by
one the congregation files past the _abbe_ for the purpose of touching
for one brief moment the relic he holds. At the same time another
cleric stands near the choir, holding the skull of St Meriadec, and
before this the pilgrims also promenade, reverently bowing their heads
as they go. The devotees then repair to a side wall near which there
is a fountain, the waters of which have been previously sanctified by
bathing in them the finger of St Jean suspended from a gold chain, and
into this the pilgrims plunge their palms and vigorously rub their
eyes with them, as a protection against blindness. This concludes the
religious side of the Pardon, and immediately after its less edifying
ceremonies begin.

The Pardon of the Mountain is held on Trinity Sunday at Tromenie.
Every sixth year there is the 'Grand Tromenie,' an event which draws
an immense concourse of people from all parts. The principal feature
of this great day from the spectator's point of view is the afternoon
procession. It is of the most imposing description, and all who have
come to take part in the Pardon join it, as with banners flying and
much hymn-singing it takes its way out of the town to wind round a
mountain in the vicinity.

_Barking Women_

In the old days of religious enthusiasm a remarkable phenomenon often
attended these festivals, when excitement began to run high, as it was
certain to do among a Celtic people. This was the barking of certain
highly strung hysterical women. In time it became quite a usual
feature, but now, happily, it is a part of the ceremony which has
almost entirely disappeared. There is a legend in connexion with this
custom that the Virgin appeared before some women disguised as a
beggar, and asked for a draught of water, and, when they refused it,
caused them and their posterity to be afflicted with the mania.

_The Sacring Bell_

Another custom of earlier times was that of ringing the sacring bell.
These bells are very tiny, and are attached at regular intervals to
the outer rim of a wooden wheel, wrongly styled by some 'the Wheel of
Fortune,' from which dangles a long string. In most places the sacring
bell is kept as a curiosity, though in the church of St Bridget at
Berhet the _Sant-e-roa_, or Holy Wheel, is still rung by pilgrims
during Mass. The bells are set pealing through the medium of a long
string by the impatient suppliant, to remind the saint to whom the
_Sant-e-roa_ may be dedicated of the p