As to the tree, I have some recollection of having heard that it had a few years ago a narrow escape of being thrown down, sometime about the vice-chancellorship of Dr. Symons, who promptly came forward to the rescue. Was it ever in such peril? and, if so, was it preserved?
Balliolensis.
FOLK LORE.
Ancient Custom in Warwickshire.—In Sir William Dugdale's Diary, under the year 1658, is noted the following:
"On All Hallow Even, the master of the family antiently used to carry a bunch of straw, fired, about his corne, saying,
'Fire and red low,
Light on my teen low.'"
Can any of your readers learned in ancient lore explain the custom and the meaning of the couplet, well as its origin? Does it now at all prevail in that county?
J. B. Whitborne.
Nottinghamshire Customs.—1. The 29th of May is observed by the Notts juveniles not only by wearing the usual piece of oak-twig, but each young loyalist is armed with a nettle, as coarse as can be procured, with which instrument of torture are coerced those unfortunates who are unprovided with "royal oak," as it is called. Some who are unable to procure it endeavour to avoid the penalty by wearing "dog-oak" (maple), but the punishment is always more severe on discovery of the imposition.
2. On Shrove Tuesday, the first pancake cooked is given to Chanticleer for his sole gratification.