A duffle bag is a sturdy, cylindrical canvas bag originally used by servicemen for carrying kit. Stout cord is threaded through metal, eyelets and drawn together to seal the top. The duffle bag shape has been used in shoulder bags, made of various fabrics, from the 1970s. Research Duffle Bag
Sturdy beggars (vagabonds) are those beggars classed in the English Poor Law of 1531 as able-bodied persons who chose not to work. This presumed, wrongly, that there was enough work for everyone to do. Those who took to the roads, seeking jobs or charity, were severely punished. This was because Tudor governments regarded them as threats to public order, especially returned soldiers who organised themselves into bands and robbed travellers. By the end of the century new poor laws made parishes provide work for the genuinely unemployed, while 'incorrigible rogues' were to be whipped, returned to the parishes whence they had come, or even banished overseas for persistent offences. Research Sturdy Beggars
Eucomis is a genus of bulbous liliaceous plants, natives of South Africa, characterized by a rosette of long radical leaves, from the centre of which proceeds in late summer, a sturdyspike of greenish flowers, surmounted by a canopy of leaf-like bracts. Research Eucomis
The Icelandic Pony is an Icelandic breed of small horse thought to have developed from European Forest ponies and Celtic ponies brought by settlers to Iceland in the 9th century. The Icelandic Pony occurs in various colours, stands between 12 and 13 hands high, and while normally placid may play up at times. They are sturdy and stocky horses with good eyesight and an uncanny homing instinct. Research Icelandic Pony
The Kazakh Pony is an ancient breed of working ponies from Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Pony has two sub-types: the Dzhabe and the Adaev, the Adaev being slightly lighter framed and more lively than the Dzhabe. The Kazakh Pony stands 14 hands high, are short and sturdy in appearance and have a thick waterproof coat. They are not very suitable for riding, having an uncomfortable short and choppy stride. Research Kazakh Pony
The lime tree (Tilia europoea) or linden tree of Germany is extensively planted in England on account of its fairly rapid growth and its tolerance of town atmosphere. It has a sturdy trunk and slender upright, close-growing branches. The leaves are large and heart-shaped, pointed at the apex, and with a downy under surface. The lime bears groups of very fragrant yellowish- green flowers which are much sought after by bees on account of the large quantities of nectar they contain. The wood of the lime is white and close- grained. Research Lime Tree
The Persian cat is a breed of longhair cat, developed from Asian cats of nearly 4000 years ago that may or may not have originated in Persia. The large, round head supports small, rounded ears that sometimes appear almost lost in the thick fur; these forward-tilting ears are set wide apart and low on the head. The eyes, large, round, and widely spaced, are most often a brilliant colour, but in certain varieties may be hazel, green, or blue. The body is cobby - short, thickset, and muscular rather than flabby - and carried on short, sturdy legs that end in large, round paws. The tail is short. The dense, flowing coat, which forms a large ruff at the neck and frills between the front legs, may be of six different solid colours and a wide variety of patterns. Playful in a more subdued manner than many cats, the Persian has long been the most popular pet of the cat world. Research Persian Cat
The pomeranian or spitz dog, is a breed of toy dog, about 15 centimetres high, weighing about 3 kg. It has long straight hair with a neck frill, and the tail is carried over the back. The breed attained popularity in Britain after Queen Victoria kept one as a pet. A sturdy, alert and good-tempered breed of dog they do have a tendency to bark at the slightest sound. Research Pomeranian
The Standardbred is an American breed of fast trottinghorse first developed during the 18th century. The Standardbred stands 15.3 hands high and is bay, brown or chestnut in colour. The Standardbred is similar to the English Thoroughbred, but more robust and sturdy with hard, strong feet and legs. Research Standardbred
The Trakehner is an ancient breed of German horse that originated in East Prussia (now Lithuania). A versatile horse, the Trakehner stands between 16 and 16.2 hands high and is any solid colour. They are sturdy, athletic horses greatly influenced by Thoroughbreds, but much more manageable with a more easy going and calm nature, and are employed in competition riding. Research Trakehner
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Duffle Bag
