The Monticellonian., 1908-05-21
onward shook the leaves in thu branches above.

Fish fries broke up about dark, and the grind of wheels on the gravel ly spots and the shouts of the return ing couples soon died away along the road.
 Barbecues were rather infrequent affairs, sometimes occurring when noted political speaker was to make an address. They were held usually at the county fair grounds. or out in the woods somewhere, and whole beeves. sheep and hogs were roasted, and literally tons of eatables con- sumed. There was always something to spend money over, and while the boys and girls seldom enthused over the oratory. they did over the good things to eat Picnics were also in- frequent happenings.
 The buggy ride is at present the piece de resistance of country court ship. It takes the couple away from the prying eyes of little "Bub" and Sis" and 1t usually loosens the tongue of many bashful swain. There is something for boys hands to do, and his feet are under cover. n to a chair and trying to think of something 10 say is gotten nd of, and the motion of the flying buggy cheers, but does not inebriate him. He iS therefore more at an advantage, as to carrying on a conversation. and many a proposal Is jolted out on buggy ride which otherwise might remain unspoken.
 The fashion mainly in our neighbor- hood was for the girls to go bare headed on these drives. and Sunday afternoon and evening the dull reyer- beration of wheels along the road. and the distant rumble over nearby bridges, told that Cupid's cohorts were bestirring themselves In the winter time there was of course the shifting from buggies to sleighs and cutters. and even the old-time bob-sleds. when parties went out. Skating parties were also popular. and at all seasons they held the dances.
 Bridge whist" needless to say, was unknown. Progressive euchre" an unknown quantity. Receptions
 
 ing" or any such lack a-daisaical per formances, they were unheard of. Cupid depended mostly on the red wheeled buggies and the country dances, and his success justified his selections. Of course the time-honor- ed institution of sparkling was not done away with. This interesting proc. ess, however, is mostly confined tS Sunday nights, and may be, and usual ly is protracted until around Monday morning early say close to one o'clock a. n. Sunday nights the lights in many d farm house shone out over the fields, and inside the houses the various couples talked over their dances, and parties, their neighbor- hood topics and matters of local inter- est, and scanned the family album, and gcssiped and bantered one an- other
 And here, too, Cupid appeared be- hind the scenes. and, matrimonially inclined' wove the webs of mutual trust and confidence between the couples. and aided in unfolding the mystery of his divine art. Outside the stars gleamed, and the trees waved by still fields Inside perhaps the organ sounded softly, or fire glowed in an old-fashioRed fireplace or in more modern stove.
 After the "old folks" went to bed and there was nothing to disturb the quiet of indoors but the monotone of the two responding voices. Cupid be- took himself to other times and spaces, progressing bravely.
 h the country papers the "corre- spondents" from the various quarters of the township regularly reported all these different counting bees" and the usual jokes were leyeled at the swain when the paper made its ap- pearance. Indeed, he would be some what disappointed if he thought that his eomings and goings were to pass unrecorded, and generally had re- tort ready for the greetings which he may be sure will follow his appear ance in public.
 And how quickly marriage follows on in the country! And be sure that whoever are invited to the wedding, all the country round knows of 1t. And the thoughtful groom, knowing the custom of the country, provides himself with various boxes of cigars, and the newly made bride cooks plen- tiful quantities of toothsome viands, and together they sit down in their darkened home. awaiting with pleased expectancy the arrival of the band of neighbors intent on "shivareeing" them.
 With a fearsome blast from shot. guns, dinner-horns, sleigh-bells, COW. horns, dinnerbells, cow-bells, etc, and terrific din made by beating a sus. 1 pended circular saw with a sledge- | hammer, the entertainment opens. and the reluctant" couple are finally driven to open the doors and welcome all hands. Cigars are passed around. and pies, sandwiches, dough. nuts, cakes and other eatables disap. | pear as if by magic, there is a great 1 deal of handshaking and hearty good wishes from all assembled, to the | bride and groom, and at last. with parting salute from all artillery and noise producing instruments. the serenaders file out and fade in the sur. rounding darkness.
 And then the happy couple come out and sit on the porch and discuss | those matters and things over which i no one has special interests but them selves, and the katy-dids strike up while the stars shine down in an CT. AL H.l- Al ai.I..A