On Easter Sunday a singular custom prevails. After twelve o'clock at noon, the men take off all the women's shoes whom they can lay hands on, which must be ransomed this continues till noon of the following day, when the women commence reprisals on all hats and caps, and enjoy a similar reign for an equal period. These and some other practices may seem too trivial to merit record, but times and customs change; so we know not how soon all may be swept away. One usage has gone already, which only a few years back was practised by old men, that of making a genuflection on entering any church; an interesting fact, since it shows that nearly three centuries of Protestant rule had not sufficed wholly to eradicate Catholic practices even amongst those who had left the Faith. Were I to speak of the superstitions,-of the wonderful Barghist, and other night-walking goblins,—or to treat of the dances of the fairy people,(1) I might fill several pages. Or were I to describe the sporting advantages of the district, I should tire some readers, though this subject is highly interesting, and nowhere can be found a keener or more vigorous race of sportsmen than the men of Wensleydale. Here, though the nobler objects of the chase are gone, fox, hare, and otter hunting may be enjoyed; together with grouse, pheasant, partridge, duck, and all kinds of wild land or water-fowl shooting; as well as excellent salmon, pike, and trout fishing; the pleasure of all these sports being, if possible, enhanced by the beauty of the landscape through which they are pursued. Athletic sports, such as cricket, fives, football, and quoits are, 1 See Appendix, page 295. and always have been, popular amongst all ranks of residents. Of Middleham Moor's racing achievements it is superfluous to speak; they have a national renown. And now my task is ended, my mission-so far as it has extended-is accomplished; and "what is writ, is writ; would it were worthier!" The brief task has been an agreeable one, and though at present so incomplete, may perhaps never be resumed by me. Other and far distant scenes will probably hereafter find me principally, and the green valley of the Yore thus chance to become almost only a memory; but wherever Fate and Fortune lead me, these mountains and moors, woodlands and meadows must always remain dear. No one who has ever breathed their air, climbed their heights, or dived into their recesses, can readily forget them, or regard them with other than affectionate feelings, more especially when associated with youth's happy time, therefore— If lands afar should greet my sight, And I repose 'neath sunnier skies, Where summer reigns serenely bright, And rosy daylight rarely dies; Where'er my wandering steps may be, Until life's changeful dream is o'er, In cherish'd memory dear to me Will be the smiling banks of Yore. Prolixity waxes into wearisomeness-so Reader, "you that way; we this way." I bid you farewell, and wish most cordially, in the words of the knightly Minstrel from whom I have so often quoted "To all, to each a fair good night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light." HARMBY LODGE, Feast of the Assumption B. V. M., 1853. |