Harvest customs in Northumberland / [James Hardy].

  • James Hardy
Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Harvest customs in Northumberland / [James Hardy]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    when gleaning behind the reapers, on the summit of the “ stooks,” nestling among the crowded ears, are fixed tempting morsels of “ fairy butter”—“lickerish baits” to lure young—unguarded lips, and in¬ temperate appetites astray. “ The scene is changed.” The riant flow of that joyous course of existence is now almost sped, and that firmly wedged compact fast advances to its dissolution. Amidst a country, dotted with rows of shock and “ gait,” and an increasing frequency of yellow solitudes stripped of their golden honours, we now behold them forming their darkened ranks along the edge of the last field of grain, destined to fall beneath the reaper’s blade. Glad was the prelusive morn, that with the promise of bright days, ushered in scattered knots, that harvest company a-field—and as in some rapturous pastime of their childhood, in the fresh novelty of their toils, did the first glib clips of the fine-edged sickle, driven by a sinewy and eager arm, sweep “ burdened with ears,” swollen handfuls from the ridge; but gladder still 14 and Oh! with what deeper welcome ! ” the propitious day¬ break that heralds that labour’s close. Not content alone with the healing prospects it discloses, music must instil a relish intenser still, and to strenuous efforts, impart speedier wings. Some village Orpheus, nodding ecstatic over squeaking fiddle or wind-blown bag¬ pipe, upon that day attains 44 the height of his high argument,” while he beholds the country’s hope and glory, moving to his volant touch. They 44 raised to height of noblest temper,” prosecute 44 in perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood,” their modulated toil. High upborne on lengthened pole, like to a Roman maniple, their showy standard guides the fervid way. This is the corn-baby or Jcirn-dolly, an image formed from a quantity of corn, selected from the field last to be cut down, and prepared some time previous to the day of harvest home. Its size is that of a full grown female. The spikes of grain being arranged in a bunch, are firmly compressed and tied where they unite with the stalks, to form the head and neck. Upon its head is placed a muslin cap, such as country maidens delight to exhibit themselves in on holiday occasions, and a white muslin smock, trimmed with ribbons and top-knots enow, being fitted over the straw, it at length assumes an infinitely more gracious semblance to humanity, than does an Otaheitan divinity. The longest fork shaft procurable, being thrust up through it, ensures a desired facility of transport from landing to landing, or if business press—for its being stationed sta¬ tue-like at the head of the field, the reaper’s 44 star of Arcady ”— their 44 Tyrian Cynosure.” Anxious to arrive at a conclusion, in seasonable time, that is before the sun go down, the mid-day’s interval of rest, or it may be on occa-
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