Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-10-09

Returning to the statistical case of Smith
reTsHS Jones, the registrar general Informs us
that the whole Of the indexes from 1888 to 1854
were searched "to determine the relative fire.
duency OF these competing surnames; and
the numerical issue is in favor of the Smiths
VI Smiths, the entries were 2S6 037; of Joneses
ZS2,9OO-a Smith majority Of 3,l37 In seven
years, the Joneses were more numerous: in
eleven years Including the last seven,) the
Smiths; and 50, as there is no reason against
our siding with the winning party, we cry
Hurrah for the Smiths Both tribes however
are entitled to the Difference which numbers
can give them, since it is calculated that in
Engiand and Wales they include together not
less tnan han a million persons-suficient of
themselves to people four towns as large as
birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Hull. With
respect TO "the 6fty most common surnames.,'
We are favored with further computation,
winch makes II appear that in 1853 England
and Wales contained 3, 25s 500 persons bearing
these family names; or, in other words, that
ABOUT TWO IN every eleven Englisbmen and
Nelsnmen are known among men by one or
other Of these fifty surnames
More OF these statistical curiosities are be-
hind Descending to the letters of the alpha
pet, We learn that the letter B is the most
frequent initial Of surnames, being about 10
Per cent. OF the whole. II is above, and and
nearly per cent. n and h are lowest in
the scale OF proportion, excepting Y and L.
Here We might conclude our ramble but we
are tempted to prolOng it on account Of the
singular scene which the indefatigable general
OF registrars lays before US. This is no other
than a list Of more than 1000 peculiar sur
names selected from the birth-indexes of the
first quarter Of 1851, and the death indexes of
the corresponding quarter Of 1853. Very De-
euliar, in truth, many Of these surnames are
and certain Of afording delightful feast to
the lovers Of the drOll and the grotesoue. In
before m fhava ;,~ l..
betical order; but the amusement they offer is
best secured by such an arrangement of them
as viii show the treasures Of descriptive phrase
Ology they comprise.
The classical deities live again in Bacchus,
Mars, and Venus-a we'll matched trio; in
Flora, Fortuna, Muse, and the MUSES.; the
Phonix and the Griffin recall the fables Of the
East; while Mabb and Fay speak to us of
myths that still linger in the villages OF our
land. Classical history is remembered in Da-
mon and Dion; Hector and Troy are not yet
extinct; neither is Rome nor the Roman name
and though Hannibal reappears, the honors of
the Roman name are uorthily committed to
Cato, Scipio, and Caesar. who may trace in
Dominey fragment Of the language in which
they haraDgued and wrote.
Modern nationalities are pointed out by
French and Gaul, Saxon, Dutch, and Dane.
The Spaniard must be content with his Don,
bat the Turk comes in II n name North and
Barbary and the Caffre; and the sound of Cash
mere Immediately connects in our thoughts the
looms Of that famous valley kingdom with the
spindles Of our own.
Sacred Scripture, as might be supposed, has
suggested several names, although the selec-
ton is peculiar enough. Angel and Demon
stand in contrast. Eve makes her entry, and
under her protection, her scapegrsce frst-born
Csin. Noah-the hale old man, ''orphan OF
the old world, and father Of the nevis here
but whence comes Balaam, and stranger still
Dives and Pharisee? As much out Of place in
another direction are Calvary aud PentecOst
Heaven and Heavens, Saint and Sanctuary
Priest and Prophet, with Christian itself. have
clearly Biblical origin but to a later source
We must refer Pagan, with Lent and Christ
mas. Church, with its compound Church ward
and its less agreeable companion Churchyard
belong 10 Q similar period; as do Abbot (uo
mentioned In this LIST and Prior There car
be no doubt where surplice, Spires, and steepl'
come from
The need Of the Law is vindicated by Law
less, Felony and felons-its character by Jus
and Justice-its operations by Sessions ant
Jury-its pleasures BY Fee-and one Of its re
salts by Fines
The scisnee of medicine is celebrated unde
the homely name Of Physick. The Potheesr
and his Pill are not fsf apart. Hospital
indeed, leaves the mind free to roam owe