administered, it was customary for them to meet, and for the marshal to
take the right hand of each and to place it on the cross. Then the
functions of the priest began, and the usual address, endeavouring to
conciliate the angry passions of the champions, and to remind them of
their common dependence on the Supreme Being, may have tended to benefit
the bystanders, although it generally failed of its effect with the
combatants.

If the parties persisted, the last oath was administered. The combatants
were obliged to swear solemnly that they had neither about them nor their
horses, stone, nor herb, nor charm, nor invocation; and that they would
fight only with their bodily strength, their weapons, and their horses.
The crucifix and breviary were then presented to them to kiss, the parties
retired into their tents, the heralds uttering their last admonition to
exertion and courage, and the challengers rushed forth from their tents,
which were immediately dragged from within the lists. Then the marshal of
the field having cried out, "Let them pass, let them pass," the seconds
retired. The combatants instantly mounted their horses, and the contest
commenced.--_Foreign Review_.

* * * * *



SUPERSTITION RELATING TO BEES.


On further inquiry, it has been found that the superstitious practice,
formerly mentioned,[1] of informing the bees of a death that takes place
in a family, is very well known, and still prevails among the lower orders