T34 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



the most inspiriting of its kind I have ever listened to. 

 It was irresistible. It compelled the dullest and the 

 weariest to take the floor nole7is volens. Quadrilles, 

 waltzes, polkas, and the like were unknown and 

 unheard-of dances in those remote regions. But reels 

 and strathspeys, country-dances and jigs, followed each 

 other in quick succession until eleven o'clock. Then 

 a substantial supper was served, concluding with some 

 rounds of potent punch. But there never was any- 

 thing approaching to what may be termed excess. 

 "Health and good-night" was drunk, the invited 

 guests dispersed, and we tumbled into bed : and so 

 Yule-day ended. 



For a week the feasting continued, the football by 

 day and dancing at night, with sometimes a rubber at 

 whist; for, young as we were, we had learned the 

 noble game, and were keen and by no means bad 

 players. The Yule festival came to a conclusion on 

 New Year's day, "old style," January 13th, which 

 was celebrated by a slightly modified repetition of 

 what I have endeavoured to describe as the Yule-day 

 festivities. 



Ah me ! in writing these reminiscences I have 

 seemed to live over again the happy joyous days of 

 the old time; and as I lay down my pen, I cannot 

 but think of the changes that have since taken place. 

 How many of those dear ones that made Yule bright 

 and gladsome have passed away — uncle, aunt, father, 

 mother, and others of the family circle, all gone, and 

 those who still survive, the youngsters of those days, 



