ter, and the shoemaker--all
stand round the cabbage. One digs a trench, advances, recedes, makes a
plan, spies at the others through a pair of spectacles; and, in short,
after various difficulties and mummeries, the gardener pulls the cord,
his wife spreads her apron, and the cabbage falls majestically amidst
the hurrahs of the spectators. The basket is then brought, the two
gardeners plant the cabbage in it with all sorts of precautions; fresh
earth is put round its root, it is propped with sticks, and carefully
tied up. Rosy apples on the end of sticks, branches of thyme, sage,
and laurel are stuck all round it, and the whole is decked with
ribbons and streamers. The trophy is then replaced on the handbarrow
with the gardener, who has to hold it upright, and prevent any
accident. Lastly, the procession leaves the garden in good order, and
to a measured march. On coming, however, to the gate, and again when
they enter the court-yard of the bridegroom's house, an imaginary
obstacle opposes their passage. The bearers of the burden stumble,
raise a great outcry, draw back, advance again, and, as if repelled by
some invincible force, pretend to give way under their load. Meantime
the bystanders keep exclaiming, to excite and encourage the bearers:
'Bravo!' 'Well done, my boys!' 'Courage!' 'Have a care!' 'Patience!'
'Stoop now; the gate is too low!' 'To the left--now to the right!'
'Look sharp now!' 'Now you're through!'

On reaching the court-yard of the bridegroom, the cabbage is lifted
off the barrow, and carried to the highest point of the house--whether
a chimney, a gable, or a pigeon-house. The gardener plants it there,
and waters it with a large pitcher of wine, whilst a salvo of
pistol-shots, and the joyous contortions of the _jardiniere_, announce
its inauguration. The same ceremony is immediately recommenced:
another cabbage is removed from the bridegroom's garden, and carried
with the same formalities to the roof of the house which his wife has
just quitted. These trophies remain there, until the wind and rain
destroy the baskets, and carry away the plants; but they generally
remain long enough to verify the predictions of the village dames,
that ere their removal, the new-married couple shall be blessed with a
pretty little addition to their domestic happiness.

The day is far advanced when these ceremonies are accomplished, and
all that remains, is to escort with music the parents of the young
couple to their