a season of festivity, observed with much pomp and solemnity in the chief cities of the Catholic countries of Europe. It begins on the day of the Epiphany, and ends on Ash-Wednesday. The etymology of the word, like the origin of the fête itself, is uncertain. The most probable is that which derives it from the Latin words carni vale—farewell to flesh—inasmuch as a provision is in this particular made beforehand against the abstinence observed by all good Catholics during the season of Lent. From the earliest ages it has been celebrated in all Catholic countries with much pomp and show, more especially at Venice and Rome. The most widely diffused recreation is that of masquerades, which, though they have now declined considerably both in frequency and splendour, are still much in vogue in France and Italy, as well as in southern Germany. Great license, often degenerating into licentiousness, prevailed, and still continues to prevail in these countries during that season of the year.