48 Fotir-in-Hand in Britain. 



was there ever a band of Gypsies happier than we, or 

 freer from care? Didn't we often dash off in a roar: 



" See ! the smoking bowl before us, 



Mark our jovial ragged ring ! 

 Round and round take up the chorus, 



And in raptures let us sing. 

 A fig for those by law protected ! 



Liberty's a glorious feast ! 

 Courts for cowards were erected, 



Churches built to please the priest." 



Halt ! Ho for luncheon ! Steps, Joe. Yes, sir ! 

 The committee of two dismount and select the choicest 

 little bit of sward for the table. It is not too warm, 

 still we will not refuse the shade of a noble chestnut or 

 fragrant birk, or the side of a tall hedge, on which lie, 

 in one magnificent bed, masses of honeysuckle, over 

 which nod, upon graceful sprays, hundreds of the pret- 

 tiest wild roses, and at whose foot grow the foxglove 

 and wandering willie. 



It is no easy matter to decide which piece of the 

 velvety lawn is finest ; but here come Joe and Perry 

 with armfuls of rugs to the chosen spot. The rugs are 

 spread two lengthwise a few feet apart, and one across 

 at the top and bottom, leaving for the table in the cen- 

 tre the fine clovered turf with buttercups and daisies 

 pied. The ladies have gathered such handfuls of wild 

 flowers ! How fresh, how unaffected, and how far 

 beyond the more pretentious bouquets which grace our 



