Pawtucket Gazette And Chronicle

"Blessing of the Beasts."—One of the annual religious farces at Rome, is described by a correspondent of the Boston Traveler. A long procession of horses, mounted by French dragoons, appeared in front of a church. Immediately upon their arrival before the church, a boy and priest came forth, the former bearing a basin of water, and the latter, a dirty brush, with which, after having dipped it in the basin, he sprinkled the horses as they passed; all the while muttering his blessings upon them. Many of the horses seemed not at all pleased with the ceremony, and often reared and kicked at the priest. The dragoons, also, their riders, looked rather uncomfortable at being caught in the farce, and we noticed not a few of their countenances, which indicated anything but solemnity as they received the water from the filthy brush. These men were undoubtedly acting in compliance with the grave commands of their royal master in Paris, who has sent such strict orders to "take good care of his dear holiness," the Pope.

This ceremony will do to go along with the Lent proclamations.