Umbrella

Although I conceive that ample proof has been given in your columns that umbrellas were generally known at an earlier period than had been commonly supposed, yet the following additional facts may not perhaps be unacceptable to your readers. In Bailey's *Dictionary*, vol. i. (8th edit. 1737), are these articles:— "Parasol, a sort of small canopy or umbrella, to keep off the rain." "Umbella, *a little shadow*; an umbrella, bon-grace, skreen-fan, &c., which women bear in their hands to shade them." "Umbelliforus *Plants* [among *botanists*]. Plants which have round tufts, or small stalks standin…