“ The rush-cart, preceded by a large silk banner, and decorated with flowers, ribbons, &c., is drawn round to the dwellings of the principal inhabitants by morrice-dancers, who perform an uncouth dance, one of the mummers being a man in motley attire, a sort of compound of the ancient fool and of Maid Marion; who jingles a horse-collar hung with bells, and makes jokes with the bystanders. ”

“ The ancient custom of strewing church-floors with rushes, which were renewed every year on the day of the dedication of the church, seems to have been practised in times before the floors were flagged, to cover the soil or mud of the floors, and to give warmth in winter, and a sort of cleanliness in summer. ”