_They_, in Johnson's mutilated sentence, refers to the _boughs_; in Bacon, to the Spartans; so that, in { 15} the first place, the Spartans are transformed into boughs, and, in the next place, the boughs into fruit. Detruncation, however, had nothing to do with this latter metamorphosis; and I am afraid this is not a solitary instance of lexicographical incongruity.
W. W. may assure himself that a windfall is "whatever _falls_ by the wind, or with similar suddenness or unexpectedness, whether bringing good or ill."
And if he will take the trouble to refer to "The Case of Impeachment of Waste," quoted by MR. ARROWSMITH, Vol. vii., p. 375., he will find, only a few lines before that gentleman's quotation begins, a legal question at issue as to the right of property in _windfalls_.
It would greatly enhance the value of contributions to "N. & Q.," save much trouble, and often lead to a more direct intercourse between persons of similar pursuits, if contributors would drop initials, and sign their own proper name and _habitat_; and in saying this, I believe the Editor will second me. If C. S. G. had done this, I should have been happy to send him an envelope full of proofs that Mr. Justice Newton did not die in 1444, for that a fine was levied before him in 1448; that he is not buried in Bristol Cathedral, but in the Wyke Aisle in Yatton Church, Somerset, where may be seen his effigies beautifully carved in alabaster, in his judge's robes, and his head resting on a wheat-sheaf or garb; that there was _no_ relationship between the second baronet of Hather, his arms being _cross bones_, &c., and those of the judge, who was truly a _Cradock_, were three garbs, &c. I would now beg leave to refer C. S. G. to my former communications in "N. & Q." about Cradock Newton, particularly Vol. ii., pp. 248. 427.; _Chronica Judicialia_, 1635; Foss's _Lives of the Judges_; and a paper of mine in the forthcoming volume of the _Proceedings of the Archæological Institute at Bristol_.
From C. S. G.'s reply to my inquiry respecting Mr. Justice Newton I conclude that at least _two_ individuals of this name have, at different periods, and at a considerable interval apart, occupied the judicial bench.