rian, and monk of St. Alban's. It is the cause of much mirth, for
on the day, and in remembrance of the mallard, many an old and merry
song is sung.

E.T.S.

* * * * *

WELSH MARRIAGES.

It appears to me a matter of no small surprise that so economical
a people as the English should not have adopted such a plan as the
following by the lower classes of the Welsh. When a young couple
intend offering themselves at the Temple of Hymen, if they are very
poor, they generally send a man, called the bidder, round to their
acquaintance and friends, who invites them, sometimes in rhyme, to
the wedding; but if they can afford it, they issue circulars. The
following is a copy of one:--

"_June 27, 1827._

"As we intend to enter the matrimonial state on Thursday, the 19th day
of July next, we are encouraged by our friends to make a bidding on
the occasion, the same day, at the Butchers' Arms, Carmarthen, when
and where the favour of your good and agreeable company is humbly
solicited; and whatever donation you may be pleased to confer on us
then, will be thankfully received, warmly acknowledged, and cheerfully
repaid whenever called for on a similar occasion.

"By your most obedient servants,

"JOHN JONES.

"MARY EVANS."

The persons so invited (if they accept the invitation) generally form
part of the procession to church, and are preceded by a harper or
fiddler. After the nuptial knot is tied, they veer their course to
the public-house mentioned in the bills, where they partake, not of a
sumptuous banquet, but of the simple, though not the worst, fare of
bread and cheese and kisses, at the expense of the new married folks.
After this, a large plate is placed on the table in the room, and they
proceed to receive the money which each person may be disposed to
give, whilst one keeps account of the sum and names. They frequently
receive 50_l._, and sometimes, though seldom, 100_l._; and they have
the privilege (by paying the duty) of selling the ale to the persons
assembled. It is to be observed, that the money so deposited cannot be
reclaimed by the persons who gave it until a similar occasion presents
itself in their family. By this means the new married couple are
enabled to procure furniture, and other things requisite for them.

W.H.

* * * * *

CURIOUS FOUNDATION.

At Spinney, in Cambridgeshire, was an abbey founded in the reign of
Henry III. near