THE BURGHERS 119

later to find spread for their entertainment dishes
of rusks spread with aniseed and known as muisjes
or mice, accompanied by eggnog. As society
grew more sophisticated in the colony, these simple
gatherings gave place to the elaborate caudle
parties, where the caudle was served in silver
bowls hung about with spoons that each guest
might ladle out for himself into a china cup the
rich compound of lemons, raisins, and spiced wine.
It is evident that there was no lack of material
good cheer among the colonists of New Netherland,
and we may be sure that the boys and girls secured
their share of substantiate and dainties. I fear
they were rather rough and rude, these young
burghers, for all the reports which we have of them
show them always in conflict with law and order.
The boys especially, owing to deficient schooling
facilities, were quite out of hand. They set dogs
upon the night watchman at New Amsterdam and
shouted "Indians!" to frighten him in his rounds.
They tore the clothes from each other's backs in
the schoolroom where the unfortunate master was
striving to keep order. In Fort Orange sliding
became so fast and furious that the legislators were
obliged to threaten the confiscation of the slees,
and it was no doubt with a keen realization of the