We thus see that the chubby-fisted little fellows who, not possessing even a doll, rig out a little stump of an old sailor or soldier, or even a bunch of greenery on a stick, as well as the girls who now promenade their dolls of varying degrees of respectability, have an historical background of some dignity, when, on the morning of the first of May, they line our streets and reflect the glories of the past to an unsentimental generation which knows nothing of "Mad Moll and her husband." The following are some verses of the Mayers' song-- Remember us poor Mayers all, And thus we do begin, To lead our lives in righteousness, Or else we die in sin. * * * * A branch of May we have brought you, And at your door it stands, It is but a sprout, But it's well budded out. by the work of our Lord's hands. * * * * The moon shines bright and the stars give light, A little before it is day; So God bless you all, both great and small, And send you a joyful May! Plough Monday and its interesting connection with the return of the season for field work of the husbandman, and its modern relic of perambulating the streets with a plough for largess, has practically passed away as a custom and has long since lost its sentiment. Another curious observance connected with the harvest was in full swing at the time of which I am writing; viz., the "hockey" load, or harvest home. Many persons living remember the intense excitement which centred around the precincts of the farmhouse and its approaches, when it was known that the last load of corn was coming home! Generally a small portion, enough to fill the body of the cart, was left for the last load. Upon this the men rode home, shouting "merry, merry, harvest home," which was a well understood challenge to all and sundry to bring out their water! Through the village the light load rattled along at a great pace, while from behind every wall, tree, or gatepost along the route, men, women and even children, armed with such utensils as came ready to hand, sent after the flying rustics a shower of water {100} which continually increased in volume as the hockey load reached the farm-yard, where capacious buckets and pails charged from the horse pond brought up a climax of indescribable fun and merriment! The next in order of the seasons, manners, and customs are the summer and autumn feasts and fairs. Of the fair held at Anstey, the following is an announcement of seventy years ago-- ANSTEY FAIR, ON THURSDAY, JULY 15TH, 1817. A Tea Kettle to be Bowled for by Women. A Gown to be Smoked for by Women. A Shift to be Run for by Women. A Share to be Ploughed for by Men, at Mr. Hoy's at the Bell, at Anstey.