over him—destined to develop into utter blackness—which I cannot but think must have
