To every branch a torch they tie, To every torch a light apply; At each new light send forth huzzas Till all the tree is in a blaze; And then bear it flaming through the town, With minstrelsy, and rockets thrown. Although the origin of this usage is lost, and no tradition exists by which it can be traced, yet it may not be a strained surmise to derive it from the church ceremony of the day when branches of trees were carried in procession to decorate the altars, in commemoration of the offerings of the Magi, whose names are handed down to us as Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar, the patrons of travellers. In catholic countries, flambeaus and torches always abound in their ceremonies; and persons residing in the streets through which they pass, testify their zeal and piety by providing flambeaus at their own expense, and bringing them lighted to the doors of their houses. W. H. H. ~Note.~ COMMUNICATIONS for the _Table Book_ addressed to _me_, in a parcel, or under cover, to the care of the publishers, will be gladly received. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS will appear on the wrappers of the monthly parts _only_. THE TABLE BOOK, therefore, after the present sheet, will be printed continuously, without matter of this kind, or the intervention of temporary titles, unpleasant to the eye, when the work comes to be bound in volumes. LASTLY, because this is the last opportunity of the kind in my power, I beg to add that some valuable papers which could not be included in the _Every-Day Book_, will appear in the _Table Book_. MOREOVER LASTLY, I earnestly solicit the immediate activity of my friends, to oblige and serve me, by sending _any_ thing, and _every_ thing they can collect or recollect, which they may suppose at all likely to render my _Table Book_ instructive, or diverting. W. HONE. Vol. I.--2. [Illustration: ~Emigration of the Deer from Cranbourn Chase, 1826~] The genial years increase the timid herd Till wood and pasture yield a scant supply; Then troop the deer, as at a signal word, And in long lines o’er barren downs they hie, In search what food far vallies may afford-- Less fearing man, their ancient enemy, Than in their native chase to starve and die. The deer of Cranbourn chase usually average about ten thousand in number. In the winter of 1826, they were presumed to amount to from twelve to fifteen thousand. This increase is ascribed to the unusual mildness of recent winters, and the consequent absence of injuries which the animals are subject to from severe weather.