NEW YEAR S DAY IN THE NORTH. 381 



who shook hands with each in turn, addressing to 

 him at the same time a few comphmentary phrases. 

 The guests then seated themselves upon benches 

 ranged round the walls of the apartment, and one 

 of their number assuming the office of Ganymede (ye 

 Gods, what a satire on the cup-bearer of Jove !), 

 administered to each a portion of the soul-rejoicing 

 fluids provided by the Bourgeois, who is yearly 

 allowed a small quantity of wine, spii-its, and shrub. 

 Healths and good wishes were interchanged ; pipes, 

 with. their attendant weed produced, — and smoke 

 and talk now flowed apace. In about an hour the 

 visitors, having more than once repeated their libations 

 to Bacchus, rose to withdraw, addressing thankful 

 acknowledgments to the provider of the treat, and 

 accepting joyfully an invitation to devote the coming 

 evening to the worship of Terpsichore, and partake 

 of a feast to be presently prepared. In the afternoon 

 the company re-assembled in the hall, where a — to 

 them — sumptuous repast was spread, of which, to 

 enumerate some of its delicacies, a roasted swan, 

 deer's tongues, potatoes, turnips, and a huge plum- 

 pudding, were items. Dinner having succeeded 

 drink, was followed by dancing, which was kept up 

 unflaggingly vmtil after midnight, refreshments being 

 again provided in the shape of supper. Thus ended 



