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 ovales. The prayer preferred on this occasion, the formula of which we have in Cato de Re Rustica, cap. exiii. was called carmen ambarvale. At these feasts they sacrificed to Ceres a sow, a sheep, and a bull or heifer, whence they took 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 for 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.