hen effected; but in 1803 explanations were made to
the grand lodge of Scotland regarding the schism in England; in consequence
of which, two years after, the wished for union was accomplished; and in
1808 the same gratifying proposals were made from Ireland, and accepted
with cordiality. Meantime, the same brotherly communication had been
instituted with Sweden in 1799, and Prussia in 1805.

While these friendly communications with foreign brethren were going on,
masonic benevolence, ever privately exercised, had made a public exertion
in favour of the children of deceased brethren at home, in the
establishment of the charity for female children, in 1788; of the masonic
society for the relief of sick, lame, or distressed brethren, and their
widows, children, or orphans, in 1799. In the year 1816 freemasonry was
revived in Russia, under the patronage of the emperor, and communications
forwarded from the grand lodge at St. Petersburgh to that in London.

* * * * *

MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.

WATER AT SHAFTESBURY.

Motcomb, half a mile north from Shaftesbury, is noted for containing the
wells from which the inhabitants of Shaftesbury are supplied with water.
Great numbers of the inhabitants get their living by carrying water, for
which they have three halfpence or twopence the horse load. On this account
there is a particular custom yearly observed, according to ancient
agreement, dated 1662, between the Lord of the Manor of Gillingham, and the
Mayor and Burgesses of Shaftesbury. The Mayor is obliged, the Monday before
Holy Thursday, to dress up a prize bezon, or bizant, somewhat like a May
garland in form, with gold and peacocks' feathers, and carry to Enmori
Green, half a mile below the town in Motcomb, as an acknowledgment for the
water, together with a raw calf's head, a pair of gloves, a gallon of beer
or ale, and two penny loaves of white wheaten bread, which the steward
receives and carries away for his own use. The ceremony being over, the
bizant is restored to the Mayor, and brought back by one of his officers
with great solemnity. This bizant is generally so richly adorned with plate
and jewels, borrowed from the neighbouring gentry, as to be worth not less
than L1,500.

C. D.

* * * * *

TRINITY TERM ENDS 11th JUNE.

(_For the Mirror._)

"On this day," says Brady, in his _Calendaria_, "Trinity Term ends; and
immedi