Page:Transactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, volume 2.djvu/142

 the guary miracle. A very singular custom prevails at Penzance, of raising bonfires in the streets on Saint Peter's eve, on which occasion the common people traverse the streets all the fore part of the night, swinging huge burning torches round their heads. This is one of those ancient customs still persevered in, after its object and intention, and even the meaning of it, have become quite obsolete. Among the amusements of the common people, wrestling deserves mention, as being still in frequent use.

Moral and intellectual condition.─In former times the miners of Cornwall were generally considered, and I apprehend not without reason, as remarkably rude, turbulent, and irreligious. The case is now, however, very different. It has been already mentioned that intemperance in drinking is very little known; and if we may judge from the almost universal prevalence of Methodism in the district, and the fidelity and zeal with which all its observances are followed by the common people, we must consider them as being very religious. Bastardy, however, seems to be, as yet, beyond the control of this agent, as I have reason to believe that, in many country parishes, the majority of women are in an advanced state of pregnancy when married. Indeed it is understood to be a common case among the lower orders, that cohabitation shall take place, without any other bond than an understanding that marriage shall ensue upon the supervention of the state above mentioned.

If we may judge from the great number of men of talent, natives of this district, who have distinguished themselves in literature, science, and the