Perth.
_Marlborough 5th November Custom._--At Marlborough, Wiltshire, on the
5th of November, two or three years ago, I noticed a peculiar custom the
rustics have at their bonfires, to which I could attach no meaning; and
I did not, at the time, inquire of any person there regarding it.
They form themselves into a ring of some dozen or more round the
bonfire, and follow each other round it, holding thick club-sticks over
their shoulders; while a few others, standing at distances outside this
moving ring, with the same sort of sticks, beat those the men hold over
their shoulders, as they pass round in succession, all shouting and
screaming loudly. This might last half an hour at a time, and be
continued at intervals till the fire died out. Can any correspondent
inform me whether this _has_ any meaning attached to it?