226 The Naturalist of Cumbrae. 



A number of young men of all ranks dress them- 

 selves in fantastic costumes, their apparel being in 

 general gorgeous in appearance and not unfrequently 

 also rich in quality. The disguise is made as com- 

 plete as possible, so that one is seldom recognized by 

 another. Between Christmas and New Year's Day 

 they go about after dark, visiting different houses, 

 and demanding refreshment of the best. During this 

 period all windows and fanlights are kept closed and 

 shuttered as securely as may be. But the inhabitants 

 who wish to escape with the least scathe leave their 

 doors open and their table spread with the best they 

 have, allowing the Visors to enter and partake and 

 deport themselves according to their own fancy. 



It is an old custom, like those of mummers and 

 maypoles and bonfire boys in England, but, as com- 

 pared with the present condition of those queer sur- 

 vivals, it is much more arbitrary and mischievous, 

 and is made the opportunity for paying off old scores 

 of long standing, or at any rate grudges conceived 

 during the past year. 



When the Visors wish to display their resentment, 

 they enter the delinquent's house, and daub the walls 

 with tar, sometimes giving the furniture and pictures 

 also a taste of it, besides otherwise damaging windows, 

 garden, or outhouses. It is said that the authorities 

 have tried over and over again to put down these 

 detestable practices, but without effect. So well is 

 the secret kept that they have never been able to 

 obtain a conviction. The constables that are sworn 

 in are said to be the most active themselves in the 

 lawless work ! When the " people love to have it 

 so," it is difficult to save them from themselves. 



