ABSTRACT
In Lancashire, and particularly the south-eastern and eastern portions of the county, the wakes is the great holiday of the year. The principal scene to be found at the wakes is on the green, or some open space as near the centre of the town as possible. The public-houses in the neighbourhood of the wakes ground do a roaring trade, and the passer-by hears a medley of singing and shouting, brawling and cursing, followed sometimes by an adjournment of the revellers to the pavement, in order to settle some drunken dispute. In the outskirts dog-racing, and often dog-fighting, rabbit-coursing, pigeonflying, running, leaping, wrestling, bicycle racing, and other sports, are provided. During the baiting of the bull several cows passed near to the ring, and whilst winding their way through the crowd, a bull-dog suddenly sprang on one of them, which caused the affrighted animal to overturn a cart of nuts, and a girl had her leg broken in consequence.
