Nottingham Hornblowing.
—About the beginning of December the boys in and around Nottingham amuse themselves, to the annoyance of the more peaceable inhabitants, by parading the streets and blowing horns. I have noticed this for several years, and therefore do not think it is any whim or caprice which causes them to act thus; on the contrary, I think it must be the relic of some ancient custom. If any of your correspondents could elucidate this, it would particularly oblige
STOMACHOSUS.
Bee Superstitions—Blessing Apple-trees—"A Neck! a Neck!"
—The superstition concerning the bees is common among the smaller farmers in the rural districts of Devon. I once knew an apprentice boy sent back from the funeral cortège by the nurse, to tell the bees of it, as it had been forgotten. They usually put some wine and honey for them before the hives on that day. A man whose ideas have been confused frequently says his "head has been among the bees" (buzzing).
The custom is still very prevalent in Devonshire of "hollowing to the apple-trees" on Old Christmas Eve. Toasted bread and sugar is soaked in new cider made hot for the farmer's family, and the boys take some out to pour on the oldest tree, and sing—
"Here's to thee,
Old apple-tree,
From every bough
Give apples enough,