It is yet remembered that a young gentle- | Biron, too, in "Love's Labor Lost," takes man of Teviotdale, on the morning after a an oath on "this white glove." hard drinking-bout, observed that he had bitten his glove. He instantly demanded of his companion with whom he had quarrelled, and learning that he had had words with one of the party, insisted on instant satisfaction, asserting that though he remembered nothing of the dispute, yet he was sure he never would have bit his glove unless he had received some unpardonable insult. He fell in the duel, which was fought near Selkirk, in 1721. In contrast to the employment of gloves as tokens of hostility, we have now to consider some of the circumstances under which they figured as messengers of goodwill, as signs of protection or friendship. In early times tenure of lands was granted and investiture conferred by the delivery of a glove. A register of the Parliament of Paris, dated 1294, says that "the Earl of Flanders, by the delivery of a glove into the hands of the King, gave him possession of the good town of Flanders." It is even supposed by some that this manner of confirming a contract dates as far back as the times of the judges of Israel, and that when Elimelech in trans ferring his land to Boaz takes off his shoe, the word ought to be translated glove.* Be this as it may, the custom seems to have come originally from the East. In feudal times, the glove entered largely into transactions connected with the tenure and transfer of property, and gloves formed a part of the rent paid for land. The manor of Elston, in Nottinghamshire, was held by the annual payment of one pound of cummin seed, a steel needle, and two pairs of gloves, a rent which we im agine the landlord's greatest enemy would not object to pay. The king sent his glove when he relegated his authority to others, or gave his consent to the holding of a fair, or setting up a market. Until quite recently it was customary to display a large glove, brightly colored or gilded, at the entrance to the annual fair in some country towns. In "Timon of Athens " the senators ask a glove of Alcibiades before tendering their submission, and he gives it in pledge of his protection. Thus the glove came to be at one time "a sign of irrefragable faith," as Jonathan Oldbuck terms it; in fact, it was not unfrequently sworn upon, as if it were a relic or some holy thing. Witness Slender's affirmation to Pistol's guilt, in the "Merry Wives of Windsor,". By these gloves, then, 'twas he. When a gift of lands or other property was made to the Church, a glove was often placed upon the altar to make the promise binding; for instance, when the Earl of Shrewsbury vowed the construction of an abbey to St. Peter in 1083, in token of his intent, he placed his glove on the altar of the monastery there.* Lovers exchanged gloves as a pledge of mutual fidelity, and gloves, or before these were worn by ladies, the sleeve which formed their substitute, often figure as the favors worn by knights upon their helmets in a tourney. The lily maid of Astolat brought Sir Lancelot A scarlet sleeve broidered with great pearls when he consented to wear her favor in the lists at Camelot. One or more pairs of gloves used to be a recognized present from retainers and they were liberally rewarded with money, servants upon New Year's Day, for which as the records in old household books testify. They were also a medium of bribery, being presented to judges to obtain a favorable decision. Sir Thomas More is well known to have refused the lining consisting of forty gold pieces of a pair of gloves presented to him by a grateful suitor who had won her cause before him. All judges were not equally virtuous, otherwise the Portuguese proverb would have no force; he does not wear gloves being expressive of a man's perfect integrity. Sometimes the chan The fashion of making presents of gloves was for a long time universal on all occasions and in all relations of life, by private individuals and public bodies, the value of the gloves having a wide range, and being proportioned to the rank of the recipient. In this the universities stand out as pre-eminent. Any notable personage or royal visitor was welcomed with a present of "some verie rich and cellor and the heads of houses, hearing gorgeous gloves." that persons of consequence were in the in order to offer this gift. neighborhood, would go out to meet them Professor Thorold Rogers has met with many instances among the muniments of colleges in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries of dom lined after the manner objected to by gifts of costly gloves, presumably not selSir Thomas More. This practice of presenting gloves to distinguished visitors * Dugdale, Monasticon. by the universities or colleges is said to have been intended to indicate that they considered their guests worthy to remain with covered hands, even in the presence of the highest collegiate dignitaries, although the etiquette of that period required "one who would be courteous " to "do off his hood, his gloves also," in the presence of a superior or on entering a house. the corona is only visible during total eclipses of the sun, and not only do these occur at comparatively infrequent intervals, but their duration is very brief and they are only visible over a limited portion of the earth's surface. Six or seven minutes is an exceptionally long time for totality to last, and even to avail themselves of a much shorter time astronomers are often called upon to visit parts of the world quite out of the highways of commerce. Hence it is that places previously almost unheard of find themselves suddenly blazing forth into fame and notoriety, and are subsequently given a place in history solely from the fact that on such and such a day instruments were there erected and pointed at a brief but glorious celestial spectacle. Any of our readers who may wish to know more about the trade in gloves and their manufacture from the earliest times up to the present day, in our own country and in other lands, will find ample information on this subject, as well as many interesting details as to their use in bygone days, in Mr. Beck's little book. It is on our own authority that we add one more fact, viz., that French tradition In observations of such phenomena, the asserts St. Anne to have been a knitter first half of the present century saw but of gloves; she is therefore the chosen little advance beyond what had probably patroness of glovers in that country, and been noted ages before methodical scienher day is, or rather was, kept with special tific inquiry turned its attention to the solemnity by all engaged in that craft. subject. For some little distance round The glovers of Perth had St. Bartholomew the dark shadow of the moon a brilliant for their patron; the reason of this is ap- halo or crown was seen, of a silvery whiteparent when we remember that the skin-ness, with rays or streamers extending ners were associated with the glovers in that great Scotch corporation. ELLIS SCHREIBER. From The Times. THE SOLAR CORONA. THE new pathway of astronomical research opened up by Kirchoff twenty-five years ago, by means of the spectroscope, pointing as it did to a sure and certain method of acquainting ourselves intimately and definitely with the nature and constitution of bodies which lay far beyond the confines of our planet, raised the study of our sun, the nearest star to us, to the dignity of a special branch of scientific research. Many solar phenomena, the explanation of which had hitherto been little more than within the ken of vague conjecture, were before long satisfactorily cleared up, and others of a still more intricate nature gave promise of yielding in time to a more searching inquiry. Among the latter may be mentioned one that, up to the present time, has remained an enigma, but which, so recent researches seem to indicate, cannot remain much longer unsolved the nature of the solar corona. The main difficulty in the way of the solution of this problem lay in the fact that from it at irregular intervals; yet closer to the dark shadow were seen, on some occasions, brilliant red projections of light, but very small indeed in extent compared with the white halo. These last, the red prominences, yielded up their secret sixteen years ago, when the ingenuity of Messrs. Janssen and Lockyer demonstrated how they might be examined by means of the spectroscope without the aid of an eclipse at all. The silvery halo or corona has proved a far more intricate puzzle. Sketches were made of it from time to time, but be yond establishing the fact that it varied from eclipse to eclipse, these sketches elicited nothing. Nay, so late as 1878, when a chain of observers stretching across a considerable portion of the American continent came to compare results, it was found that their sketches at most only half agreed even when they were taken in the same locality. True, they indicated the most remarkable features of the corona, yet they rendered plainly evident what had long been suspected, that the eye was not sufficiently trustworthy to note, nor the hand, therefore, to record, the appearance of so fleeting a phenomenon, and all sketches of the corona during earlier eclipses can only be regarded as vague and unsatisfactory records. Previous to the American eclipse, however, astronomy had found an invaluable ally in photog raphy. By means of this ally one very important fact had been established in 1871 in the work of Messrs. Henessy, Waterhouse, and Davies, that at two places, very far apart, the features of the corona appeared identical. This at once excluded local and terrestrial conditions or causes. As to the nature of the light of the corona, two instruments have been consulted, the polariscope and the spectroscope. The first showed that part of the light of the corona is due to reflected light. The spectroscope has had a more difficult task to accomplish. This instrument could only examine effectively a small portion of the corona light, just so much as would pass through a fine slit. When the prisms spread this fine beam of light out into a band, its effect upon the retina was very feeble and the eye could grasp only the most marked features. The spectrum appeared mainly continuous. Here and there a few of the strongest of the dark solar lines were seen by some observers, reinforcing the work of the polariscope in showing that the corona derives part of its light from the main body of the sun. In addition, certain bright lines have been seen; one notable line in the green portion of the spectrum has been observed during most eclipses extending for some distance from the sun's limb. The exact position of this line in the spectrum was determined, and the same line can be seen as a dark line in the ordinary solar spectrum, but what substance it is due to has yet to be discovered, and remains an important problem for the chemist to determine in the laboratory. power of the astronomical photographer had been multiplied twenty to forty fold, and as all concerned had anticipated, one difficulty attending the spectroscopic examination of the coronal light disappeared. The accumulated effect of the light during an exposure of sixty-five seconds produced a result which could be critically examined at leisure, and it was found that in addition to a faint indication of reflected solar light the corona emitted a definite light of its own; a number of bright lines which could be identified with those given out by known substances were seen, and it could no longer be doubted that a large extent of the corona was due to matter connected more or less intimately with the sun. A further photograph of the coronal spectrum was taken by Messrs. Lawrence and Woods on Caroline Island last year, but the full report of this expe dition has not yet been published. From what has already appeared we need only state that the bright lines were not so marked as in the photograph taken during the preceding eclipse, a noteworthy fact when considered in relation to the feeble activity of the sun at that time. One of the most remarkable features of the photograph of the coronal spectrum was the intensity of the light in blue rays, and this led Dr. Huggins in England to try whether the corona could not be photographed without the aid of an eclipse at all. If this blue light could be isolated by using some colored medium that would cut off the other rays, might not the light of the corona be found to sufficiently exceed in intensity the glare of the light diffused by the atmosphere, as to be capaThe light from the corona, after passing ble of impressing itself on a sensitive through the spectroscope, being too feeble surface? Before this could be attempted, to permit an observer to examine it very however, there was a physical difficulty to minutely during the short space at his dis- be overcome. The intensity of the solar posal, it became necessary to see whether light is so great that before the corona the photographic method might be ap- could be impressed, light scattered by plied. An attempt was made to do so in that part of the film on which the sun's 1875 during the Siam eclipse, but acci- image fell would have reached the back of dents on the road having delayed the the plate and have been reflected back to scientific party, the preparations were not the sensitive film, obscuring the effect of perfect when the eventful moment arrived. | the coronal light or, worse still, producing Nothing further could be done till 1882, a result somewhat resembling it. This but by that time considerable improve- was got over in a way familiar to photograments had been effected in the methods. phers by placing a thick layer of asphal Photography, commercial and scientific, tum in optical contact with the back of had undergone a complete revolution. the plate; by this means all "halation," The old wet collodion process, which had for so long a period held sway, was superseded, and the gelatine dry plate method, which had gained for itself the popular but unsatisfactory title of "the instantaneous process" had taken its place. The as it is termed, was effectually stopped. It was afterwards suggested that the sun's image should be blocked out by means of a blackened disc; the chief drawback to this, though, as will be seen in the sequel, one that can readily be avoided, is the danger of introducing diffraction. For the absorptive medium, Dr. Huggins tried blue glass and also a solution of permanganate of potash, and, after some time, succeeded in getting what competent judges regarded as the corona. But there are several objections to the use of an absorptive medium, the most serious one being the difficulty of determining how much of the result might be due to the various reflecting surfaces introduced. Considering, moreover, that photographic films are themselves so selective, being very much more sensitive to blue rays than to any other part of the spectrum, it was not thought impossible that the blue glass or the permanganate of potash might be dispensed with, and the question arose whether by suitable manipulation in the development of the image, the corona might not be brought up to a greater extent than the light of the sky which tended to overpower it. Photography has achieved the reputation of having a strict regard to truth, and in a sense this reputation has been well earned; nevertheless, it is a fact that has been well known ever since photography took a hold upon the public, that no small amount of its success has been due to the power which photographers possess of subduing or heightening contrasts of light and shade at will, simply by properly regulating the exposure and altering the proportions of the chemicals used in rendering visible the invisible alteration which light has made. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that such a method of working should have been successfully applied to the photographing of the corona, provided that the atmosphere was clear enough to permit the corona to outshine the atmospheric glare or light of the sky to a sufficient extent to enable the heightening of contrast to be effective. And in this proviso lay the chief difficulty, such occasions being comparatively rare in England, only a few days in the year being available for the purpose. In 1883, when Dr. Huggins hoped to be able to compare results taken by his method with what the eclipse observers might bring home from the mid-Pacific, he could only get a photograph a month previous to the day of the eclipse, and another photograph a month after that event. When comparisons were made, the results were enough, however, to demonstrate that steps should be taken to see whether the process was really workable in a suitable locality, and, if so, what might be learnt from an extended series of observations. | The diminution of atmospheric glare being the principal consideration, Switzerland offered itself as the most suitable place, being within easy distance, and offering a clear atmosphere with facilities for reaching a great height with less inconvenience than is to be met with elsewhere. Accordingly, during the season now about to close, visitors to the Riffelberg have been astonished to see on a little elevation at the back of the hotel, at a height of eighty-five hundred feet, a green tent about twelve or thirteen feet long and nearly as high, formed of waterproof canvas stretched over a strong framework attached to the solid rock by iron pegs. On fine days they have noticed that the upper two-thirds of the southern side of this tent has been completely drawn up, allowing a long and somewhat cumbrous-looking instrument to be pointed to the sun and to follow it in its course across the heavens. That it could not be an ordinary telescope every one could see, and it required a glance at the formidable array of bottles and the small cardboard chamber at one side to tell the visitor that the object sought after was connected with solar photography. This is the temporary observatory for the corona erected at the expense of the Royal Society and in charge of Mr. C. Ray Woods, a member of the last two eclipse expeditions. For work of this character the present year has been rather an unfortunate one. The reader will remember that in August last year a tremendous eruption took place in the Sunda Straits, and was followed by singular meteorological phenomena; at sunrise and at sunset in all parts of the habitable globe, afterglows of singular beauty were observed. When the sun was a little below the horizon the sky appeared to be of a bright red hue, and by force of contrast, light clouds, the moon, and even the very lamps in the street appeared tinged with green. It was put forth, though somewhat diffidently at first, that these afterglows were due to the volcanic eruption; that particles of finely divided matter were hurled up into the higher regions of the atmosphere, were wafted over the earth, and remaining suspended in the higher regions where clouds could not speedily attract them and rain wash them down, gave rise to the gorgeous display of color that was remarked in places as far apart from them. selves and the centre of disturbance as England and Honolulu. Evidence accumulated in support of this theory, and unless some better explanation can be advanced acceptance of it can hardly be avoided. From the fact that these sunrises and sunsets lasted for such a length of time, and have extended into the present year, but with diminished glory, it was conjectured that the particles which gave rise to them would probably take years to settle. Not only have these red glows been met with in Switzerland this summer, but another phenomenon has forced itself upon the attention of tourists. On all clear days a peculiar red ring has been observed extending round the sun at a distance of about twenty degrees. Out side this ring the sky has appeared blue, and between the ring and the sun nearly white. The higher the elevation the more marked has this ring appeared, but at any given place it has been most noticeable when the sun has been below the horizon. This peculiar haze has rendered coronaphotography more difficult than was antic ipated, but even taking this light-scattering medium into account, a Swiss sky at a high altitude is far superior to the clear est atmosphere we get at home. It may be said that in the same ratio that the Swiss air has been clearer than the English atmosphere that Dr. Huggins had to overcome, so are the photographs obtained in Switzerland during the last six or eight weeks superior to the few that had been obtained in England. The interposition of a circular disc between the sun's image and the photo graphic plate has been tried with success, and, by using a disc a little larger than the sun's image, all danger of diffraction or light turning the corner is done away with, and though the results are necessarily far inferior to the photographs obtained during eclipses when the disc, if it may be called such, is the dark body of the moon, they possess this advantage. they constitute to all intents and purposes a continuous record for a brief period. What these photographs may yield on a critical examination remains to be seen. One step has certainly been gained. Dr. Huggins's method appears capable of giv. ing under suitable conditions a daily record of the form at least of the corona, and after a little more experience in the work further improvements may bring about something more. Whether an extended series of photographs of the solar corona will lead to a complete explanation of its nature is doubtful. A further discovery may yet have to be made viz., how to examine the spectrum of the corona without an eclipse. Did the corona spectrum consist of merely a few bright lines, as is the case with the red prominences, the question would have been settled long ago. It is of a far more complicated nature, however, and no solution of the matter appears imminent. It is more than prob. able that could observations be made at heights where life could with difficulty be sustained, there would be still enough atmospheric glare to prevent the coronal spectrum being seen. On the whole, the best and most useful supplement to a daily series of coronal photographs is likely to be a series of photographs of the spectrum of different parts of the corona taken during some future eclipse of the sun. From The Spectator. HIBERNICISMS. As a preface to my collection, I cannot do better than record a saying which came from the lips of a peasant, and yet conveys in brief compass a most graphic description of many Irishmen of all classes. "I like action," remarked this candid Celt, but I hate work." This is a home truth of the widest application to the Irish character. Amongst special Celtic characteristics, which it is my aim to illustrate, I would give a prominent place to the power of apology. "It was not the dhrop I had taken," said a Kerry peasant charged with being drunk and disorderly, "but I had a shmoke out of a neighbor's pipe, and that leaned upon me." Again, although undoubtedly impaired of late years, there is still a good deal of homely courtesy to be met with amongst the peasantry in their dealings with the gentry, or "the quality," as they phrase it. Their desire not to shock the ears of their betters is evinced by the constant use of the expression "saving your presence." A lady friend, seeing a fisherman seized by a violent fit of coughing, said to him, "If you'll come up to the house, Patsy, I'll give you something that'll do your cough good." "'Tis not a cough that I have, ma'am," replied Patsy; "saving your presence, 'tis a fly that has gone wesht in my stomach." This last expression needs elucidation. The Kerry-man has practically only two points to his com pass, wesht and esht, and for once that you hear the latter, you will hear the former twenty times. In fact, it is used in the widest sense. "Push wesht," means |