men." This mostly begins the night's diversions, as the prologue to the
rest, while the booted boys wind up the entertainment. _Clare._ Village
Minstrel.


HANDSELL.

It is still a custom if a child has anything new to wear, to handsell
it. That is to give a small coin to put in the pocket. The first money
received on the day is called taking Handsell, and some spit on it and
turn it to get good luck. When anything is used for the first time it is
handselled.


BOOT.

This was a kind of punishment for such boys as have carelessly neglected
their duty in the harvest, or treated their labour with negligence
instead of attention, as letting their cattle get pounded or
overthrowing their loads, etc. A long form is placed in the kitchen upon
which the boys who have worked well sit, as a terror and disgrace to the
rest in a bent posture, with their hands laid on each others backs
forming a hedge for the "boys," as the truant boys are called to pass
over; while a strong chap stands on each side with a boot-legging
strongly strapping them as they scuffle over the bridge, which is done
as fast as their ingenuity can carry them. _Clare's_ Village Minstrel.

Meeting eyebrows are lucky, and those having them are said to have
great luck with stock.