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chorus, which is always spirited, if not har monious. On all circuits there is a system of fining, but the extent to which it is carried varies very considerably. These fines are perhaps valuable for enforcing circuit etiquette, but they are much more valuable for increasing the stock of wine. Fining usually takes place on Grand Night, and the fines on some circuits are only enforced after the formality of a trial has been undergone. The acts for which a man is liable to be fined are numer ous and many of them are amusing. For example, if a counsel be appointed a recorder or a revising barrister, he is usually fined two or three guineas, these being serious offences. Getting married is a less serious offence. Upon the birth of a son a penalty is usually exacted. The etiquette to be observed on circuit is by no means elaborate. A man is expected to behave as a gentleman and to do nothing ontri:, in any way. One rule that is enforced with great stringency is that barristers staying in hotels must not make use of the public rooms, for the reason, it is said, that they might meet in those rooms the solicitors, wit nesses and others who are connected with the cases to be tried. It might eventually lead, it is supposed, to " touting " for busi ness, a practice against which all bar etiquette is opposed. Although barristers may not use the public rooms, it is not by any means usual for them to require anything except a

bedroom. The hotels, however, often set apart special rooms for the bar, and in one of these breakfast is served. In using these rooms the junior members of the bar become better acquainted than they can become in any large city, under ordinary circumstances. Every member of the bar mess, be he an over worked and eminent Q. C., or a briefless junior, is presumed to be upon an equality with every other member, and in addressing each other such terms as " Sir " and " Mr." are always omitted. Circuit life is undoubtedly pleasant. Besides the change of scene, the barrister is able after the court closes, or earlier if he is not em ployed, to explore the country and enjoy the beauty of the scenery and the fresh country air. He is not even incommoded with a silk hat, which, although indispensable in London, is seldom seen on circuit. The social clubs in the assize towns are often thrown open for the time being to the barristers, and they are welcomed alike to public and private hospi tality. These, of course, are advantages which the unemployed reap to a much greater extent than the busy men. They, however, find one great advantage on circuit, and that lies in the fact that all fees are paid at once, and there is none of that weary waiting which counsel find so exasperating in large cities. If, then, a barrister's work prevents his en joyment of the festivities of circuit life, he is, nevertheless, recompensed in a tangible man ner, without delay.