in heraldry, a cross having at each end a forked iron, like that formerly used by soldiers to rest their muskets on. It differs from the croix-fourchée, the ends of which turn forked; whereas this has that part of fork fixed upon the square end. See Heraldry.

**Fer de Moulin, Milrinde, Inke de Moulin**, in heraldry, is a bearing supposed to represent the iron-ink, or ink of a mill, which sustains the moving mill-stone.

**Ferdinand V. king of Spain, called the Catholic**, which title was continued to his successors. He married Isabella of Castile, by which that kingdom was united to the Spanish crown. This illustrious couple laid the foundation of the future glory and power of Spain. The conquest of Granada, and the discoveries of Christopher Columbus, make this reign a celebrated era in the history of Spain. He died in 1516, aged 63. See (History of) Spain.

**Ferentarii**, in Roman antiquity, were auxiliary troops, lightly armed; their weapons being a sword, bow, arrows, and a fling.

**Ferentinum**, (anc. geog.), a town of the Hernici in Latium, which the Romans, after subduing that nation, allowed to be governed by its own laws. Now Ferentino, an episcopal city in the Campania of Rome. E. Long. 14. 5. N. Lat. 41. 45.

**Ferentum, or Forentum**, (anc. geog.), a town of Apulia in Italy. Now Forenza, in the Basilicata of Naples.

**Feretrius**, a surname of Jupiter, *a ferendo*, because he had afflicted the Romans; or *a feriendo*, because he had conquered their enemies under Romulus. He had a temple at Rome built by Romulus. It was there that the spoils called *ofima* were always carried.

**Feretrum**, among the Romans, the bier used in carrying out the bodies of the dead, which duty was performed by the nearest male relations of the deceased; thus, sons carried out their parents, brothers their sisters, &c.

**Ferg**, or **Fergue**, (Francis Paul), a charming landscape-painter, was born at Vienna in 1689, and there learned the first principles of his art. He successively practised under Hans Graf, Orient, and Thiele. This last, who was painter to the court of Saxony, invited him to Dresden to insert small figures in his landscapes. Ferg thence went into Lower Saxony, and painted for the duke of Brunswick and for the Gallery of Salzdahl. From Germany he went to London, where he might have lived in the highest esteem and influence, if, by an indirect marriage, he had not been so effectually depressed, that he was ever after involved in difficulties. The necessities which arose from his domestic troubles, compelled him to diminish the prices of his paintings, in order to procure an immediate support; and as those necessities increased, his pictures were till more sunk in their price, though not in their intrinsic value. By a series of misfortunes he was over-run with debts; and to avoid the pursuit of his creditors, he was constrained to secrete himself in different parts of London. He died suddenly in the street one night as he was returning from some friends about the year 1738, having not attained his 50th year; and left four children. This pleasing artist, Mr Walpole observes, had formed a manner of his own from various Flemish painters, though resembling Poelemburg most in the enamelled softness and mellowness of his colouring; but his figures are greatly superior; every part of them is sufficiently finished, every action expressive. He painted small landscapes, fairs, and rural meetings, with the most agreeable truth; his horses and cattle are not inferior to Wouvermans; and his buildings and distances seem to owe their respective softness to the intervening air, not to the pencil. More faithful to nature than Denner, he knew how to omit exactness, when the result of the whole demands a less precision in parts. The greatest part of his works are in London and Germany; and they now bear such a price as is the most indubitable evidence of their real merit. He also etched well with aquafortis; and his prints of that kind are esteemed by the curious.

**Fergus**, the name of three kings of Scotland. See (History of) Scotland.

**Ferguson** (James), an eminent experimental philosopher and mechanic, was born in Scotland, of very poor parents. At the earliest age his extraordinary genius began to exert itself. He first learned to read, by overhearing his father teach his elder brother; and he had made this acquisition before any one suspected it. He soon discovered, a peculiar taste for mechanics, which first arose on seeing his father use a lever. He pursued this study a considerable length, even whilst very young; and made a watch in woodwork, from having once seen one. As he had no instructor, nor any help from books, every thing he learned had all the merit of an original discovery; and such, with infinite joy, he believed it to be. As soon as his age would permit, he went to service; in which he met with hardships, which rendered his constitution feeble through life. Whilst he was servant to a farmer, Ferugson, (whose goodness he acknowledges in the modest and humble account of himself which he prefixed to his last publication), he frequently contemplated the stars; and began the study of astronomy, by laying down, from his own observations only, a celestial globe. His kind master, observing these marks of his ingenuity, procured him the countenance and assistance of his superiors. By their help and instructions, he went on gaining farther knowledge, and was sent to Edinburgh. There he began to take portraits; an employment by which he supported himself and family for several years, both in Scotland and England, whilst he was pursuing more serious studies. In London he first published some curious astronomical tables and calculations; and afterwards gave public lectures in experimental philosophy, which he repeated (by subscription) in most of the principal towns in England, with the highest marks of general approbation. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, without paying for admission (an honour scarcely ever conferred on a native); and had a pension of £50 per ann. given him, unsolicited, by our gracious king, at his accession, who had heard lectures from him, and frequently sent for and conversed with him on curious topics. He also received several presents from his majesty, the patron of real merit. To what a degree of consideration Mr Ferugson mounted by the strength of his natural genius, almost every one knows. He was universally considered as at the head of astronomy and mechanics in this nation of philosophers. And he might justly be styled self-taught, or rather heaven taught; for in his whole life he had not above half a year's instruction at school. He was a man of the clearest judgment, and the most unwearyed application to study; benevolent, meek, and innocent in his manners as a child; humble, courteous, and communicative; instead of pedantry, philosophy seemed to produce in him only diffidence and urbanity,—a love for mankind and for his Maker. His whole life was an example of resignation and Christian piety. He might be said to be an enthusiast in his love of God, if religion, founded on such substantial and enlightened grounds as his was, could be styled enthusiasm. He died in 1776.

FERIAE, in Roman antiquity, holidays, or days upon which they abstained from work. Proclamation was generally made by the herald, by command of the Rex Sacrorum, or Flamines, that all should abstain from business; and whoever transgressed the order was severely fined.—The feriae were of two kinds, public and private.

The public Feriae were fourfold. 1. Statisae, which were kept as public feasts by the whole city upon certain immovable days appointed in their calendar—such were the Comptalia, Carmentalia, Lupercalia, &c. 2. Feriae Consecuae, which were moveable feasts, the days for the celebration of which were fixed by the magistrates or priests; of this sort were the Feriae Latinae, Paganalia, Comptalia, &c. which happened every year, but the days for keeping them were left to the discretion of the magistrates or priests. 3. Feriae Imperative, which were fixed and instituted by the mere command of consuls, praetors, dictators, upon the gaining of some victory or other fortunate event. 4. Nundinae. See the articles Nundinae, Agonalia, Carmentalia, &c.

The private Feriae were holidays observed by particular persons or families on several accounts, as birthdays, funerals, &c. The feriae belonged to, and were one division of, the dies festi. See Festi.

Feria Latinae, a festival at which a white bull was sacrificed, and the Latin and Roman towns provided each a set quantity of meat, wine, and fruits; and during the celebration, the Romans and Latins swore eternal friendship to each other, taking home a piece of the victim to every town. The festival was instituted by Tarquinius Superbus when he overcame the Tuscans and made a league with the Latins, proposing to build a common temple to Jupiter Latiaris, at which both nations might meet and offer sacrifices for their common safety. At first the solemnity lasted but one day, but it was at different times extended to ten. It was held on the Alban mount, and celebrated with chariot races at the capitol, where the victor was treated with a large draught of wormwood drink.