Jack Deighton mostly plays at the greatest dance, namely, at the Swan inn; and his companion, Horn, at one of the others; the dances are merely jigs, three reels, and four reels, and country dances, and _no more_ than three sets can dance at a time. It is a matter of course to give the fiddler a penny or two-pence each dance; sometimes however another set slips in after the tune’s begun, and thus trick the player. By this time nearly all the stalls are cleared away, and the “merry neet” is the only place to resort to for amusement. The fiddle and clarinet are to be heard every where; and it is astonishing what money is taken by the fiddlers. Some of the “spice wives,” too, stop till the next morning, and go round with their cakes at intervals, which they often sell more of than before. At this festival at Brough, the husbandmen have holiday, and many get so tipsy that they are frequently turned off from their masters. Several of the “spice wives” move away in the afternoon to Kirby Stephen, where there is a very large fair, better suited to their trade, for it commences on the day ensuing. Unfortunately, I was never present at the proclamation. From what I saw, I presume it is in consequence of a charter, and that these people offer their services that the fair-keepers may commence selling their articles sooner. I never heard of their being paid for their trouble. They are constantly attended by a crowd of people, who get on the carts and booths, and, at the end, set up a load “huzza!” W. H. H. * * * * * THE TWELVE GEMS OF THE TWELVE MONTHS. _For the Table Book._ It is a Polish superstition, that each month has a particular gem attached to it, which governs it, and is supposed to influence the destiny of persons born in that month; it is therefore customary among friends, and lovers particularly, to present each other, on their natal day, with some trinket containing their tutelary gem, accompanied with its appropriate wish; this kind fate, or perhaps kinder fancy, generally contrives to realize according to their expectations. JANUARY. _Jacinth_, or _Garnet_ denotes constancy and fidelity in every engagement. FEBRUARY. _Amethyst_ preserves mortals from strong passions, and ensures peace of mind. MARCH. _Bloodstone_ denotes courage and secrecy in dangerous enterprises. APRIL. _Sapphire_, or _Diamond_ denotes repentance and innocence. MAY. _Emerald_, successive love. JUNE. _Agate_ ensures long life and health. JULY. _Ruby_, or _Cornelian_ ensures the forgetfulness or cure of evils springing from friendship or love. AUGUST. _Sardonix_ ensures conjugal felicity. SEPTEMBER. _Chrysolite_ preserves from, or cures folly. OCTOBER. _Aquamarine_, or _Opal_ denotes misfortune and hope. NOVEMBER. _Topaz_ ensures fidelity and friendship. DECEMBER. _Turquoise_, or _Malakite_ denotes the most brilliant success and happiness in every circumstance of life. E. M. S.