LOYALTY. 141 
neers ; it is now subdivided into twenty- 
one, the present number of families. Some 
little misunderstandings occasionally arise 
as to boundaries ; but these, as well as such 
other matters of dispute as now and then 
occur, are generally soon settled by the chief 
magistrate, and the two councillors. 
The owners of " this sceptred isle," 
" This precious stone set in the silver sea," 
avow a hearty allegiance to the Queen of 
England. Her Majesty's birth-day is ob- 
served as an occasion of much joy. All the 
people assemble near the church in holiday 
apparel ; the bell is set ringing, and old and 
young unite in singing loyal songs in honour 
of the day. Not only the cheerful bell is 
heard, but it has been usual to introduce the 
deep-mouthed gun to assist at the solemnity. 
The history of this gun is curious. It once 
belonged to the Bounty, and was fished up 
from the bottom of the sea in 1845, with one 
of its companions which had been spiked, and 
which was therefore useless. The better of the 
two, after remaining many fathom deep for 
five-and-fifty years, is somewhat honey- 
combed, and, when brought into play, is used 
