CHOOSING COMMON CONSTABLES.

_For the Table Book._

It is annually the custom to hold a meeting, duly summoned, on Startley

Common, Wilts, for the choice of new constables for the hundreds of the

county. Lots are cast for those who are to serve for the ensuing year;

and afterwards the parties present adjourn to a house for refreshment,

which costs each individual about seventeen shillings. This may almost

be regarded as an equivalent for serving the office--the lots mostly

fall on the absentees.