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 branch of them in which I was an adept, and in these refined days I almost blush to refer to it. I was said to handle the gloves very nicely."

The year 1872 was full of activity for Mr. Thoms. We find him busy investigating 'Another Historic Doubt' the death-warrant of Charles I. The numbers for July contain his notes on the subject; these were afterwards reprinted, and rapidly passed through two editions. They were dedicated to one dear to him as a brother "To the memory of that model of a Christian gentleman and accomplished scholar, my forty years' friend, John Bruce."

Then came his farewell to ' N. & Q.,' and only four weeks after his 'Parting Note' a banquet was given in his honour. On the 1st of November such an assemblage as is rarely witnessed met at Willis's Rooms. The chairman was Earl Stanhope; Lord Lyttelton occupied the vice-chair; and the company included, among other equally well-known names, the Earl of Verulam, Sir Frederick Pollock, Sir Charles W. Dilke, Sir Edward Smirke, Prof. Owen, Mr. Joseph Durham, R.A., Mr. Shirley Brooks, Mr. John Murray, and my father.

A report of the proceedings is printed on the 9th of November, Earl Stanhope in the course of his speech said that

Among other speakers were Mr. Benjamin Moran, United States Charge d'Affaires, who bore testimony to the appreciation in America of Mr. Thoms's labours; Prof. Owen, who thanked Mr. Thoms in the name of men of science whose researches he had assisted in the pages of 'N. & Q.'; and Sir Frederick Pollock. Mr. Thoms in the course of his reply said that "during all the time he had conducted Notes and Queries he never had so difficult a query proposed as that which occurred to him to-night, 'What have I done to deserve this great honour?'" Among the many letters from friends who wrote to congratulate him upon the success of the evening there was none more valued than that he received from his successor in the conduct of 'N. & Q.' Dr. Doran wrote:—