Item 5 - Letter from Thomas McK. Hughes to W. Aldis Wright

1 folded sheet

The New Inn, Clapham, Yorkshire.—Has written to his father about Wright’s friend (a candidate for some appointment). Gives examples of the use of the word ‘sine’ and ‘snakes’. J. G. Goodchild has promised to lend his collection of words for Wright’s benefit.

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Transcript

The New Inn Clapham Yorkshire June 1873

My dear Wright

I have written to my father about your friend and am sure your opinion will have great weight. There are many candidates—some with very high testimonials.

Do you know that the word sinin[g] {1} applied to cows = letting run dry.

It would be used thus

“I’ll begin to sine that cow or she will not have time to fatten” —i e begin to cease milking her so often so that she may cease to produce milk.

“Some cows will sine themselves” i e cease to give milk.

“Its† bad weather for sining.”

Snakes = snails in the Yorkshire dales—the word in use for a viper or slow worm is hagworm.

One of my colleagues who is here with me (J. G. Goodchild) who has paid much attention to these points and has a much better collection of words than I have has promised to lend me his list for you.

Yours very truly
Thos McK Hughes.

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{1} The square brackets are in the MS.

This description was created by A. C. Green in 2022.