FORM OF PETITION

Sir,--In reply to B. in your third number, who requests information as to the meaning of the "etc." at the foot of a petition, I fear I must say, that at the present day, it means nothing at all. In former times it had a meaning. I send you a few instances from the *Chancery Records* of the year 1611. These petitions to Sir E. Phillips or Phelips, M.R., end thus:-- "And he and his wife and six children shall dailie praie for your Worship's health and happines! "And shee shall accordinge to her bounden duetie pray for your good Worship in health and happinesse longe to continewe! "And both your…