the calculator had made a blunder about the date, and it was not her fault; and many Somersetshire folk are still waiting, expecting to suffer from the prophesied catastrophe."
Nineteen years ago a correspondent wrote in these columns: Among the Good Friday customs in West Somerset is the selling by the parish clerk of flat round cakes, known as Easter cakes, observed at Thurloxton, Spaxton, Creech St. Michael, Crowcombe, etc. The cakes vary in size from that of an ordinary bun to a dinner plate, and even larger, the price of each being regulated by its size. There is, however, no cross stamped upon them. The custom has no doubt been kept up for centuries, the parish clerk alone taking upon himself to do this, no one disputing his right, it being considered one of the privileges attached to his office, and a profitable privilege it no doubt turns out to be. A writer in the Church Times some years ago described the custom as it obtained at Thurloxton as follows: "Immediately after service on Good Friday morning the parish clerk (whose office has been hereditary for many generations) walks up to the rectory, carrying a large basket containing Easter cakes and buns, which are covered over with a fair linen cloth. He always comes up to the rectory first, although it is the last house on that side of the village. On arriving there the parish clerk presents the Rector with a large Easter cake about the size of a dinner plate, or rather larger perhaps. This cake seems specially made for this occasion, and is always a free gift to the Rector. The latter on his part always presents the clerk on that occasion with the sum of 5s., also a free gift, and I have no doubt that this mutual exchange of good-will has been one of the principal causes of this custom having been kept up so long. After this preliminary ceremony is over the clerk sells to the Rector first and then to the other parishioners as many Easter cakes as they require." One would much like to know the age of this interesting custom.
Feb. 17.—Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday was the last day of feasting before Lent. Originally the church bell was rung at 10 o'clock to call
