CHAP. 10. 1. ANTIQUITIES, &c. 291 



a few halfpence. It is never omitted in Sussex, 

 where the girls of the village assemble with 

 their little garlands, and go from house to 

 house, singing and asking for your remem- 

 brance of the garland. 



If we examine the various customs of different 

 countries in Europe, celebrated on this day, we 

 shall find in them a close resemblance to those 

 practised at the Floralia of the old Romans. 

 The Christians have in fact transferred to the 

 Festival of St. Phillip and St. James the rites 

 that anciently belonged to Flora, of which, 

 with their atmospherical origin, Ovid has given 

 a very good description in his Fasti.* 



If St. Urban's Day, May 25, be fair, the 

 Germans count on a good vintage; but if 

 stormy, the reverse is said to be indicated. The 



We will betake us to our cot, 

 And be it there, O Sleep, our lot, 

 To rest in balmie slumberings, 

 Till the next Cock his matin rings. 



Anthol. Austral, and Boreal. 



* See Flora's account of herself, related by Ovid, Fasti, 

 lib. v. 195, &c. 



Alluding to Flowers, she says, v. 227 : 

 " Quid Crocon aut Attyn referum Cinyraque creatum 

 De quorum per me vulnere surgit honor," &c. 



u 2 



