Homes and Haunts: Visting Writers’ Shrines and Countries.
Reassessing Romanticism. She is coding
1841-6: letters (34) fromElizabeth Barrett Browning .
a synthetic collection consisting of manuscripts, correspondence, and portraits of the author.10 letters in the Pforzheimer Collection, to
Book History in a Digital Age,she worked on a class project to edit the sonnets from Mitford’s Dramatic Scenes, Sonnets, and Other Poems (1827).
Book History in a Digital Age,she worked on a class project to edit the sonnets from Mitford’s Dramatic Scenes, Sonnets, and Other Poems (1827).
A lifelong friend of
Harness and
William Harness was the son of John Harness, M.D. and Sarah Dredge; he was baptized at Whitchurch, Hampshire on April 13, 1790. He received his B.A. in 1812 and his M.A. in 1816 from Christ’s College, Cambridge. He served as curate at Kelmeston, Hampshire (1812) and Dorking (1814-1816). He was preacher at Trinity Chapel, Conduit Street, London and minister and lecturer at St. Anne’s in Soho. He was Boyle lecturer in London (1822) and was curate at Hampstead from 1828 to 1844. In 1825, he published an eight-volume edition of Shakespeare, including a biography; his friends would later endow a prize in his name at Cambridge for the study of Shakespearean literature. He also authored numerous essays and reviews, some for the
new seriesreprinted edition of
line ofthat is, the descendants ofJacob ,
Society for promoting the Arts of Design,a society that would sponsor an annual exhibition (later the Summer Exhibition) as well as a School of Design (later the Royal Academy Schools.) Thirty-four founding members were elected; today, the society elects no more than eighty members at one time as Royal Academicians (Members of the Royal Academy, RA). During Mitford’s time, the Royal Academy was housed at
Scribleruspseudonyms.
A.R.W.
Mr. Abbott. In 1833, he opened the
Mr. Addison. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Aitken. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
is my countrywoman,, that is, a neighbor. Later in
the prettiest, silliest, most affected, husband-hunting butterfly she ever remembers, but that Jane was by the 1810s extremely quiet, which impressed Mitford:
tillSource:Pride and Prejudice showed what a precious gem was hidden in that unbending case, she was no more regarded in society than a poker or a fire-screen, or any other thin upright piece of wood or iron that fills its corner in peace and quietness. The case is very different now; she is still a poker--but a poker of whom every one is afraid. It must be confessed that this silent observation from such an observer is rather formidable. Most writers are good-humoured chatterers--neither very wise nor very witty:—but nine times out of ten (at least in the few that I have known) unaffected and pleasant, and quite removing by their conversation any awe that may have been excited by their works. But a wit, a delineator of character, who does not talk, is terrific indeed!
his catamite and bed-fellow.In 1845 (during Mitford's lifetime), this passage was published for the first time.
Mr. Baker. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Will no one rid me of this meddlestome priest?,thereby calling for Becket's assassination without literally ordering it. Becket was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church as a saint in 1173.
Mr. Bender. Forename unknown. More research needed.
for importuning a young male servant at Spa in August 1825Source: ODNB. He had been travelling in Italy after the deaths of a son and daughter from consumption in 1824, and remained in exile with his wife until his death in 1836.
Mr. Bennett. Retired from acting in 1862. Said to have inaugurated a new, more sympathetic and serious style of playing
Mr. Bennett. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Berghem.
a large family followed;
large familyis crossed out in pencil, and he has written
several children. In an attempt to establish the original for the story character,
And Did Those Feet..., which since the First World War has been popularized as a song. Until the mid-Victorian era, Blake's work was not widely known or was dismissed as the product of mental illness.
Mr. Bland. Forename unknown. More research needed.
farmerresiding in Wokingham, Shinfield parish; also listed as
gentlemanin Reading directories. Buried
the wife of John Brenton
a fit. Elsewhere among
little Eliza. On each occasion, she is noting her third and fourth birthdays. In the story from
shopkeeperoccupation.
Mrs. Disciplinein letters of
as obscure as one ofLord Castlereagh 's explanations.
The play is wretchedly constructed, with some powerful scenes, many passages of power and considerable effect in the sketch of Cromwell's character, which, deserving first-rate support, was consigned to the murderous Mr. Cathcart--a very poor pretender indeed.Source:
Mr. Cathcart. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Chalk. Forename unknown. More research needed.
the martyr of the people,was executed outside the Banqueting House at Whitehall that had been designed by Inigo Jones for James I. A week after his execution, he was quietly buried at Windsor and the monarchy was abolished. Charles I is the apocryphal author of the
Mr. Chippendale. Forename unknown. More research needed.
columns of musicalforgossip
the most prolific of all its reviewers,according to the ODNB. Reviewed
both men of headstrong passion--zealous partisans, vindictive enemies, fascinating companions--both great bullies--& as I suspect both great cowards.
talked of books with tasteand with that
wide range which is my delight--old books--odd books--rare boooks. The letter suggests she met Mrs. Coffin on a
little Collins. Acted under
Mr. Collins. According to 1806
died during the run of the comedy. An 1804 biographical sketch in the
Mr. Comer. orename unknown. More research needed.
,_Duchess_of_St_Albans_by_Sir_William_Beechey.jpg){kind=link}
Anna Matildawith
Della Crusca) and
Laura Maria, among others. Della Cruscan publisher
English Republican military leader, politician, and dictator. The effective protagonist of Mitford’s play
ecclesiastical tyranny and usurpation.During the
After the
The dandy
Mitford pokes fun at in her letters of
Culpepperin her journal and letters, the majority of legal documents spell the name as
Culpeper.
Culpepperin her journal and letters.
Carteretta Cornelia. Her date of death is unknown; more research needed.
a particularly ugly, noisy pug, that barked at every body that came into the house, and bit at most.
Mr. Debar. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Doyne. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Lived with her family on
Drummond of Hawthornden, Drummond was a Scottish lyric poet with royalist sympathies. He is one of the sixteen poets and writers whose heads appear on the
Duckinfieldor
Dakinfield. name.
Miss Duncan from Edinburghat
Chard, is derived from her maternal lineage; Grace’s maternal grandmother was born Mary Chard. Grace Elford remained unmarried and later came to reside with her sister
rotten boroughwhose interest Lopes had purchased from
Waldron; however, she is not to be confused with the American Elizabeth Waldron (1780 to 21 July 1853). Her birthdate is not given in any standard nineteenth-century reference sources, but is likely to be before 1780.
Jane Mary. Additional research needed.
According to
Elford worked as a banker at Plymouth Bank (Elford, Tingcombe and Purchase)
in
He
married his first wife,
Mr. Emery.
Mrs. Faucit. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mrs. Fisher. Forename unknown. More research needed.
protegeof Mitford's (279).
Mr. Fleming. Forename unknown. More research needed.
The English Aristophanes. He wrote
Mr. Forrester. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mrs. Geesin. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Best known for writing
Mrs. Grahamand references her travel publications,
Mr. Green. Forename unknown. More research needed.
English painter and author (1786-1846) Published
He is the most delightful critic in the [world]-- puts all his taste, his wit, his deep thinking, his matchless acuteness into his subject, but he does not put his whole heart & soul into it [. . . ] What charms me most inMr. Haslitt is the beautiful candour which he bursts forth sometimes from his own prejudices [ . . . ] I admire him so ardently that when I begin to talk of him I never know how to stop. I could talk on for an hour in a see saw of praise and blame as he himself does ofBeaumont &Fletcher & some of his old [favourites].
Miss Henry. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Horrebow. Forename unknown. More research needed.
the Apothecary,a radical M.P. who represented Aberdeen in the House of Commons from 1818 as part of a network of radical leadership over the next thirty years. Criticized the government's role in
An exceptionally well-educated and self-assured early modern woman whose literary achievements are extremely significant. Her works include the first complete English translation of Lucretius's controversial Epicurean poem
Born Lucy Apsley, the daughter of Sir Allen Apsley, Lieutenant of the Tower of London. In 1638 she fell mutually in love with and married Sir John Hutchinson. While he fought on the
As the critic
independent means;in the 1851 census, as
landholder;in the 1861 census, she as
railway shareholder.
one of those delightful old men that render age so charming--mild playful kind & wise--talking just asIsaac Walton would have talked if we were to [have] gone out fishing with him.
John Johnson, esq.and gives his date of death as 5 April 1821. See
[Died] April 5 . . . John Johnson, esq. of Seymour-court, near Great Marlow, a celebrated member of the Hampden Club, and author of various political letters, &c., under the signature of Timothy Trueman(381). The
author of various political letters and essays in Mr. B. Flower’s(314).Political Register and other periodical works, under the signature of Timothy Trueman
Jackor
IrishJohnstone. Performed at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin; and
Mr. C. Jones. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Doraor
DollyJordan; she adopted the name
Mrs. Jordanin the 1780s as a stage name. Courtesan and longtime mistress of
Miss Josephine. Forename unknown. More research needed.
FannyKemble was a member of the Kemble acting clan, the daughter of
Mr. Kerridge. Forename unknown. More research needed.
,plain Ben
, orBen Emmery
. Source:Dick
Son of John and Sarah Kirby, and brother of
Miss Lacy. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Lee. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. T. Lee. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Ley. Forename unknown. More research needed. Active 1810s to 1830s.
Mr. Liston.
Bluestocking,and the
Republican Virago.Her politics were Whig, reformist, and anti-Catholic, and they became increasingly radical in her later years, when she attacked the writings of
To William Charles Macready, Esq., with high esteem for those endowments which have cast new lustre on his art; with warm admiration for those powers which have inspired, and that taste which has fostered the tragic dramatists of his age; with heartfelt gratitude for the zeal with which he befriended the production of a stranger, for the judicious alterations which he suggested, and for the energy, the pathos, and the skill with which he more than emhodied its principal character; this tragedy is most respectfully dedicated by the author.
Mahometis also the spelling used by Voltaire in his 1735 play, with which Mitford may have been familiar.)
Tecla Mariam or Haseb Nanya...was the third son of David, and succeeded his nephew. He reigned four years, and took for his inaugration name, Haseb Nanya(67).
James May, attorney, Friar Street, Readingaccording to
the Magistrates’ Clerk. More research needed.
Mr. Mears. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Mildenhall. Forename unknown. More research needed.
blue all sprinkled with little white spots just like a starry nightin her
Father of Midford
. Immediate family called him by nicknames including Drum
, Tod
, and Dodo
. He was a member of a minor branch of the Mitfords of Mitford Castle in Northumberland. Although later sources would suggest that he was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh medical school, there is no evidence that he obtained a medical degree and he did not generally refer to himself as Dr. Mitford
, preferring to style himself Esq.
. In surgeon (medicine)
of
He married
pretty little Spaniel with long curling hair--so white & delicate & ladylike.
Patriotshoemaker,
Mr. and Mrs. M. and dear B.. (
Dear B.would be their son,
celebrated shoemakeris Mr. Warry, possibly Joseph Source:
Mr. and Mrs. M. and dear B.. (
Dear B.would be their son,
group of women following Montagu’s salon. In theBluestocking
Sunday Schoolsto teach reading.
Mossywas a nickname for
Moss Trooper.
authoress,and lists her as living at
Mr. Mude. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Jacob Newberry, attorney, of 35 Great Queen Street Lincoln’s Inn Fields [London] and Friar Street, Reading(#17, p. 109, note 32). Mentioned as a Reading solicitor of Mitford's acquaintance in John Mitchell's
Master Norman. Forename unknown. More research needed.
a great(Devonshire reformer, one of the bad epic poets and very pleasant men in which that country abounds
what a man! How loud & shrewd & full of himself & sharp all over from his eagle nose to his pointed hook toe! What a perpetual sky rocket bouncing starting & flaming! What a talker against time! Well might. Mitford may not have seen the poem, since it was published in Baltimore, MD. Northmore's poem was entitledMr. Hobhouse call himthe gentleman who came all the way from Devonshire to tell us that he was a great man at home.And he is a Poet too. Has written an Epic, which must have appeared incognito–for I never remember to have heard it mentioned in my life. An Epic Poem aboutWashington
O’Keeffeand
O’Keefe. In
O’Keefe, although the more accepted spelling is
O’Keeffe.
Miss O'Neill. Later Lady Becher: married Mr., afterwards Sir William Wrixon Becher, an Irish Member of Parliament who was later created a baronet.
Mrs. Orger. Source: The Biography of the British Stage. 187-188.
Otto the Illustrious;historical figure who is the subject of
Charles Fyshe Palmer was the son of
A Whig politician, Palmer began running for Parliament elections as the
member for vastly
like a mop-stick, or, rather, a tall hop-pole, or an extremely long
fishing-rod, or anything that is all length and no substance.
Mitford also mentions Palmer in connection with a legal issue surrounding
Madelinaand
Madalina, although
Madelinaappears to be the more common and standard spellling of the name, as an anglicization of the French Madeline. For more on the Palmers, see note 2 in The Browning’s Correspondence rendering of
Miss Phillips. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Miss Pincott. The wife of actor Alfred Wigan, she later appeared as
Mrs. Wigan.
an age of fine spiritsand
noble daring,when such men
must have purified the very air.(See
Golden Age. Best known for his portraits in oil, particularly his many self-portraits, he also painted landscapes and narratives, including biblical and mythological scenes. He was also a skilled printmaker, employing etching as well as dry point techniques. See The Met’s Rembrandt site at
styled herself Mrs. Rowden(1860: 148). Rowden wrote poetry, including
New Year’s dayas the date of her death.
Mr. Selby. Forename unknown. More research needed.
I had grown up--it is the privilege of English people to grow up--in the worship ofShakespeare , and many of his favourite scenes I literally knew by heart.
Mrs. Siddons. Her most famous role was
cousins of the tragedian's [(7th ser., 6, 28 July 1888: 76). Henrietta is likely to be theWilliam Macready 's] mother.
Hettamentioned in Macready's diaries. Source: Letter from
Downton, WilliamDNB. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Bricklayer and beer retailer of
Sacharissaby poet
On the 17th, convicted of bribery at an election for the borough of Penrhyn, in Cornwall, was sentenced to be confined in the King's Bench Prison for one year.See
The eldest daughter of
Thomas and Rachel had five children: Francis, Mary, Katharine, Thomas Noon
[II], and William Wordsworth. In 1832, the family lived at 26 Henrietta
Street, St Andrew, Holborn and St George the Martyr, Bloomsbury. In 1837,
they lived at 56 Russell Square, St. George, Bloomsbury. On May 1, 1843,
Rachael and the five children were all baptized into the Church of England.
After the death of her husband, she lived at Margate, Kent, where she died
on
Close friend, literary mentor, and frequent correspondent of
Talfourd’s literary works include his plays
clerk in holy orders.Since he disappears from English census records after 1861, reappearing in 1891, and gives his son Arthur Harry Edmund’s birthplace as Isipingo, Natal, South Africa (then a British colony), it seems possible that he emigrated to South Africa between those dates, then returned to England. Further research needed.
Mr. Thomas. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. Thompson. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Tuckermann.
his Brittanic Majesty’s Counsul at the Court of Tripoly,who edited her correspondence.
bound apprentice to a freeman of London, Humphrey Gregory Pridden,a printer. He was admitted a Liveryman of the Stationer’s Company in London in
Richard Valpy (the fourth of that name) was the eldest son of Richard Valpy
[III] and Catherine Chevalier. He was a friend and literary mentor to
Richard Valpy was married twice and had twelve children, eleven of whom
lived to adulthood. His first wife was
Mr. Warde. Tragedian who appeared at
our celebrated shoemaker & Patriotin a
gentlemanin the
Aunt Mary
Uncle John,uncle to Eliza and Mary Webb and younger brother to James Webb.
Mr. J. Webster. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mrs. Webster. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Mr. G. Williams. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Blacksmith recorded by no place,
and his name does not appear in the 1854
edition of the Directory. Source:
Windsor paper man.Presumably the editor or proprietor of the
Mr. Yarnold. Forename unknown. More research needed.
Miss Yates. Forename unknown. Possibly the daughter of
Mr. Young. Rival of
Mr. Younge. Forename unknown. More research needed. Not identical with well-known lead actor
half a dozen ragged urchins,including
paintedcosmetics: hence, the phrase,
a painted Jezebel.
traitor.
adversary.
respectable tradesman.Surname not given.
a follower of Erizzo.played by
a lover, or sectator, of shadows.
character in
Mrs., she is unmarried. Surname not given.
Character in
the very name is as stiff as poker,in a letter to Elford from
female Sir Charles Grandison.
pretty white cottage.His son,
hedge schoolmasterin
blind Robert. Full name not given.
opposite neighbour,suggesting a proximity of residence to the family. Proper name not given.
Hollandgradually become colloquial for
the Netherlands,and today the two geographic entities are frequently conflated.
two finest pieces of natural scenery within twelve miles of the capital(
new churchin 1827.
Whitehall,used without specific reference to the palace, refers metonymically to the centers of power of the English government, including the monarchy and parliament. Literally, Whitehall is a road in
-
ant Lasius niger Lasius Formicidae black garden ant common black ant Small, mostly wingless social insect. Symbolic of hard work, prudence, and foresight in Aesop 's fable,The Grasshopper and the Ant . -
bee Apis Social insect collecting nectar to produce wax and honey. Both honeybees and bumblebees are common in the UK. Proverbial for busy and diligent workers, as in the Isaac Watts poem, Against Idleness and Mischief. -
common blackbird Turdus merula Turdus Turdidae Eurasian blackbird Medium-sized black member of the thrush family, with a yellow-orange bill and distinctive yellow ring around its eye. Widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa; unrelated to New World blackbirds. -
cricket Gryllus campestris Gryllus Gryllidae European field cricket A dark-colored flightless cricket found in dry grasslands and heathlands. In Mitford's time, common in the UK and Western Europe; currently the most endangered cricket in the UK, due to habitat loss, mainly surviving in southern England. Scaly crickets and several species of bush crickets are also found in the UK. Symbolically associated with good luck. Mitford generally uses the simple term cricket
. -
common cuckoo Cuculus canorus Cuculus Cuculidae European cuckoo Migratory medium-sized blue-gray bird with long tail and wings that arrives in the UK in early spring. They are brood parasites who lay their eggs in the nest of other birds; they became proverbial for usurpers. Wordsworth published a poemTo Cuckoo in 1807. -
dove Columbidae Streptopelia Columbidae During the 19th century, four types of doves and pigeons were found in Britain: the stock dove , therock dove , or feral species of the domestic pigeon, and theturtle dove , as well as thewood pigeon . Domesticated pigeons such as carrier, homing, and racing pigeons are species of the rock dove. In Britain, thewood pigeon is hunted as a game bird and domesticated pigeons were also used as food. In the ancient world, doves were associated with goddesses of love, sexuality, and maternity, such as Inanna Ishtar and Aphrodite. Doves carry symbolic significance in both the Old and New Testaments of the Hebrew Bible: in Genesis in the story of Noah and the ark as a symbol of peace and deliverance, in the Song of Songs as a term of endearment, and in Matthew as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Doves were also acceptable burnt offerings and came to symbolize peace in early Christianity. Later literary and artistic references often draw on this association of white doves with peace, deliverance, and spiritual gifts, and are representations of the rock dove, which is highly variable in color, ranging from white to shades of grey and pale brown. -
wild duck mallard Anas platyrhynchos Anas Anatidae Large dabbling duck with yellow-orange bill and dark blue and white wing tips, native to Eurasia, North Africa, and North America. Females are shades of brown, and males have a green head, purplish breast, and grey body. This wild species is the ancestor of most domestic ducks. They are the most commonly-hunted duck and have been a food source since ancient times. Mitford generally uses the term wild duck
rather thanmallard . -
earwig Forficula auricularia Forficula Dermaptera common earwig Dark brown crawling insect with back pincers and lighter brown legs and folded leathery wing cases which were thought to resemble human ears. Hide in dark and damp places such as under rocks, flowerpots, and tree bark. Generally harmless, they can be considered pests since they feed on some flowering plants and pantry foodstuffs; however, they are also beneficial in gardens in that they eat destructive smaller insects such as greenfly that attack plants. -
glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca Lampyris Lampyridae A nocturnal beetle found throughout Europe and Asia, a member of the bioluminescent family of insects commonly called lightning bugs orfireflies . The female forms are wingless, and thus became known asworms . Found in old-growth meadows, verges, hedgerows, and heaths, peaking in June and July. A favorite subject for poets from at least the early-modern period; in Mitford's time, a common subject, particularly for sonnets, by authors who include Charlotte Smith, Anna Maria Porter, William Wordsworth, and John Clare. -
grasshopper Orthoptera Insect of the order of Orthoptera with large head, chewing mouthparts, and large hind legs for jumping. Fourteen types of grasshoppers and groundhoppers are found in the UK. The most common are the woodland, common green, field, meadow, and rufous grasshoppers. Symbolic of laziness and lack of prudence and foresight in Aesop 's fable,The Grasshopper and the Ant . Mitford generally uses the simple termgrasshopper
. -
hornet Vespa crabro Vespa Vespidae European hornet Large nesting wasp native to Eurasia and southern England, transported into North America in the nineteenth century. Also called yellowjackets . -
common kingfisher Alcedo atthis Alcedo Alcedinidae Small blue and orange bird with a large head pointed beak; frequents riparian areas and feeds on small fish and other invertebrates. Widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa. -
lark In the UK, the lark family includes the woodlark , theskylark , and theshore lark . In Britain, the termlark conventionally refers to theskylark . Because of its habit of singing early in the morning, proverbial for early rising, and symbolic of happiness. -
long-tailed wren Spelaeornis Spelaeornis chocolatinus Timaliidae Naga wren-babbler The Naga wren-babbler or long-tailed wren-babbler (Spelaeornis chocolatinus), a bird species in the family Timaliidae. -
nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Luscinia Muscicapidae A medium-sized migratory songbird, brown above and beige or whitish below, native to Eurasia and overwintering in sub-saharan Africa. Best known for its beautiful and powerful song. Prefers habitats of coppiced woods and scrubland. Great Britain represents the nothernmost extent of its range. Became proverbial for a person with a melodious speaking voice or with an extraordinary singing voice. -
grey partridge Phasianidae perdix Perdix perdix English partridge Hungarian partridge Medium-sized plump grey game bird, smaller than a pheasant and larger than a quail. Native to Eurasia and the UK; has naturalized throughout North America. A nonmigratory bird that breeds on farmland, it is currently threatened in the UK, while populations remain healthy elsewhere. -
pheasant Phasianus colchicus Phasianus Phasianidae common pheasant Large long-tailed game bird, native to Asia and with populations elsewhere naturalized as well as raised for hunting. The males are brightly-colored, with green heads, while the females are drab. Hybridization has bred types in a variety of colors. Pheasants, likely from the Caucasus, were naturalized in Britain by at least 1050 AD, and may have arrived earlier, with the Romans. The ring-necked variety was reintroduced in the 18th century. In the UK, the birds are hunted by traditional driven-shoot methods, employing beaters, and rough-shoot methods; both methods rely on gun dogs to flush and retrieve the birds. -
robin redbreast Erithacus rubecula Erithacus Muscicapidae European robin bobbie Small songbird, native to Europe, now considered a type of Old World flycatcher. In Mitford's time, believed to be part of the thrush family, along with nightingales. Not to be confused with the American robin, a new World thrush, this bird is sometimes referred to as an English robin in North America. Frequently referenced in British folk tales and popular culture, the bird became associated with the Christmas holiday in the mid-nineteenth century. The bird's name derives from the male forename Robin or Robert, which led to nicknames ofBob andBobby . Robins in Great Britain are generally less wary of humans than their counterparts in continental Europe. Mitford calls the tame robins she feeds herbobbies
. -
rock dove pigeon Columba livia Columba Columbidae rock pigeon Very common and widely-distributed dove, originally native to Eurasia and North Africa. Feral rock doves are pale grey with an iridescent green neck and two black bars on their wings. Domesticated pigeons, including racing, homing and carrier pigeons, as well as those raised for food, are all part of the rock dove family. Highly variable in color, ranging from white to pale grey and brown, with a white rump. Literary and artistic representations of doves are most often white rock doves. -
rook Corvus frugilegus Corvus Corvidae Large member of the crow family, with a distinctive light-colored bill and featherless area on the face; roosts at the tops of trees in large social groups. Historically, British farmers have considered them nuisances, as they make holes while foraging in agricultural fields and elsewhere for seeds and ground-based insects like grubs. -
shore lark Eremophila alpestris Eremophila Alaudidae horned lark Lark native to northern Eurasia and North America; also known as the horned lark . Prefers open fields as well as seashores. -
skylark Alauda arvensis Alauda Alaudidae Eurasian skylark Eurasian songbird with gray-brown plumage above and whitish plumage beneath. Famous for its melodius warbling song while in flight, and symbolically associated with the passionate enthusiasm of love and lovers. Percy Shelley's poem To a Skylark appeared in 1820. -
stock dove Columba oenas Columba Columbidae Eurasian dove, pale grey above and below with a pinkish neck and iridescent green neck band, common in the UK. Similar in size and shape to the rock dove , but lacking a white rump. -
swallow Hirundo rustica Hirundo Hirundinidae barn swallow -
mute swan Cygnus olor Cygnus Anatidae domestic swan tame swan The mute swan, a large white waterbird with a distinctive orange-red and black knobbed beak, is a Eurasian species prevalent across Europe and the UK. Associated with Apollo and Venus in classical mythology. Symbolic of purity, because of their color; and faithful love, since swans are believed to grieve for the loss or death of a mate or cygnet. Mythologized as singing beautifully before their death, and thus, identified with extraordinary singers or poets; for example, referring to Shakespeare as the swan of Avon
. -
turtle dove Streptopelia turtur Streptopelia Columbidae European turtle dove Small, pale brown and gray migratory member of the dove and pigeon family. Once common throughout Europe and the Middle East and wintering in southern Africa, it is now an endangered species in the UK and elsewhere. This bird is known for its mournful voice, and is therefore associated with love and loss. Mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, in early-modern Europe the bird became mythologized as the partner of the phoenix. -
woodpigeon Columba palumbus Columba Columbidae The most common member of the dove and pigeon family in Britain, a large grey pigeon with a pinkish breast and distinctive white patches on its neck and wings. -
woodlark Lullula arborea Lullula Alaudidae Eurasian lark with distinctive black and yellow facial markings. Prefers open clearings near pine forest and heathland. -
crested wren Regulus regulus Regulus Regulidae golden-crested wren goldcrest Tiny olive-green songbird whose head has a distinctive yellow or orange stripe, frequents woodlands and gardens. Called the crested wren in Mitford's time and earlier, although this bird is not a member of the wren family, but is from the family of kinglets and firecrests. Despite its tiny size, considered the king of the birds in European folklore.
-
acacia Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia Fabaceae false acacia black locust Mitford likely refers to the false acacia orblack locust , a thorny hardwood tree in the pea family, bearing white flower clusters, native to the Eastern US and imported into the UK in the 17th century. In Mitford's time thetrue acacia , also known as theEgyptian acacia (acacia nilotica), was thought to be a relative of the mimosa orsensitive plant . -
alder Alnus glutinosa Alnus Betulaceae common alder black alder European alder Group of deciduous trees and shrubs with serrated leaves and woody catkins, generally found in riparian and marshy areas. Native to Europe and the UK. Alder is a relatively lightweight hardwood, used in furniture making, and the bark and wood contain tannins used to tan leather. The rot-resistant wood was also traditionally used for building foundations and making gunpowder. -
anemone Anemone Ranunculaceae Mitford may refer to the wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa), an early-spring flowering plant, native to Europe. Common names include wood anemone, windflower, thimbleweed, and smell fox, an allusion to the musky smell of the leaves. However, she may also refer to one of the cultivated varieties not native to England, such as the poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria), which is native to the Mediterranean region but was cultivated elsewhere in Europe beginning in the eighteenth century. Unlike the wood anemone, the poppy anemone appears in bright shades of red and blue. -
apple tree Malus domestica Malus Rosaceae Deciduous tree producing showy pink and white flowers and then firm round pomes, usually red and yellow-green fruit. Cultivated varieties developed from wild trees in Central Asia, and have likely been domesticated for at least four thousand years. Before the invention of refrigeration, the fruit was important for its ability to be dried, to overwinter in cold storage and to produce fermented cider. While the apple appears in many mythological and religious traditions as a mystical or forbidden object, as in the forbidden Edenic fruit in the Old Testament, the term generally referred to any edible or non-native fruit, and did not necessarily indicate fruits of the genus Malus. There are currently more than 7,000 apple cultivars and the University of Reading, in Berkshire, is responsible for the UK national apple database. Mitford mentions at least three varieties: golden rennet
or Golden Reinette also known as theEnglish pippin , a golden-yellow apple, streaked red-orange;russetting
types, apples whose smooth skin is covered all or in part by rougher brown skin, thought to have more nutty and aromatic flavors than non-russeting types and used in cider making; and acrumpling
type; an underdeveloped or deformed apple that shrivels on the tree. -
apricot Prunus armeniaca Prunus Prunus Flowering fruit tree of the plum family, believed to be native to Asia, although it has been cultivated for its fruit across Eurasia since antiquity. Formerly thought to be introduced into Greece from Armenia. Produces showy white-pink flowers that develop pinkish-yellow fleshy stone fruits. The fruits as well as the almond-like seeds are edible, and the fruits may be made into jams and jellies, syrups and cordials, and desserts. -
arum Arum maculatum Arum Araceae arum lily cuckoo pint The so-called arum lily is a native European woodland plant, not a true lily. It bears purple-spotted leaves and an inconspicuous flower stalk hidden within a spathe or leaf-like hood. The stalk later develops poisonous red berries. In Britain, plant is also called thecuckoo pint , a euphemistic reference to male genitalia that dates from Culpeper's 17th century herbal; other common names also refer to human genitalia. Arum italicum orItalian lords-and-ladies is also native to the UK. -
ash Fraxinus excelsior Fraxinus Oleaceae common ash European ash Deciduous tree with compound leaves, black leaf buds, inconspicuous purple-red flower clusters, and large and conspicuous winged seeds. Native to Eurasia, North Africa, and the UK. One of the most common trees in the UK, often found with oak andelm , although it has been affected recently byash dieback . A tough hardwood with a straight grain, used for making furniture as well as tool handles, hockey sticks, walking sticks, and oars. Also used to make the bodies of carriages and early motor cars. -
auricula Primula Primula auricula Primulaceae bear's ears mountain cowslip Wild member of the primrose family, bearing in spring yellow flowerets above a rosette of dark green leaves, native to the mountains of Central Europe. Garden primroses are a hybridized species developed as a cross between P. auricula and P. hirsuta. A popular garden plant in 18th-century Britain. -
bay Laurus nobilis Laurus Lauraceae bay-tree bay laurel sweet bay Small evergreen tree with aromatic leaves, native to the Mediterranean and grown in the UK as a garden shrub. The bay leaf is be used as a food seasoning. In versions of the myth of Apollo and Daphne, Gaia turns Daphne into a laurel tree. Synonymous with the laurel in Greco-Roman culture, associated with the priestess of Apollo, the Pythia, and later, Roman Emperors. Used to make victory crowns and wreaths and therefore symbolic of honor and achievement. Mentioned in Psalm 37, verse 36 quoted in the Book of Common Prayer: I myself have seen the ungodly in great power; and flourishing like a green bay-tree
. -
common bean Phaseolus vulgaris Phaseolus Fabaceae green bean string bean Also called the green bean, the common bean is a member of a large family of herbaceous flowering plants whose seeds or legumes, and pods, are cultivated and consumed by humans and animals. Wild types are twining, as are some cultivated types, while others grow as low rounded clumps. A spring-flowering plant with white, pink, or purple scented blooms. Fava or >broad beans are also historically cultivated in England. The OED suggests that fields of this bean are those commonly mentioned in literature as fragrant. -
broad bean Vicia fabia Vicia Fabaceae fava bean Windsor bean English bean Member of the large family of herbaceous flowering plants whose seeds or legumes, and pods, are cultivated and consumed by humans and animals. Native to the Mediterranean, the plants form an erect plant with grey-green leaves carrying white flowers with a purple-black spot; it then develops a leathery pod containing several large oval edible seeds. Historically, the broad (or fava) bean was commonly cultivated in England in Mitford's time, as was the common bean . -
beech Fagus Fagaceae Fagus sylvatica common beech European beech A genus of deciduous trees, native to temperate Europe, Asia and North America. Mitford likely refers to the European beech, Fagus sylvatica, which is considered native to the southern UK and introduced elsewhere for tall hedging and plantations, particularly after the eighteenth century. More recently, research suggests the beech was introduced into England around 4,000 B.C. and so is non-native. Beech woods are densely canopied with floors suitable only for shade-loving understory plants such as bluebell s. The bark is smooth and light grey and the tree bears inconspicuous flowers and catkins that develop into husk-enclosed nuts that are bitter but edible. The nuts and bark are high in tannins, used to tan leather, and the trees produce a fine-grained medium-weight wood used for indoor flooring, staircases, and small furniture. It also makes good firewood, as well as wood pulp for papermaking. -
beetroot Beta vulgaris Caryophyllales Amaranthaceae garden beet Garden plant grown primarily for its edible roots, but also for its edible leaves, sometimes known as chard or beet greens. Cultivated in the ancient world for food and for medicinal use. Other important subspecies are sugar beet, grown to make table sugar, and mangelwurzel, an animal fodder crop. -
weeping birch Betula pendula Betula Betulaceae silver birch European white birch Medium-sized birch tree with white, peeling bark, triangular leaves that turn yellow before falling, and catkins in spring. Mitford uses the term weeping birch
to refer to a pendulous variety of thewhite birch (Betula alba). A lightweight and light-colored wood used in making furniture and skis. Birch brush is used historically for racecourse jumps, the bark in tanning and traditional medicine, and wood strips for weaving small containers, baskets, and footwear. -
bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta Hyacinthoides Asparagaceae wild hyacinth English bluebell fairy flower Bulbous flowering perennial plant, native to Atlantic western Europe and the UK, and also frequently used as a garden plant. Carries fragrant violet-blue tubular flowers on a one-sided stem. In Britain, it is found in ancient woodlands, where it forms carpets of flowers in the spring, called bluebell woods . Mitford uses the termswild hyacinth
as well asbluebell
for this plant. She uses the termharebell to refer to the more papery bell-flowered campanulas. In a letter toMrs. Hoare , Mitford explains the different terms:The Wild Hyacinth, my dear Mrs. Hoare, differs much from the flower which we call the harebell in England: a small campanula, bearing two or three exquisite, thin, bell-like papery flowers (you can hear them rustle when shaken) on a very thin and fragile stalk, growing among wild thyme, and under heather, in the month of August. There is a white variety cultivated in gardens, but no pink one. I have heard both the harebell and the wild hyacinth called blue-bells
. -
bramble Rubus fruticosus Rubus Rosaceae common blackberry Rubus plicatus In the UK, generally refers to the common blackberry, a prickly shrub with arching branches, bearing small white flowers followed by aggregate red or black fruits. The general term may also refer to other prickly shrubs, such as dog-roses, or to the fruit of the blackberry. -
briar Historically used to refer to any thorny shrub, including the bramble , or common blackberry, and thewild rose or dog-rose. Now mainly used to refer to the latter; Mitford may use the term synonymously withwild rose , since she uses the termbramble elsewhere. -
broom Cytisus Cytisus scoparius Fabaceae common broom Scotch broom Perennial flowering shrub, member of the legume or pea family, native to Europe and the UK. Grows in meadows and heathland and propagates itself through pea-like seedpods. Symbolizes humility and neatness in floriography, because of its association with the housekeeping implement. It was common to include a decorated bundle of broom at weddings. -
cabbage Brassica oleracea Brassica Brassicaceae Cultivated variety of Brassica oleracea, grows as dense-leaved round heads. Likely descended from wild varieties native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated in the ancient world. An important part of the European and British diet by the early medieval period. -
red cabbage Brassica Brassica oleracea Brassicaceae Edible arden plant, related to the green cabbage whose leaves are dark red-purple, depending on the acidity of the soil. Mitford jokingly compares herself to one in her letter to Elford of 14 May 1819 (because she is round and red). Keeps well over winter and is eaten raw or cooked. -
campanula Campanula Campanulaceae bellflower General term used for a large genus of plants with white or blue bell-shaped flowers, including the harebell . Mitford may use this term forCanterbury bells (Campanula medium), a taller bellflower than the harebell, native to southern Europe but cultivated as a garden plant in Britain. -
carnation Dianthus Caryophyllus Dianthus Caryophyllaceae Cultivated variety of the clove or clove-pink. Scentless types are used for men's buttonholes. -
bird-cherry Prunus padus Prunus Rosaceae hackberry hagberry Mayday tree Large deciduous shrub native to Eurasia and the UK, smaller than the wild cherry and with fruit that is more tart and oval leaves that are less tart. Carries white flower clusters that develop into black fruits. Few European culinary uses, although the tree is planted as a flowering garden ornamental. -
wild cherry Prunus avium Prunus Rosaceae sweet cherry Deciduous hardwood fruit tree, native to Eurasia and the UK. Deeply veined oval leaves with pink-white flower clusters that develop bright red fruit clusters, which are actually a sweet pulpy drupe with a seed or pit. A valuable reddish hardwood much used in furniture and musical instrument making in the 18th and 19th century. The fruit is used in making jellies and jams, syrups and cordials, and desserts. As color descriptor, often associated with women's beauty, as in cherry-cheeked
orcherry-lipped
. -
China Aster Callistephus chinensis Callistephus Asteraceae annual aster An annual flowering plant native to China and Korea, with single or double daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or purple; unrelated to the perennial aster. Grown as a garden plant and cut flower. -
gum cistus Cistus ladanifer Cistus Cistaceae common gum cistus gum rockrose brown-eyed rockrose labdanum Evergreen shrub bearing papery white flowers with a dark red spot at the base of each petal. The plant is covered with a fragrant, sticky resin used to produce labdanum, used in perfumery and medicine. Native to the Mediterranean, it prefers disturbed ground and may colonize old farmland and meadows. Mitford uses the common name gum cistus inThe Old Bachelor , and the OED cites her 1826 use. Cistus or rock-roses were a popular plant for gardens and hybridization in the 1820s, and are the subject of a horticultural volume byRobert Sweet ,Cistineae . -
clematis Mitford likely uses this term to refer to the native British species, C. vitalba, which she refers to elsewhere as Virgin's Bower . The hybridized garden plant is C. Flammula. In classical Greek and Roman literature, the term is used to refer to what Mitford callsperiwinkle , or vinca, an unrelated flowering vine. -
clove Dianthus Caryophyllus Dianthus Caryophyllaceae clove pink clove gillyflower Spicy clove-scented member of the pink family, native to southern Europe and introduced into the UK in the 16th century. Although clove and carnation are now considered botanically synonymous, Mitford uses both terms, as well as the more general termpink , to refer to types of Dianthus. -
corn Refers to agricultural plants whose seeds are used to produce flour, or to the seeds themselves. In the UK, commonly refers to wheat , but may also refer to oats, barley, or maize. The term is used in this sense in Keats'sOde to a Nightingale , which references the Biblical Ruth:Perhaps the self-same song that found a path./Through the sad heart of Ruth when, sick for home,/She stood in tears amid the alien corn
(stanza 7, lines 5-7; Ruth chapter 2, lines 2-3). This is also the sense of the termCorn Laws
debated in the early 19th century, which concerned trade restrictions and tariffs on foodstuffs, including cereal grains. -
cowslip common cowslip cowslip primrose Primula Primula veris Primulaceae Mitford likely refers to Primula veris (also called cowslip, common cowslip, cowslip primrose), a plant bearing yellow flowers in spring, found in woods and meadows, native throughout most of temperate Eurasia, although absent from more northerly areas. May hybridize with English or common primroses . -
crane's bill Geranium Geraniaceae Common name for several different species of perennial wild Geranium native to Europe and the UK, including Meadow crane's bill (G. pratense), bloody crane's bill (G. sanquineum), and cut-leafed crane's bill (G. dissectum). Plants grow on clumps of large, hairy leaves on raised stems, with cup-shaped violet-blue, pink, or magenta five-petaled flowers. Mitford refers to the flowers as pink stars
, so she likely uses this term for bloody or cut-leafed crane's bill, which bears flowers ranging from pale pink to magenta. -
crocus Crocus Iridaceae Early spring-flowering dwarf bulbous plant with blooms in purple, yellow, or white. Not native to the UK, although may be naturalized in some areas since the 17th century. In Victorian floriography, the crocus represents youth and cheerfulness. -
black currant Ribes Ribes nigrum Grossulariaceae blackcurrant Woody shrub native to northern Eurasia, grown for its fruit. Inconspicuous green-yellow flower clusters develop into clusters of purple-black edible fruit. The fruit is used to make juices, syrups, and cordials, jams and jellies, and desserts. Members of the gooseberries family, related toredcurrants , but with slightly sweeter fruit. -
redcurrant Ribes Ribes rubrum Grossulariaceae redcurrant Woody shrub native to northern Eurasia, grown for its fruit. Inconspicuous green-yellow flowers develop into clusters of bright red, translucent edible fruit. Members of the gooseberries family, related toblackcurrants , but with slightly more tart fruit. The fruit is used to make juices, syrups, and cordials, jams and jellies, and desserts. -
dahlia Dahlia Asteraceae Group of tuberous flowering plants, brightly colored and highly variable in size, color, and petal shape. Dahlias are native to Mexico and central America and were first imported into continental Europe in the 1780s and thence to England in the early nineteenth century. The first printed illustration appeared in the Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1804 and dahlias became fashionable garden flowers in England by the 1820s. In Mitford's time, both single- and double-flowered varieties were propagated, and varieties were largely classified by flower color. Outside their native range, dahlia tubers are susceptible to frost, and must have their tubers dug over winter and replanted, if they are not grown in greenhouses. Mitford raised and hybridized dahlias. -
daisy Bellis perennis Bellis Asteraceae common daisy lawn daisy English daisy Perennial white daisy native to Europe and the UK, sometimes with pink-tinged petals. Plants are low-growing rosettes of round or oval leaves; single- and double-flowered varieties are hybridized in red, pink, and white. By the Victorian period, the flower held symbolic associations with childhood and innocence. -
dogwood Cornus sanguinea Cornus Cornaceae Woody flowering shrub which develops reddish stems in winter and carries clusters of small four-petaled white flowerets that develop black berries. Native to Eurasia, including the UK. Grows at the edges of woodlands and waterways. The fruits are valuable to wildlke, but not eaten by humans. The bark contains tannins used in leather tanning and for medicinal use. Historically the smooth, fine-grained wood was used for skewers, spindles, toothpicks, and other small domestic implements. -
elder Sambucus nigra Sambucus Adoxaceae elderberry black elder Large leafy shrub that carries umbrels of small white flowers and then tiny purple-black fruits. Native to Europe and North America, prefers hedgerows and scrubland. Both the flowers and the fruit are edible and prized for making wine and cordial. Elderberries are also used to make jellies and jam, as well as desserts. -
elm Ulmus procera Ulmus Ulmaceae smooth-leaved elm English elm field elm The so-called English elm is a deciduous tree with serrated leaves, a variety of the Europeanfield elm , introduced into England from Spain in the 16th century. Before Dutch elm disease decimated the population in the 20th century, mature elm trees were a prominent feature of mixed deciduous forests and were also frequently used in landscape gardening. In England, elms were found in mixed forests with oak and ash, often near rivers. While populations still exist, they do not grow to mature size, and so immature elms are today mainly found in hedgerows. Because of its resistance to rot, elm was frequently used to construct medieval water pipes as well as piers, jetties, and lock gates. Because of its resistance to splitting, it was also used to make chair seats, coffins, wagon wheel hubs, and bows. During the enclosure movement, elms were plants in hawthorn hedges, and avenues and groves of elms were popular features of 18th- and 19th-century landscape gardening. Wych elm, also called witch hazel or Scots elm, is also native to the UK. Ancient Roman literature spoke of amarriage between the elm and the vine, in which the elm represented the husband and the vine the wife, because of the Roman practice of planting elms in vineyards to support grape vines; in British literature, this motif appears most frequently as elm and ivy. The ancient Greek tradition of planting elms on graves has also given rise to aelm-and-death motif. They are also frequently mentioned in classical pastoral poetry, where their cool shade is praised as paradisal. -
filbert Corylus maxima Corylus Betulaceae Deciduous nut-bearing tree in the birch family, native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, related to the common hazel . The fruit, also calledfilberts , are produced by catkins, with the ripe nuts largely enclosed in a tubular husk, and harvested in the autumn. Filberts are elongated and the kernel is edible.Mitford employs an alternative spelling, referring to these nuts asfilberds
, and distinguishing them from thecobnut
, or nut of the common hazel. -
fir Abies Pinaceae One of Mitford ’s favorite trees. Firs (Abies) are a genus of approximately fifty species of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae. They are found through much ofNorth and Central America ,Europe ,Asia , andNorth Africa . Unlike other conifers, firs bear erect cones that are raised above the branches like candles; at maturity, the cones disintegrate to release winged seeds. -
Forget-Me-Not true Forget-Me-Not water Forget-Me-Not Myosotis scorpioides Myosotis Boraginaceae Blue-flowered perennial plant in the borage family, with long, narrow leaves, native to Eurasia and widespread in the UK. Prefers damp or wet habitats, including riparians areas, bogs, and ditches, and can form floating rafts in water. Symbolizes remembrance. The subject of Mitford's sonnet The Forget-Me-Not , which clearly describes the habit of the true or water forget-me-not. The woodland forget-me-not is also native to the UK. -
foxglove Digitalis purpurea Digitalis Digitalideae Flowering plant native to western Europe, the Mediterranean, and the UK, and naturalized elsewhere. Cultivated in the UK since at least the 17th century as a garden plant for its large, bell-shaped purple flower spikes. A source of digitalis, traditionally used in small doses to treat heart conditions, although larger doses are poisonous. -
furze Ulex europaeus Ulex Fabaceae A spiny evergreen shrub with scented yellow blooms native to the UK and western Europe. Also called gorse orwhin . Flowers from spring into summer. -
geranium Geranium Geraniaceae In Mitford's time, a group of wild and cultivated plants that encompassed both geraniums andpelargoniums . Popular garden plants for cultivation and hybridization in Britain in the 1820s, the subject of a series of horticultural volumes byRobert Sweet ,Geraniaceae . Mitford was a serious amateur hybridizer of geraniums after she moved toThree Mile Cross . She uses the termcrane's bill to refer to the local wild plant. -
Gooseberry Ribes grossularia Ribes Grossulariaceae Woody shrub bearing spiny stems, native to Eurasia and North Africa, grown for its fruit. Inconspicuous green-yellow flowers on short stems develop into clusters of one to three bright green translucent edible fruit. Naturalized in coppices and hedgerows, as well as cultivated. Naturalists debate whether it is native to the UK or imported and naturalized before the 16th century. -
gorse Ulex europaeus Ulex Fabaceae common gorse Low evergreen shrub with yellow blooms, a member of the pea family. Synonymous with common furze orwhin . In floriography, symbolizes enduring affection. -
greengage Prunus domestica Prunus Rosaceae A green variety of plum, thought to be a subspecies of Prunus domestica. The first greengages are believed to be bred from an Iranian wild plum, now known as the cultivar Reine Claude Verte . Imported to Britain by at least the 1720s. -
Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Viburnum Adoxaceae water elder cramp bark snowball tree European cranberrybush Flowering shrub with clusters of white flowers and red fruits, native to Europe, central Asia, and north Africa. It is not rose but a viburnum, grown as an ornamental garden plant and as hedging. -
harebell Campanula rotundifolia Campanula Campanulaceae Scotch bluebell bluebell of Scotland Perennial flowering plant in the Campanula or bellflower family, native across a wide range in the Northern hemisphere, including the UK. Prefers shady woodlands and carries papery violet-blue bell-shaped flowers on a thin stems above slender leaves. Flowers may also be pink or white. Mitford uses the term harebell for this plant, and uses the termswild hyacinth
andbluebell
for the member of the Hyacinch family. In a letter toMrs. Hoare , Mitford explains the different terms:The Wild Hyacinth, my dear Mrs. Hoare, differs much from the flower which we call the harebell in England: a small campanula, bearing two or three exquisite, thin, bell-like papery flowers (you can hear them rustle when shaken) on a very thin and fragile stalk, growing among wild thyme, and under heather, in the month of August. There is a white variety cultivated in gardens, but no pink one. I have heard both the harebell and the wild hyacinth called blue-bells
. In the UK, the harbell may flower from July to November. Mitford also uses the termcampanula , which may be used for any member of the bellflower family, but Mitford may use to refer toCanterbury bells (Campanula medium), a taller bellflower than the harebell, native to southern Europe but cultivated as a garden plant in Britain. -
common hawthorn Crataegus Rosaceae Crataegus monogyna oneseed hawthorn single-seeded hawthorn quickthorn whitethorn Flowering thorny shrub that develops a red, berry-like fruit that is actually a pome containing a single seed. Native to Eurasia and North Africa. Closely related to the midland hawthorne , also known as themayflower ; the two species hybridize. The subject of poems by Wordsworth (The Thorn ) and John Clare (Song: White Thorn Tree ). -
hazel Corylus avellana Corylus Betulaceae common hazel Deciduous nut-bearing tree in the birch family, native to Europe and western Asia. The fruit, called hazelnuts orcobnuts , are produced by male and female catkins, with the ripe nuts partially enclosed in a husk and harvested in the late summer. Hazelnuts are round and the kernel edible and may be eaten fresh or dried. Mitford employs the termcobnut
and distinguishes it from thefilberd
. The shrubby trees form an important component of hedgerows, particularly in the English lowlands. The trees may also be managed by coppicing, a practice that produces the thin, curved poles traditionally used in making withy and wattle fencing, in wattle-and-daub building, and in framing coracle boats. -
heath Erica Ericaceae common heath General term for low, flowering shrubs such as heath, heather, or ling, that cover bare or exposed uncultivated land. The OED suggests that the name comes from the south and middle of England, and thus would have been familiar to Mitford. -
holly Ilex aquifolium Ilex common European holly English holly Large evergreen tree or shrub, underplanting forest oaks or other large trees, or found in hedgerows. Native to western Eurasia and the UK. Carries dark green, glossy leaves, bunches of small white flowers that develop into clumps of bright red berries. The Holly and the Ivy is a traditional English folk song that dates from the early nineteenth century, or earlier. Associated with Saturnalia in ancient Rome, the plants have been used as British Advent and Christmas decorations since at least the 15th century, and feature in other traditional holiday carols as well. -
hollyhock Alcea Alcea rosea Malvaceae Biennial garden plant featuring many large single or double flowers in pink, red, yellow, or white, on a very tall stem, native to China and southern Europe, and garden-cultivated elsewhere. -
honesty Lunaria annua Brassicaceae Asteraceae Bushy flowering garden plant grown primarily for its decorative seed pods, rather than for its flowers. White or violet flowers give way to disc-shaped seedpods, which shed their fleshy outer covering as they ripen to reveal a translucent inner membrane which may remain on the plant through winter. The dried stems and pods are used in flower arranging. The Latin name refers to the moon-shaped seed pods. Common names in many languages refer to the pods' likeness to coins; it is called silver dollar ormoney plant and other, similar names. -
honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum Lonicera Caprifoliaceae European honeysuckle woodbine Twining summer-flowering woody shrub, native to much of Europe, Turkey, and North Africa and naturalized as well as cultivated throughout many parts of Europe and North America. One of two honeysuckles native to the UK. It produces showy creamy-yellow clusters of tubular flowers, which are highly scented, particularly at night. Mitford also uses the term woodbine
. -
horse-chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum Aesculus Sapindaceae European horse-chestnut Large, deciduous fruit-bearing tree, native to a small area of southeastern Europe and cultivated in gardens and parks throughout many parts of Europe and North America. The tree bears showy white flower spikes in the spring and develops spiky green fruits that contain a large tan and brown seed or nut, called a conker or horse-chestnut. They are members of the soapberry and lychee family and unrelated to other chestnut trees, which are members of the beech family. In the UK, children collect the nuts for a game called conkers. Mitford particularly mentions the trees when in flower in the spring. -
ivy Hedera Hedera helix Araliaceae common ivy English ivy European ivy Flowering evergreen vine native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has a climbing or ground-creeping habit and may grow on walls or tree trunks. It carries inconspicuous yellow-green flower clusters that develop into orange or purple-black berries. In floriography, ivy represents married love and fidelity. Associated with Bacchus and also used as a tavern sign indicating that wine is sold. Ancient Roman literature spoke of a marriage between the elm and the vine, in which the elm represented the husband and the vine the wife, because of their practice of planting elms in vineyards to support the vines; in British literature, this motif appears most frequently as elm (or oak) and ivy.The Holly and the Ivy is a traditional English folk song that dates from the early nineteenth century, or earlier. The plants have been used as British Advent and Christmas decorations since at least the 15th century, and feature in other traditional holiday carols, as well. -
jasmine Jasminum officinale Jasminum Oleaceae common jasmine white jasmine jessamine A climbing woody shrub with fragrant white flowers, native to Asia and naturalized in the UK since the 16th century. Some varieties are cultivated to produce oils for perfume. Mitford also uses the term jessamine , generally used in Britain to refer tocommon jasmine orwhite jasmine . -
laburnum Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum Laburnum common laburnum golden rain golden chain Small flowering tree with showy pendulous yellow flower clusters that later develop pea-like seed pods. Native to southern and central Europe, introduced to Britain in the 16th century or later. Cultivated as specimen trees or naturalized in damp areas and hedgerows. The wood is hard, dark, and heavy, used for making posts and turnings, and used historically for making bows; also used as a long-burning firewood. -
lilac Syringa vulgaris Syringa Oleaceae common lilac Large flowering shurb native to the Balkan Peninsula, introduced as a garden plant and sometimes naturalized elsewhere, including in the UK. Fragrant lavendar, purple, mauve, or white tube-shaped flowerets are arranged in large, showy panicles. -
lily Lilium Liliaceae True lilies are flowering perennials that grow from bulbs, carrying large, trumpet- or bell-shaped flowers, distributed throughout the world and cultivated as garden plants. The quintessential lily in European culture is the white Madonna lily (Lilium candidum), native to the Mediterranean, appearing in art, literature, and religious text beginning in the ancient world. When Mitford uses the simple term lily , she likely refers to theMadonna lily . -
red lily Lilium chalcedonicumm Lilium Liliaceae scarlet Turk's-cap lily A summer-blooming true lily native to southern Europe, introduced to cultivation in Europe in the 17th century. Deep orange-red in color with recurved petals. -
tiger-lily Lilium bulbiferum Lilia Liliaceae Likely the summer-blooming true lily native to Europe and naturalized elsewhere, bearing yellow-orange petals with red-brown spots. Mitford called them Those fierce and warlike flowers the tiger~lilies
. OED cites Mitford'sOur Village , but identifies them asLilium tigrinum , now calledLilium lancefolium an orange lily with brown-black spots and recurved petals, native to Asia. However, these lilies were not naturalized in the UK in the 19th century, although they were introduced from China as garden specimens early in the century. -
lily of the valley lily-of-the-valley Convallaria majalis Lily of the valley (sometimes written lily-of-the-valley), a scented woodland flowering plant native to the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere inAsia andEurope . Its scientific name is Convallaria majalis. It was previously classified as in its own family (Convallariaceae), and before that was believed to be part of the Lily family (Liliaceae). -
lime tree Tilia Tiliaceæ linden basswood Group of large, deciduous trees called the lime tree in the UK, this family of trees and shrubs is also known as a linden in continental Europe andbasswood in the US. Not closely related to the citrus fruit tree. Produces a soft, fine-grained, light wood popular for carving and for the building of models, puppets, and some musical instruments. Mentioned in theColeridge poem,This Lime-Tree Bower my Prison . -
maple Acer campestre Acer Sapindaceae field maple hedge maple Small broad-leafed tree with yellow-green flowers producing winged seeds, which are sometimes called maple keys ; leave turn bright reddish orange before falling. Also pollarded to shrub size within hedgerows and grown as a specimen tree. Native to Eurasia, England, and southern Scotland. Source of a light-colored hardwood that is used to make musical instruments, flooring, and furniture. -
mayflower Crataegus laevigata Crataegus Rosaceae midland hawthorn English hawthorn woodland hawthorn Flowering thorny shrub that develops a red, berry-like fruit that is actually a pome containing two or three nutlets. Native to western and central Europe, North Africa, and the UK. Closely related to the common hawthorne ; the two species hybridize. -
Michaelmas daisy Aster amellus Aster Asteraceae European Michaelmas daisy aster The Michaelmas daisy or aster is a Eurasian perennial plant that blooms in late summer with multiple purple or lavendar daisy-like flowers on a flower stalk. Hybridized varieties may have white, pink, or purple flowers. It came to symbolize farewell
. In 1820,Laetitia E. Landon published a poem entitledMichaelmas Daisy . The only member of the aster family native to the UK is the sea aster (Aster tripolium). -
Mountain daisy Arenaria montana Arenaria Caryophyllaceae common mountain daisy mountain sandwort Low-growing evergreen perennial plant with showy white flowers. Native to south-western Europe. Grown as a rock-garden plant. -
common oak Quercus robur Quercus Fagaceae English oak pedunculate oak Mitford likely refers to the common or English oak (Quercus robur), a variety of white oak, although the sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is also native to the Europe and the UK. Large, long-lived deciduous hardwood tree with lobed leaves, hanging catkins in spring, and then acorns, oval nuts with woody caps. In 19th-century English forests, oak was the predominant deciduous tree, often found with ash andelm . A hard wood with a distinctive light-and-dark grain, used since the early medieval period for making sturdy furniture, flooring, doors, household items such as chests and buckets, and for building sailing ships, particularly large naval vessels. Because the tree is large, strong and long-lived, it has accumulated numerous symbolic and national associations, particularly in the UK. In English folklore, Robin Hood hid in an oak to escape pursuers, and the oak became a national symbol after the futureCharles II reportedly hid in an oak during theEnglish Civil Wars . This tree became known as theRoyal Oak , and led to a national celebration ofOak Apple Day in May.Royal Oak
became a popular pub name, as well as the name of several Royal Navy warships. The symbolic association between Britain's military strength and the strength of its men is encapsulated in the songHeart of Oak , written in 1759 and revised in 1809:Heart of oak are our ships,/Hearts of oak are our men
. Oak leaves, like laurel, were used as ceremonial wreaths and crowns, and both oak leaves and acorns appeared as neoclassical ornaments. The proverbgreat oaks from little acorns grow
, dates from at least the 16th century, and the concept appears in Chaucer'sTroilus and Criseyde . -
oxlip Primula elatior Primula Primulaceae Spring-flowering member of the Primula family related to primroses (P. vulgaris) and cowslips (P. veris); it has a taller stem like the cowslip, and larger flowers like the primrose. Native to continental Europe and Britain. During Mitford's lifetime, naturalists debated how to categorize the varied species of Primula. -
pear Pyrus communis Pyrus Rosaceae domestic pear European pear The domestic pear tree is descended from the Eurasian wild pear, imported into Britain around 995 AD. Mitford refers to the bergamot pear
, which is another name for the domestic pear. -
pelargonium Pelargonium Geraniaceae stork's beak A group of flowering plants From the time of Linnaeus, both geraniums andpelargoniums were thought to be part of the same family of Geraniums. During the 18th century, naturalists began to propose they formed a separate genus in the same family. The genus is small leggy plant with showy flower clusters in shades of red, pink, purple, and white; native to southern Africa and Australia, and is grown as an annual garden plant worldwide, although zonal pelargoniums are perennial in their native tropical climates. The majority of pelargoniums grown as annual bedding plants worldwide originated in South Africa. -
periwinkle Vinca major Vinca Apocynaceae Spring-blooming trailing groundcover with dark green leaves and purple, blue, or white flowers, any of several members of the Vinca family. Native to the northern Mediterranean and naturalized in the UK. -
Scots pine Pinus sylvestris Pinus Pinaceae Eurasian evergreen tree bearing long needles and cones, the only pine native to the UK. Thrives in poor soils that may be sandy, rocky, or marshy; and on the margins of woodlands. Mitford refers to this tree as Scottish fir
; in the 19th century and earlier, no firm distinction was made between types of evergreen conifers such as pines and firs. Source: OED. -
pink Dianthus plumarius Dianthus Caryophyllaceae Used generally for any of various members of the Dianthus family, particularly forms of D. plumarius. Spring-blooming evergreen groundcover with pink or white flowers, native to Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia and naturalized in the the UK and parts of western Europe. Also cultivated as a garden plant for its variegated pink flowers; sometimes known as the common pink ,garden pink , orwild pink . -
plum tree Prunus domestica Prunus Rosaceae European plum Tree of the family Rosaceae which bears flowers and sweet purple, red, or yellow pulpy fruit with a central seed or stone. Most cultivated varieties are related to Prunus domestica, which is now believed to be bred from the wild cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) originating in southeast Europe and western Asia and naturalized in the UK. Greengages are a subspecies of Prunus domestica that bears green fruits. -
polyanthus Primula Primula polyantha Primulaceae A cultivated variety of Primula, bearing flowers of many colors on raised umbrels. Thought to be originally derived from crosses between the cowslip and theprimrose . Such crosses are now known as Primula pruhonicensis, and the termPrimula polyantha is used for naturally occurring hybrids, such as the false oxlip. -
black poplar Medium-sized deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves native to northwest Europe, North Africa, and the UK. A cottonwood poplar that bears catkins in the spring and cottony seed tufts later. Prefers riparian and marshy areas and floodplains, along with birch, aspen, and willow. A soft, light-colored wood suitable for carving. Although native to the UK, the tree is now rare. White poplar, a non-native species, is more common. -
poppy Papaver rhoeas Papaver Papaveraceae common poppy corn poppy field poppy Flanders poppy Annual red poppy flower with showy black stamens and hairy stems and buds, native to Eurasia and North Africa, preferring sunny meadows and disturbed ground. Historically considered an agriculatural weed, hence its common name, corn poppy . Also called theFlanders poppy after World War I, for its habit of blooming in ground disturbed by military action and later adopted as a symbol of war remembrance. The opium poppy, P. somniferum, was also known in Britain since the Middle Ages for the medicinal and sleep-inducing qualities of its milky sap and its seeds. -
Portugal laurel Prunus lusitanica Prunus Portugese laurel cherry bay Large flowering evergreen shrub in the cherry family, native to southwest Europe and naturalized elswhere, including in the UK. Carries racemes of tiny white flowers that develop into reddish-purple fruit clusters. The leaves are toxic and the fruits are generally eaten only by wildlife. -
primrose English primrose common primrose true primrose Primula vulgaris Primulaceae One of Mitford ’s favorite flowers, blooms in spring inBerkshire . Mitford likely refers to Primula vulgaris, a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae, native towestern and southern Europe , commonly called the English primrose or common primrose. It is not to be confused with evening primrose or Oenothera, a genus of 100+ species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas, which are not closely related to the true primroses (genus Primula). Mitford also mentions the evening primrose in her writing. Evening primroses have been cultivated in Europe since the early seventeenth century and are now naturalized in some parts of Europe and Asia. -
privet Ligustrum vulgare Ligustrum Oleaceae wild privet common privet European privet Shrub native to Eurasia and North Africa, as well as the UK, with glossy dark green leaves and tiny white flower clusters that develop into shiny black berries. Like box, trimmed to shape for hedging since at least the early modern period, although a Japanese type (L. ovalifolium) is now preferred for that purpose since it remains more evergreen. In the wild, grows in hedgerows and the understory of woodlands. -
rose Rosa Rosaceae Large family of flowering shrubs that may appear as upright shrubs, woody climbers, or low-growing groundcovers. Mitford mentions a number of varieties of rose, including the wild rose ,damask rose ,moss rose , andsweet-briar . -
damask rose Rosa Rosaceae Rose of Castile A tall shrub rose with curved thorns and prickled stems, bearing large double flowers that range from pale pink to light red. Known for its fine fragrance, and a sources of rose oil for perfumery and to flavor food. The petals are also edible, and may be used as a garnish, a tea, or sugared. An important Old Rose , mentioned in English since at least the 17th century as a Middle Eastern (Damascene ) species of Rosa gallica, it is now understood to be a cross between Rosa gallica and Rosa moschata native to Central Asia and is a forerunner of many modern garden roses. -
moss rose Rosa x centifolia Muscosa
Rosa Rosaceae A sport of the hybridized centifolia rose (also called the cabbage rose), known in Europe since the 17th century, noted for the sticky, scented hairs covering its flower buds. Blooms were prized in the nineteenth century as a garden novelty for their unusual bud shape and multi-layered scent. -
wild rose Rosa canina Rosa Rosaceae dog-rose Mitford uses this term to refer to the dog rose , a climbing rose native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia. Its spiny stems allow it to climb over other shrubs and trees, and it carries single pink or white flowers that develop an orange-red hip. The hips may be used to make tea, jelly, pies, syrup, and cordial. This rose is traditionally used in European heraldry. -
wild strawberry Fragaria vesca Fragaria Rosaceae wood strawberry Alpine strawberry Carpathian Strawberry European strawberry A perennial plant in the Rose family that grows naturally throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere in open meadows and woodlands, and produces white flowers and edible red fruits. Mitford calls them both wild strawberries
andwood strawberries
. Mitford also grew garden strawberries. -
sweet-briar Rosa rubiginosa Rosa Rosaceae sweetbriar rose eglantine Species of rose native to Eurasia and also a common garden and naturalized hedge plant. A shrub with hooked thorns, aromatic leaves, and fragrant single pink flowers. The shrub develops oblong red hips that may be dried and used as a tea. -
sweet pea Lathyrus odorata Lathyrus Fabaceae Spring-blooming vine with pink, purple, blue, or white flowers, native to Italy and the Aegean Islands. Cultivated in the UK since the introduction of seeds to England around 1700. Prized for their scent, sweet peas were a nineteenth-century favorite, hybridized for use as a commercial cut flower and as a garden plant. -
Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Dianthus Caryophyllaceae Member of the pink family whose clusters of flowers grow in an upward-facing umbrel, native to the mountains of southern Europe and introduced into northern Europe and the UK in the 16th century. Wild varieties carry flowers that are variegated red with white; cultivated varieties come in shades of solid and variegated white, pink, and red. -
sycamore Acer pesudoplatanus Acer Sapindaceae Large-leaved flowering tree in the soapberry and lychee family, native to Central Europe and Western Asia, and naturalized elsewhere. Its yellow-green hanging flower heads later produce winged seeds. It was introduced into the UK by at least 1500, and perhaps as early as the Roman occupation. Its fine-grained wood is used to make musical instruments as well as furniture and flooring. -
syringa Philadelphus coronarius Philadelphus Hydrangeaceae sweet mock-orange English dogwood Flowering shrub in the hydrangea family, native to southern Europe and cultivated elsewhere as a garden specimen. Carries fragrant, showy bowl-shaped white flowers. Mitford uses the term lilac
anddogwood
elsewhere, and so likely refers to theEnglish dogwood ormock-orange by this term. -
thorn Mitford likely uses this term to refer to the common hawthorn . -
thyme Thymus polytrichus Thymus Lamiaceae wild thyme creeping thyme Evergreen ground cover with aromatic leaves and pale purple flowers, native to Western Europe and the UK where it grows on dry banks and in pastures. Not generally used as a pot herb, unlike its relative, garden thyme (thymus vulgaris), which is native to southern Europe and cultivated elsewhere. -
tulip Tulipa Lilieae Large family of spring-blooming bulbs native to southern Europe and central Asia but cultivated as a garden plant and cut flower worldwide since the seventeenth century. Some varieties naturalized in Europe and parts of the UK, particulatly in eastern England and Scotland. After the so-called tulip mania in Europe in the 17th century, tulips became associated with the Netherlands and Dutch Golden Age painters, who included them in their still-life paintings. In herJournal , Mitford refers tofield tulips
, presumably a naturalized population in Berkshire. -
violet Viola Violaceae One of Mitford ’s favorite flowers (as it was of many of her contemporaries), blooms in spring inBerkshire . Mentioned in the1811 Poems as well as inOur Village Mitford likely refers to wild forms of the Viola, a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae. It is the largest genus in the family, containing more than 500 species. Most species are found in the temperateNorthern Hemisphere . The termpansy
is normally used for those multi-coloured, large-flowered cultivars which are used as bedding plants. The termsviola
andviolet
are used for small-flowered annuals or perennials, including the species. -
Virgin's Bower Clematis vitalba Clematis Ranunculaceae old man's beard traveller's joy Climbing woody shrub in the clematis family, with panicles of fragrant green-white flowers that later develop fluffy seed heads. Native to the UK, common in southern England and in Wales and widely planted elsewhere. Not identical to a New World flower called by the same common name (C. virginiana). -
wheat Triticum aestivum Triticum Poaceae common wheat bread wheat Grassy plant cultivated as a cereal grain, cultivated in the Middle East since about 8000 BCE, and the practice is believed to have reached the British Isles by 3000 BCE. After 1750, wheat and rye began to replace barley as the dominant cereal grain crop in England, and formal wheat hybridization began in the early 19th century. Hard winter wheat is now most commonly cultivated in the UK. -
willow Salix Salicaceae Group of more than 400 species of tree, ranging in size from shrubs to large trees with slender grey-green leaves and thin branches, some with a drooping habit. Flowers are pendulous yellow-green catkins that develop tiny seeds enclosed in white down. Common in riparian areas and wet woodlands, found with ash andbirch . Several varieties are native to the UK, including bay willow, as well as goat willow and grey willow, both also called pussy willow. Others are naturalized and common, including white willow, crack willow and osier willow. The wood is strong and light, used to make cricket bats; and the thin branches used in basket making. Charcoal from the wood has been used to manufacture gunpowder, and the bark used for tanning leather. The bark contains salicin, and asprin-like substance long used to treat pain and fever, and studied systematically for its medicinal properties during Mitford's lifetime. Symbolic of grief and mourning;To wear the willow
is proverbial for mourning, and weeping willow imagery was common on gravestones and other funerary art, and in mourning jewelry and arts, where, during Mitford's lifetime, willows appear with urns, broken plinths, and drooping human figures. -
wood sorrel woodsorrel wood-sorrel Oxalis acetosella Oxalis acetosella Mitford likely refers to common wood sorrel, a member of the oxalis family. It grows in mixed woodlands and bears a white flower. It is not related to sorrel proper (Rumex acetosa) , although the two plants share an acidic taste that may have led to the name. -
yew Taxus baccata Taxus Taxaceae common yew English yew European yew Small long-lived evergreen conifer native to parts of Eurasia, North Africa and the UK, particularly southern England. Carries small hard cones that develop a fleshy red berry-like covering. Historically planted in cemeteries and associated with sadness and mourning. The wood is a closed-pore softwood, strong and flexible, used for making tool handles and turnings, and historically used for making longbows.
Blackwood’s Magazine, The London Magazine, and the Scott-Christie Duel.
I find Sir William Allan only in the town, he is painting a very clever picture of, as excerpted inThe Broken Fiddle . A wooden-legged sailor has broken his fiddle on the head of a young scamp for some mischievous trick; an old woman, his granddam, is shaking her fist at the sailor, who is enjoying the pain of the crying boy. . . . It promises to be a very clever thing indeed. The background in colour and effect is the best thing he has done.
a piece of quite a different cast from anything he had formerly attempted. It is a highly humorous composition, and the glow of colouring is such as perhaps Wilkie himself never surpassed.
12 ft 6 in. × 15 ft 1 in., with a frame weighing 600 lb.Exhibited at
Te Deum Laudamus.
for the proprietors.Between 1823 and 1829, published as
for the proprietorsby G. & W. B. Whittaker & Co. In the 1820s the magazine increasingly focused on fashion and domestic concerns and included less material on politics and travel.
A popular and influential monthly magazine for women that ran
new series(series two), volumes 1 through 10,
improved series.In
Sources:
new series(series two), volumes 1 through 10,
new series(series two), volumes 1 through 3,
new series(second series) begun in 1820 by publisher
new series,published
from a traveller.
Founded on
M,contributed three stories to the first three issues of its short run. Source:
not better, that is too vain a word, but less bad than the rest.
in boards,others in
half morocco.An auction catalog for Richard Valpy’s library indicates that there were
only 12 copies, printed by the author himself, who presented this to me (ie, Richard Valpy);another presentation copy appears in an auction catalogs for Samuel Rogers’s library. Periodicals and their reviewers from 1796 do not appear to have had access to the complete work in 66 cantos but instead review partial editions of cantos 41-60 (Edinburgh Magazine); canto 38 only (Analytical Review); Cantos 38-60 (British Critic); Cantos 38 and 40 only (Monthly Review). WorldCat lists an edition of cantos 37 to 60 only from 1795. Separate listings for a two-page mock title-page for the work, attributed to Horne-Took, appear as
Speedily will be published, price 3l.6s. in boards, The travels of Cyllenius: a poem. In sixty-six cantos.
My name is Norvalbecame a favorite among amateur reciters.
neither seen nor sought for it.
Galicis Macpherson’s spelling.
Galicis Macpherson’s spelling.
A satirical version of
written in his seventy-sixth year,rediscovered and published for the first time by John Murray in 1818.
Surryon title page.
by the Author of Headlong Hall.
by the Author of Headlong Hall.
farewellto the last position appears to be a common practice with editors of selected editions.
large paperedition in red cloth as well as a
small paperquarto edition bound in green cloth, some with gilt-stamped covers. The
small papergreen cloth editions featured illustrated covers and spines heavily stamped in gold, and followed a book design strategy that had been established by
second editionon the title page, although it was actually the first edition. Published anonymously.
Printed for the proprietor by S.G. Fairbrother, Lyceum Print Office.The Lyceum refers to the New Theatre Royal, Lyceum and English Opera House, London.
English Prairie. A second edition of Sketches appeared in 1819. In his preface, Fearon claims to be an unbiased observer and reporter and implicitly contrasts himself with other writers on the topic:
My Reports were originally composed neither with a view to fame nor profit,--neither to exalt a country, to support a party, nor to promote a settlement. I have had every motive to speak what I thought the truth, and none to conceal or pervert it.The volume is dedicated to
The Friends of Civil and Religious Liberty, and the dedication is dated
. AsPlaistow, Essex .October 2, 1818
Such [claims afford] Fearon room for statements that seem to emerge from differing, often contradictory ideological predilections. Sometimes he presents himself as an ardent convert to republicanism. At other times he is so fastidious in manners and appearance that he seems to the guardian of an older English probity Americans have recklessly abandoned
not better, that is too vain a word, but less bad than the rest.
at the request of a near relation who wished me to compose a Tale adapted to the picturesque and enchanting scenery of the ancient domains of our family, now in the possession of Bertram Mitford, Esq. The Lord de Bertram, (one of the followers of William the Conqueror) married Sybille, the heiress of Sir Johannes de Mitford, and died, I believe, in the Holy Land.This title also published in
Galicis Macpherson’s spelling.
not better, that is too vain a word, but less bad than the rest.
new editionpublished in
a great deal too wise to deal in books printed upon drawing paper in Atlas quarto--books merely meant to make a show.It is unknown how many copies were sold.