Our forefathers preferred a broom of birch; as if, in the
master's absence, it was well to remember the rod.
A taste for figs marked the progress of refinement in the Roman empire. In
Cato's time, but six sorts of figs were known; in Pliny's, twenty-nine.
The sexual system of plants, seems first to have been observed in the fig
tree; whose artificial impregnation is taught by Pliny, under the name of
caprification.
In modern times, the esteem for figs has been still more widely diffused.
When Charles the Fifth visited Holland, in 1540, a Dutch merchant sent him
a plate of figs, as the greatest delicacy which Ziriksee could offer.
H.B.A.
* * * * *
ALNWICK FREEMEN.
Alnwick, in Northumberland, is remarkable for the peculiar manner of
making freemen. Those to be made free, or as the saying is, _to leap
well_, assemble in the market place early on St. Mark's day on horseback,
with every man a sword by his side, dressed in white, all with white night
caps, attended by four chamberlains mounted and armed in the same manner.
Hence they proceed with music to a large, dirty pool, called _Freeman's
Well_, where they dismount, and draw up in a body, and then rush through
the mud as fast as they can. As the water is generally very foul, they
come out in a dirty condition; but after taking a dram, they put on dry
clothes, remount their horses, and ride full gallop round the confines of
the town, when they return, sword in hand, and are met by women decorated
with ribands, bells, &c.
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