ORIGIN OF HAY-BAND?

_For the Table Book._

Many of our origins and customs are derived from the Romans. In the time

of Romulus, a handful of hay was used in his ranks instead of a flag;

and his military ensign, who commanded a number of soldiers, was called

a _band_, or ancient bearer. Thus it will appear, that a twisted band of

hay being tied round a larger quantity of hay, for its support, it is,

agreeably to the derivation, properly called a _hay-band_.

This word might serve for the tracing a variety of “bands,”--as the

“band of gentleman pensioners,”--the “duke of York’s band,” _cum multis,

et cæt_.