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must own a tree, even if he can afford but one taper. 

 The festival lasts several days ; the farm animals even 

 benefit by it ; that day they are entitled to an extra 

 ration, whilst a sheaf of wheat is fastened to the barn 

 roof for the wee birdies to peck at, lest food should fail 

 them in the dreary winter. " — (L'Arbre de Noel.) 

 In England, Cock Eobin is not forgotten at Christmas. 



" Amidst the freezing sleet and snow, 

 The timid robin comes ; 

 In pity drive him not away, 

 But scatter out your crumbs. 



And leave your door upon the latch 



For whomsoever comes ; 

 The poorer they, more welcome give, 



And scatter out your crumbs. 



All have to spare, none are too poor, 



When want with winter comes ; 

 The loaf is never all your own, 



Then scatter out your crumbs. 



Soon winter falls upon your life, 



The day of reckoning comes : 

 Against your sins, by high decree, 



Are weighed those scattered crumbs 



?) 



Alfred Crcwquill. 



u Here comes holly that is so gent, 

 To please all men is his intent, 

 Alleluia ! 



Ivy is soft and meek of speech, 







Ivy is green, with colours bright." 



The Christmas holly, mistletoe, and ivy, sacred to 

 Druidical worship, recalls another relic of similar origin, 

 but handed down much modified, in fact, at present, 

 nearly obsolete in French Canada. — La Ignore. 



