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the trunk. Bipeds, notwithstanding, perform some of 

 the most interesting and essential parts, such as 

 planting, collecting the fruit, consuming it in part, 

 and assisting in making the cider ; together with 

 shooting at the trees annually on Old Twelfth-night. 

 Let it rain, hail, blow, or snow, this very essential 

 and interesting ceremony is always commenced at 1 2 

 o'clock at night, a tremendous fire being kept up for 

 several hours afterwards. They repeat or sing the fol- 

 lowing interesting song, with all the might which their 

 lungs will permit. The juice of the fruit is generally 

 made use of for many hours, pretty freely, previously 

 to this interesting ceremony, so that a perfect ripeness 

 of address and expertness in gunnery is the result. 

 Guns and firelocks long laid by are on this remark- 

 able occasion brought forward. The following is what 

 I have heard sung on these occasions, although much 

 more is added in some localities : — 



Here's to thee, old apple-tree, 

 Whence thou mayest bud, and whence thou mayest blow ; 

 And whence thou mayest bear apples enow ; 



Hats full, caps fall ! 



Bushel, bushel- sacks full ! 



And my pockets full too ! 

 If thee does not bear either apples or corn, 

 We'll down with thy top, and up with thy horn." 



(Here the natives shoot at the tree.) 

 Not being acquainted with the custom here on the 



