tion of manuscripts, and of the former editions. He reprinted the spurious Appendix Codicis Theodosiani, which had been published in 163 1 by Sirmond, a French Jesuit of uncommon erudition; and
to the Novels, which had received no illustration from Gothofredus, he subjoined many annotations. Ritter's publication procured him a high reputation. — The Law Times.
ANCIENT CUSTOMS OF THE CITY OF LONDON. By John De Morgan. THERE is very much of interest, both to the lawyer and citizen to be found in the ancient customs of a great city. Many of the institutions of the present day grew out of some peculiar, and oft times ri diculous custom, while liberty has been con served by practices which seem to us ab surd. Of the many interesting reminiscences associated with the City of London, few are more entertaining than the customs and fes tivities annually kept up. Every year, on the ninth of November the Lord Mayor's show, as it is popularly called, takes place, and though of recent years the pageant has been robbed of much of its gorgeousness, yet the show still maintains some of its an cient glories. The office of Chief Magistrate of London was held for life until about 12 14, and it was not until another century passed that the title of Lord was given to the Mayor, a distinction also held by the Mayors of York and Dublin. The election of Lord Mayor, which takes place on Michaelmas Day, was once held on October 13, but was changed to the present date in 1 546. The freemen of the 91 guilds in the City of London which embrace the different trades of London, are called liverymen, and they elect the Lord Mayor. He is selected from the Aldermen and is usually the senior al derman who has served as sheriff, but not as Mayor. There are exceptions to this un written law, for the celebrated watchmaker, Sir John Bennett, was eligible, but the liv
ery passed him over because of his radical views on political matters. The state cap and sword worn by the Lord Mayor were presented to Sir William Walworth by Richard II. for killing Wat Tyler. In an old poem written in 1592, with the title " The Nine Worthies of Lon don " we are told how the Mayor first ar rested and then stabbed the rebel chief, for which deed : — "A cosily hat his Highness likewise gave. That London's ' maintenance ' might ever be; A sword also did he ordain to have, That should be carried still before the Mayor, Whose worth deserved succession to the chair." This sword is called the " Sword of State" and is borne before the Lord Mayor in all processions and state occasions as an em blem of his authority. There is another sword known as the " Pearl Sword," which was presented by Queen Elizabeth on the opening of the Royal Exchange, and so called because its hilt is decorated with pearls. This sword is carried before the Mayor on festive occasions. Two other swords are used with significance. One, a very heavy one, is placed behind the Lord Mayor's chair at the Central Criminal Court, when he presides over that tribunal, and is an emblem of justice. The other sword is a black sword worn, or carried, on the death of a member of the reigning family, and at church during Lent. The Lord Mayor, from a very early date, was allowed to keep a " fool." The fool
