the family get the first '_shoulder_,' and
the next oldest in regular succession. In order to add the more to the
spirit of the exercise, it is a common practice with the person in the
_swing_, and the person appointed to swing him, to enter into a very
warm and humorous altercation. As the swinged person approaches the
swinger, he exclaims, _Ei mi tu chal_, 'I'll eat your kail.' To this
the swinger replies, with a violent shove, _Cha ni u mu chal_, 'You
shan't eat my kail.' These threats and repulses are sometimes carried
to such a height, as to break down or capsize the threatener, which
generally puts an end to the quarrel.

"As the day advances, those minor amusements are terminated at the
report of the gun, or the rattle of the ball clubs--the gun inviting
the marksman to the '_Kiavamuchd_,' or prize-shooting, and the latter
to '_Luchd-vouil_,' or the ball combatants--both the principal sports
of the day. Tired at length of the active amusements of the field,
they exchange them for the substantial entertainments of the table.
Groaning under the '_sonsy haggis_,'[85] and many other savoury
dainties, unseen for twelve months before, the relish communicated to
the company, by the appearance of the festive board, is more easily
conceived than described. The dinner once despatched, the flowing bowl
succeeds, and the sparkling glass flies to and fro like a weaver's
shuttle. As it continues its rounds, the spirits of the company become
more jovial and happy. Animated by its cheering influence, even old
decrepitude no longer feels his habitual pains--the fire of youth is
in his eye, as he details to the company the exploits which
distinguished him in the days of '_auld langsyne_;' while the young,
with hearts inflamed with '_love and glory_,' long to mingle in the
more lively scenes of mirth, to display their prowess and agility.
Leaving the patriarchs to finish those professions of friendship for
each other, in which they are so devoutly engaged, the younger part of
the company will shape their course to the ball-room, or the
card-table, as their individual inclinations suggest; and the
remainder of the evening is spent with the greatest pleasure of which
human nature is susceptible."

SWORD DANCING AT CHRISTMAS.

Hone's "Table Book" (vol. i.), 1827, contains a letter descriptive of
the pitmen of Northumberland, which says:--

"The ancient custom of sword-dancing at Christmas is kept up in
Northumberland exclusive