MAROON PARTIES.
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an empty store or loft, throws his body into ten thousand different contortions, for the amusement of those who feel inclined to throw in their dollars. At other times, a dwarf, or an "infant phenomenon," do their best to call a smile into the face of their audience ; or a ship-load of yankees, with their stud of horses, and an " incomparable female rider," as their play-bills have it, erect their marquee upon the barrackground, and for the small remuneration of a dollar, spring over the moon almost, or act the part of a spitted ox, dressed by the heat of fire-works. During the absence of these “ professional characters," the Antiguans have other methods for getting rid of the time that hangs too heavy upon their hands. Now and then a maroon party, or West Indian fĂŞte champetre, is given ; when groups of beautiful girls and gallant youths, stayed matrons, and gentlemen of riper years, assemble together, with full purpose to enjoy the passing hours. Some sweet spot, generally near the sea-side, is chosen for the day's resort ; or else some " — green and silent spot amid the hills, A small and silent dell." And beneath the shade of some far-spreading trees, whose boughs form natural arcades, their rural banquet is spread. Various pastoral sports are here enjoyed ; and although no " Weippert's band" is in attendance, the sound of the lively violin, or soft-breathing flute, often floats across the blue waters, and mingles with the murmur of the playful wavelets. At different periods of the year, fancy sales are held in the court-house, when all classes congregate together, from the governor's lady, to the lady of the agricultural labourer. These, with balls at government house, now and then, and occasional quadrille parties at private houses, Bible and missionary meetings, and rides and drives in the afternoons, or walks by moonlight, constitute the chief amusements of the Creole beauties. The gentlemen vary these pastimes with occasional re-