Thanks for this one, John. What a gem! I've bookmarked the site. February 9th is interesting. I've often wondered where the American tradition of "trick-or-treat" came from, and the Lent Crocking seems to be almost identical to the modern (sometimes vandalistic) tradition...... Of course, early American society was well represented with Dorset folk, as was Newfoundland. That's why they call Autumn the Fall (or, as we say in Dorset, Vall). All the best, Davy Cannon Dorchester, Dorset Subject: [DOR-LIFE] Dorset customs > Have a look at _http://www.thebookofdays.com/_ > (http://www.thebookofdays.com/) and input Dorset as the search criteria. > > Some interesting bits about the county, customs and characters will result. > > On some pages there is more than one occurence so repeat the 'Find in top > window' search for Dorset on each page presented. > > John Rogan in Wiltshire.