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Padlocks have indeed been subject to great eccentricity—the ancientfetter-lock is a form not uncommon.

Mr. Fosbrook mentions wooden locks as still existing in the High-lands, so artfully contrived by notches at unequal distances, that theycan only be opened by the wooden keys which belong to them, andmatch the notches. < lr : < f:

Holingshed gives the following most incredible account of a lock,made, as he says, in 1579. “ This yeare, in the moneth of Maie, Marke

Scaliot, blacke smith, citizen of London , borne in the parish ofSt. Clements Dane, without Temple Bar, and now dwelling in Cornehill,neere vnto Leaden-hall, for triall of workemanship, made one hanginglocke of iron, steele, and brasse, of eleven several peaces, a pipe keie filedthree square, with a pot vpon the shaft, and the bow with two esses, allcleane wrought, which weied but one graine of gold, or wheat-corne—athing almost incredible, but that myselfe, (amongst manie others,) haveseene it, and therefore must affirme it to be true.”*

* Chronicles, vol iv. page 406.