If a female be in the room she is usually saluted, if not, the horns _must_ be kissed: the option was not allowed formerly. As soon as the salutation is over the swearer-in commands “silence!” and then addressing himself to his new-made “son,” he says, “I have now to acquaint you with your privilege as a freeman of this place. If at any time you are going through Highgate and want to rest yourself, and you see a pig lying in a ditch you have liberty to kick her out and take her place; but if you see three lying together you must only kick out the middle one and lie between the other two! God save the king!” This important privilege of the freemen of Highgate was first discovered by one Joyce a blacksmith, who a few years ago kept the Coach and Horses, and subjoined the agreeable information to those whom “he swore in.” When the situation of things and persons seems to require it, the “bottle of wine” is sometimes compounded for by a modus of sundry glasses of “grog,” and in many cases a pot of porter. * * * * * There is one circumstance essential for a freeman of Highgate to remember, and “_that_ is the first word of his oath,--mind _that_!” If he fail to recollect _that_, he is subject to be resworn from time to time, and so often, until he remember _that_. He is therefore never to forget the injunction before he swears, to take notice what is said, “for _that_ is the first word of your oath--mind _that_!” Failure of memory is deemed want of comprehension, which is no plea in the high court of Highgate--“mind _that_!” That is, that _that_ “that,” is “_that_.” * * * * * There is no other formality in the administration or taking of this oath, than what is already described; and the only other requisite for “a stranger in _Highgate_” to be told, is, that now in the year 1826, there are nineteen licensed houses in this village, and that at each of these houses the “horns” are kept, and the oath administered by the landlord or his deputy. To note the capabilities of each house, their signs are here enumerated, with the quality of horns possessed by each. 1. THE GATE-HOUSE is taken first in order, as being best entitled to priority, because it has the most respectable accommodation in Highgate. Besides the usual conveniences of stabling and beds, it has a coffee-room, and private rooms for parties, and a good assembly-room. The horns there are Stag’s. 2. Mitre, has Stag’s horns. 3. Green Dragon, Stag’s horns. 4. Red Lion and Sun, Bullock’s horns. The late husband of Mrs. Southo, the present intelligent landlady of this house, still lives in the recollection of many inhabitants, as having been a most facetious swearer in.