July was called by the Saxons "Heu-monath," or foliage month; also "Hoy-monath," or hay month, being the month in which they mowed and made hay, in which operations they are represented as being engaged in the engraving. They also called it "Lida-aftera," meaning the second lida, or second month after the sun's descent.
August was by the Saxons called "Arn-monath," or "Barn-monath," meaning harvest month. The instruments which appear in the engraving do not seem to differ much from those used at the present day. To the left appears a man sounding a horn with a spear in his right hand. Whether he is superintending the labourers, or is one of a hunting party entering the field, it is hard to decide. The sheaves are being lifted by a fork into a cart, or wagon, of tolerably good construction.
September was called "Gerst-monath"—barley month; so named from the liquor called "beerlegh" made in that month, and nenoe "barley." The subject of the engraving is a boar-hunt.
October was called the "Cold-monath, or "Wyn-monath"—wine month. The vine was extensively cultivated in England at the time of the Saxons. The figures are represented as engaged in hawking.
