varying from 10,000 to 30,000 lire according to the value of the property allotted to the bishopric. For example, I remember the Bishopric of Capri was called delle quaglie, as the income was derived partly from quails ensnared in nets when crossing the island en route from Africa to Europe. Incalculably larger is the pay of the head of a Congregazione, such as the "Propaganda Fide," "Speditore di Brevi," "Elemosiniere Apostolico," "Segretario di Stato," "Nunzio," &c.
I once learned from a relative of a certain cardinal, whose name I withhold, that he received half a million lire for performing a nuptial ceremony in the United States. Of course, many expenses fall heavily on all members of the College of Cardinals, such as almsgiving and charges for expensive ceremonials, and functions devolving on each individual holder of the office in turn.
Catholicos concludes his query by asking, "How do English cardinals, when there are any, live?" I cannot specialize from knowledge, but I was present in Rome when Cardinals Newman, Manning, and Howard received their hats, and heard the two latter preach a sermon on acceptance of what was called their "titular church," one at San Gregorio and the other at S. Maria in Trastevere. They were both bishops before being made cardinals, and doubtless the necessary funds were supplied as in the case of the Italians. William Mercer.
Doronderry (correctly Downderry), Cornwall (11 S. vii. 168).—I am not able to answer Mr. W. MacArthur's query at this reference, but I would venture to suggest than an inquiry nearer home would be likely to be more fruitful.
The village he mentions, situated close to the sea at the edge of Whitsand Bay, has only of late years become a summer resort for holiday-makers; formerly it was a mere fishing village.
I take it that the element in its name that requires elucidation is the "derry," the fact that it is down by the sea, and can only be reached by land after going down a long, steep descent, shows the appropriateness of the "Down."
What, then, can be said about "derry"? The 'N.E.D.' knows it not, nor the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica,' except as part of the refrain "Hey derry down, derry down derry," &c., and the true meaning of this is merely surmise. As a place-name Derry, or in full Londonderry, is, of course, well known. It is recorded in the 'Postal Guide' as applied with various terminations to no fewer than twenty-five places in Ireland, against three only in the rest of the United Kingdom. These three are: Derryhill, Calne, Wilts; Downderry, St. Germans, Cornwall; and Londonderry, Yorkshire.
I am inclined to think that "Derry" is really a family name. It is a name well known for some generations at least in Plymouth. Men of the name have been bankers, doctors, lawyers, and merchants, and one at least was three times mayor of Plymouth.
As to its meaning in this connexion, however, I have been foiled. In neither of four books on names that I examined at our public library is the name mentioned. Baring-Gould, Wagner, to say nothing of Miss Charlotte Yonge, throw no light on the subject.
Evidently there is much yet to be learnt, and I venture to think that Ireland is the place wherein to search, and I would hope that further light may come through the original querist. W. S. B. H.
"Raising Feast" (11 S. vii. 488).—This custom prevails largely throughout Switzerland, and I myself in 1905, when building operations were going on for the enlargement of my then residence here, had to give and pay for a feast to the workmen. This feast takes place here after the highest bit of the roof has been set up, and on it is planted a pine tree, decorated with streamers (the "Aufrichtungsfest," or "Raising Feast"). This is no doubt the origin of the English name, the tree not being "raised" till the topmost point of the house is reached. W. A. B. Coolidge.
Ashford Family (11 S. vii. 29, 118).—In the centre of the main road at Irishtown, a few miles from Dublin, is a pillar memorial to Dr. William Ashford, with the words on one side:—
"Erected Jan., 1893, by subscription, to commemorate the memory of Dr. Wm. Ashford, for the valuable services he rendered for a period of half a century to the Poor of St. Mary's Parish."
On another side:—
"Born 2nd December, 1810. Died 15th July, 1892."
He was noted for seldom charging the poor for his services; also for his many acts of charity in the district. William MacArthur.
