Rabbits and pigeons are occasionally added to the luxuries of the Creole banquet; and venison finds its way from the neighbouring island of Barbuda. Several very excellent kinds of fish, the produce both of sea and fresh water, and shell-fish, allure the eye of the epicure; and last, _not least_, the delicious turtle, which at certain seasons is vended weekly at 9d. sterling per pound! with all its rich green fat, its white and yellow eggs! What would a city alderman say to this? would not his imagination revel in all the delights of _calipash_ and _calipee_, and _real_ turtle soup? not made of beef and calf’s head, with a few pieces of turtle floating in it, to _stand its god-father_, as a late gastronomic writer so aptly describes such soup as may be obtained at the “London Tavern,” or Cornhill, although that is reckoned very excellent in its way. We are very soon to have the steam ships running, or rather galloping, between England and these islands; and I really think it would well repay that very honourable body the “lord mayor, the sheriffs, and aldermen of London,” to take a trip, if it was only to partake of turtle in perfection, and quaff a glass of Madeira, mellowed beneath this burning sun. Although hospitality is ever practised in Antigua, Christmas is the season of the year when conviviality is at its height. Then relatives meet together from all parts of the island,—then friendly compacts are renewed, and family differences happily adjusted, and sweet Concord, with beaming smile, wreaths once more her golden chain. Although no glittering green mistletoe, that “holy bough,” hangs pendant from the ceiling, and calls the attention of flashing eyes to its mystic berries, the fragrant pimento adorns the halls of the rich, as well as the cottages of the poor, while the laugh and song and “Mirth-moving jest,” throw around their pleasing witcheries. The tables groan beneath their burdens; and among their goodly fare may be found, as the old Christmas carol expresses it— “Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast beef.” ------ [56] The estate belongs to “the firm.” [57] The principal of these country residences are—“Claremont,” the seat of the Hon. R. E. Williams; “Cedar Hill,” the seat of the Hon. Wm. Byam, both of them truly paternal looking edifices; “Gilbert,” the seat of the Rev. Nat. Gilbert; “Mount Joshua,” the seat of the Hon. Bertie E. Jarvis; Green Castle, the seat of Sir H. Martin, &c. CHAPTER XLIX. The pure in blood—Places of amusement—The theatre—“Romeo Coates”—Jugglers and rope-dancers—Maroon parties—Shooting season—The Creole beauties—Dress—“The lords of the creation”— Fops and foppery—Business hours—Scene at the Antigua post-office—Auction sales—Militia doings—The gallant dragoon— Guard-nights.