_Mid-Lent_, or _Mothering Sunday_ is likewise called _Refreshment Sunday_, “the reason of which,” says Wheatly, (on the Common Prayer) “I suppose is the Gospel for that day, which treats of our Saviour’s miraculously feeding five thousand; or else, perhaps, from the first lesson in the morning, which gives us the story of Joseph entertaining his brethren.” It is also denominated _Rose Sunday_, from the pope on this day carrying a golden rose in his hand, which he exhibits on his way to and from mass.[27] On this day at Seville there is an usage evidently the remains of an old custom. Children of all ranks, poor and gentle, appear in the streets fantastically dressed, somewhat like English chimney-sweepers on May-day, with caps of gilt and coloured paper, and coats made of the crusade bulls of the preceding year. During the whole day they make an incessant din with drums and rattles, and cry “Saw down the old woman.” At midnight, parties of the commonalty parade the streets, knock at every door, repeat the same cries, and conclude by sawing in two the figure of an old woman representing Lent. This division is emblematical of Mid-Lent.[28] * * * * * FLORAL DIRECTORY. Heartsease. _Viola Tricolor._ Dedicated to _St. Euphrasia_. [23] Gouge’s Naogeorgus. [24] Ibid. [25] Gentleman’s Magazine. [26] Fosbroke’s British Monachism. [27] Shepherd, on Common Prayer. [28] Doblado’s Letters. ~March 14.~ _St. Maud_, or _Mathildis_, Queen, A. D. 968. _Sts. Acepsimas_, Bishop, _Joseph_, and _Aithilahas_, A. D. 380. _St. Boniface_, Bishop of Ross, about 630. CHRONOLOGY. 1733. The Excise scheme was first moved in the House of Commons, by resolutions, which were powerfully resisted, but on the 16th finally carried, and the Excise bill brought in. On the 4th of April the bill was read a first time, and carried by a majority of 36; the majority being 230, the minority 200. There were petitions against it from every trading town of the kingdom, and great tumults in London; the obnoxious members were attacked on their way to parliament. The measure was so unpopular that it was for that time dropped, whereon public feeling was manifested by general illuminations, and other rejoicings.