In the evening the supper was held, and after supper songs were sung.  The oldest labourer used to propose the health of the Master and Mistress and all would sing:—­

      Harvest home.

  Here’s a health unto our Master, the giver of the feast,
  Not only to our Master, but to our Mistress;
  We wish all things may prosper whate’er he take in hand,
  For we are all his servants, and all at his command. 
  Drink, boys drink, and see you do not spill,
  For if you do you shall drink two, it is our Master’s will.

  I’ve been to France, I’ve been to Dover,
  I’ve been to Harvest Home all the world over, over, and over,
  Drink up your liquor and turn the bowl over.

Another:—­

  Here’s health unto our Master the founder of the feast,
  God bless his endeavours and give him increase,
  And send him good crops that we may meet another year,
  Here’s our Master’s good health boys come drink off your beer.

Some of the old songs used to be regularly sung.  “The Poacher” was always a great favourite and the chorus, “For its my delight on a starry night” used to be given with great force and feeling.  I wish I could remember the old songs which are now forgotten.

The day on which Harvest was finished, and the corn safely “Hovelled” used to be called “Wheat Hovel Day.”

It was also the custom to decorate the last sheaf of corn with ribbons and flowers (It was only a small sheaf) and it was fastened to the wall inside the barn and left there until the next Harvest.

      October.

    Hail, falling leaves! that patter round,
    Admonishers and friends.

  Come pensive Autumn, with thy clouds and storms,
    And falling leaves and pastimes lost to flowers. Clare.

      Mops.

These were assemblies of people after Michaelmas in want of servants (male or female) who were not hired at the Statutes held before Michaelmas.

      St. MARTIN’S day.

The 11th November is generally called Martlemas Day and old people still watch for the direction of the wind at noon on this day as they believe it will continue in that quarter for the next three months.

It is also a saying that if the ice will bear a duck before Martlemas it will not bear a goose all winter.

      November.

  When Winter comes in earnest to fulfil
  His yearly task at bleak November’s close.

  Sybil of months, and worshipper of winds
  I love thee, rude and boisterous as thou art. Clare.

      St. CECILIA’S Day.  Nov. 22.

The Lay Clerks of the Cathedral and friends used to be entertained by the Dean and Chapter at a dinner at which a boiled leg of mutton was the principal dish.  After dinner songs and glees were sung.