[42] “The custom of _flouncing_ is said to be peculiar to Guernsey. It is an entertainment given by the parents of a young couple when they are engaged, and the match has received approval. The girl is introduced to her husband’s family and friends by her future father-in-law, and the man similarly by hers; after this they must keep aloof from all flirtation, however lengthy the courtship may prove. The belief is that if either party break faith the other side can lay claim to a moiety of his or her effects.”--From Brand’s _Popular Antiquities of Great Britain_. Vol. II., p. 56. [43] EDITOR’S NOTE.--Usually consisting of half-a-dozen or a dozen (according to the bridegroom’s means) silver spoons, and a pair of sugar tongs, marked with the initials of bride and the customary “bague de fiançailles.” [44] EDITOR’S NOTE.--Besides this it was customary amongst farmers for the parents of a bride to give her a cow, and the animal in this case followed the cart.--_From Mr. J. de Garis, Rouvets, St. Saviour’s, 1901._ [45] EDITOR’S NOTE.--Les “gllajeurs”--the wild marsh iris--was always one of the favourite flowers for strewing in front of the bride, and all the water-lanes and marshes were ransacked for it. The wedding festivities generally lasted for two or three days. The house on the wedding day was decorated with wreaths and crowns of flowers, and, as usual, the festivities began with dinner, for which the usual fare was roast beef, roast mutton, a ham, plum pudding, and, of course, “gâche à corînthe,” washed down with cider. Then came games, songs, etc., till tea time, and then the tables would be cleared for dancing, while mulled wine, cheese, and Guernsey biscuits would be handed round at intervals. All the relations, friends, and neighbours of course partook of these festivities. A few songs were sung, “Jean, gros Jean,” being a “sine quâ non” in the country parishes, and then the mulled wine was handed round in cups, especially at midnight, as the clock struck. The correct formula before beginning to drink was “Cher petit Pèpinot Quand je te vè Tu parais bien Si je te bè, j’m’en sentirai Et si je te laisse j’m’en repentirai, Faut donc bien mieux bère, et m’en sentir Que de te laisser, et m’n repentir! A votre santâï la coumpagnie!”