table; then came two ancient halberdiers, followed by a
serving-man in olden livery, carrying the wassail-bowl; then another
herald in his tabard, and servitors with Christmas-pie, and brawn, and
soup, and turkey, and sirloin of beef, and collared brawn, whereof was an
abundant supply, and of the most magnificent dimensions. Father
Christmas, carving-knife in hand, and belted with mincepies, and his
attendant Egomet, with followers bearing holly, ivy, and mistletoe,
brought up the rear. Then was sung "beautifully," as Hook notes, by four
voices, the Oxford chant of

"The boar's head in hand bear I."

And here we must drop the curtain, but not without stating that several
of the guests felt the enjoyment of the evening so warmly, that it was in
long debate among them what suitable acknowledgment in recollection of it
should be made to Mr. Baylis and Mr. Whitmore; and, that the actors in
the masque presented these gentlemen with an ancient charter horn, which
had belonged to the Pickard family, and which they were fortunate enough
to secure. The height of this horn, which is supposed to be that of the
Highland buffalo--an animal said to be extinct nearly three hundred
years--is one foot two inches, its length is one foot six inches, its
width at the top five and a half inches; and it is capable of containing
one gallon.

Upon this most gratifying memorial to the owners of the Pryor's Bank, of
the esteem created by their hospitality, suitable inscriptions were
placed by the donors, with the motto:--

"While Thames doth flow, or wine is drank,
par-hael to all at Pryor's Bank.
++unc-hael."

The remembrance of the pleasant hours passed within the walls of the
Pryor's Bank will not easily be forgotten, though the character of the
interior is changed since this was written. The first sale took place on
the 3rd May, 1841, and five following days: and there was a subsequent
sale on the 25th May, 1854, and four following days. Both these sales
took place on the premises, and the Auctioneer, on both occasions, was
Mr. Deacon.

Pryor's Bank is now let to Mr. E. T. Smith, of Her Majesty's and Drury
Lane Theatres.

INDEX OF PLACES.

ACACIA Cottage, 148.
"Admiral Keppel," 75.
Albany Lodge, 147.
Alexander Square, 73-4.
Alfred Place, 73.
Amelia Place, 76.
Amyot House, 120.
Arundel House, 152-4.
Ashton Terrace, 202.
Audley Cottage, 164.

BATTERSEA Bridge, 94.
Bear Street, Fulham, 187.