white hart, and having run it down, foolishly took the life of the
king's favourite; and making merry over its haunches, was heard in his
cups to utter many disrespectful speeches towards his sovereign, which
were conveyed to Henry, who presently convinced _De la Linde_ of his
presumption, and so highly resented the indignity, that he made every one
concerned in the death of the noble animal pay into his exchequer an
annual fine, called "White Hart Silver," which was not remitted during
the reign of that monarch. This is also the origin of the White Hart
for a sign at the different inns and houses of entertainment throughout
England.

J.G.B.

* * * * *

WHITSUNTIDE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

One of the most strange customs which time has handed down to us,
prevails at St. Briavel's, in Gloucestershire. On Whit Sunday, several
baskets full of bread and cheese, cut into small squares of about an
inch each, are brought into the church; and immediately after divine
service is ended, the churchwardens, or some other persons, take them
into the galleries, from whence their contents are thrown amongst the
congregation, who have a grand scramble for it in the body of the
church, which occasions as great a tumult and uproar as the amusement of
a village wake, the inhabitants being always extremely anxious in their
attendance at worship on this day.

This custom is held for the purpose of preserving to the poor of St.
Briavel's and Hewelfield, the right of cutting and carrying away wood
from three thousand acres of coppice land, in Hudknolls and the Meends;
and for which every housekeeper is assessed twopence, to buy the bread
and cheese given away.

J.G.B.

* * * * *

DRESSING THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN GERMANY.

(_From a Correspondent._)

This is performed with great ceremony and mystery, on Christmas Eve,
by the elders of the family, without the knowledge of the younger
members. They deck a large evergreen with presents of various kinds:
to toys, bonbons, and such trifles, are added things of more value and
use--working materials for the girls, knives, &c. for the boys, and
books of amusement and instruction for both. Little tapers are attached
to the branches of the shrub; and at break of day the children are
roused from their slumber, and when all are ready (for no one is allowed
to enter singly) they are admitted into the room, where the illuminated
tree