If any evidence were needed as to the patience and persistence of the Antiquary, whom one imagines to live in an atmosphere thick with the dust of the past, it may be found in the work of Mr. Arthur Irwin Dasent, who has taken incredible pains in the making of his book "Piccadilly in Three Centuries." Not only has he made an exhaustive study of the old parochial rate-books—a fearful and wonderful task—but he has traced the pedigree and successive ownerships of all the important houses in the famous street and in Berkeley Square, with curious results, having produced a book of gossip which will delight kindred spirits.
Tus Ortoms oF Prccapiiy.
Who gave Piccadilly its name? and what does it mean? Some have hazarded that it is derived from "Pecadillo."
Another—ingenious theory is that the district was called "Pick—a—dilly" from the wild flowers which once grew profusely in its meadows, whilst according to other authorities, the name is derived from the old Dutch word "Pickedillekens", signifying the extremity or utmost part of anything. In this sense, of course, the word could also be applied to the enthusiasm of antiquarians, who certainly seem here to have reached the limit.".It is interesting to learn that in 1620 the five residents of Piccadilly rejoiced in the payment of rent ranging from eighteen pence to eleven shillings. Can it be doubted now that the "good old times" did not belie their name? many) he has written another book, the fruit perhaps of more perfect leisure than the General and his brother militarists. in Germany formerly enjoyed. Experience has not entirely chastened the writer in his liking for war, and now he gives us views of "The War of the Future. The effort at any rate has the virtue of perseverance. "Once Bitten twice shy," is an adage evidently without' significance in Germany.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.