LETTERS FROM HAMON LE STRANGE AND ROBERT MARSHAM. 1 77 
Why Sir Henry Hobart as Chief Justice of the Common pleas 
should have it in his power to grant a Swan Mark is not 
apparent, but it might be owing to a special grant from the 
King which would probably be revealed by searching the 
Patent Rolls preserved in the Record Office. 
The following agreement between Sir John Hobart and 
John Swann for the purchase of Swans is interesting as well 
for the price paid as the localities whence the Swans were 
collected and seems worth preserving. It is derived from the 
same source as the above. 
Agreement for Purchase of Swans 
between Sir J. Hobart and John Swan 
of Saxlingham, Norfolk ( 1 . c. p. 124) 
1674, October 24. — That the said John Swan in con- 
sideration of the sum of tenne pounds of good money of 
England, five pounds part whereof the said John Swan doth 
hereby acknowledge to have received and had, hath and doth 
oblige himself his executors and administrators to deliver 
and cause to be delivered to the said Sir John Hobart or his 
assigns thirty and tower swans at Midsomer next or within 
14 days following, upon the delivery whereof the said Sir 
John Hobart is to pay or cause to be paid to the said Jo. Swan 
| or his assigns remaynder of the said tenne pounds. In 
witness wherof I have herewith set my hand this day and 
year above mentioned. 
(Signed) John Swan. 
Witness . 
Thos. Seabourn 
Jo. Brewstef 
Then follows : — 
A note of what swanes I marked that was boute of John 
Swane. 
Imprimis at Langley marse one swane. 
Item boute there a land birde. 
Item at Hasingham Litteldike one swane 
Item at Harsinghame greete dike one swane 
Item at the diveles house one swane. 
