Page:White - The natural history of Selborne, and the naturalist's calendar, 1879.djvu/360

338 Item 26th. The visitor herein severely reprimands the canons for appearing publicly in what would be called in the universities an unstatutable manner, and for wearing of boots, “caligæ de Burneto, et sotularium———in ocrearum loco, ad modum sotularium.”*

It is remarkable that the bishop expresses more warmth against this than any other irregularity; and strictly enjoins them, under pain of ecclesiastical censures, and even imprisonment if necessary (a threat not made use of before), for the future to wear boots, “ocreis seu botis,” according to the regular usage of their ancient order.

Item 29th. He here again, but with less earnestness, forbids them foppish ornaments, and the affectation of appearing like beaux with garments edged with costly furs, with fringed gloves, and silken girdles trimmed with gold and silver. It is remarkable that no punishment is annexed to this injunction.

Item 31st. He here singly and severally forbids each canon not admitted to a cure of souls to administer extreme unction, or the sacrament, to clergy or laity; or to perform the service of matrimony, till he has taken out the license of the parish priest.

Item 32nd. The bishop says in this item that he had observed and found, in his several visitations, that the sacramental plate and cloths of the altar, surplices, etc., were sometimes left in such an uncleanly and disgusting condition as to make the beholders shudder with horror:—“Quod aliquibus sunt horrori:”† he