_Horn-blowing_ (Vol. v., p. 148.).--In reference to this practice, I may
state that a similar custom prevails here (Gainsborough, Lincolnshire),
but on the 29th May, or "Royal Oak Day." For some days previously the
boys collect all the birds' eggs they can find or purchase, and early in
the morning of the 29th, they may be seen returning from the woods in
crowds, with an ample supply of oak. They next procure a large quantity
of flowers, with which they construct a garland in the form of a crown,
the apples of the oak being all gilded, surrounded by flowers and
festoons of birds' eggs. The garland is then suspended across the
street, and every little urchin being provided with a horn, some the
natural horn of the cow, others of tin, similar to those formerly used
by the guard of the mail coaches, they keep up throughout the day a most
terrible blowing of horns; the doleful noise being ill in accordance
with the festivity and rejoicing which the garlands are presumed to
indicate. I have been unable to learn the origin or import of this
singular custom.