rk. In addition to treats to poor
children and aged people at Christmastide, there are also great
distributions of Christmas fare:--Joints of roasting meat,
plum-puddings, cakes, groceries, warm clothing, toys, &c., &c.

[Illustration: POOR CHILDREN'S TREAT IN MODERN TIMES.]

At a recent distribution of a Christmas charity at Millbrook,
Southampton, the Rev. A. C. Blunt stated that one of the recipients
had nearly reached her 102nd year. She was born in Hampshire, and down
to a very recent period had been able to do needlework.

In many cities and towns Christmas gifts are distributed on St.
Thomas's Day, and as an example we cite the Brighton distribution in
1886, on which occasion the Brighton Police Court was filled by a
congregation of some of the "oldest inhabitants." And there was a
distribution from the magistrates poor-box of a Christmas gift of half
a sovereign to 150 of the aged poor whose claims to the bounty had
been inquired into by the police. Formerly 100 used to be cheered in
this way, but the contributions to the box this year enabled a wider
circle to share in the dole. There was a wonderful collection of old
people, for the average age was over 83 years. The oldest was a
venerable widow, who confessed to being 96 years old, the next was
another lady of 94 years, and then came two old fellows who had each
attained 93 years. Many of the recipients were too infirm to appear,
but the oldest of them all, the lady of 96 came into court despite the
sharpness of the wind and the frozen roads.

THE CHRISTMAS AT BELVOIR CASTLE,

kept with generous liberality by the Duke of Rutland, in 1883, may be
cited as an example of Christmas customs continued by the head of a
noble house:

"The usual Christmas gifts were given to the poor of Knipton,
Woolsthorpe, and Redmile--nearly two hundred in number--consisting of
calico, flannel dresses, stockings, and handkerchiefs, each person at
the same time receiving a loaf of bread and a pint of ale. Twenty-one
bales of goods, containing counterpanes, blankets, and sheets, were
also sent to the clergy of as many different villages for distribution
amongst the poor. The servants at the Castle and workmen of the
establishment had their Christmas dinner, tea, and supper, the servants'
hall having been beautifully decorated. At one end of the room was a
coronet, with the letter 'R'; and at the opposite end three coronets,
with the 'peacock in pride,' being the crest of the