For such defects I should be equally delighted with B. to discover a
remedy; but I fear that so long as our paper manufacturers study
expedition and economy in preference to quality, the case is hopeless.
The ashes left after the combustion of a sheet of paper clearly indicate
the amount of modern sophistication, and greatly exceed those of more
ancient paper. In fact, some paper may now be classed, with more
propriety, among mineral than vegetable productions. Mildew, arising
from damp in old books, may be arrested, if not removed, by exposure to
light, air, and a dry atmosphere.
HENRY WILKINSON.
_The Carpenter's Maggot_ (Vol. ii., p. 104.).--The ancient tune known as
the _Carpenter's Maggot_, and until lately played at the annual dinner
of the Livery of the Carpenters' Company, may be found at p. 258. of the
first volume of a rare work entitled _The Dancing Master_, sm. obl.
1721. The same volume contains a choice assemblage of "Maggots", i.e.
Barker's Maggot, Cary's Maggot, Draper's Maggot, Hill's Maggot,
Huntington's Maggot, M. Coppinger's Maggot, &c.
The word Maggot, from the French _Magot_, means a whim, or a fancy. The
bird "magpie", originally "maggoty-pie," was so called on account of its
whimsical drollery. "A maggoty-pated fellow" is often used to imply a
_whimsical_ man.
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