_To the Editor._
Sir,--There is a love custom still observed in the village of Sutton
Bangor, Wilts--Two flowers that have not blossomed are paired, and put
by themselves--as many pairs as there are sweethearts in the
neighbourhood, and tall and short as the respective sweethearts are. The
initials of their names are attached to the stamens, and they are ranged
in order in a hayloft or stable, in perfect secrecy, except to those who
manage and watch their ominous growth. If, after ten days, any flower
twines the other, it is settled as a match; if any flower turns a
contrary way, it indicates a want of affection; if any flower blossoms,
it denotes early offspring; if any flower dies suddenly, it is a token
of the party’s death; if any flower wears a downcast appearance,
sickness is indicated. True it is that flowers, from their very nature,
assume all these positions; and in the situation described, their
influence upon villagers is considerable. I was once a party interested,
now