At one end an enormous pair of antlers were
inserted in the wall, the branches serving as hooks on which to
suspend hats, whips, and spurs, and in the corners of the
apartment were fowling-pieces, fishing-rods, and other sporting
implements. The furniture was of the cumbrous workmanship of
former days, though some articles of modern convenience had been
added and the oaken floor had been carpeted, so that the whole
presented an odd mixture of parlor and hall.
The grate had been removed from the wide overwhelming fireplace
to make way for a fire of wood, in the midst of which was an
enormous log glowing and blazing, and sending forth a vast volume
of light and heat: this, I understood, was the Yule-clog, which
the squire was particular in having brought in and illumined on a
Christmas Eve, according to ancient custom.*
* The Yule-clog is a great log of wood, sometimes the root of a
tree, brought into the house with great ceremony on Christmas
Eve, laid in the fireplace, and lighted with the brand of last
year's clog. While it lasted there was great drinking, singing,
and telling of tales. Sometimes it was accompanied by Christmas
candles; but in the cottages the only light was from the ruddy
blaze of the great wood fire.
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