This is a local custom, very faithfully kept in many parts of the
two northern counties. Early in the morning of the first of January,
the _Fax-populi_ assemble together, carrying _stangs_ and baskets.
Any inhabitant, stranger, or whoever joins not this ruffian tribe in
sacrificing to their favourite Saint Day, if unfortunate enough to be
met by any of the band, is immediately mounted across the stang (if a
woman, she is basketed), and carried, shoulder high, to the nearest
public-house, where the payment of sixpence immediately liberates the
prisoner. No respect is paid to any person; the cobbler on that day
thinks himself equal to the parson, who generally gets mounted like
the rest of his flock; whilst one of his porters _boasts and prides
himself_ in having but just before got the _'Squire_ across the pole.
None, though ever so industriously inclined, are permitted to follow
their respective avocations on that day.