chorus, which is always spirited, if not har
monious.
On all circuits there is a system of fining,
but the extent to which it is carried varies
very considerably. These fines are perhaps
valuable for enforcing circuit etiquette, but
they are much more valuable for increasing
the stock of wine. Fining usually takes
place on Grand Night, and the fines on some
circuits are only enforced after the formality
of a trial has been undergone. The acts for
which a man is liable to be fined are numer
ous and many of them are amusing. For
example, if a counsel be appointed a recorder
or a revising barrister, he is usually fined two
or three guineas, these being serious offences.
Getting married is a less serious offence.
Upon the birth of a son a penalty is usually
exacted.
The etiquette to be observed on circuit is
by no means elaborate. A man is expected
to behave as a gentleman and to do nothing
ontri:, in any way. One rule that is enforced
with great stringency is that barristers staying
in hotels must not make use of the public
rooms, for the reason, it is said, that they
might meet in those rooms the solicitors, wit
nesses and others who are connected with
the cases to be tried. It might eventually
lead, it is supposed, to " touting " for busi
ness, a practice against which all bar etiquette
is opposed. Although barristers may not use
the public rooms, it is not by any means
usual for them to require anything except a
bedroom. The hotels, however, often set apart special rooms for the bar, and in one of these breakfast is served. In using these rooms the junior members of the bar become better acquainted than they can become in any large city, under ordinary circumstances. Every member of the bar mess, be he an over worked and eminent Q. C., or a briefless junior, is presumed to be upon an equality with every other member, and in addressing each other such terms as " Sir " and " Mr." are always omitted. Circuit life is undoubtedly pleasant. Besides the change of scene, the barrister is able after the court closes, or earlier if he is not em ployed, to explore the country and enjoy the beauty of the scenery and the fresh country air. He is not even incommoded with a silk hat, which, although indispensable in London, is seldom seen on circuit. The social clubs in the assize towns are often thrown open for the time being to the barristers, and they are welcomed alike to public and private hospi tality. These, of course, are advantages which the unemployed reap to a much greater extent than the busy men. They, however, find one great advantage on circuit, and that lies in the fact that all fees are paid at once, and there is none of that weary waiting which counsel find so exasperating in large cities. If, then, a barrister's work prevents his en joyment of the festivities of circuit life, he is, nevertheless, recompensed in a tangible man ner, without delay.
