Welsh Journals

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their anchorage, and to see them climb up the steep pathway from the beach with a fine catch of what George Owen of Henllys, Lord of Kernes, called that King of Fish, for he thought the samons of Tivy were more newe, fresh, fatt, and ruddie than from any other river. It was indeed a splendid sight to see them laid out in rows on the grassy cliff top, with their fresh sea smell and the sea lice still clinging to their flanks. Those who wished for a fish bought one and carried it away wrapped in sacking for convenience. A fine healthy day and all slept well. The horses were left behind on Wednesday, for the gentlemen went on the river, going upstream as far as Kilgerran there to view the grand ruins of the castle perched on its rocky pro- monotory high above. Not wishing to be thought neglectful, however, they devoted the whole of Thursday to the ladies, dining with them in the lavishly decorated Town Hall, to which they returned later for a grand ball, with much finery, good fiddling, and agreeable dancing. It was all innocent good fun among those who subscribed themselves brothers-a most united fraternity-for had they not been brought up in habits of intimacy from their youth, all men of fortune and good family from the four maritime counties concerned ? No doubt too a certain amount of kindly matchmaking went on what more agreeable than to make such friendly ties even more closer by family alliances ? It was all very gay, this breakfasting and dining and supping with parties of friends, and now on the last day the ladies breakfasted with the gentlemen and then went up the river once more as far as Kilgerran. The climax to a wonderful day was a moonlight trip on board Mr. Vaughan's yacht, all so romantic, and a fair setting for a little harmless flirtation here and there. Alas, our friend with the notebook now had to come to terms with his expenses he had not only himself to pay for but his son as well. He totted up some of the costs thus Horse bill and for post chaise boys £ i. 7. o. Hostler 4. o. Lodging for self & son 1, 1. 6. Maid 7. 6. Barber 6. o. Expenses of the meeting 2. 14. o. do. for my son 2. 14. o. Breakfast 2. o. He also gave the poor a shilling and lent James Phillipps £ 3.3.0. No doubt among the brotherly fraternity this was a safe debt. He then went home to Picton.