er
than the Cathedral Clock. Canon Jones, when Vicar of St. John's, one day
met the late Verger, (Mr. H. Plowman, Senr.) and asked him why St John's
Clock was always faster than the Cathedral Clock, and the Verger
replied:--"Well Vicar, you know, the other disciple did outrun St. Peter
on the way to the Tomb, so St. John has always kept in front ever
since."

Sometimes the coincidences mentioned in the verses occur and maintain
their reputation for veracity:

If in the Minster Close a Hare,
Should for herself have made a lair,
Be sure before the week is down,
A fire will rage within the town

It is very strange but these two events have sometimes happened.

One fire brings two more.

This too has often occurred and in April of this year (1911) three fires
occurred in this district within a week.

These are all I can remember which refer to Peterborough.

Beginning with the County of Northampton we have:

Northamptonshire, more Spires, more Squires, more haughtiness, and less
hospitality than any other County in England.

Northamptonshire for Spires and Squires.

Northamptonshire for Springs and Spinsters.

Thack and Dyke Northamptonshire like.

Marholm, a village near Peterborough.

"They held together like the men of Marholm when they lost their
Common."

This is used when people are divided one against another.

Caster where the woman is master.

"To lose a hog for a ha'porth of tar." The hog referred to is a yearling
sheep.

"To live by the penny." Buying only when anything is absolutely
required.

"As cross as two sticks."

"As cross as old Wilks." Who old Wilks was and why he was cross is lost
in oblivion.

"As wise as Walton's calf who ran nine miles to suck a bull."

"Black as the pot."

"Topsy turvey Moses Webster." Used when things are in a disorderly
state.

"Dance a jig, then come back and buy a pig."

"Go to Farcet." This is a village near Peterborough and the expression
is used instead of advising people to go to Jericho or any other place.

"As fat as moles."

"You've gotten hold of the wrong end of the stick," was a common
expression when I was a school boy, when anyone was relating something
which was incorrect.

Come day, Go day, God sends Sunday.
Sunday moon, flood before it is out.
Singing before breakfast on Monday, cry before the week is out.
As Friday so Sunday.
Friday is either the fairest or foulest day of the week.
Sun always shin