Collectanea. 351
We want a little of your money To line it well within. Our boots are very old, And our clothes are very thin ; We're tired out with wandering around, And if we cannot sing, If you only spare a copper To line the purse within.
So God prosper you and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
Near Normanton, where the custom still continues, different verses are sung, of which the following are a specimen : —
"Here we come a-wessailing {sic) \ among the leaves so green. And here we come a- wandering | so fair to be seen. Love and joy come to you.
And to you your wessail too. And God send you a Happy New Year, a New Year! And God send you a Happy New Year !
"We are not daily beggars | that beg from door to door. But we are neighbours' children | that you have seen before. Love and joy come to you [etc.)
" I have a little purse | lined with stretching leather skin. And I want a little of your money | to line it well within. Love and joy come come to you" {etc.)
E. Wright.
Some English String Tricks.
No attempt has, so far as I know, been hitherto made to describe the various string tricks and figures used in the British Isles, except what may be found scattered through the pages of children's annuals, boys' books of games, etc., difficult to come at, and when found, often useless on account of the perfunctory manner in which the description is done. A collection and description for scientific purposes, that is, for comparison with those of other countries, is yet to seek. Most or all that I have
