memorials that still continue to render its environs so truly
interesting to the antiquary and historian." _Abury_, or
_Avebury_, is a village amidst the remains of an immense
temple, which for magnificence and extent is supposed to have
exceeded the more celebrated fabric of Stonehenge; Some
enthusiastic inquirers have however, carried their supposition
beyond probability, and in their zeal have even supposed them to
be _antediluvian_ labours! Many of the _barrows_ in the vicinity
of Sarum have been opened, and in them several antiquarian relics
have been discovered. In short, the whole county is one of high
antiquarian interest, and its history has been illustrated with
due fidelity and research.

[2] Richard of Cirericesler, p. 31, 68, 113.

[3] Cott. _Coll. Faustina_, b. 3, _MSS. Brit Mus._

[4] Brompton _Twysd._. 866.

[5] Dodsworth's _History of Salisbury Cathedral_.

[6] Roger de Hoveden.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Petrus Blesensis, _Epist_, 105.

* * * * *

CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS.

(_For the Mirror._)

The manner of spending _Christmas Eve_ can hardly be better
described than by the celebrated Wilkie's sketch under that title.
Christmas is not now what it was formerly. Wilkie's painting relates to
the present time, and I do not know where Christmas is more cheerfully
observed in these days than in London--still there is an alteration--no
boar's head--no pageantries, no wassailing. In the north of England
its approach is denoted by the country people having their wood fires,
consisting of huge pieces of stumps of trees piled upon the grate,
and by entwining branches of holly over their doors, and by _school
boys_ acting some play to a school full of auditors; the yearly one
at Brough was _St. George_, which is now put down by some strolling
players who exhibit in the town every Christmas.

These are signals for Christmas, and although there is but one Christmas
day, yet the week is generally over before any thing like quietness
appears. The morning is ushered in by the ringing of the _church
bells_, and the little maidens playing at the game of _prickey
sockey_, as they call it. See them all dressed up in their
_best_, with their wrists adorned with rows of _pins_, running
about from house to house inquiring who will play at the game. The door
is opened, and she c