228 O'er Crag and Torrent 



infrequently involves the attention of a 

 disciple of Galen to probe and extract from 

 his person divers and sundry shot-pellets 

 which had taken an erring flight, and effected 

 a lodgment where they were unintended and 

 unwelcome. Christmastide, therefore, may 

 be anticipated with the certainty of being 

 accompanied by incongruous pleasures and 

 pains, such as nightmare and other nocturnal 

 emotions, which take their origin in an over- 

 free indulgence in gastronomy especially 

 where the delectable turkey is concerned. 

 And this reminds me that Christmastide is 

 not altogether a "beer and skittle" season 

 in the poultry-yard ; indeed, it is a time of 

 sorrow and mourning with the inhabitants 

 thereof for deceased friends. Those who 

 remain " in the land of the quick " wander 

 around the corn-stacks calling disconsolately 

 for their missing great-grandfathers, grand- 

 mothers, and other relatives, and wearing a 



