never recross the sea. This is my country. Since I set my foot upon its shore I have never had a moment to yawn. In this land of real and substantial life, the spectre that haunted my joyless days dares not be seen--the "hour too many" is no more. _The Forget-Me-Not_. * * * * * MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS. (_For the Mirror_.) SELLING MEAT AMONG THE ANCIENT ROMANS, &c. It was the custom for the buyer to shut his eyes, and the seller to hold up some of his fingers; if the buyer guessed aright, how many it was the other held up, he was to fix the price; if he mistook, the seller was to fix it. These classic _blind-bargains_ would not suit the Londonbutchers. This custom was abolished by Apronius, the prefect of Rome; who in lieu thereof, introduced the method of selling by weight. Among the ancient Romans there were three kinds of established butchers, viz. two colleges or companies, composed each of a certain number of citizens, whose office was to furnish the city with the necessary cattle, and to take care of preparing and vending their flesh. One of these communities was at first confined to the providing of hogs, whence they were called _suarii_; and the other two were charged with cattle, especially oxen, whence they were called _pecuarii_, or _boarii_. Under each of these was a subordinate class, whose office was to kill, prepare, &c. called _lanii_, and sometimes _carnifices_. Two English poets (Swift and Gay) have been rather severe towards the London butchers, the former says,-- "Hence he learnt the _Butcher's_ guile, How to cut your throat, and smile; Like a _butcher_ doom'd for life, In his mouth to wear his knife." The latter,-- ----"resign the way, To shun the surly _butcher's_ greasy tray: _Butchers_, whose hands are died with blood's foul stain, And always foremost in the hangman's train." The butchers' company was not incorporated until the 3rd year of King James I. when they were made a _Corporation_, by the name of master, wardens and commonalty of the art and mystery of butchers; yet the fraternity is ancient. Stowe says, "In the 3rd of Richard II. motion was made that no butcher should kill any flesh within London, but at Knightsbridge, or such like distant place from the walls of the citie." P.T.W. * * * * * STUMBLING AT THE THRESHOLD.