in antiquity, a ceremony among the Romans, when, in order to procure from the gods an happy harvest, they conducted the victims thrice round the corn-fields in procession, before sacrificing them. *Ambarvalia* were either of a private or public nature: the private were performed by the master of a family; and the public by the priests who officiated at the solemnity, called *fratres arvale*. The prayer preferred on this occasion, the formula of which we have in Cato, de Re Rust, cap. cxlii. was called *carmen ambarvale*.

At these feasts they sacrificed to Ceres a sow, a sheep, and a bull, or heifer, whence they take the name of *suovetaurilia*.

The method of celebrating them, was to lead a victim round the fields, while the peasants accompanied it, and one of their number, crowned with oak, hymned forth the praises of Ceres, in verses composed on purpose.

This festival was celebrated twice a-year, at the end of January, according to some, or in April, according to others; and for the second time in the month of July.