At about this period the dress of the old Guernsey farmer was “a large cocked hat, and thin ‘queue à la française,’ a long blue coat with brass buttons, flowered waistcoat and jean trousers. Of course this was only for Sundays and festivals. The women wore the black silk plaited Guernsey bonnet, accompanied by a close mob cap underneath, with a narrow muslin border; plain on the forehead and temples, but plaited from the ears to the chin. A petticoat of black stuff, thickly quilted, the gown--of an old fashion chintz pattern--open in front, and tucked into the pocket holes of the petticoat; the boddice open in front to the waist, with a coloured or starched muslin handkerchief in lieu of a habit-shirt; tight sleeves terminating just below the elbow; blue worsted stockings, with black velvet shoes and buckles.” This description is taken from an old guide book of 1841. The dress was rapidly becoming obsolete then, and has now, like almost every other relic of the past, completely disappeared. We will now return to the account of our local feasts and festivals. Beginning with the commencement of the ecclesiastical year--the holy season of Advent--the first day that claims our attention is that dedicated to Saint Thomas, not because of any public observance connected with it, but on account of its being supposed to be a time when the secrets of futurity may be inquired into. Under the head of “Love Spells” we shall describe the superstitious practices to which, it is said, some young women still resort, in order to ascertain their future destiny. It is not improbable that some of these observances have been kept alive by the constant communication that has always existed in times of peace between the islands and continental Normandy, not a few young people of both sexes coming over from the mainland to seek for employment as farm servants. [2] A covering or defence. (Celtic.) [3] _Carabouss bras._ (Breton). [4] A wrapper (Celtic). These terms are still used in the country. [5] At least wattle-built and plastered with mud, if not mud-built altogether. Holinshed exclaims against the _innovation_ of chimneys, and regrets that “willow-built houses” are no longer fashionable. La Longue Veille. “Meanwhile the village rouses up the fire; While well attested, and as well believ’d, Heard solemn, goes the goblin story round; Till superstitious horror creeps o’er all.” --_Thompson._