those people whose business it is to prepare various utensils of the horns of cattle. The horners were a very ancient and considerable fraternity in the city of London some hundreds years ago. In the reign of Edward II. they complained to parliament, that by foreigners buying up the horns in England, they were in danger of being ruined, and this business lost to the nation. For this reason was made the statute 6 Edw. IV. by which the sale of horns to foreigners (except such as the said horners refused) was prohibited; and the wardens had power granted them to search all the markets in London, and twenty-four miles round, and to inspect Sturbridge and Ely fairs, to prevent such practices, and to purchase horns at stated prices. But on plausible pretences this law was repealed in the reign of James I. and thereupon the old evil revived. The horners again applied to parliament, and King Edward's statute was renewed (excepting as to the inspection of the fairs), and still remains in force. The importation of unwrought horns into this country is also prohibited. In 1750, there were exported to Holland 514,500 lantern leaves, besides powder flasks. There was formerly a duty of 20 shillings a thousand, under which in 1682 were exported 76,650; but in the reign of George I. this duty was taken off, and these and all other manufactures made of horns may be exported free. The present company of horners was incorporated January 12, 1638; and consists of a master, two wardens, and nine assistants, without livery or hall. They have a warehouse in Spitalfields, to which the horns are sent as brought from town and country-markets, and thence regularly divided, the widows and orphans of deceased members having equal shares.

Hornet, a species of wasp. See Vespa, Entomology Index.