This is a local custom, very faithfully kept in many parts of the two northern counties. Early in the morning of the first of January, the _Fax-populi_ assemble together, carrying _stangs_ and baskets. Any inhabitant, stranger, or whoever joins not this ruffian tribe in sacrificing to their favourite Saint Day, if unfortunate enough to be met by any of the band, is immediately mounted across the stang (if a woman, she is basketed), and carried, shoulder high, to the nearest public-house, where the payment of sixpence immediately liberates the prisoner. No respect is paid to any person; the cobbler on that day thinks himself equal to the parson, who generally gets mounted like the rest of his flock; whilst one of his porters _boasts and prides himself_ in having but just before got the _'Squire_ across the pole. None, though ever so industriously inclined, are permitted to follow their respective avocations on that day. J.G.B. * * * * * MARRIAGE FEES. At Northwich, in the county of Cheshire, a whimsical privilege is ascribed, by the charter of that church, to the senior scholar of the Grammar-school: namely--that he is to receive marriage fees to the same amount as the clerk; or, in lieu thereof, the bride's garters. J.G.B. * * * * * ORIGIN OF THE PINE CALLED WHITE-HART SILVER. Blackmoor Forest, at the spring of the Froome, was once called the Forest of White Hart, and at that time the seat of royalty, and greatly preferred by our kings, on account of the deer with which it abounded. King Henry III., with a mighty train of hunters, having one day entered on the chase in this neighbourhood, roused a milk-white hart. The creature afforded his Majesty so much sport, that at the pulling down, it was the royal pleasure to save the beast, and place round his neck a collar of brass, on which was engraved, "I am a royal hart, let no one harm me." But the king and his retinue having run over and spoiled the lands of a gentleman of the county, named _Thomas de la Linde_, and refusing, upon remonstrance, to make good the injury, _De la Linde_ imprudently resolved to spite King Henry; when, joining with others, he hunted the white hart, and having run it down, foolishly took the life of the king's favourite; and making merry over its haunches, was heard in his cups to utter many disrespectful speeches towards his sovereign, which were conveyed to Henry, who presently convinced _De la Linde_ of his presumption, and so highly resented the indignity, that he made every one concerned in the death of the noble animal pay into his exchequer an annual fine, called "White Hart Silver," which was not remitted during the reign of that monarch. This is also the origin of the White Hart for a sign at the different inns and houses of entertainment throughout England. J.G.B. * * * * * WHITSUNTIDE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE.