232 



" Skimmerton riding," of which the following is a description : — 



" Eiding the Skimmity." 

 ■ " On the left-hand of the bas-relief a man is seen stooping over a 

 beer barrel, in one arm he is holding a baby which has evidently 

 been entrusted to his charge by his absent wife. la the meautime he 

 has been drinking the beer, and apparently in a state of intoxication 

 is about to draw more, as the hand of his other arm is extended towards 

 the tap, and a cup to receive it stands underneath. But the wife 

 returns, and findiug him in this condition rates him soundly ; then 

 while an riltei'cation ensues between them, and she is whacking him 

 with an old shoe, a thinl person, supposed to be the school-master from 

 a scroll of paper in his hand, overhears the quarrel and reports it to 

 the village. Then follows the procession composed of men and women, 

 most of whom are carrying an efhgy of the delinquent on a pole and 

 proclaiming the matrimonial scandal to the surrounding crowd." 



Note. — The term " skimmerton" is supposed to be derived from the 

 " skimmers" and ladles which the person riding cari'ies iu his hand and 

 with which he was sometimes belaboured. The Rev. J. B. Medley, 

 Eector of Orchardleigh, informed the Secretary that during his curacy 

 at Shcpton Beauchamp he once saw (1854) this old use of " Skimmerton 

 riding." 



From the hall the members ascended the stone staircase to the 

 long gallery, one of the most striking features of the house ; 

 supposed once to have been the library it extends the whole 

 length of the building and has a good oriel window at either 

 end. A refreshing cup of tea was awaiting their descent to the 

 hall, and after thanking their host and hostess for their courtesy 

 the breaks were remounted, and a pleasant ride through the 

 park brought them to Yeovil in time for the 6.23 p.m. train to 

 Bath after a most enjoyable daj\ 



The bye-excursion to Dundrij, fixed for May 18th — postponed 

 owing to the rain— -came off on October 12th. There were only 

 five or six members who ventured in spite of a somewhat 

 unpromising morning to take part in it, and on leaving the 

 Bristol station had a most unpleasant trudge through muddy 



