2-914-133 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Mistletoe Seller, drawn by Foster, 1854. Illustration to a story by Angus B. Reach. 'There he goes, on the foggy December night, over the crunkling snow, the old Mistletoe-seller, his locks as hoary as the ware he vends. He might have been a Druid himself, he appears so venerable - a Druid heading the procession which carried the mistletoe to the temple, and placed it upon the altar as a sacred plant. A group of boys and girls surround him. The two to the right have bought copiously: one of them has her apron full, and the other a whole branch. It is evident that these young ladies are admirers of the osculum or kiss. A boy appears to be accompanying the old man, if not leading him. Can the Mistletoe-seller be blind? A second glance at his shut eyes shows that this is the sad truth'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.