Nu mmits and C ru m mits

r u D ev onshi e C sto ms,

hara te i ti c a nd Folk- lore C c r s s ,

Sa rah Hew e tt

Author of The Peasa nt Sp e ech of Devon Devons hi re Stori es

n Fa i ri es Sup erstiti o s .

' W t! ; Fr onti s z e é eor r t n i p ec y G ge M a i .

Lo ndo n

T hom as Bu rl eigh

1 9 0 0 BARN IC O TT A ND PE A RCE

P RI NT E RS Dedi cated by ki nd per miss io n

the Right H o nourable

o rd Hals bu r L y.

P R E F A C E .

THI S little book is made up of a fe w crumbs from the repositories of many Devonshire friends , to whom grateful thanks are tendered f or their untiring help fulness in supplying s o much that i s quain t and i n tere s ti ng . The miscellaneous scraps here gathered shew but inadequately the humorous characteristics o f ou r

ct a s to Devonshire folk , their diale , and some like call

“ it , jargon , as drawn by themselves . They illustrate

t the t do wha people ac ually believe in , say , and , and f shew the general trend o their minds . Their belief in the supernatural is unbounded . N either age , ff social position , nor culture makes much di erence one and all are more or less wedded to the super s titi on s , beliefs , and traditions of their ancestors .

Apologies are offered to any one whose Cru mmits have been appropriated without permission or a o kn l d ow e gment . as hundreds of newspaper and other cuttin gs came to hand anonymously , and being very precious morsels were reproduced . To each and all contributors most grateful thanks are given .

SARAH H EWETT .

’ BLU NDELL S RE S T 3 , C CE N ,

VE RTON DE VO N TI , ,

ul 1 899 . y y . C O N T E N T S

C HAP . PAG E .

FR ONT I S P I E OE PREFACE SUPERSTITION S

THINGS L U C KY AND U NLUCKY CHARMS CU STOMS WEATHER LORE AND WISE SAWS

N U M M I T S AND C R U M M IT S

PECULIAR AND E C C E NT RI O DEVONIAN S STORIE S

O LD SONGS

S u e st t o n s p r i i . I te t ee ll h , ’ There s no t a pulse be a ts i n the h um an f ra me

Tha t i s not go verned by the s ta rs a bo ve us . The oo t a t fi s o ur v e i ns i n a ll i ts e b b bl d h ll , A nd flo w i s s w a e b t e a s c er tai n , y d y h m ly A S are the r e s tles s tide s o f the s a lt s ea By the r e s ple ndent moon a nd a t thy bi r th

' Thy m other s e ye ga z ed not more s te a dfa s tly O n t ee t a n d id the s ta r t a t r u es th f a te h , h h l y , Showeri ng u pon thy head a n i nfl uence M i n n o r b a l g a t enign . Su e st t o n s p r i i .

’ ALL H ALLOWE EN SU PERSTITION S . I THINK I cannot do better than describe what actually

old took place at an farm house , in the eighties , in

South Devon .

1 f ew was invited to spend a days with a family ,

n of hi s - u co sisting a farmer , wife , and seven grown p sons and daughters . The farm was picturesquely

- n Ha ldon situated on a south wester slope of the Hills , from whence extensive views of land and s e a could be enjoyed . f Mary was the youngest and merriest o the family .

She it was who acted as prime mover in all the fun , not that either of the others Showed any reluctance to l t carry out her wi dest suggestions . A brighter s e of

f fin d i t young folk it would be di ficult to , and has sel dom been my good fortune to meet their equals in high Spirits and natural gentleness . Every one was thoroughly imbued with credulity in regard to omens t and predic ions . 4 mammite ant M ummies.

’ Mary sugge s ted that All Hallowe en should be ob served with due ceremony , as indeed it was . The

n - amuseme ts began with fortune telling by cards , at which Maggie the eldest daughter was an adept . “ The fortunes were appraised as not up to much ,

’ and as no one crossed Maggie s hand with a piece of silver , the cards were swept aside .

e Then Jack , otherwis the family clown , brought in

of dishes apples and nuts , bags of hemp seed , torn

of paper , large basins water , scraps of lead , a melting ladle , large combs , small hand mirrors , and a printed

of Sheet of capital letters , all which were to be used

- as love charms .

just as the clock began to strike eleven , a move wa s the made towards the fireplace , where from bars of the grate Jack had already swept every vestige of ashes . Simultaneously each girl laid a big hazel nut on

s a t the lowest bar of the grate , and Silently watching

ct a s t the result . I noticed that perfe silence w eligi o us ly observed during each ceremony .

She , Whose nut first blazed , would be the first to marry .

Ilted . She , whose nut first cracked , would be j

She , whose nut first jumped , would very soon start

o n . a journey , but would never marry

She , whose nut smouldered , would have Sickness ,

a nd . disappointment in love , perhaps die young

After this , one of the girls took an apple , a comb , é upz ratitinna. 5

of and a mirror , and retired to the brightest corner

s he out the room , where began to comb her long tresses with her left hand and held an apple in the

h She . rig t , which slowly ate Her future husband

ct to was expe ed look over her Shoulder , revealing his

n ot face to her in the mirror . He did , however , satisfy our curiosity by putting in an appearance . Then one took a handful of torn paper and scattered

of of it on the surface a big basin water , and after stirring vigorously , awaited developments . The number of pieces of paper which fell to the bottom indicated the number of years which would intervene

’ before the operator s marriage . In this case twenty one n n ow - fell , and as Je ny was twenty eight , jack thought there was small chance for her to have an

o wn - s o establishment of her at forty nine , she had

b e better resign herself to her fate , and be content to

o f come the unappropriated blessing the family , for ,

How said he , could you , Jenny , at that advanced ? age , dare to don white satin and orange blossoms

”

No . , my dear , your future is sealed

on Then everybody insisted Jack trying his luck , which he essayed to do by melting a fe w scraps o f lead in the ladle and pouring it red hot into one of the

of or basins cold water . The letters formed , the

t of nearest approach to letters , at the bo tom the basin h ” were supposed to be the initials of the future S e . The closest resemblance to letters which we could

v disco er was an I , and an L . The question which 6 mammite annM ummies. now arose amid merry peals of laughter was to whom I L . the initials . could belong . Many names were mentioned and negatived as soon as suggested , Jack looking rather bashful , when from Jenny came the query Does not I stand for Ida , and L for Lang

Ida Lang is a very pretty name , and is owned by a very sweet girl . Jack gave Jenny a look which could easily be i n “ ter rete d ! ! p I owe you one for that , Jenny Oh oh ” “ Jack , replied Jenny , we are hoping that Ida Lang will not be an unappropriated blessing . She Shall have my white satin and all the orange blossoms . ff There was a good deal more of this sort of cha , but

ff - no o ence was taken by the good natured Jack , and things swung along amicably . Next came Tom to try his hap with a pair of scissors . Tom in silence separated the capital letters , each falling into the basin of water without being h touched by t e hand . When all were free they were stirred and left to settle . The initials of the future

one . ! , were supposed to float on the water Alas poor ! Tom in his case fifteen letters presented themselves .

Here again wa s food for fun and conjecture . Many

m . suggestions were ade Tom , perhaps was going to

wa s be a Mormon , or perhaps he going abroad and

s et . up a harem , and all sorts of other absurd theories

” to Mary at last came the rescue , Oh , I know , said “ G She , take and M out and there you have

Gertrude Morley , then tack all the rest on to the end S uperstitions . 7 o f the name , and there you have certain degrees won

’ by Gertrude at the Varsity . Gertrude is a Newnham student . Last autumn in the long vacation there was a young woman of that strain dodging across the

on e s he s a w hills , and one occasion wh n our Tom cantering towards her , her bike became fractious

T om to instanter , and poor innocent had dismount , ti e Highflyer to a gate - post and assist the distressed

’ T om biker . Of course , couldn t help himself and had to lead Highfiyer up the hill and push the bike too . Alas poor Tom Then turning to her mother She explained that Tom was about to present her with a new daughter in the form of a N ewnham girl s o vastly clever , that She used up all the alphabet to shew how clever She was and the heaps of degrees “ s he &c &c . s a took , I y , Torn , do you think

B A . . . Gertrude Morley , . , M D , will t like aking my place in the house work , and be able

c hu i e c hu i e c hu i e to to cry gg , gg , gg , every morning

- wi i e s the dear little piggy gg ; perhaps though , instead

’ of i vi - m g ng them barley meal and ilk , she ll Sit them

row the of all in a , in bottom the trough , and teach

’ ’ t- - T om em Latin and Greek don cher know ; eh , dear ? ”

o f ff t Heedless this a ectionate raillery , every hing

t n of drif ed alo g smoothly , and four dishes water were brought in and placed severally in three corners of

of wa s the room , and the fourth , emptied its contents ,

- placed in the fourth corner . Then four blind folded 8 r mummies anndi ummitfi.

operators were led into the room and placed back to

n back in its ce tre , the lights having been previously

extinguished . Then all four fell on their knees a nd

each crept at discretion to any , or all to the same ,

corner .

r The empty dish portended celibacy o poverty .

The dish of clean water , that the future one would

never before have married . The dish of dirty water ,

that the future spouse would be a widow or widower .

The dish of water with pebbles at the bottom , riches

and honour .

N ow the crucial movement was at hand . Each

of girl took possession a big handful of hempseed . The front door was thrown wide open and securely

fastened back to preven t the possibility of its - being

accidentally closed ; the girls stood without . As the clock gave the first stroke of twelve off they started

ff ct h : each in a di erent dire ion across the lawn , S outing

s ow Hempseed I , m He pseed I throw ,

’ - He that s my true love , Come after me a nd m o w

The spirits of the future ones were expected to be

a nd beyond the Shrubs ready to rush after the sowers ,

unhappy would have been the maiden , who could not get over the threshold before the scythe of the

u m reaper caught her . All the girls reached the hall

: a s he harmed little Mary , looking bit scared , said , as

I O nmmit ar m«Drummit fi z fi.

t member has carried the old songs , the old dialec ,

- o f Old new and the old folk lore the country , into

new n homes , in cou tries , and there in time a new generation will spring up , who will be taught the traditions of the past ; and perhaps the incidents of

’ that happy All Hallowe en , spent amidst the uplands o f of the dear old Devon , will form one pleasantest narrations .

Poor Dick Harvey never came to claim little Mary ,

n for , very soon after that happy evening , ews came of

a n d f a great storm , Dick , who was first o ficer of the

SS . . Petrel , was lost with all hands in mid Atlantic Everywhere throughout the length and breadth of

- Great Britain , the festive and fortune telling practices o f this evening are observed in almost identical fash

i n The S ell u s ion . Gray , p , tells that

- o Two hazel nuts I threw int the fire ,

’ And to each nut I gave a sweetheart s name .

This , with the loudest bounce , me sore amazed ,

That , in a flame of brightest colour blazed

AS s o w blazed the nut may thy passion gro ,

’ n For twas thy ut that did so brightly glow .

Then we have in N u t b ur ni ng on A ll Ha ll oweve, by Charles Graydon , the following

These glowing nuts are emblems true , Of what in human life we View

- The ill matched couple fret and fume , And thus in strife themselves consume ; u t i n S pers it o s . I I

t Or from each other wildly star ,

And with a noise for ever part .

s e e a But the happy , happy p ir , Of genuine love and truth sincere

With mutual fondness while they burn , Still to each other kindly turn

And as the vital sparks decay , Together gently sink away i ’ T ll life s fierce ordeal being past ,

Their mingled ashes rest at last .

Burns , too , contributes a long poem on Hal

” u s loween , which gives an insight into the manners and traditions of the peasantry in the West of Scot land in his time . The old goodwife ’ s well hoarded nuts Are round and round divided And many lads ’ and lasses ’ fates Are there that night decided S ome kindle , couthie , side by Side And burn together trimly Some start away with saucy pride And jump out o ’ er the chimney

Full high that night .

REC I PE FOR M AKIN G A DU M B CAKE .

IN erfe éti on the preparation of a dumb cake , if p be

i s v t desired , it imperative to obser e stric silence , and to follow these instructions closely . ( fi nmmita anh M ummies.

Let any number of unmarried ladies each take a

of n handful Wheate flour , and place it on a sheet of white paper , then sprinkle it with as much salt as can be held between the finger and thumb ; then , one must put as much clear spring - water as will make it

n into dough , which bei g done , each of the party must roll it up , and spread it thin and broad , and each maid must , at some distance apart , make the first letters of their christian a n d surname with a large new pin , towards the end of the cake ; if more

- one christian names than , the first letter of each one

. s e t must be made Then the cake before the fire , and

Sit as each girl must down in a chair , far from the

fire as the room will admit , not speaking a word all the time . This must be done between eleven and

’ twelve o clock at night . Each person in rotation

n a n d fiv e must turn the cake o ce , minutes after mid night the husband of her who is to be w e d first will appear and lay his hand upon that part of the cake — bearing her initials From the N or wood Gipsy

- For tu ne teller .

b e ct If the cake eaten , stri Silence must be observed from the moment a slice is cut . The person walks backwards from the room , up the stairs , and after

ba ckwa r d s . undressing goes into bed , still Stumbling and giggling are inadmissible . It is presumed that “ happy dreams of the loved one will occupy the hours of slumber . é uperfititionfi.

OM EN S AN D DEATH TO KEN S .

“ D ff A DISON says , We su er as much from trifling h accidents as from real evils . I have known the s oot

’ ing of a star spoil a night s rest , and have seen a man in love grow pale and lose his appetite upon the

- owl plucking of a merrythought . A screech at mid night has alarmed a family more than a band of rob

of bers ; nay , the voice a cricket has struck more terror than the roaring of a lion . There is nothing s o inconsiderable which may not appear dreadful to an imagination that is filled with omens and prognostica

r tions . A rusty nail o a crooked pin shoot up into

” prodigies . Belief in omens is not confin ed to the simple and uned ucated , but permeate every social grade . “ Omen s are said to be the poetry of history .

s a w of Mary de Medici , in a dream , the brilliants her — crown change into pearls symbols of tears and mourning . The Stuart monarchs held that their s or

n rows and misfortunes were foretoke ed . The learned

Earl of Roscommon and Dr . Johnson were believers in spectres and supernatural agen cies . The mountaineer makes the natural phenomena which daily present themselves to him foretokens of

- woe . low weal or Dwellers in lying countries , too , find Signs i n their surroundings to distress and disturb

of n n their peace mind . Each is co tinually inviti g bugbears to harass and worry him . 1 i 4 spammitz ant «Drummitfi.

There is a strong belief that the robin , raven , mag

owl of pie , , and a nameless white bird , by the manner ct their flight , and other peculiarities of a ion , foretell the approaching dissolution of some member of the i hous ehold which they visit . A robin sitt ng near a — - window , uttering a plaintive weep , weep , weep , presages sickness and death if he flies into an ocon pied bedroom , then , death is near at hand .

A remarkable in stance of credulity in robin - lore came to my notice in 1 89 1 . The following was told t me by an educated lady , whose temperamen is in

wa f i h no y morbid or hysterical but is in hersel br g t , cheerful , and religious . The sight of a robin carries her memory back to some of the saddest days of her life . Here is her story “ In 1 848 I was staying with my grandparents at

. n Ashburton , in Devonshire My grandmother , havi g a severe cold , went early to bed , and the weather being oppressively hot , the window was left Open .

fl ew Presently a robin , dishevelled and melancholy ,

- into the room and perched on the towel rail . N O

o f n a n d a amount persuasio could dislodge him , at l st ff ’ all e orts to eject him were abandoned . He continued — — — hi s sad weep , weep , weep , for at least an hour ,

n whe he quietly fl e w out of the window . That night

. 1 8 1 u n grannie died Again , in 5 , a robin , just as

fle w happy and forlorn as the former one , into my ’ ’ t . father s bedroom , exhibiting every Sign of dejec ion

off Nor would he be easily driven , but sought the er t i u g up a it o z . I 5

his tester of the bed , where he continued weep , — t . weep , weep . Tha night my father died

o f 1 88 Again , in the autumn 4, while on a visit to

Dawlish with my husband and children , we often took our books and work into the garden . One evening ,

the - as usual , we were in summer house , the children

fl e w playing noisily , when a robin into their midst ,

on t and hopped the able , finally perching himself on

- the handle of my work basket . A more pitiable de e cte d j little birdie could not be imagined , his feathers

f tous elle d to were ru fled and , and both wings drooped

t. s a t his fee There he , uttering his dolorous weep ,

— - weep , weep , for several minutes ; when we rose to go into the house he followed , sometimes fluttering

n along before us in the path , at others flitti g from w bush to bush close at our side . Even after e had closed the window we heard him on the Shrubs out

n side , still pathetically utteri g his doleful weep , — weep , weep . The next morning my dear husband , who had gone along the Strand for a stroll while I dressed the children for a walk , dropped suddenly

w a s n dead , and brought home withi a quarter of an h hour after leaving t e house . Can you wonder at my having a dread of a visit from a robin after these pitiful experiences ?

TH E WH ITE B I RD OF TH E OXE NHAM S .

THERE exists in the family of the Oxe nham s a tra dition that a bird with a white breast is always seen 1 6 n mit fl b ( ru it fi m a n fli mm a.

fluttering over their beds , previous to the death of a

of member their family . The O xenha m s were an ancient family of consider

n n a nd able i fluence and importance , occupyi g possess i n g large and valuable properties in the vicinity of f Okehampton . But the glory o the house has de

o f parted , though there are still branches it at the

n n n re prese t time residi g at South Tawto , who still tain the tradition of the white bird . Very recently (1 89 2 ) an Oxe nha m ha s said that the bird appeared to him , and very shortly afterwards his father died .

It therefore appears that this bird of ill - omen is a

- legacy in perpetuity , bequeathed at an ill starred moment to his descen dan ts by some unfortunate nu

" c r e s to . There are numerous records of the appear

1 00 ance of this bird prior to 7 , but the most interest i ng is that which describes its visit to Sir James

’ O xe nha m on the ev e , of his daughter Margaret s n uptials . The full text of a poem givin g details of the appear

i n ance of the apparition , is given The Report and T ra n s a éti ons of the Devonshire Association for the

” of Advancement Science , Literature , and Art , for f 1 8 6 . o S 9 , which was sent by Miss E Gibbs , outh

’ Tawton , who copied it from the housekeeper s com

nh m m on pla c e book at Oxe a House . For those who may be unable to procure the whole of ct the poem , I sele one or two stanzas which may be interesting .

s r ‘ mummie anh G ummita.

How happy was Sir James that night ,

Unburdened of his care .

For he believed , with fond delight ,

n hi s That heave had heard prayer .

J ; 4 \

Then up he rose , with joy elate ,

To speak unto Sir John , t And rap desire , outspeeding fate ,

In thought he called him s on .

But while the dear unprac’tised word

on Was forming his tongue ,

He s a w a silvery - breasted bird

’ o e r Fly the festive throng .

Now a nd John , and Margaret , her Sire ,

With many a dame and knight ,

Ranged round the altar , heard the friar l Begin the ho y rite .

When Margaret , with terrific screams ,

Made all with horror start .

Oh , heavens her blood in torrents streamed ,

’ A dagger s in her heart .

Behind stood Bertram , who then drew Away the reeking blade And frantically laughed to view

- The life blood of his maid . 1 S uperstitions . 9

Now marry me , proud maid he cried ,

” Thy blood with mine Shall wed .

Then dashed the dagger in his side ,

And on the ground fell dead .

t Poor Margaret , too , grows cold wi h death ,

And round her , hovering , flies

n The pha tom bird for her last breath ,

T o hear it to the skies .

TRAD ITION S OF TH E CO U RTEN AYS OF

POWDERHAM .

T HE countess Isabella is accredited with having

’ on planted the oaks of Wistman s Wood Dartmoor .

who on She , too , it was , met a man Bickleigh Hill ,

a t ne r Tiverton , carrying a basket con aining seven of his baby children , to whom he intended to give a

” swim in the river Exe at Bickleigh Bridge . On

was being asked by her what he carrying , he replied ,

” Puppies not worth rearing . Presently he c on fessed that hi s wife had given him seven sons at a birth , and fearing the lack of food and raiment , he had determined to drown them . The countess adopted

f ov ide d out o f the them , and p for their upbringing

of hu l i h proceeds her estates at Tiverton and C m e g .

- W TH E DEATH ATC H .

O NE often hears issuing from the rafters and wood work of old houses sounds resembling the ticking of 2 0 fi nmmita annGrummita.

a watch . These clickings are produced by a small

” - insect known as the Death Watch . By nervous persons they are considered omens o f death .

M rs . n Hagland , a laundress , livi g at Tiverton ,

to n i n came me one morni g great distress of mind , and her Simple story will give a better in sight into the feelings of the superstitious than any thing I c a n s ay . I give verbatim her account of a very unhappy experience

’ ’ I z om thi n wa ine tu n be zure g is g appe tu me , or

’ mine , for all last night I kep on hearing of the

’ - h a ti c ki n Death Watc , g, ticking , ticking , ess , he kep

n d ra v e on ticki g till he w d me most mazed . He made

’ ’ of oar b wo whot s z a e me think my p y Bill out to y,

’ ’ tha bin gone now for tii or dree yer I dii zim te z a

’ z n brave while ago I eed , but there God Almighty

’ ’ ’ th tiiked kear a w n 2 0 . v a r and I opes as how He

’ ’ ’ ’ - - w n z i n c e will e t . I a n t ahad ide nor tide a he went away and I dii zim tez a longful time agone that

’

z e ed n . a z a i n of I Well , as I wuz y g , I yeard that

Death - Watch a c li cki ng all d rii the night and dil d ff l ’ trub b le me re e bad . Gi th me the heart ache and

’ ’ ’ I can t get no rest for thinkind a w n ; tez all day and

’ i v v ry day and all night tii . A mawther s heart is a

tii c he el 2 0 sorrowful thing car about , when her only is

’ v r tii tii . I v e a away , and out zay a yerd the Death

Watch avore , and then my mawther died perty quick

’ di ddent ti ckee z o z o afterwards , but he ard and z : S uperstitions .

- . z imméd dismal like as he did last night It to me , as how z ed ‘ ! he , tick tick tick tick wake up , Mawther ! I be drownded ! I be drownded ! Ah !

’ Lord - a - massy ! if he be a drownded twill break my

dii e e heart . What think mum

Poor soul , she went away , crying bitterly . Bill never came back , and now she has gone to her rest ,

or where there will be no more wakeful nights , dread

- born of the love calls of a common insect . Swift ridiculed the foolish fancy of predicting death

s o t in this way , but ridicule , be it never s rong , does not kill belief in the supernatural .

A wood - worm

That lies in old wood , like a hare in her form ,

or or With teeth with claws it will bite , will scratch

And chambermaids christen this worm a death - watch Because like a watch it always cries click

Then woe be to those in the house that be sick ,

For , sure as a gun , they will give up the ghost . If the maggot cries click when it scratches the post

But a kettle of scalding hot water ejected ,

Infallibly cures the timber aff ected .

The omen is broken , the danger is over

The maggot will die , the Sick will recover .

DEATH TOKENS . I F a corpse retains heat and flexibility it is said that others of the same family will die before the

ou year is t . 2 2 nmmit fi fi anh Grummitz .

If a sheet or tablecloth is returned from the laun

s o dry with a square fold in the centre , , it i s said to porten d the death of the

of master or mistress the house .

If letters cross in the post it is a Sign of death .

SUPERSTITION S ATTACHED TO T H E

MARRI AGE CEREMONY . THERE are many superstitious customs attached to the marriage ceremony , some of which are supposed to endow the pair with blessings and an abundant share of the good things of life , while others bring only misfortune a n d disquietude .

Witches and pixies alas , are workers of evil , and beset the path of the bride and bridegroom to and from the church , plying their wicked tricks to the detriment of the unhappy pair . The days of the

i n week , too , on which the ceremony is performed ,

fluence their future , as the following lines testify

n Mo day for wealth ,

Tuesday for health ,

Wednesday is the best day of all ,

Thursday for crosses ,

Friday for losses ,

Saturday no luck at all .

Sunday is an exceptionally fortun ate day upon which to enter the holy state . S uperstitions .

One often hears

s un Happy is the bride that the Shines upon .

n Among the customs bringi g good luck to the pair , are pelting them with rice as they leave the church

old after the ceremony , and throwing slippers at them ,

f or . too , as they leave the house the honeymoon Happiness c a n be in sured by observing certain t prac ices which have been in vogue for many centuries , as for example it i s necessary to carry sprigs of rue

f e w of and rosemary and a cloves garlic in the pocket , to enhance the felicity of the pair . The bride also should carry a small packet of bread and cheese in her pocket to give to the first woman or girl s he meets after leaving the church . Dire calamities will overtake the couple if either of ct these cherished pra ices are omitted , though the perfume of garlic and rue added to the wedding bouquets seems incongruous . Now follow the unfortunate omens and events attached to this momentous occasion . Should a

c a t d o or raven hover over their path , a , g, hare pass between them , or Should they encounter a toad , frog , t or o her reptile , then terrible misfortunes will follow them for all time . These creatures are supposed to

t of be the embodimen pixies , witches , and every

n species of evil spirit . Eve his satanic majesty does t not objec to assume the form of an animal , to enable him to work certain ill on their future lives , and to assist in contributing his share to their distress . 2 4 fi nmmtta ant «Ernmmita.

of n In Devon , when a wife is stro ger will than her

s a Aw e s s husband , the people y , , the grey mare in

’ ‘ ’ ” thi c kee o s s a n d ouze is the better , ascribe her master fulness to her having visited and drank of the water

n i n n w . of the well of St . Key e , Cor all

DIVIN ATION BY TH E BIBLE . A PERSON wishing to know whether success or

n failure is to atte d his future , should open the Bible

- n at the forty ninth chapter of Ge esis , begin with the third verse and en d with the twenty - seventh : the verse he first chooses will be typical of his future

c ha ra éte r . fate , , and success in life Another method practised by country folk on

’ n Bible a t almost every occasio , is to open the ran do m n , and the words which first prese t themselves decides the future lot of the enquirer .

n In Devonshire , many perso s when they have lost

’ s u s e é t anything , and p it to have been stolen , take the

of w a n d front door key their d elling , , in order to find

t o out the thief, tie this key the Bible , p lacing it very

of carefully on the eighteenth verse the fiftieth Psalm .

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst

n with him , and hast bee partaker with Two persons must then hold the book by the b ow o f ct the key , and first repeat the name of the suspe ed thief, and then the verse from the Psalm . If the ct Bible moves , the suspe ed person is considered guilty if it does not move , innocent .

2 6 fi nmmita ant di rnmmita.

n rest peacefully , as it kept evil spirits from torme ting the soul on its journey through the dark valley . An old Devon shire friend has sent me the following lines , which he is in the habit of repeating when small matters go wrong in his household . I believe they were written by the poet Gay , from whom he must have learnt them when a child .

ou w too ! Alas , y kno the cause well The salt is spilt to me it fell

n The , to contribute to my loss , My knife and fork were laid across

On Friday , too , the day I dread . Would I were safe at home i ri bed !

’ Last night (I v ow to heaven tis true) fl Bounce from the fire a coffin ew . N ext post some fatal news Shall tell God send my absent friends are well

ON EI ROMAN CY .

of ONEIROMANCY is the art interpreting dreams . This kind of divination is still i n use among the ct masses , and has been pra ised from the most remote ages . In rural districts there are to be found ancient dames whose in terpretations of dreams are looked upon with reverence , and are a source of revenue to the Old women .

At breakfast , it is not uncommon for members of

e luc i of a family to narrate their dreams , and seek the dation thereof. 2 S uperstitions . 7

A dream is an ill - arranged action of the thinking

of faculties during a state partial sleep , and is but a ‘t momentary impression , perfec ly natural in its oper ation ; the state of mind which causes it being pro d uc ct n ed by temporary fun io al derangement .

I f I dream of water pure , n Before the coming mor , ’ Ti s l a Sign I Sha l be poor ,

And unto wealth not born . of If I dream tasting beer , Middlin g then will be my cheer

Chequered with the good and bad , s a d Sometimes joyful , sometimes ;

But should I dream of drinking wine ,

Wealth and pleasure will be mine .

The stronger the drink , the better the cheer ,

Dreams of my destiny appear .

The belief that dreams are indicative or symbolical of coming events is very common among the masses . Some persons look upon dreams as absolutely true mediums of revealing the secrets of futurity . The following f e w examples shew the stuff which

” dreams are made of.

A s s . To dream one sees an ass labouring under a

heavy burden , indicates that one will by dili

gent application to business amass a fortune .

A s e n t o n e s . of or b To dream these ill , in trouble ,

Shows they are in danger ; if well , it is a Sign

they are prosperous . 2 8 m t a t fi nm i a n M ummies.

A n e s . at g l A happy dream , showing peace home ,

and a good understanding with your friends .

B ou d of a by . If y ream holding a baby in your arms

it signifies trouble .

B s . e ll If you hear them ring it is a good Sign , fore

telling luck in business and Speedy marriage .

s ee B e e s . That you a swarm of bees signifies you

n will be wise a d highly r e s p e éted . If they

disturb or sting you , you will lose friends , and

your sweetheart will abandon you .

ou C a r r i a ge . If y dream that you are Shut up in a

carriage and cannot get out , it shows that your false friends are scandalizing you ; and you ff will su er much at their hands .

C a t s . Dreaming of cats Shews that your female

friend are treacherous .

s i C a r d s . If you dream you are playing cards it g

nifie s that you will Shortly be married .

n . . D a n c i g This is fortunate You will gain riches ,

a nd . honour , many friends Your life will be

a n d . long , happy , prosperous

of of T h e D e a d . To dream the dead brings news n the livi g .

D u c k s . To see them in a pond swimming about is

an omen of good luck .

E ggs . That you are eating eggs shews you will be

delivered from great tribulation . That you

ra w S break them when , hews loss of friends

and fortune . t t o 2 S upers i i ns . 9

E m pty Ve s s e l s shew that your life will be one of

toil and privation .

E n . a ti g . Portends sickness and death

F h of ou i s . To dream fish shows that y will have an

n abu dance of wealth and good things . Also

that you will be successful in love .

F o f h t ir e . To dream fire S ews hat you will have

hasty news .

r w of Fl o w e s . Al ays a good dream ; is a sure Sign

o f c . joy , su cess and prosperity

T o f G a rd e n . o dream being in a beautiful garden

shews you will be rich and prosperous in love .

a nd G l a s s . Broken glass foretells quarrels family

strife . f T o o . G o l d . dream gold portends riches

H a re s . To dream of these implies great trouble in

n n pecu iary matters and sick ess .

r H o s e s . Shews that your life will be long and

happy . If kicked by a horse you will have a

a n d long and severe illness , heavy misfortune .

I v y . A sign that your friendships are true .

I n n . To dream that you are staying at an inn is a

n most favourable o e . It shews that you will

inherit a large fortune , be successful in all

your undertakings , and will enjoy much hap

i n p e s s .

r J a c kd a w . Bewa e of danger and evil disposed

persons . 0 3 fi nmmita ant at rummita.

J o u r n e y . If you are about to take one in your

n . dream , you will meet with reverse of fortu e Kn i v e s are always omens of some evil about to

happen .

K s s . i To dream that some one is kissing you , is a

sure Sign that you are being deceived . To dream that you are kissing some one whom you love is a Sign that your love is not re c ipro

c a te d .

a s . n L rk To dream of these birds is a good Sig , as it denotes that you will overcome all difficulties

that may come in your way , and you will

speedily rise to a good position . Ligh t n i n g without thunder is one of the very

luckiest dreams . To lovers it means happi

ness ; to farmers , good crops ; and to sailors ,

prosperous voyages .

M a d D o g s . In dreams these are omens of success .

ou . M a gpi e s . That y will soon be married

N ighti n ga l e s . Nightingales singing are indicative of bright days coming and a release from all

troubles and anxieties .

of . N ut s . Indicate the receipt money

of . O a ts . Are lucky omens success

O n i o n s . If you dream you are eating them you

will find much money . ffi P a ll . One over a co n is prophetic of a wedding

dress . S uperstitions .

P a r c e one l . If you carry you Should receive a

foreign letter .

u Q a rr e l s . If you dream of them it is a Sign that you will soon be very profitably engaged in a

business matter .

R a i n . Is an omen of misfortune .

R a t s . Prophesy enemies near at hand .

T e e th . o f To dream of, are the most unlucky all

things . If they fall out it signifies much sick

ness , if they all drop from the gums , death .

Sh s . ip Sailing in clear water are favourable omens ,

but if the water be murky , most unfavourable .

S v e r C n s . il oi Picking them up , unless there be

gold with them , is significant of impecuniosity .

s ee re fle éte d a s U gli n e s s . If you yourself very

ugly it is an omen of success .

ou U m b r e ll a s . If y lose them it signifies losses in

business .

l n one Va e nti e . Dreaming of receiving is a bad

ou . Sign , illness and trouble will soon be upon y

Vi o n . on one li If you are playing in your dream , it denotes speedy marriage ; unless a string

breaks , then you will not marry at all .

W a te r . n of t Dreami g wa er , if it be clear will bring

good news , if dirty , bad news is at hand .

W n . e d d i g . One dreamed of signifies a funeral Ya c h ti n g in clear water on a sunny day is pro

pheti c of very great happines s . 2 s a u a 3 mummie nt Gr mm n.

- Ye w t r e e s . You will hear of the death of an aged

person in whom you have a vested interest .

’ n P o ula r D el us i ons 1 86 I Mackay s p , 9 , occurs the following passage , which seems too good to omit .

s a the inter re Dreams , y all wiseacres , are to be p

. o f ou ted by contraries Thus , if you dream filth , y will acquire something valuable if of gold and silver , you run the risk of being without either ; if of many friends , you will be persecuted by many enemies .

The rule does not , however , hold good in all cases .

of n It is fortunate to dream little pigs , but unfortu ate to dream o f big bullocks . If you dream of fire you will have hasty news from a far coun try ; if of ver mi n ou , y will have sickness in your family ; if of serpents , your friends will become your bitterest enemies ; if you are wallowing up to your neck in

ou mud and mire , y will be most fortunate in all your undertakings . Clear water is a sign of grief ; a n d great troubles , distress , and perplexity are predicted if you dream you are standing naked in the public streets and know not where to turn for a garment to shield you from the gaze of the multitude .

of n To dream walki g in a field ,

Where n e w - born roses odours yield

If any of them you do pluck ,

It shews in love much happy luck .

T o of n o r dream mountai s , hills , rocks , ff Does signify flouts , sco s , and mocks

s n r t 34 mummie a t «D ummi a.

’ ST . JOHN S EVE . MAKE a n ew pincushion of the very best black silk

a n d on on e velvet (none other will do) , side stick your name in the very smallest pins you c an buy on the other side make a cross with some large pins , and

n - surround it with a circle . Put this i to your left foot

off stocking when you take it at night , and hang it up at the foot of the bed . All your future life will pass — ’ P o ula r D el us i ons . before you in a dream . Mackay s p

TH E LEGEN D OF ST . DEC U MAN . HAPPY Decuman wa s born o f a good family in the

t of ct o f western par Wales , of parents stri observers the Christian religion . He , after he had passed his

wa s of childhood at home , as he advanced in years , a very good disposition ; and at length crossed the

n Sever unknown to all his acquaintance , especially to hi s a n d relations , to those who seemed to be more n early concerned for his welfare ; trusting in Christ

hi n alone for s protectio . But not to mention any

n o . thing more , he paid no freight and had ship This

n God n ot good man relyi g upon the mercy of , doubt

ct to ing but that He would prote him , bound shrubs

s ea - gether , which he found growing by the side , and making u s e of such a vehicle commi tted himself to

n . di re cfted the ocea Being by divine providence , he

’ was carried to the opposite shore , near Dart s Castle . There wa s in that part of the country in which he landed , a desert place (presumably Exmoor) beset r t é npe a itiona. 3 5

l with shrubs and briars , which were very ong and

n oa thes won large , and by the hollow ess of the was

d erf ully separated . This place pleased him much

of changing his native country for a sort exile , the

o luxury of a palace for the dens f a desert . There he

n to bega dwell and to live upon roots and herbs ,

n o f n leadi g the life a hermit , and by such governme t

- n in the above me tioned desert , he lived many years .

c ow o f It is said also that he had a , by the milk

e s which he was more kept alive than nourished ,

‘ i ll f r i < p ec a y upon certain festival days . When the o e happy Decuman had flourished in virtues of every

o f kind , a certain man , but he , a man Belial , enjoying

of s o the holiness great a Father , drunk with passion ,

on : rushed , and in a brutish manner met him and as

to he spoke and prayed , he sent the Saint Heaven by ff cutting o his head .

But this also is not to be passed by in silence , for when he was beheaded with a certain sort of crooked

’ ti s hook , as reported , his body rose itself up and begun with its dangling arms to carry his head from the place where it w a s c u t off even to a very clear w well of water , in which he washed his head ith his

do n own hands as he was used to ; which well , eve to

of this day , in memory and reverence the Saint , is

St . called the pleasant well of Decuman , useful and

n well for the i habitants to drink . In which place his head together with his body being afterwards sought

Thi s wor d f ore i n h v r Old o i i d l m a f res ai d . , t e e y r g nal M S . , ev i ent y ea ns o 6 c 3 fi nmmita ant fli rummita.

for by the faithful and found , was delivered to be honourably buried .

Church Hi s tor Father Cressy , in his y , lxxi , places

A . D . 06 his martyrdom in the reign of King Ina , 7 , from the authority of C a pgra v e and the E ngli s h

M a r t y r ol ogy .

TH E M I STLETOE CU RSE . T T M I S LE OE , a parasite chiefly found on oak and apple

i n who trees , was held great esteem by the Druids , affirmed that miraculous cures were eff ected by its

n . n mea s They ascribed to it a divine origi , and — bestowed upon it the name Curer - of all - ills

The trees on which it grew , and the birds visiting h their branc es , were considered sacred , and were

n thought to be the messengers of the gods . Whe mistletoe was required in the performance of their

f w a s sacred o fices , great ceremony observed in separa ting i t from the limbs on which it grew ; the priests

n usi g a golden sickle for the purpose . Devonian s believe that their county was cursed by these ancient religious fathers , and the mistletoe for Wh bidden by them to grow in it . y this curse wa s

n laid o Devon there is no record to Show . A gentle

a n one man possessed orchard , half of which is in

Devon , and the other in Somersetshire , the division of the counties being marked by a deep ditch . On

n - e the Devo Side the apple trees are free , whil on the S uperstitions . 37

n Somerset side this parasite grows in abunda ce . He has tried in vain to cultivate it on trees in the banned county .

A LEGEN D OF TH E G L STONB U RY THORN .

WHEN Joseph of Arimathea came to England he

s o n visited Glastonbury , the legend says , and bei g wearied with the long climb up the hill , halted and

n - ff leaned o his stout black thorn Sta . The stick sank

on t a nd into the soft mud the wayside , ook root , grew , bloomed on Old Christmas Eve . There it stands to this day and always repeats the operation each s uc c e s s i v e year . There is also a sacred spring at its

n of roots , in which thousa ds persons came to bathe

A . D . 1 1 . on Old Christmas Eve , 75 This marvellous thorn has a rival in the grounds of

Cloon eav en . House , at Lynmouth , N Devon , where the little bush bursts into vigorous bloom for a few hours at Christmastide . Very soon its flowers fade and the plant assumes its n ormal condition until the

i ts following spring , when it puts on pretty green

the dress like rest of its species .

TH E COW G HO ST .

AT of a hamlet near the parish South Tawton , a

o n of small town the borders Dartmoor , there is an interesting story told of a ghost which assumes the

C ow form of a remarkably handsome Guernsey , and appears at midnight promenadin g to and fro under 8 3 fi nmmita ant di rnmmita.

the spreading branches of an avenue of elm trees . It is said that a lady having done some terrible deed of darkness was tran sformed into a c ow and c on de mne d to walk nightly in this avenue for seventy

t n times seventy years , bellowing frantically in oke of the agonies experienced by this unhappy creature during her long term of punishment .

X TH E CHAGFORD PI IES .

A s n a gentleman , late at night , was drivi g across

- the moor to Chagford , a village in mid Devon , he was startled by the merry tinkle of tiny bells . Lights appeared in the meadows close at hand as of thous ands Of glow - worms shedding their luminous rays on every leaflet , while an innumerable company of small people tripped joyously to the sportive music . Every movemen t of this assemblage of fairies was distinct ly seen by him . He reined in his horse , and watched for a considerable time their merry antics . He sat motionless , the better to catch the Spirit of the sportive

of scene . The sward was crowded with myriads sprites ,

of some waving garlands tiny wild flowers , roses and

n f e w blue bells , others joini g in the dance , while not a bestrode the slender stalks of tall grasses , which e scarcely bent beneath their f athery weight . All went merrily till the shrill crow of Chanticleer rang

n out on the midnight air , when sudde ly darkness fell and the gorgeous scen e with its fantastically attired

’ crowd vanished from the wayfarer s sight . S uperstitions . 39

The villagers assert that on peaceful nights they often hear the echoes of delightful music and the tripping patter o f tiny feet issuing from the meadows and hill sides .

By wells and rills , in meadows green

We nightly dance our heyday guise , And to our fairy king and queen

o ur We chant moonlight minstrelsies ,

’ When larks gin sing ,

w e Away fling ,

And babes n ew - born steal as we go ;

i n And elf bed ,

We leave instead , ! And wend us laughing , ho ho ho

- TH E G HOST O F TH E B LAC K DOG .

A MAN having to walk from Princetown to Fly mouth took the road which crosses Roborough Down .

’ He started at four o clock from the Duchy Hotel , and

to as he walked at a good swinging pace , hoped cover the sixteen miles in about three hours a n d a half

It was a lovely evening in December , cold and frosty , the stars and a bright moon giving enough light to en able him to s ee the roadway distin ctly zigzagged

N ot or across the moor . a friendly pony a quiet N eddy crossed his path as he strode merrily onward whistling as he went . After a while the desolation of to the scene seemed strike him , and he felt terribly 0 4 mummies ant «tw inni ng. alone among the boulders and huge masses of gorse

. On on which hemmed him in , he pressed , till he came to a village where a wayside i nn tempted him to rest awhile and have just one nip of something

Short to keep his spirits up .

n Passing the reservoir beds , he came out on an ope f o on . piece road , with a pine copse his right Just then he fancied he heard the pit - pat of feet gaining

n n upon him . Thi ki g it was a pedestrian bound for

to Plymouth , he turned accost his fellow traveller ,

on e but there was no visible , nor were any footfalls

. o n hi s then audible Immediately resuming walk ,

- - of pit pat , pit pat , fell the echoes feet again . And suddenly there appeared clos e to his right side a n

f or enormous dog , neither masti f bloodhound , but what seemed to him to be a N ewfoundlan d of im

n mense size . Dogs were always fo d of him , and he of s o them , he took no heed of this (to him) lovely

n n . n to . cani e specime Prese tly he spoke him Well ,

: ho w doggie , what a beauty you are far are you

” going ? at the same time lifting his hand to pat

’ w a s him . Great the man s astonishment to find no

n n i resisti g substa ce , though the form was certa nly

n there , for his ha d passed right through the seeming

’ ” Hulloh ! body of the animal . what s this ? said the bewildered traveller . As he spoke the great glassy eyes gazed at him then the beast yawned , and from his throat issued a stream of sulphurous breath .

’ now ! Well , thought the man , I am in for it I ll

42

The passing hell was anciently rung to bespeak the prayers of all christian people for a soul just de parting , and to drive away the evil spirit who stood

’ at the bed s foot to hinder i ts passage to the other world .

’ n Me s death I tell by doleful knell ,

Lightning and thunder I break asunder ,

The winds so fierce I do disperse ,

’ Men s cruel rage I do assuage .

A very frequent inscription on church bells in the

voce mea vi va de ell s cuuta fifteenth century , was p

n oci va .

This is a proof o f the belief that demons were frightened away by the sound of bells . In a Cornish belfry the following rhyme is found suspended a against the wall .

’ Therefore I d have you not to vapour ,

Nor blame the lads that use the clapper ,

By which are scared the fiends of hell ,

And all by virtue of a bell .

One often finds a list of rules displayed on the wall of the belfry . The following are quaintly interesting .

Whoever in this place shall swear

Sixpence he shall pay therefor . He that rings here in his hat

Threepence he shall pay for that . e t S up rati iana.

W ho overturns a bell , be sure

Threepence he shall pay therefor .

W ho leaves his rope under feet

Threepence he Shall pay f or it . A good ringer and a true heart

Will not refuse to stand a quart .

W ho will not to these rules agree

lfri Shall not belong to this b e e .

h : . . C Drewsteignton , Devon John Hole , Warden

The following are the rules , orders and regulations found in the belfry at Brushford , Somerset . Let awful silence first proclaimed be !

Next let us praise the Holy Trinity .

o ur Then homage pay unto valiant King ,

And with a blessing raise the pleasant ring .

n o w n Hark the chirpi g treble rings it clear ,

And covering Tom comes rolling in the rear .

Now s et s ee up and , let us consult and

What laws are best to keep sobriety . Then all consent to make this joint decree

or Let him who swears , in an angry mood

Quarrels or strikes (although he draws no blood) ,

or or Or wears his hat , spurs , turns a bell ,

Or by unskilful handling mars a peal , Pay down Sixpence for each crime

(This caution shall not be effaced with time) . mit r 44 mum a ant «E ummita.

’ But if the Sexton s these defaults Should be ,

him ' d e ma n From d a double penalty . ct Whoever does his Parson disrespe , Or Warden ’ s order wilfully neglect By one and all be held in foul disgrace

And ever banished this harmonious place .

’ Now round let s go with pleasure to the ear

n And pierce with pleasing sounds the yieldi g air ,

And when the bells are up , then let us sing

God save the Church , and bless Great George

the King .

A . D . 1 80 . th . 3 June 7 Robert Gooding , Church

warden .

The spelling i n the original of the following notice is a little mixed .

I . H . S . This is the belfry that is free

For all those who civil be , And if you wish to c him e orring There is no music played ors u ng

’ n he r w llru n Like unto bells whe t y e e g.

c a n Then ring your bells well if you ,

Silence is best for every man ,

i n S u rorha t But if you ring p , Sixpence you pay be sure of that And if a hell you overthrow u Pray pay a groat before yo go .

I 6 75 ,

All Saints , Hastings . e S up rstitions . 45

E T H S EVENTH SON .

MANY persons believe that a seventh Son c a n cure

s o n s on diseases , but that a seventh of a seventh , and

’ c a n the n no female child born between , cure Ki g s

Evil .

S UN DAY .

IN the West of England , Sunday is reckoned to be

of n the day forleaving off any article clothing , as the those who s o divest themselves will have the prayers of every congregation in their behalf, and are sure not to catch cold . It has also been remarked that rooks never attempt

n to build their ests on Sunday , even though there are

to but a f ew twigs necessary complete them .

n ct c ut or Some perso s obje to their nails , turn a feather bed on Sunday .

For e ver y ill bene a th the s un i s o e re e or n n ere s o e . Th m m dy , ou t ere b e o ne re s o v e to find i t Sh ld h , l , n t s u i t a nd ne ve i n i I f o r t. , bm m d

o nmmit ant ci - s fi fi arnminus.

I t i s l u c ky

T o break a , piece of pottery on Good Friday , because the points of every Sherd are supposed

to pierce the body of Judas Iscariot .

n on To wea a child Good Friday .

To carry crooked coins in the pocket .

’ To receive the right hand of the bishop on one s

n head at co firmation .

s ow on To all kinds of garden seeds Good Friday . Beans and peas sown on this day yield better

crops . T o plant all kinds of ornamental shrubs on Good

Friday . To s e e a company of fairies dancing in the adit of

n of a mine , as it indicates the prese ce valuable

lodes .

To pay money on the first of January , as it insures the blessing of ready cash for all payments

throughout the year . T o spit over the right shoulder when one meets a

grey horse . To meet a flock of Sheep on the highway when on

a journey . T o throw a pinch of salt into the mash when brew

to . ing , keep the witches out To rest bars of iron on vessels containing beer in

summer . They prevent souring of the liquor

in thundery weather .

To have crickets in the house . ( n ck ant ( uck 1 fitti gs fl a ); unl y. 5

I t i s l u c ky :

* T o s e e a star on the wick of a candle .

’ i n - There s a star the candle to night , t One bright little spo Shining clear ,

To make our heavy hearts light ,

By Shewing that a letter is near .

’ To carry a badger s tooth in the w a i s c oat pocket

it brings luck at cards .

’ To have white specks on one s finger nails shews

that happiness is in store .

These specks are sometimes called gifts .

on A gift the thumb is sure to come ,

” n n A gift o the finger is sure to li ger . Or they may be thus enumerated

A gift , a friend , a foe ,

A lover to come , a journey to go .

T o be born on a Sunday ; because you can see

who Spirits , and tame the dragon watches over

hidden treasure . To bite a baby ’ s nails before it is a year old instead

of cutting them , as it ensures its honesty through

life .

To put the left stocking on first .

s u c To put the right foot first , because it ensures

cess .

To fell trees at the wane of the moon , and when

n the wi d is in the North . 2 ( r i t- 5 fi nmmita ant It umm a.

I t i s lu c ky

of n To be the seventh son a seve th son , for he

c a n n , by passing his ha d over the glands of the

’ n n n é neck of a perso sufferi g from Ki g s Evil , cur

the disease . On first hearin g the cuckoo in spring one Should

n run in a circle three times with the sun , to e sure

good luck for the rest of the year . If one h e ars the cuckoo to the right it portends

on good fortune , but to hear his voice the left is a

sure Sign of impendin g misfortune .

’ On hearin g the cuckoo s note i n April run as fast

a n d as possible to the nearest gate , sit on the top f bar to drive away the spirit o laziness . Who me

le cts do g to this will be weak for a year , and have no in clin ation to work un til the en suin g s p rm g

n of when the harbi ger spring again return s . T o possess a rope by which a person has been

hanged ensures good luck .

n n n e w n s o r n a n On ope i g a busi es , enteri g upon y

new commercial enterprise , the first money taken should be turned over from hand to hand a n d spat

i n upon , to insure good luck all future dealing .

IT I S U N LUCKY

To have a n empty pocket (even a crooked coin

keeps the devil away) . To buy a broom i n May

For l w it sweeps all uck a ay . i nch ant fitt ngs i !; Mnlnrkg.

I t i s u n l u c ky

To pass under a lean - to ladder without first cross

ing the middle fingers over the front ones .

‘ the Weekl es ter n This superstition , says y W

N ews old , Plymouth , originates from an coarse joke formerly frequent among the lower class . It took its rise from the fact that at the gallows at Tyburn the culprit had to walk up a ladder , there being no plat

' w a s form . The ladder afterwards withdrawn and he

” n was left suspe ded .

- To break a salt cellar . To spill salt at table without throwing a pinch over

the left Shoulder .

n To help one a other to salt .

To kill a robin . T ’ o tread on a cat s tail .

To kill crickets . To omit to inform the bees of the death of a

of relative , by tapping at each hive with the key

n s a the front door . It is ecessary too , to y to

a s one each hive taps Maister is dead , or

” Missus is dead , as the case may be .

n To forget to put the bees in mour ing , by placing a scrap of black crape or cloth on the top of each

hive . To neglect to communicate a ny great social or

political event to the bees .

of n (The bees resent the omission these ceremo ies , and in consequence cease work , dwindle and die) . 5 4 fi nmmita ant di rammita.

I t i s u n l u c ky

n To give a frie d a knife as it cuts all love away .

T o sneeze before breakfast .

n - To tur a feather bed on Sunday .

’ n n To cut o e s nails o Sunday .

To speak while the clock is striking . f To put a pair o boots on a table .

To put bellows on a table . T o stir the leaves in the teapot before pourin g out

the tea . T o have a kitten and a baby in a house together . The kitten Should be sent away in order to secure

good health to the baby .

n To cross k ives .

To kill a swallow .

n To pass another person o a staircase .

n - To break a looki g glass , for it brings seven years

’ of or of s . trouble , the loss one s be t friend

T o i n ct kill a small red spider , because th s I se is

to n n supposed bri g money in its track , he ce it is

- often called the mon ey spider .

n n To begin ne w un dertaki gs o a Friday .

To wash clothes on Good Friday . This must be studiously avoided to prevent any member of the

family dying before the year is ou t .

or To return , to look back when leaving the house

u or n to start on a jo rney , eve when going for a

e short walk . If compell d to return one should s i t down and rest for a few minutes before mak

ing a fresh start . e ant u k fi binga 2 t ml nl c g.

I t i s u n l u c ky

of To eat any kind fish from the head downwards ,

as it is against the grain .

n To whistle while u derground , because it will awaken the evil spirits which inhabit the caves

of the earth .

To be born with a blue vein across the nose .

’ To decorate a house with peacock s feathers .

For a miner to meet a snail when entering a mine ,

e xh us as it betokens calamity , or probably the a

ri tio of the lode on which he is then at work .

To see one magpie in a field , or flying across the

road . Four magpies seen at one time presage

death .

’ T o reveal a child s christian name before it is pre

sented a t the font for baptism .

T o ha nd of receive the left the bishop on the head ,

n at co firmation . It conveys a ban instead of a

blessing .

To burn bones , as it will bring pains and aches to

n the perso who does s o .

To put an umbrella on a table .

o r For a cock to crow at midnight , a dog to howl

- - between s u n set and s u n rise .

T o c . change houses , or enter into servi e , on Friday w To s e e a n e w moon through a glass windo , or

door , or over the left shoulder . 6 nmmit a 5 fi a nt Grummita.

I t i s u n l u c ky ° The advent of a comet is supposed to forebode

disaster and national calamity .

’ o f s un An eclipse the Shews God s displeasure .

e of An eclips the moon , that the Devil was abroad

working mischief.

’ To see a pin and let it lie , you ll need that and

hundreds more before you die .

- For a child to refrain from crying when presented

at the font for baptism . It is thought the more

it yells and screams , the quicker the evil spirits

will quit it . For an un married person to be sponsor at a bap

” ti s m for First to the font , never to the altar .

To s e e a c offi n - rin g i n a candle : it Shews that some

the member of household , or a very near relation ,

will very shortly die .

- For a bird to flutter again st the window panes . For a robin to fly into a room and utter its weep ! weep ! weep ! For a bride to take a last peep at the mirror before

starting for church .

n To look back after starting o a journey . (Remem

’ ber Lot s wife . ) To cut a baby ’ s nails or hair before the child is a

year old .

n - n To look i to a mirror at dusk , or night time , u less the room is well lighted is not pleasant for there i s a dread of something uncanny peeping

8 nmmit ant dt rummit 5 fi a a.

I t i s u n l u c ky °

o r napped , lost , and until the rooks return to their

quarters , will not be brought back . w If thou be hurt ith the horn of hart ,

It brings thee to thy bier ,

But tusk of boar will leeches heal ,

Thereof have lesser fear .

W ho kills a spider ,

Bad luck betides her .

To lose a mop or a broom at s e a . Children bring

good luck to a ship .

T o on whistle board ship , as it raises storms , and

who i n enrages the devil , retaliation brews tem

u u s p es t o weather and causes shipwrecks .

s ea Save a sailor from the ,

’ And he ll become your enemy .

’ It is said if one s nose itches , that one will be

kissed , cursed , vexed , or Shake hands with a

T o n fool . elude the three former ills one ge er ally invites the nearest person at hand to give a

friendly grip . This appears to be rather rough

on the frien d . Fishermen are exception ally superstitious and b e

lieve that ill - luck attends certain practices : for

n n n instance , they would ever thi k of turni g a

n s un o r craft agai st the , of mentioning rabbits ,

or hares , pigs , while aboard , nor will they lend

anything from one boat to another . ”( in a l uck ant Ill nlurk M n y g.

I t i s u n l u c ky : If the first herrin g brought abo ard for the

i s season found to be a melt , then a disastrous

time in the fishing world is to be expected . If

on the other hand the first brought in is a roe , then hundreds of mease (600) will be caught and

full purses the result .

Fishermen consider it most unlucky to throw a cat

to s a . overboard , or drown one at e

Whoso the wren robs of its nest , Health loses in a day

’ Of The spoiler the swallow s house ,

Will ail and pine for aye . And he who with his ruthless hands

’ c ot Shall tear the robin s , In his coffi n shall have a guilty mark

A deep red gory spot . When unfortunate at cards you should rise from

on i ts your chair , twist it round one of legs four

times . This action is supposed to change the

luck for the better .

’ ’ If one s right ear gets very hot it Shows that one s

friends are speaking in laudatory terms of one .

’ On the other hand , if one s left ear burns , then the

’ friends are picking holes in one s jacket . h Let left or right burn at nig t , then all things are

t . well , bo h in and out of sight 60 ( -t fl ammita ant IE ammita.

U N LU C KY DAYS .

‘ ~ CERTAIN days in each month are supposed to be .u n

n ne w fortu ate , upon which no enterprise should be undertaken . If one makes a bargain , plants or sows i n t the garden , or begins a journey on ei her of these days , misfortune will quickly follow . Days of evil strife and hate

a Cruel wr th and fell debate ,

Planets strike and stars annoy ,

ct of Aspe s , aught good destroy ,

Shun their calends ,

Heed their power . Nought begun in evil hour

’ ’ e r E er went well . Spirits o

Those days preside ,

Who sport and gibe , With human fate ;

Omens of hate ,

Wrath and debate .

EVI L DAYS .

rd th th 6th . January , 3 , 4 , s , June ,

th r 1 th . 1 6th 1 th . 9 , July , , 9

1 1 th 8th 1 6 . February , 3th , 7 , August , , th

1 th 1 s t 1 I6th 9 . September , , 5 th ,

1 1 1 6 . 1 6 . March , 3th 5 th , th October , th

th 1 . m 1 1 6 . April , s , 4th Nove ber , 5 th , th

8th 1 . 6th th r 1 th . May , , 4th December , , 7 ,

Where i s th e Ne c ro m a ncer le t hi m bri ng Hi s tr ea s ur o f c ar s r i c s ru s e r s y h m , h y p , h b G a thered i n e c li p se : or w he n s h ooti ng s tar s Sow e a rt wi t ea r s or le t hi m c a hi s s r i tes h h p l ; , ll p i th e a ir t i ckens a nd the o en noon T ll h , g ld hi s wi n s i s turne to u n i ni t S ote s e . m by g , d dd m d gh C ha rm s .

T WES Country people generally , and Devonians in

of particular , are exceedingly superstitious , in spite all that has been don e for them in the way of higher

n . education , and the e lightening influence of the press

n on Dwellers in the hilly parts of Devo , Dartmoor a n d n Exmoor , and in the villages bordering upo them , are as deeply imbued with faith in witches , as their forefathers were in the days when Alfred was

n ki g . According to tradition there are three kinds of witches .

of The Black Witch , who is an intensely malig n ant nature , and responsible for all the ills that flesh is heir to .

The White Witch , of an opposite nature , is always

n willi g , for certain pecuniary considerations , to dis pense charms and philtres , to cancel the evil of the other .

s he o s The Grey Witch is the worst of all , for p 6 mit ant ( ramin t 4 fi nm a Hi i a. sesses the double power of either overlooking or

releasing . n t In cases of Sick ess , distress , or adversi y , persons

A D . 1 8 8 at the present time ( . 9 ) make long expensive

n jour eys to consult the white witch , and to gain relief by her (or hi s ) aid . The surest method of escaping the influence of the e w vil eye , is to dra blood from the person of the

: witch . Shakespeare , in Henry I I I , says

’ ’ v n Devil or de il s dam , I ll co jure thee

Blood will I draw . Thou art a witch . A country man told me recently that he had raped

’ o ld mother T a p p s arm with a great rusty nail two or

the fl ow three times , till he made blood freely . She

’ ”

n . ca t hurt me again arter that , said he The mode of applying charms and medicaments

n has bee handed down to us from the remotest ages . w ct The itch do or cured through the imagination .

n Co ceit will kill and conceit will cure , said a cele b ra te d Harley Street physician to a medical student who on e day applied to him for advice . It certainly is the case with regard to talismans . Playing on a

’ n patient s will and feeli gs , has stronger power in

n i curi g d sease than we are inclined to credit . To the

u n n - n powerf l i fluence of stro g mi ded , unscrupulous person s over those of weaker constitution may be

of attributed the success the nostrums prescribed .

n Added to the physical prese ce of the charm , the

66 fl ammita ant dtrumrnita.

T o CURE SKIN D I SEASE . PLACE the poison found in a toad ’ s head in a leathern bag one inch square : enclose this in a white silk bag , tie it round the neck , allowing the bag to lie on the pit of the stomach . On the third day the A patient will be sick . Remove and bury the bag . S

s it rots o will the patient get well .

TO CHARM AWAY HOUS E FLIES .

GATHER and dry a s much of the herb Fleab a ne as

a n n you c find . Each mor ing during the months of

n of Ju e , July and August , burn a handful the herb in

T he the rooms . smoke will drive the flies from the house .

TO REMOVE WARTS .

Take an eel and cut off the head .

Rub the warts with the blood of the head .

n Then bury the head in the grou d .

When the head is rotten the warts fall Off .

TO H EAL B U RN S .

T HE witch repeats the following prayer while pass ing her han d three times over the burn

m en Three wise came from the east ,

tw o . One brought fire , carried frost Out fire In frost

In the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost . «i at in 6 l g g. 7

BRIN G CREAM TO BUTTER .

e Com , butter , come ,

Come , butter , come , ’ w Peter s aiting at the gate ,

Waiting for a buttered cake .

Come , butter , come .

C HARM S FOR TOOTHAC HE .

’ (1 ) - Carry a dead person s tooth in the left waist coat pocket . — (2 ) Bite a tooth from the ja w of a disinterred

Skull . (3) A S Peter s a t weeping o n a stone our Saviour passed by and said , Peter , why weepest thou

’ Peter said unto Him , I have got the toothache .

’ d n a n . Our Saviour replied , Arise be sou d An d whosoe ver keeps this in memory or in writing will never suffer from toothache . — (o M i x ’ T w o quarts o f rat s broth .

n n O e ou ce of camphor . f One ounce essence o cloves . — Dose Take one teaspoonful three times a day .

TO CU RE TH E COLIC .

M IX e qual quan tities o f elixir of toads and powdered

Turkey rhubarb . Dose—Half a teaspoonful fasting for three successive

mornings . 68 t n fi nmmi a a t dErnmmita.

TO CHARM A BRU I SE . Holy chicha Holy chicha

- - This bruise will get well b y and bye . Up s un high Down moon low This bruise will be quite well very soon

In G . the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy host

Amen .

TO STAU N CH BLOOD .

A S Christ was born I n Bethlehem and baptized in ” the river Jordan , He said to the water , Be still . fl So Shall thy blood cease to ow . In the name of the — Son t n . Father , and Holy Ghos Ame

TO FRU STRATE TH E POWER OF TH E

BLACK WITCH .

TAKE a cast horse Shoe , nail it over the front door ,

n n points upwards . While aili g it up chant in mono tone the following : So as the fire do melt the wa x

And wind blows smoke away , So in the presence of the Lord

The wicked shall decay , — The wicked shall decay . Amen .

TO I N SU RE GOOD SIG HT .

Fennel , rose , vervain , celandine and rue ,

Do water make which will the sight renew . ali barma.

T o KN O W IF ON E ’ S P RESEN T P IANCE

W I LL BE TRU E . PROCURE from a butcher a bladebone of a Shoulder

n of lamb divested of all the meat . Borrow a penk ife

b u t s a from an unmarried man , do not y for what f i s . O purpose it required Take a yard white ribbon , and having tied it to the bone , hang it as high in your bedroom chimn ey as you c a n conveniently reach . On going to bed pierce the bone with the

n ff knife once , for ine successive nights , in a di erent

SO n place each night , repeat while doing , the followi g

n Tiz not this bone I mea s to stick ,

’ n But my lover s heart I mea s to prick , t Wishing him neither res nor sleep ,

Till unto me he comes to speak .

At the end of nin e days your sweetheart will a s k

o u n n or y to bi d a wou ded finger , to attend to a cut which he Will have met with during the time the

n charm was bei g used .

TO CAUSE A FUTU RE SPOU S E TO

APPEAR .

W Ho s o Wishes to s ee the spectre of a future hu s

c n band a do so by performing the following rite .

os Retire to bed just before midnight , as quietly as p sible . Remove the left garter , and tie it round the 70

s o followm right stocking, while doing repeat the g

knit n w n ot e t This knot I , to know the thing I k o y

s e e n That I may , the man that Shall my husba d be ,

Ho w he goes , and what he wears ,

A n n d d what he does all days a years .

“ During the night , the future he will appear dressed in his ordinary attire , carrying some badge of his trade or profession .

TO DI SCOVER TH E IN ITIALS OF YOU R

FUTU RE H USBAN D .

O N ct a 8th O ober , the day dedicated to Saints

on Simeon and Jude , is the most propitious which to u s e the followin g in cantation for the discovery of the

’

n . n e future o e s initials Take a fine rou d apple , pe l

n n it in o e whole length . Take the pari g in the right

a n d h hand , stand in the centre of a large room , w ile wavin g the parin g gen tly roun d your head repeat :

. a n d n St Simeon St . Jude on you I i trude ,

n By this pari g I hold to discover .

Without delay , tell me I pray ,

The first letters of my own true lover .

Then drop the paring over the left shoulder and it

’ will form the initial of your future husband s name ; if it break up into small pieces you will die an old maid . « marina. 7 1

TO SEE ON E ’ S FUTU RE H U SBAN D BY

C HARM IN G TH E M OON .

O N s n e w o f the eeing the moon , make the Sign

on cross three times in the air , and once your fore head . Clasp both hands tightly together and hold

n them in a supplicati g attitude , uplifted towards the moon . Then repeat All hail , all hail , to thee ,

n e w o All hail to thee , mo n ,

n ew n I pray to thee , moo ,

r owe s t old Before thou g ,

T o n reveal u to me , Who my true love Shall be !

Before the moon is at full the suppliant will s e e her true love .

Z E - TO CU RE W EM Y HEADEDN ESS .

WASH the head with plenty of old rum . The back

n and face with sour wine wear fla nel next the Skin ,

i n - and carry a packet of salt the left hand pocket .

CHARM FOR A TH O RN I N TH E FLESH .

O UR dear Lord Jesus Christ was pricked with

. w n thorns His blood ent back to Heaven agai , His fl e esh neither cankered , rankled , nor f stered , neither

. or . Shall thine , M N In the name of the Father , Son — A n . and Holy Ghost . Amen , Amen , me 2 ( 7 mummies ant Ernmmita.

T HE HALF - CROWN CHARM FOR T HE R F ’ C U E O KI N G S EVIL .

T n i n the AF ER mor ing service the parish Church ,

n or i n earest male relative , in the case of a woman

o f m a n t the case a , the nearest female relative , s ations

or - o f h him her self, on the right hand side the porc ,

o r holding his her hat , into which young men (or

o f a n d en - on e women) , between the ages sixteen tw ty ,

d n rop a penny to the number of thirty . The pe nies

- so collected are changed for a silver half crown . The

n c ut ou t i s ce tre of this coin is , and the outer ring suspen ded as a charm to the n eck of the afflicted

n perso . The centre piece is reserved until the next

n funeral takes place , whe it is dropped into the grave just before the coffin is lowered into it .

TO CU RE I N FLAM MATION .

the t SCOUR inflamed part with s rong brine , after

s e of ward wash with pl nty soap , plenty too of hot

water . Eat much r a w beef f or nine days . A white witch professed to be able to restore a lost

sum o f money by the following incantation .

Flibb e rt ib b er t y , g y, flasky flum ,

C a la fa c w u m . , tarada , lara , wagra

’ m a r oos k w e s um Hooky , y, hatev r s the , Heigho ! Presto ! Money come !

of In the name the Father , the Holy Ghost , and

n ! So . Amen Amen !

74 fl ammita ant drrnnnnita.

graven on the inside . The size and form of this talis man is immaterial So long as the proper time for making it is observed and the prescribed incense is ct used before it is worn . In any form it will prote one

ct e . from enemies , and countera the power of the vil eye

CHARM FO R O BTAINING LOVE AND FOR SUCCES S IN ALL T UNDER AKINGS .

n on WHOEVER wears this charm , writte virgin

n i n parchme t , and sewn up a small r ound silken bag continu ou s l y over the heart , will obtain

o r She all the love he may desire , a n d will be successful in every

n u dertaking . For amulets against ague one must u s e chips of a

t n gallows . These chips mus be sewn i to silken bags a n d w n n or ear the heart .

TO DESTROY TH E POWER OF A WITCH .

TAKE three small - necked stone jars : place in each the

of of new n of liver a frog stuck full pi s , and the heart a toad stuck full o f thorns from the holy thorn bush . ff Cork and seal each jar . Bury in three di erent churchyard paths seven inches from the surface and

a ct seven feet from the porch . While in the of bury

’ i ng each jar repeat the Lord s prayer backwards .

’ As the hearts and livers decay s o will the witch s power vanish . After performing this ceremony no witch can have any power over the operator . C harms . 7 5

TO DISPEL VAPOU RS AN D DRIVE AWAY

EVI L SPI RITS .

’ ’

ST . or John s Wort , Devil s Flight , gathered on

’

. o n St John s Day or a Friday , dried and placed in a

- a n d n i n w ct Closely covered jar hu g a indow , will prote the house from thunderbolts , storms , fire , and evil

Spirits . If the flowers and leaves are dried and ground into powder and then placed in a silken bag and hung

n n rou d the eck , the person will be successful in love ,

f va o ur n ct and be cured o the p s and all me tal affli ions .

T o ct insure perfe immunity from these ills , it is

to on necessary operate in July , the evening of the

n full moo .

TO PREVENT FLEAS FRO M EN TERI NG

A HO USE .

i n e WHEN you first hear the cuckoo the Spring , tak some of the earth from the place on which your right

n foot is sta ding , and sprinkle it on the threshold of

n your front door ; but speak o f it to o on e . Neither

o r o f w fleas , beetles , earwigs , vermin any sort ill cross it .

TO CU RE TOOTHAC H E .

C UT toe your and finger nails , take these parings ,

n wrap in tissue paper , and i sert the packet into a Slit

Y u made in the bark o f an ash tree before sunrise . o will never have toothache again as long as yo u live . 6 7 fi nmmita ant Grammita.

TO C U RE SORE TH ROAT .

READ the eight-h Psalm seven times for three suc c e i n s s v e morni gs over the patient .

TO ASSIST C H ILDREN I N TEETH ING . MAKE a necklace o f beads c u t from the root of

’ n he bane and place round the child s neck .

’ TO CU RE KIN G S EVI L . BAKE a toad and when dried sufficiently to roll in to

i n n powder , beat up a sto e mortar , mix with pow

e w s a n d dered vervain . S in a ilken bag wear round

n the eck . TO COU NTERACT THE EVI L OF SEEI NG

BI RDS OF ILL O MEN . O NE Should repeat seven times the followin g

s n w Clean bird by sevens , u clean birds by t os ,

The dove in the heavens , is the bird which I choose .

TO CU RE BLEEDIN G OF TH E N OSE .

on e or two fin e old i n TAKE toads , place them a cold

n n ff n e oven , i crease the heat u til su icie tly fi rce to cook the toads and reduce them to a brown crisp mass . Remove from the oven and beat them to powder in a s tone mortar . Place the powder in a box and use as snuff

TO CU RE D ROPSY .

- n TAKE several large fully grow toads , place them in a vessel in which they can be burned without their M arni e. 77

s a n ashe becoming mixed with y foreign matter .

n Whe reduced to ashes , pound them in a stone

- mortar . Place the ashes in a wide mouthed jar , cork closely and keep in a dry place . — Dose One teaspoonful of ashes in milk to b e

f n taken at the growing o the moo for nine mornings .

TO C U RE D IA R RHCE A .

TAKE a stale Good - Friday cross - bun and place it i n a hot oven to dry . By grating when hard into

w n po der , and , when required , mixi g it with cold water

o . and taken as a medicine , it will cure diarrh ea

- old When Good Friday comes , an woman runs

two - a - n hot - - With one , or pen y cross buns . ’ ’ Whose virtue is , if you ll believe what s said , ’ They ll not grow mouldy like the common bread .

TO C U RE ITC H I NG . T o cure itching in the palm of the hand

on Rub it the eye , ’ Twill go by - and - bye ; on Rub it wood , ’ Twill sure to come good .

TO C U RE S C IATICA O R BON ESHAVE .

TAKE a pail of clean river water , dipped from

- fl owin the down g stream , a pair of shears , a large

new . key , and a table knife Dip the knife into the

o f pail water , draw it back upwards , downwards and across the hip three times each way . Then dip the 8 i s ant (t w 7 mumm e inni ng.

n e key into the water a d proceed as b fore . Then dip

n the shears i to water , shear the hip as though it were covered with wool . Return the water left in the bucket to the river and sing

A S this watter goeth to zay , fl So ow boneshave away .

N N R I 'V M B AR G U NG VO R . TO CU RE , O R

BA NG UN n a R is cured by blessi g , and the outward p

of : l ocks o f plication clotted cream , thus Take three — on e w on e on e - wool hite , grey , black dip them into

of a n d e a basin clotted cream , wh n thoroughly satur

a n d i n ated , take each lock rub in succession each

n f e cte d spot on the skin . Ha g the wool o n sprigs of

White thorn against the wind to dry . Repeat this

n or process five , seve , nine times , as the case may

W n require . hile lubricati g the sores chant i n mono tone the followin g : There were three angels com e

to from the west , cure Simon Fluke (or other) of the b a rn u n b a rn u n b a rn u n b a rn u n g , white g , red g , black g ,

n b a rn un n aching , sticki g , pricking , g , all sorts of bar

’ - b a rn un b ti b ee e . gun , g , ill will I prove I stick thee

on n a n d n up thees yer thor , there thou shalt die , ever

’ n e ar n no the Son come more , in the name of Father , — and Holy Ghost Amen .

A CU RE FOR RHEU MATI SM .

A N ancient Devon shire superstition is the potato - cure

i n for rheumatism , which should be applied this way . ( ‘ Iflbfil mfi. 79

n Take a freshly dug early grown kid ey potato , wash

a n d o f it free from soil , ask a member the opposite s ex n o f to yourself, to place it u observed in a pocket

n n o n e o f your garments . Havi g o ce worn the tuber you c a n chan ge it yourself into another pock e t at w n n n ill , but it must be wor co tinuously , not i ter

mi ttentl . y , or its charm will be lost It is believed that as the potato hardens the rheumatism will leave

ct a the system . A common pra ice among gricultural

i s labourers , to carry one in every waistcoat pocket until its looks like a small grey stone , and has become quite as hard .

A C HAR M TO C U RE WHOOPI N G CO UG H .

BRING an ass before the door of the house , into

of n e w n whose mouth thrust a slice bread , the pass the Sick child three times over and under the animal ’ s body , and the charm is completed .

A C HARM WH IC H PROTECTS FROM

TH I EVES AN D EN EM I ES . SAY daily at sun rise

I n o d on w a the power of G , I walk my y ’ s oe e r t In the meekness of Christ , what thieves I mee

- The Holy Ghost to day shall me keep .

Sit or n o r Whether I , sta d , walk sleep , The shinin g o f the sun

n . Also the bright ess of his beams , shall me help The faith of I saac to - day shall me lead 86 t t r jnnmnn a an dt nmmifa.

f - T he suf erings of Jacob to day be my Speed .

e of s The d votion the holy Lamb thieves hall let , ’ n of e s u s s n e s The stre gth J passio th m be et , low The dread of death hold thieves , f T h e wisdom o Solomon cause their overthrow .

s f n s et i n The uf eri gs of Job them hold ,

The chastity of Daniel let what they would .

The speech of Isaac their speech shall spill ,

Th n s n r m e la gui hi g faith of Je o let them o f their will . n e of The flami g fir s hell to hit them , I bequeath ,

n of s ea e The deep ess the deep , their h arts to grieve n The help of Heaven cause thieves to sta d . He that made th e s un and moon bind them with his hand n So sure as St . Bartholomew bou d the fiend ,

With the hair of his beard . With these three sacred names of God known and n unknow . ! Miser , Sue , Tetragrammaton , Christ Jesus Amen .

TO B RIN G SPI RITS TO YOU . AN O INT your eyes for three days with the combined

’ - n a n d . juices of the herbs , dill , vervai , St John s wort , and the spirits in the air will become visible to you .

A C HARM To STOP BLEEDIN G AT

THE N OSE . SAY n i ne times with great faith these words Blood abide in this vein as Christ abideth in the“

e . Church , and hide in thee as Christ hideth from hims lf

The bleedin g will presently cease .

82 a t clt rnm it fi nmmita n m a.

TO DISCOVER I F ON E WI LL EVER

MARRY . O N Christmas eve go into the yard a n d tap smartly at

- o f . the door the hen house If a hen first cackles ,

ou y will never marry , but if a cock crows first then

n you will marry before the e d of the coming year .

AN OTHER CU RE FOR WARTS . TAKE as many small stones from a running stream

n n as you have warts , put them tightly i to a clea white bag , and throw them into the highway or

n n e street . Then wash each wart in stro g vi egar sev n successive mornings . Whoever picks up the bag of

n of w stones will get a tra sfer the arts .

TO C U RE A FEVER . NVR IT E on parchment the followi ng and bind it over the heart o f the patient . “ f E x r o u e u s . In the name St . p and St Honorius ,

- - u ar ti a n n n fall fever , spring fever , q , qui tai , ago , super

c ons u mmatu m . n ago , est While fixi g this charm to

n an d . the patie t , repeat three Paters three Aves The

n patient will recover after weari g the charm nine days .

THE HERRING - BON E CHARM TO CAU SE

DEATH . SEW into a garment which is worn next to the Skin

- t n . a long hin herri g bone As the bone dries up , or

s o withers , will the person wearing it gradually pine away and die . ( marina.

PLAN ET RU LI N G BY AN EX ETER

ASTROLOGER .

A LADY wishing to verify the statement that C . of “ Exeter ruled the planets , thereby foretelling inter

” ct n ct esting fa s in co ne ion with the future , sent him t five shillings , stating at the same time , the hour , da e , a n d year of her birth . The following are a f e w ex

ct of tra s from the reply , which consisted eight closely written pages of foolscap paper .

A FEMALE .

n n 1 1 8 . Bor , Ju e 3th , 74

A 1 n . t m . 7 hours 3 mi utes , p At the time of this birth the 1 9th degree of the

Sign Libra ascended the Eastern Horizon , and the a 6th of degree the Sign Cancer culminated , and Venus who rules or govern s the ascendant wa s posi

i n i n ted the Sign Taurus the eighth house . Saturn was posited in Scorpio retrograde .

This is a Sign of a tine with Saturn . Mars and Mercury were in conjun ction in Pisces in the ninth

a house . The moon was in Sagittarius pplying to a

un tine with the S in Aries in the seventh house .

The above configuration of the planets shews the

fin e native to be over the middle height , with a well t proportioned body , neatly compac ed , moderately

or fleshy , but not stout , corpulent ; brown hair and good complexion , tending to sanguine . Fine brown 8 ulnmit ant «Er mmit 4 fi a n a.

eyes , with tender expression . Of cheerful disposi

and n tion ; merry mirthful , perseveri g in all under

O takings , loves neatness in dress , never guilty f or extravagance unworthy action . Of high i ntelli

gence and graceful carriage .

As regards husbands . The native will do well to

ct n be cautious in sele ing her husba ds . The first will

ct n be respe able , fo d of wine , often intemperate , care

i n f n . o less business Tall , stout , and a passio ate

n disposition , careless in money matters , but ge erous

. o f a n d at times Fond of the pleasures the table ,

. n i will die suddenly The seco d husband w ll be tall , handsome , with a good complexion , hasty tempered but soon appeased , generous , free Spirited , will be

n possessed of substantial mea s , fond of manly sports

a n d ct The and exercises , highly cultured intelle ual . n t ative must emporize with him , and will then easily

n get her own way in most thi gs .

She will always have pecuniary worries , and must therefore be very careful i n all money matters . At forty she will lose a relative , but will not be much

n prejudiced thereby . She must never make a frie d

of or . , trust any dark woman older than herself She will have many friends and be popular amongst her

fift - or - acquaintances . At about y four sixty eight She will have great trouble , a bad illness , or some untoward event is likely to occur .

The native died when about thirty . She mar

who . ried a very tall , pale , thin man , survives her

C u s to m s .

M OTH ERIN G S UN DAY .

I N many parts of Devonshire and other western

n counties , the fourth Su day in Lent is observed as a holiday , under the title of Mothering Sunday . Ser

n - vants , apprentices , and you g working folks in general visit their parents , and between them make up very happy home parties . The previous Saturday is a

i s busy day , for the mother looking forward with

’ great pleasure to the morrow s meetings and festivi ties . She busies herself in preparing the materials

n for a good di ner for the joyous youngsters , and gives

n them the very best She c a aff ord . Of course the mother i n - ca ke g is her Chief care . It is big and rich , and must be well baked , sugared , and ornamented n nn on c on with fanciful desig s . The di er Sunday

o f of sists a hind quarter lamb with mint sauce , a

- n well boiled suet puddi g , seakale , and cauliflower ,

- wheat furmity , with home made wines . The day is one of mirthful enjoyment , mutual congratulations , 88 a ru fi nmmita nt at mtnita.

n and be evolence . The remains of the feast are usually distributed amongst needy neighbours who are

e unable to purchase these delicacies for thems lves . The custom arose from the practice of our Roman

Catholic ancestors goin g in procession on Mid - len t

n of Su day , from the most distant parts their parishes ,

a n d to visit the Mother Church ; , according to the

o f n custom of the times , much the day , though omi

s et nally apart for a religious service , was devoted to

in fe stivity a n d mirth . Instances of such perverted

’ s titu ti on s are to be met with in the saints festivals ,

- a n d n the wakes , the revels , the church ales , fairs , ma y of s a which are still kept up in country villages , to y t i no h ng of the more riotous festivities of Lent ,

n . Easter , Whitsu tide , and Christmas

’ I ll to thee a Simnel bring ,

Gain st thou go a - mothering

n So that whe she blesseth thee ,

’ n Half that blessi g thou lt give me .

TH E H OBBY HORSE .

A FORM of amusement popular in Devon a n d Corn ct f wall is that of the Hobby Horse . This pra ice o assuming the forms of animals and counterfeitin g their action s is o f ancient date and probably formed part of the Roman Sa tur na li a .

The hobby horse consists of a compound figure .

The head and tail of a horse , with a light wooden

0 ( 9 fl ammita ant IErnmmits .

of the members their Court , civic dignitaries , and the

i n f o . populace , the enjoyment May Day gaieties The makers of the f un adorned themselve s with

w . wreaths and festoons of flo ers Girls , wearing a

n profusion of flowers , danced arou d the Maypole to

o f Me s a n d the wild strains drums . Men visited the beer Shops , where they imbibed more than was good for them .

old As the custom grew , abuses crept in , and what wa s once a picturesque and innocent recreation de generated into frantic drunken revels , which were

n a sca dal and a nuisance .

w a n d There ere , still are , numerous superstitions attached to the merry month o f May . Marriages taking place in May are supposed to bring ill - luck to the con tra cting parties . Cats born in this month are regarde d as unpleasant creatures to have about one ,

ct of as the pra ice bringing into the house snakes ,

a n d ct to toads , other obje ionable vermin is ascribed them .

- d ew ct o r n s un - May , colle ed before close upo rise , is looked upon as an in fallible b ea u tifier of the c om plexion . Young girls arose early to wash their faces i n i t with the hope that their charms would be i n

n creased . O returning from the fields they would

n h n a n d gather bra ches of hawt or bloom , suspend it

to ct over the entrance the house , to prote it and themselves from the spells of witches and the evil eye . 1 di agrams . 9

of w on On the first May , persons ere sent ridiculous

on n errands , and their return , empty ha ded , were

a s a - derisively addressed May g ze chicks , or May goslings .

The old - fashion ed demonstrations of mirth a n d hilarity have dwindled to feeble exhibition s of ill dressed dolls , decked with wild flowers , carried in the

of to hands village children from house house , where the occupants reward them with a fe w sweets or

n pence . Then the childre sing the following words . Round the Maypole

Trit , trit , trot , See what a Maypole

We have got ,

Fine and gay ,

Trip away ,

- Happy is o u r N e w May day .

Good morning , merry gentlefolks We wish you a happy May

ou r We come to Show May garland ,

’ Because tis the first of May .

Come kiss my face .

And smell my mace , And give the little children Somethin g

- At Helston , in Cornwall , the May day festivals are still observed with all the old - time spirit a n d en thu s i a s m . 9 2 mammite ant (Hi rammita.

T HE ASHEN FAGGOT .

T HE custom o f burn ing the yule log is observed in

on large country houses , at the present time , Christ ct mas Eve , but where the fireplaces are contra ed and

- o f Slow combustion grates the vogue , small branches

n c u t n . gree ash , are fresh from the pla tation These sawn into lengths the width of the grate are tied into faggots with four or fiv e strong binds of bramble

n n canes . Very large faggots , which are i te ded to be

- n burnt in old fashioned kitchen fireplaces , are bou d

n of with Chains . The bramble bi ds are a source

n n on much amusement , for soo after bei g placed the

n o n e . dogs , they bur through , by one Before they begin to light and burn , each of the youngest mem

of a n d bers the family choose a bind , whose is first burnt through will be the first to marry . It is cus tom a r y for the company to drin k a quart of cider at

of s o the bursting each bind , that by the time the

ha s whole have given way , there been a large con

n i h sumptio of that beverage . It soon begins to fl uenc e th e flow of spirits and induces a hilarious state

of n t . mind , i creasing in streng h as the night advances

R OODM AS DAY .

o f THI S is a festival the Romish church , designed to commemorate the fin din g of the Cross upon which

ff n J esus su ered , by St . Hele a .

On n the first Mo day after the third of May , this festival is annually held at Bovey Tracy . It is known

a 94 fi nmmita nt atrnmmita.

clanged out furiously , awakening the inhabitants and warni n g the youn g folk that it was time to bestir

n themselves . Quickly donni g their oldest garments the men turned out a n d started to collect faggots

n a v a li a le n of gree ery from every b hedge a d wood .

of a n d w The fronts public buildings , shops d elling houses were profusely decorated with bran ches of oak of oa ka le s , from which depended scores pp pre

l o r v i ous y gilded covered with silver paper . Every man wore oak sprigs and a small oa ka pple in his button - hole and his hat w a s encircled with a wreath ct of Oa k leaves . Woe betide him who negle ed to adorn his house or his person . Charles and Cromwell were both b e fitti ngly rep resented . The Royalist party wa s distinguished by its proud bearing and smart attire , while the roundhead party was expected to look the reverse of gentlemen .

- Charles , enthroned in a gaily decorated Chair was born e on the shoulders of four stalwart men through the principal streets , and great homage and profound respect were paid to him .

On the reverse , Cromwell was represented by the coarsest and most repulsive - looking scoundrel the

w a s town could produce . He naked to the waist , and gloried in a long Shaggy tail made of a hempen rope much frayed at the end . With this he belaboured any mischievous urchin who dared to in terfere with

hi s his progress . Around waist was tied a huge bag di agrams . 9 5

n n filled with soot . Himself a d attenda ts were thick ly daubed with oiled lamp - black and other disgusting

. ha d tri u m compositions At noon , when Charles

ha ntl n p y made his processio through the town , the

n n mischief bega . Cromwell s o ma aged his aff airs that the tw o parties met each other at the bottom of

Bampton Street , just opposite the entrance to the

”

. N ow Three Tuns Hotel the gambols began , Cromwell plentifully besmeared all on whom he and

n off his followers could lay ha ds , and carried them to

n . n imprisonme t till later on Of course , in the ge eral

n scrimmage that ensued , prisoners were captured o

to own both sides , be ransomed by their friends

’ fiv e n at O clock , when the street entertainments e ded and wilder orgies at the public houses began . The money collected was spen t in mad carousals and jollific a ti on s . N o women could venture into the

s o streets ; if there were any brave enough to do , it was at the peril of their lives . Next day many a w t head ached , and vo s were registered tha N ever

’ no more wid any body gi t up tii theys e z oa rt 0 May games agen .

no w This barbarous pastime has entirely died out ,

’ and is only held in remembrance by Blundell s

of - scholars , who , in hopes getting a half holiday , decorate the masters ’ d esks and chairs with oak boughs before morning school . Let us hope that the headmaster does not turn a deaf ear to their silent prayer . nmmita ant G rummit fi a.

A HARVEST CUSTO M .

‘ old c us tom A VERY , that of crying the neck at the

n end of corn harvest , still obtai s in some parishes in the west of England . When the last sheaf o f wheat is cut at the end of

n August , the reapers take the very last ha dful of

n straw and plait the e ds together , tying them w 1th

n - n n le gths of bright coloured ribbons ; the , lifti g it high above their heads , wave their sickles frantically , a n d Shout

W e - ha - neck w e - ha - neck Well a plow e d well a s owe d

’ ’ We ve a r ea p e d a nd we ve a m owe d Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! — Well - a - cut well abound

Well - a - z ot upon the ground

VVe - ha - neck we - ha - neck Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah !

There are many variants of the cry , but the above

o ne . seems to be the in general use At Paignton , the

’ farmer s name is introduced , thus

A - neck a - n eck a - neck Whose neck ?

’ ’ Va r m er Fe rri s es ! Va rmer Ferri s e s

Its all a - c ut ! And all abound

a take n n And all from the grou d , Hip hip whorrah whorra h

9 8 jpnnnnita ant «tw inni ng.

- partakers of the harvest supper . The neck is carried into the house and hung over the centre of the kitchen

a n d new table for a year , when replaced by the neck it is given to the best beast in the stall .

The word a - neck is said to be derived from the “ ” Celtic language , and means saved . Others claim

a nai e for it an Irish origin , as the word in that

” country means save thou me . While another suggestion is that the custom may have been derived from the Jewish ceremonial of the wave off ering men tione d 1 0 in Leviticus xxiii , , and following verses , and introduced by the early Hebrew settlers in

c a rrri e d i n Britain . A long correspondence was on

1 8 8 Wes ter n M or n i n N ews August , 9 , in the g , on this ct ceremony , from which I glean that the pra ice is

i n identical every part of the county , but there are differences in the mode of its performance .

GIGLET MARKET O R FAI R .

AT on many towns and villages in Devonshire , the

- the first Saturday after Christmas day , and at Lady day , it was customary , up to a recent date , for women and girls desirous of being hired as domestic servants to repair to the fair - fie ld of the district and stand in rows on exhibition . Persons in need of servants would then make a tour of inspection and select such a s appeared suitable to their requirements .

a f ew This custom prevailed until years ago , at

Holsworthy , Okehampton , and South Molton . di amante. 99

After the business of the day w a s over a revel or pleasure fair was held known as The Giglet Fair ” a n d Giglet Market .

e At Okehampton Giglet Fair , bachelors wer

n o f ct to allowed , without the ceremo y introdu ion ,

a n d to approach , make love , propose the giglet of their choice . It frequently happened that the joy bells ,

n f i n o . a few weeks , a nounced the success their venture

TH E D IVIN ING ROD .

T HE Divinin g Rod is known also as the Dowsin g

’ R od a n d Rod , Moses s , the Virgula . It is simply a

of —V n s twig this form , each limb bei g from ten inche to n n c ut twelve i ches lo g , from a cherry tree , hazel ,

or . ar e white thorn The operators named dowsers ,

- - i n or finders . n divi ers , water witches , water Great ter e s t i s rod a s f or attached to the , used the purpose o f discovering subterranean water - springs and lodes of ore . Its mysterious properties have been exempli

ct n he d i n numberless instances . The satisfa ory findi g

f w a s n v n o water by its aid rece tly Shewn at Ti erto ,

Chu mlei h n Plympton , Plymouth , g , and ma y other

a nd places , which caused much correspondence for against the art in the Wes ter n M or n i ng N e ws a n d

n . In other west country ewspapers Cornwall , too , the dowser has pointed ou t spots where valuable i n lodes of metals have been unearthed . One case

Bri a n particular may be quoted at Great gg , when the late Captain T r ela s e was the diviner . I OO n ant r fi mmita dt nmmita.

mod u s o er a ndi The p is very simple , The water witch holds the thin arms of the twig bet ween his fingers and thumbs with the point projecting out ct wards , while he walks steadily over the suspe ed

. n spring or lode If there be water or mi eral below ,

e the hazel turns upwards with a sudden jerk , if ther

n . i s is neither , it remai s passive It said that the operator experiences peculiar sensations i n his limbs

a n d a n as the twig vibrates , that his face assumes agitated e xpression . All persons are not sy mpa theti c a n d bor n the twig lies inert in their hands , but with a d o ws er fre the rod very soon puts on vitality , and quently completes a Circle breaking Short off at the

n of - points . Hu dreds persons pooh pooh the whole

n thi g and condemn it as a trick , and are surprised that in these days of scien tific attainments people should be foun d weak enough to pin their faith to the

e virtues of a twig . Despite Opposition and ridicul the search for water by this means is popular

- n throughout Devon and her sister cou ties .

LU CK MON EY . I N old fashioned markets it is customary to give luck money on an animal being sold by the farmer himself . t ct The prac ice is gradually dying out , as au ions are taking the place of private contracts . In some places a penny merely passes from the seller to the buyer , a ct pra ice arising , probably , from some superstitious

1 02

ff daisy played an interesting part a air . allowed him t o engrave a daisy on his arms ;

“ ’ ” I ll think about it . Readers of Faust will t e

how s he n member Margaret , as walked in the garde ,

off plucked the petals of an aster , one after another , saying , half aloud He loves me , he loves me not — - — — he loves me not he loves me not he loves me

This old - world custom is still in vogue among the lasses of sunny Devon . Lo re a nd W se Sa s i w .

1 06 fi nmmita ant dtrnmtnita.

n They that be bor that day , I ween ,

on e a n d They shall be strong each , keen He shall be found that stealeth aught

Though thou be sick , thou diest not .

’ If New Year s Day happen on a Saturday the wi n

ter will be mean , the summer hot , the harvest late ,

- garden stuff good and cheap , honey , flax , and hemp

abundant .

a n d a 6th If the weather be dry bright on January ,

the year will be generally of the same type . St . Paul

n i s the guardian sai t of this day .

of If the day St . Paul be clear ,

Then Shall betide a happy year ,

If it do Chance to snow or rain ,

Then shall be dear all kinds of grain ,

But if the wind then be aloft ,

Wars shall vex this realm full oft ,

s k And if the clouds make dark the y ,

Both beasts and fowl this year shall die .

When midges in January play and fly ,

Treasure your fodder for beasts in July .

A January spring is nothing worth .

January freezes the pot upon the fire .

the If grass grow in January , it grows the worse

the . for it all the year . Lock your grain in granary

As the days lengthen so does the cold strengthen .

h n 2nd If t e weather on Ca dlemas Day , February , Weat e l ate ant (liaise ait 1 6 ( h r B s . 7

n n be bright and dry , there will be a long conti ua ce of

w1 ntr cold y weather .

or ,

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair , w m The half of the inter is to co e , and mair ,

we t If Candlemas Day be and foul ,

The half o f the winter is gone at yule . 9 1"

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright ,

Winter will have another fight ,

n But if Ca dlemas Day be clouds and rain ,

Winter is gone , and will not come again .

on and If a storm comes February , spring is near t but if hat day be bright and clear , the spring will be late .

on on 2 nd When drops hang the fence February ,

1 icicles shall hang there on March 4th .

There is always one fine week in February . When it rains in February it will be temperate all the year .

the F ru r All months in the year curse a fine eb ee .

i n If February there be no rain ,

’ The hay won t goody , nor the grain . All other months of the year b Most heartily curse a fine Fe rueer .

it February fill dyke , be it black or be white ;

t . it be white , the be ter to like If bees get out i n February the next day will.

n rough and rai y .

c a t i n s un s he When the February lies in the , will

n creep u der the grate in March . Remove all Christmas decorations before Ca n dle mas Day .

Down with the rosemary and the bays ,

A n d down with the mistletoe , Instead of the holly now upraise

The bright green box for Show .

or ,

s o If the superstitious find ,

On e n ti y branch just left behind ,

for Look every leaf there may be ,

So man y goblin s shall plague thee .

n of e If the eightee last days F bruary be wet , and

’ of s e e the first days March , you ll that the spring

a n d quarter , the summer too , will prove to be wet , and danger will ensue .

a n d February be ye fair ,

n a n d The hoggs will me d , nothing pair

February and be ye foul ,

The hoggs will die in the pool (Scotch) .

If March comes in like a lion , it goes out like a

vi ce vers a . lamb , and

a n d March winds April Showers , fl Bring forth May owers .

Dust in March brings leaves and grass .

’ A dry April i s not the farmer s will .

I n April wet is what the farmer would get .

‘ n not Till April is dead , cha ge a thread .

What March does not want April brings along .

hi s n When April blows hor ,

’ n Tis good for hay a d corn .

n O the first of April crows are still sitting .

ff n April floods carry o frogs a d their broods .

The cuckoo comes in April .

When the cuckoo comes to the bare thorn , Sell your c ow and buy you corn

to But when he comes the full bit ,

e S ll your corn and buy you sheep .

’ on If it thunders All Fools Day ,

There will be good crops of corn and hay . Fogs i n April foretell a failure of the wheat crop for next year . One should look f or grass in April on the top of an oa k , because grass seldom springs well before the oak puts forth i ts leaves . Fin e warm weather from Easter to Whitsuntide produces much grass and cheap butter .

A s e on n n s o the weath r is Asce sio Day , will it be the entire autumn .

on a n d If it rains Good Friday Easter Day ,

’ There ll be plenty of grass and a little good hay .

‘ April an d May between them make b rea d for all the year . ato 1 1 1 w eather irate ant tram b n.

April rains for men May for beasts .

Button to the Chin till M ay be in .

’ Marry in May you ll rue it for aye .

No wind is colder than a May wind .

For a warm , wet May

The parsons do pray ,

For then death - fees

Come their way . A May wet

n Was ever kind yet . A cold M ay is kindly

An h d fills t e barn finely .

A cold May is good for corn and hay .

i n For an East wind May it is your duty to pray .

n A s owstorm in May ,

Brings weight to the hay . The more thunder in May the less there will be in

August and September . By the first of May young crows will have flown away . s he s he May , come early , come late ,

’ Still She ll make the c ow to quake .

A May flood never did good .

’ Shear sheep in May you ll shear them all away .

who . He bathes in May , will soon be laid in Clay

A swarm of bees in May i s worth a stack o f hay .

In May the cuckoo sings all day . n t o t Cha nge o a clout till May be u .

put it on i n May .

A dry May and a rainy June ,

’ Puts the farmer s pipe in tune .

A misty May and a hot June ,

n Makes the harvest come right soo .

n n A dripping June bri gs all thi gs in tune .

i s A swarm of bees in June worth a silver spoon .

’

. t Before St John s day we pray for rain , after tha we get it anyhow .

The chan ge which takes place in the voice of the cuckoo is thus quaintly described by a sixteenth century poet

c o o - c oo c a n n In April the si g her song by rote , In June oft time s he cannot sin g a note

- ! - n c a n At first koo koo koo koo si gs till she do ,

kooke - o - kooke kookes At last kook ; Six to one koo .

I s t s o If July be wet and rainy , it will continue for four weeks or more .

’ He , who in July the cuckoo s voice doth hear ,

Will die before he comes next year .

A swarm of bees in July is not worth a fly .

If it rain on July roth it wi ll rain for seven weeks .

’ Ne er trust a July sky .

‘ 1 1 s ant at mm tit 4 mummie n ej.

t . Warm Oc ober , cold February The a8th of October was anciently accounted as

i certain to be ra ny . October ’ s brew

Will fuddle you .

n There are always nineteen dry days i October . ct If O ober bring heavy frosts and winds , then will

January and February be mild . ct For every fog in O ober a snow in the winter , heavy or light according as fog is heavy or light .

As t s o the weather is in Oc ober , will it be in the next March . ct t Full moon in O ober withou frost , no frost till full moo n in November .

If the first snow fall on moist , soft earth , it indi

z cates a small harvest ; but if upon hard , fro en soil a good harvest the followi ng year . t When it freezes and snows in Oc ober , January will bring mild weather ; but if it is thundery , and

- t heat lightning prevail , the wea her will resemble

April in temper .

ct - O ober should be a fill dyke .

Crows groping greedily come back again ,

’ With October s wind and rain .

c I n De ember keep yourself warm , and sleep .

The worse weather for the rider , is the better for the bider . e nt ° w i e ato 1 1 w eather l or a a E n. 5

it If it rain on a Sunday before the mass , will rain all the week more or less . Mackerel skies and colts’ tails

Make big ships carry little sails . Many a Cloudy morning

u Brings forth a s nny noon .

Leap year never brings a goo d sheep year .

Hail brings frost on its tail .

When beans are in bloom brew not your ale . i k s ee . When elder white , brew and bake a p When

i s . elder black , brew and bake a sack

- s ow When the sloe tree is white as a sheet , your barley whether it be dry or wet .

Ash before oak , there will be a soak ,

a s h . Oak before , there will be but a splash No one so surely pays his debt

As . wet to dry , and dry to wet

’ A Saturday s new moon once in seven years i s once too soon .

the ne w If moon on a Saturday be or full ,

wa s There always rain and always will .

the new When moon is on her back , or shows her

of horns , it is a true Sign rough , boisterous weather , accompanied with heavy rain .

’ ’ a nd o Winter s thunder summer s fl od ,

old Bodes to England nothing good . East wind and west the Sign of blast ,

North a nd south the Sign of drouth .

He who by the plough would thrive ,

Himself must either hold or drive .

When the wind is in the east ,

’ It s neither good for man nor beast . When the dim form of the full moon can be seen in

n ew the lap of the moon , it is considered by some to

n s u be a Sign of rai . By sailors and fishermen it is p posed to presage tempestuous weather .

s aw ne w I the moon late yestreen , With the old moon in her lap

And if we gang to sea master ,

I fear some dread mishap .

When the wind is in the north , hail comes forth ,

n i n we t When the wi d is the west , look for a blast

When the wind is in the south , the weather will be

fresh and good ,

When the wind is in the east , cold and snow comes

most .

Who ploughs deep while sluggards sleep ,

Will have corn to sell and to keep .

’ two Twixt twelve and ,

Will shew what the day will do . e Every wind hath its w ather .

The south e rn win d pla y the Doth ' trumpet to his purposes

And , by his hollow whistling in the leaves

Foretells a tempest , and a blustering day .

SIGNS O F RAIN AS PREDICTED BY THE HAB ITS O F

BIRDS AND ANIMALS .

low I F a heron or bittern flies , the air is becoming charged with water vapour .

s k When kine view the y, stretching up their heads

s nu ffin n and g the air , moist vapours are engenderi g , the cause of their doing s o being their sensibility

’ of the air s sudden alteration from dry to wet ; and

i s u n sudden rain will ensue , though at that t me the

n n may be shi i g brightly .

The chattering of swallows and their flying low about lakes and ponds denote rain . The much croaking of frogs in the ditches and

&c . pools , , in the evening , foretells rain in a short time to follow .

The sweating of stone pillars denotes rain .

Ants moving their eggs denotes rain , for by a secret instinct of nature finding the air changi n g into much moisture , they carry them to a place of drier security .

Crows flocking in large flights , holding their heads

w n up ards as they fly , and cawi g louder than usual , is

n a Sign of rain , as is also their stalki g by ponds and rivers and sprinkling themselves . " w eat e are ant w i e ato 1 1 h r { s E n. 9

The frequent dropping and diving of waterfowl fore

Shows that rain is at hand .

n Peacocks cryi g much denotes rain . Cattle leaving off to feed and hastenin g to Shelter

&c . under hedges , bushes , trees , outhouses , , shows sudden showers are coming .

Expect rain if the stalks of clover stand upright ; if the flower of the convolvulus closes ; if the flowers of the sorrel and o f the African marigold close ; if the flower of the pitcher - plant turns up s Ide down if the flower of the Cinquefoil expands . Fine weather is preceded by the opening of the

o r flowers of the sorrel the closing of the Cinquefoil , and the standing erect of the flower of the pitcher plant . A foot deep of rain Will kill hay again But three feet of snow

’ Will make it come mo .

When hemp is ripe and ready to pull ,

n n of . The E glishman , beware thy skull The kingfisher builds i ts nest in holes in the banks of a river . Should it become dislodged and float down the river and out on the surface of the sea With out capsizing , then there will be a long spell of fine weather . In some parts of the country this bird i s used as a

e ct vane , not expos d to the a ion of the wind , but ' 1 26 fi nmmita ant dLrummita.

f n i n n stuf ed and suspe ded a room by a thi string , its bill always indicating the poin t from which the wind blows . Into what corner peers the halcyon bill — — Ha to the east ye s s ee how stands the wind . “ The antien ts supposed that it built its n est on the

un the ocean , and hatched its yo g at winter solstice . To accoun t for the preservation o f the nest an d young birds amidst the severity of the season , they imagined that the bird had a power of lulling the raging of the waves during the period of incubation ;

” w a s i n n and this power believed to reside its so g , so

’ says the author of Cha mbers s I nf orma ti on f or the

P eo l e v ol . . p , ii , page 447 A gentleman who once visited the west country thinks the following fairly represents the chronic c on di ti ons of Devonshire weather

One n w u lucky Friday , with sorro and pain

I proceed to record it , it came on to rain ,

n on It rained on the Saturday , rai ed the Sunday ,

I t n n rained every hour of the day o the Mo day .

n On Tuesday it rai ed cats and dogs as they say ,

And Wednesday was also a very wet day ,

On Thursday and Friday , especially the latter day ,

n It rai ed very hard , but my gracious on Saturday

w a s The rain most dreadful , a great deal more bad Than that of any other day we had had

n - Wes ter n M or ni n N ews A ti Pluvius , g ,

1 1 8 . Feb . 7th , 99

‘ 1 22 nmtnit a mi rnmintt fi z nt a.

At i dusk the squal d toad was seen , ’ Hopping and crawling o er the green

The frog has lost his yellow vest ,

And in a dingy suit is dressed .

i s ri s en The leech disturbed newly , Quite to the summit of his prison w The whirling inds the dust obeys ,

And in the rapid eddies plays .

s o My dog , altered is his taste ,

Quits mutton bones , on grass to feast s ee how o dd And yon rooks , their flight ,

They imitate the gliding kite ,

Or seem precipitate to fall ,

As if they felt the piercing ball . ’ ! Twill surely rain I see with sorrow ,

’ ff - Our jaunt must be put o to morrow .

r a n Al a na li s d 1 F om m c p ub he 844 .

1 26 jaummite ant dt rurnmita.

- CAT LATI N . S V TS ER AN , when desirous of hoodwinking their mis tresses or each other , resorted to a curious method of speech .

u s v us to They added , or every word . This jargon was styled cat - latin a s

W env us thev us c atv us i s v u s outv u h h s , t ev us ,

” i v ll l m c e us a vu s p ayvu s . The above will gi ve the reader some idea of this ridiculous custom . I am told that it has not quite died out in the far west even up to this date

LABY LU L . t WHEN a child gets tired or a little out of emper , and the s he on nurse wishes to amuse it , dandles it her knee , and sings Va the r and mawther

And uncle Jan , Went to Market

Pin tap a black ram ,

’ Off a v ather v l d , Off a ’ V l d mawther , And away raw’ d Uncle Jan All up ! all u p all up ! Eat the fat ram And hang Uncle Jan All up ! all up ! all up ! Huraw for Uncle Jan t u s 1 2 fl ammi a ant M mmie . 7

“ A COOM B M A RT IN C RY.

O NE day a s a tourist was walking through this vi llage he heard a man make the following announcement Thes es tii gie notice that down by tha s ay (s ea) liveth a old dummun that z ills gii de z oura (vinegar) * a inc e nu i n Ciime tii dree pp a gg , what vokes liketh i ’ lappee kale w .

V SIGN IN A WI N DO W BY TH E V AY- SI D E

N EAR TIVERTON . If this should catch the eye

- b Of any passer y,

Who should happen to be dry ,

’ not s h I hope he ll be y, But just step in t And wet his thro tle , With prime ginger beer

A penny a bottle .

ANSTEY’ S A S IGN AT COVE , TORQ UAY .

hot Picnics supplied with water and tea ,

s ea At a nice little house down by the .

Fresh crabs and lobsters every day ,

Salmon peel , sometimes red mullet and grey

The - neatest of pleasure boats let out on hire ,

o Fishing as go d as you can desire .

’ C oo b fo ks ike t ea t wi h b K 3 m l l o t c a b a ge . ale i s the loc a l na me b for ca b age . Bathing machines for ladies are kept ,

a n d With towels gowns all quite correct.

who Thomas is the man supplies everything , And also teaches youn g people to swim

SALE O F EFFECTS AN D A WI FE ! RECEIVED of Edward Salter the sum of four pounds ten shillings for goods received and chattels , a bay

nd . . mare , a also Mrs Smale , as parting man and wife e Agr ed before witnesses ,

t 1 1 8 1 0 . Oc ober 7th , Witness the mark of Edward Snow James Worth Mary Salter Edward Salter Settled the whole concern by the mark of John Smale X

0 . 75 4 1 05 . d

T HE SEQUEL .

N 1 th 1 8 1 1 a li O Thursday , May s , , the buyer made pp cation to the Plymouth magistrates , stating the circumstances of the case , and that John Smale wanted his wife back again , notwithstanding that he the said buyer liked her very much , and did not wish to part with her . The magistrates told him he had no legal claim to

1 0 r it 3 fi nmmita ant di nnnn a.

was borrowed from a neighbour , and the woman led into the market - place accompanied by a crowd of

0 persons . N bidders , however , seemed to be amongst

to them , and the woman was obliged be content . This disgraceful scene was witnessed by a very large number of spectators . COPY OF A LETTER

Sent to Mr . Martin , the energetic secretary of the

Devonian Club in London .

Frithelstock Moor ,

T a ddi ort De bb en p , Nath ,

Feb reer a 8th 1 , 889 .

Zi r f ene lm en Staf ord and g all ,

’ ‘ ’ I p u ll th my v orlock tii e i v v ery wan I did Op e

' ’ ‘ s hii d e tii n w e tii - I abin able bin lo g tu dinner day .

’ ’ ' ' I m blamed e f I bant that vext I can t tell what tiI di I

’ ’ ' wi tii thenk c a nk - m zell , that that y tempered old

° twoa d ov a wive ov mine want let me come ti I

’ ’ ‘ Li nnu n a wi iI tii - and a bit and a drap y Chaps day .

’ Niver mind sose ! durned ef I want be u pz ides wi

’ ’ E r ll n She avore long . be wanting a fine e w rory

’ the ! r tory gown avore year be out , but by Gor e

’ ’ dalled e f er shall want . I ll be Shall get wan though

’ ’ ’ ‘ the tii I ve agot dibs sure nough , but I ll stick they .

Zee e f I d aw nt .

’ ’ I wuz opping tu ave some figge tty pudden and

’ 0 z oa rt ov lots more that trade , a purty gude bust

’ ‘ aw t — ov tii altogether , but there tidden wan bit use t 1 1 fi nmmita ant «Drummi e. 3

’ ’ ri z z lee ort awv er t s a nu ther g more , so I want y word

’ bout e t thea s e time .

I cude a - told - e a gude many zide cracking stories about wan and tother old D eb b en shur vokes down

’ th s e earts ov iI ra de ey p the country , but if y staps to y

’ ' ’ ‘ d rii a n d dr ii tI b e i n th tii the a s e letter evore y g ayte ,

’ ’ ' ma te ll u ll tii yer y be cold , and y be famished death ,

’ ’ ’ z o yii d better pu tt n aside till yii ve a mapped up all

' ’ they b iI ti v u l junkets I yer Mrs . Martin av e amade

’

v or e .

’ ’ I mind th purty well Squire Na thkit s gra mfer what

' ' tI ti I w a z C a en ov Ya wmen used t live Pynes , he pp the

’ v a rm e r s C a thery . They zins what weared urd

’

v ound awn . jackets and their osses Well , when

' ' he s e o ut tii ct tiI t y sodgers was pra ice down Exmouth ,

’ ‘ zome o the s tiI pid twoa d s got ta rna s hu n wopper - eyed

' ! e f didden tii a nd by gor they vall fighting . Ji s t then

’ Na thki t s e s e Gappen comed along , and zaid ,

’ ’ What be ytI fellers a d ui ng ov Vighti ng be e ?

’ ’ ’ z e s e —luke e Aw , I ll tellee bout that then zee yer

’ ’ ’ u b a eri n tw oa ds y gg g , I ll be blamed if I ll ave any

’ hti n m en — o t fig g in my regiment git out , I tellee .

’ s o tez That there s true as the gospel , I tellee then !

now ers a . wa s Well , y another little di logue There

’ wan Va rme r Short who d got a purty big varm down ’ — ’ f Aldon way . Now e and a ew more was what I

’ z ' calls rigler gu zlers they w a s . I ve yerd tell as ow vower aw ’ m cude drink out a hogshead of cider tn 1 2 3 fi nmmita ant M ummies .

’ i i n a n r wan z tt g d not veel no w os s vor t a te rwa rd s .

They was what vokes n ow - a - days cal proper busters they wuz .

’ Then again there s thicky young o z eb urd ov a

’ s tid th how squire up Topsham way , who hard he

’ c a ndiddle wai ne wi can his ma , by g ratting all the

' rtI m s ra m s c a lli on s i ns ta ed g and of the parish , y of

’ ' gwa i ne ome tii dinner and z itti ng up w table c la yn e

’ ’ - i and tidy like w the quality . Mayhap I d better not

c uz v i tt zay nort more about he , tidden y for the likes

’ ' 0 me tiI zay ort agin my betters .

’ c ii dden t Burn me if I ellee amazing sight ov t , all

’ wan o m about the murchy of and tother , but I mid

’ v e e li n s 2 0 hurt their g , I ll stap

v eelin z om ethi n I be g cruel wisht , and g like a

' ’ Vi nni ed c he el a foc ed tiI tI , cuz I be bide home while y

e f s tin c kfi h fell rs be up there ey g away like oc g ters .

’ ’ ’ Howz im e v er I opes yii ll v a l tii ga lya ntly and ave a

‘ tI de da wnte e g feed , but vor gracious sakes ayte too

z ou ta b bi oka v u r much of that payse p and pudden ,

’ ’ ’ ra l u z i e - that t d e l p t e . If they gives flicker mayte

’ ’ ‘ ii ll the m b tI i and squab pie y like they , vor y t va l

' ’ - a tm . Now e fi f uns y g they waiter chaps be e , they ll

’ gie e gu z eb erry wi ne and tellee tez Madam Qui c ko s

s ha m ai n . Daw ntee d a wntee too best p , now , drink

’ ' ’ ’ o t ii di I e much , vor if so be y tweel make tosti

' ’ c ate d tI ll , and y be so maze headed as a sheep , and

' ’ ’ b ez ide s yiI ll vall all about the ra wds gwai ne 0me l ’ s ow . h along , and p all they fine cloths T ey ll be

I 34

Mount Edgecombe is a pleasant place ,

’ o r a ens t - o - Right e g the Ham aze ,

Where ships do he at anchor ,

To guard us agin our foes . Amen .

At the beginning of the present century the small boys of Chagford made the streets resound with shouts of this quaint old rhyme Old Harry Trewin

b urtc he s Had no to wear ,

’ So he s ta wl a ram s Skin Vur to make en a pair W i ’ the woolly zide out ,

And the fleshy zide in , They sticked purty tight l To O d Harry Trewin . Pe c u lia r and Ec c e ntri c D ev o n ian s .

1 8 r 3 sp ammita ant dt nmmita.

a n d her wages to the purchase of smart attire , when on her a visit to parents she made great display of it , “ ’ who tw a dden v itt to the disgust of her father said , y

’ v or the likes 0 she to be fettled up in such fal - lals

f a n i h n and t s eeny clothes . When he i sisted that a

n n off certai smart white frock Should be take , Mary refused to obey him , whereupon a quarrel arose which ended i n her father takin g the matter up in a

a n d furious temper , beating her severely with a

n s he wa s leather strap . After this decamped and

n never seen again at Witheridge . While livi g with

m n r s he . fis h o e Mrs Hillier , a g at Billingsgate , met a ma n Ba ke rs tendt Bi c ke rs tei n s he called or , whom is

’ supposed to have married after only two mOnths

n acquai tance .

s he Whether was married to this foreigner , or

a n d whether he seduced afterwards deserted her , has

n ot . been clearly ascertained There is little doubt ,

w a s who but that it from him , had probably associa ted with Malays or w a s acquainted with their lan guage , that she picked up the Eastern words and idioms she used , as well as that knowledge of some Asiatic customs which so eff ectually en abled her to eff ect her imposition . A year after her marriage we find her livi ng at

Bristol with Eleanor Josephs . At first She did not

on e pretend to be a foreigner , until day she dressed herself in a turban , and went into the streets shouting at the top of her voice an unknown lingo . This was B r e t ic et ni an 1 {eeulia ant (Ecc n r HD a a. 39 her first attempt to palm herself off as a stranger i n a strange lan d .

On n r d o f i 1 8 1 Thursday eveni g , the 3 Apr l , 7 , the

o f of n overseer the parish Almo dsbury , near Bristol ,

of . called at the residence Mr Samuel Warrall , a

to n magistrate , i form him that a young woman , speaking a foreign language , had entered a cottage in

n s h e w to the Village , and made sig s that ished Sleep under its roof. A manservant i n the house knew

n several la guages , therefore the woman was brought

to before him , but appeared not understand a word he

. n of f w said Her dress co sisted a black stu f gown , ith

n 3. a white muslin frill around the eck , black cotton shawl fantastically arranged about her head , and a red checked shawl loosely and tastefu lly put on her

i n n shoulders imitatio of Asiatic costume . The general impression from her manners and per s n s o w a attractive and prepossessing . In height

ft . z i n . low about 5 , She had a small head , forehead ,

a n d black hair eyes , short nose , pink cheeks; wide mouth , white gleaming teeth , lips large and full , a small round chin , and an olive complexion . Her

s o hands were well formed , and white that one would suppose they were unaccustomed to labour . Age

n - about twe ty fiv e years . When off ered food s he covered her face with her

a n d hands , appeared to repeat a prayer , bowing her head at the conclusion .

M rs . Warrall took compassion on her loneliness 1 40

and received her into her house as a guest . Upon

s he being Shewn books of travel , intimated that the one descriptive of China was the country from which W s h . u s ICI n e came M rs . arrall began to have s p o s

wa s that the woman an impostor , and talked very seriously to her , begging her to speak the truth of

. n ot n herself She pretended to understa d a word , and addressed Mrs . Warrall in her own tongue .

M rs . n ronou nc Warrall wrote her ame upon paper , p

s he ing it several times as placed it before her , hoping

own s he that the woman would reveal her , which did by crying out Ca rab oo ! Cara b oo ! poin tin g to her self.

Upon some furniture being Shewn to her , inlaid

n C a ra b oo n with Chi ese figures , made sig s that they

n to belo ged her country . She then drew the follow ing chart of her voyage to Europe :

4 Ad a n a

6+ 4 5Coo? ” op e i

? He /r n E) a 5

1 42 mummies ant dtrnmmita.

The gibberish language in which She made herself

n a n d n u derstood , was aided by gestures a imation of

n n cou tena ce which it is impossible to describe . It i s

Singular that during her residence at Knowle , Bath , and Bristol She was never heard to pron ounce a word

a n n n n of English . She had asto ishi g comma d of

- countenance and complete self possession . A gentle man tried to move her by flattery : he drew his Chair

Close to hers , looked steadily and smilingly in her

Yo u face , and said are the most beautiful creature

” I ever beheld . You are an angel . Not a muscle of

‘ ff a nd her face moved , no blush su used her cheek , her coun tenance was a blank .

The bubble , however , was on the eve of bursting .

n o f the Dr . Wilkinso , Bath , determined to probe

n mystery , and after maki g exhaustive enquiries about

s he n her , of persons with whom was know to have

di s lodged previous to her arrival at Almondsbury , covered that She was none other than the veritable

W ilc ocks VVithe ri d e daughter of Thomas , the g shoe maker . ct After this , the exposure of the deception pra ised

on M r s w a s . M rs . . Warrall Speedy and decisive

n C a ra b oo Warrall went alone i to a room with , and told her of the damning proofs s he had obtain ed of her being an impostor . She again tried in her gib berish to interest her benevolent friend by saying ,

” C a rab oo etc e . , Toddy Noddy , but could not succ ed Hereupon she acknowledged the Cheat a n d begged e ic et onian 1 wernli ar ant (Ecc ntr HD e. 43

that her parents Should not be sent for . This w a s promised on con dition that s he would make a clean breast of the whole imposture and give details of her

s he . former life , to which readily acceded “ A passage in the Robert and Ann , under the

wa s care of Captain Robertson , at once procured for

M rs h a n d n n o f . s e her , taki g the ame Mary Burgess , sailed for , and lived many years at , Philadelphia . The day before leaving Bristol s he wrote the fol

n M rs . lowi g letter to Warrall , which shewed that C ara b oo was not insensible of the great kindness and

n attentio to her comfort and happiness which Mrs .

Warrall unweariedly gave her . This is a verbatim copy

HON . MADAM ,

Friendship thou charmer of the m i nd thou sweet deluding ill the brightest moments m ortals find and sharpest pains can feel fate has divided all our shares of pleasure and of pain in love the friendship and the cares are mixed and join again the same i n geni ou s author in another place says tis dangerous to let loose our love between the eternal fair for pride

s in we that busy spoils all that perform .

Y K MAR BA ER .

After several years residence in America s he t e turned to England , and settled at Bristol , about the

1 8 s he year 49 , where and her daughter earned a pre carious living by selling and applying leeches , still retaining the assumed name of Mary Burg

1 86 . Baker . She died at Bristol in 4 A vocabulary of a f ew words with their made use of by C a rab oo Alla Tulla Samen II e av en Tarsa Earth M a nji ntoo Gentlemen Largor Ladies Ju xto Doctor Kala Time An na Night Mon o Morning

Vellee Be d Apa Fire Sav ee Rain Ake Bra s i doo Come to breakfast Ake Dosi Come to dinner Ake Sacco Come to supper Pakey Child Sav oo Knife Fosi Fork T o os e To swim Mosha A man Ra gli s h A woman Noute e An orange Ze e Tea At chee Potato Mo

- s o Thy sloe black eyes , and teeth white , (By Nature formed to charm or bite With lady - airs in plenty ’ lu ll d Like opiates all the senses , n a n d Of reaso of Vision gulled , ’ - Th all knowing Cognoscenti .

- When to the house top prone to stray , ’ - And would st to Alla Tullah pray , Had ’ st thou no high priest near thee ? I mean n ot that imperious s un Of reckless Juggernaut ; but one

Well pleased to assist , and hear thee But where did ’ st learn (for Heaven ’ s sake) or To swim dive , like duck or drake When water - dogs pursue ’ ui d And when for pure ablution q p p , ’ Lu rk d there (as when Godiva stripped) — NO peeping Tom or wanton M akra too

on - Plague that meddling tell tale Neale , s Eager thy hi tory to reveal , An d mar the pleasin g fable Too sudden came the d enouement

- Which proved thou art from down along , n Where dumpli gs grace each table .

- n e Drat her pug os , and treacherous eyes , h the d ct e Deceitful wretc ; o or cri s , (No more inclined to flattery) When n e xt I meet her (spit e of groans) ’ her s I ll rive muscles , split her bone

! With my galvanic battery . r a t c e et a 1 Eecnlia n (E c ntric flD oni ne. 47

— ‘ But heed him n ot for on my soul o r Whether at Bristol , Bath Knole , r I admired thy C a a b oo .

- Such self possession at command , — The by - play great the illusion grand —’ In truth twas everything but tr ue . Then Molly take a friend ’ s advice

(To make thy fortune in a trice) , ’ All w and ri ng gypsy tricks resign Fly to thy proper forte—the stage Where thou in this half mimic age ’ ’ ct u nri v all d Princess of a ors would st Shine . Fr h r t l M i rr or une x 8 1 o t e B i s o z s t 1 . m , J , 7

T HE following squib was circulated after the ex

’ ‘ os u re - p of this arch impostor s deceptions , throughout

Devon and Somerset .

CARABOO .

O H Ca rab oo of l young is come out the west , In Frenc hifie d tatters the dam sel is dressed

of s he n And , save one pair worsted , stocki gs had none

s he She tramped half unshod , and walked all alone But how to bamboozle the' doxy well knew ;

’ a ra b You ne er heard of gipsy like young C oo .

s he not f or She staid not for river , stopt stone , She swam in the Avon where ford there was none

s he But when alighted at W gate , m ct The da e and the do or received her in state .

ba s - l No longer a gipsy , the club of b eu

r b To a princess converted the young Ca a oo . 1 8 ( 4 fl ammita ant Ernnnnfta.

SO s he boldly entered the W hall ,

- Amongst linguists , skull feelers , bluestockings and all .

Sure never a hall such a galliard did grace , ct When She fenced with the do or , so queer her grim

a c e . But her host seemed to fret—though the doctor did fume

an Should y to question her titles presume .

’ And twas currently whispered the best they could do ,

Was to send up to London the young C arab oo . The hint was enough —as it dropt on her ear

It ruined her hopes it awakened her fear . SO swift to the quay the fair damsel she ran

e Oh tak me , dear captain , away if you can .

’ — Off Ra m oo She s aboard they are Farewell , Dr . p ,

’ They ll have swift ships that follow , quoth young

C a ra b o o .

’ There was bustling mong dames of the W n Cla ,

- n The blue stocki g junto they rode and they ran ,

n There was raci g and Chasing from Bath to the sea ,

’ a v a s oo But the bright Queen of J ne er could they see ,

t - What a hoax on the doc or and club of bas bleu ,

’ Did you e er hear of gipsy like young Ca ra b oo

t Then spake the sage doc or , profoundly absurd , While the sly C a ra b oo answered never a word

a v a s oo Art thou sprung from the moon , or from far J ,

Carab oo Or a mermaid just landed , thou bright

1 6 g cu 5 jam min ant «E mmita.

- a n d o or pack of fox hounds , Carew took frequent pp tuniti e s to indulge in sport at the expen se of his

e n studies . Besid s stre gth of body and vigour of

Of a n d mind he possessed agility limb , a voice of such depth of sound that he could give the loudest halloo to the houn ds of a ny man of his day . Dogs were

ct n attra ed to him in a marvellous fashio , and in after years this mutual Sympathy proved disastrous to our

on ff hero , who this account su ered imprisonment several times . It happened on e day that a farmer coming to Tiverton market s aw Carew stan din g at the school

’ n o gateway , and knowing the latter s fo dness for sp rt , ct acquainted him with the fa that a deer , with a collar around his neck , was harbouring in a field on Exeter

n Hill ; whereupon Carew , Marti , Escott , Coleman , and a crowd of other Blu nde lli a n s started to hunt it .

- This happened just before corn harvest . The chase was hot and lasted several hours ; they ran the deer many miles across fields of ripening grain , doing great damage . The deer proved to be a tame one , the pro

. N utc omb e . n perty of Col , of Clayhanger Perso s

n to who sustained damage to their cor , complained the headmaster of the havoc made . The culprits were so severely threatened that several absconded ,

n Carew being o e of the number . They made for a small wayside inn at Brickhouse , on the Bampton

- - a w . road , situated about a half mile from the to n Here they fell in with a party of gipsies and remained in 1 1 p eculiar ant dEccentric HDet t ni ana. 5

the their company the whole night , engaging in wildest orgies . In the morning they were admitt ed

o as Romany members , each taking the necessary aths and going through the requisite cerem onies .

n n re It may be i teresti g to the reader to know that a. c ruit goes through various rites and takes certain oaths before being admitted a memb er o f the fraternity .

ne w n A ame must be assumed , after which he takes the following oaths

- - I , Bampfylde Moore Carew (or as the case may be) , do swear to be a true brother ; to obey the commands of the tawny prince ; to keep his counsel not to divulge the secrets of the brotherhood ; will never leave the company ; a n d observe and keep all times

n v of appoi tment by night or by day , in e ery place whatsoe ver .

I will not teach anyone to cant , nor will I disclose our mysteries to them . I will take my prince ’ s part against all that shall oppose him or any of us .

w ff or I ill not su er him , any of us , to be abused by strangers , but will defend him or them to the death . I will not conceal aught I wi n ou t of private houses or elsewhere , but will give it for the benefit and use

&c . of all the company ,

t of i as i s Carew was an ac or the h ghest type , evidenced by the numberless opportunities he em braced to personate the leading men of the neigh b ourh d s oo in which he found himself. By a suming 1 2 5 mummita ant «Drummita.

the garb of a peasant , a beggar , an Old woman , a

i soldier in distress , a maimed sailor , or whatever gu se ct his fertile fancy di ated , he successfully deceived even his nearest relatives and wrung from them

e a n com entertainment , gifts of money , cloth s and y

i n mod ty he dema ded .

o f On the death Claude Patch , the king of the

of gipsies , Carew was , by a large majority the brother

H n ct . e a t hood , ele ed his successor o ce took up the

n n gover ment , but ran his ki gly power on totally diff erent lines from the former sovereign . Instead of

n on livi g in idleness and luxury , depending the mem

off bers of the tribe for support , he started on a round of adventure . The knavish tricks a n d deceptions b e successfully practised on his nearest relation s and most intimate friends would be too numerous to chronicle in these

- M e a . A L e o B a m ld e oor C r ew c a n pages if f pfy , , I

’ n a n thi k , be obtained at y bookseller s , and to lovers of

n humorous incidents would prove amusi g .

1 2 0 Carew married about the year 7 , a Miss Gray ,

of Of - ou - daughter an apothecary , Newcastle Tyne , at

Bath . V They had one daughter who married a V es t

s he country squire , by whom had a numerous family of promising children . f t A er a life of beggary , adventure , and imprisonment ,

Carew returned to his birthplace at Bickleigh , where

1 he resided two years previous to his death in 75 8 .

1 54 jaummita ant dtrununita.

n Consideri g herself called of God , she deter mined to take up the ministry as her future vocation . “ 1 2 n In 79 , she began her declaratio s , that , the Lord

n n had Visited her and entered into a sacred cove a t , the conditions Of which He wou ld reveal to her alone

” n in a visio . h a To suc a depraved state had she rrived , that she blasphemously declared that God appeared to her , “ “ i n not the beauty of Holiness , not in the Majesty

” n of His Power , not in the Great ess of His Mercy , but sometimes in the shape of a c a t ; a n d once as a

” cup , which she kicked to pieces . After these mad assertions she called together a

of meeting her followers , that these wonderful delu w sions might be discussed and explained . The hole assembly witnessed the following document

e I , Joanna Southcott , am Clearly convinc d that my calling is of God , and my writings are indited by his

Spirit ; it is impossible for any spirit but an all - wise

i n wi s God that is wonderous working , wonderous in

u dom , wondero s in power , wonderous in truth , could have brought round such mysteries so full of truth , a s is in my writings : so I am clear in whom I have believed , that all my writings come from the spirit of the most High God .

JOANN A SOUTHCOTT .

Signed in the presence of fifty - eight persons (including Methodist preachers) who assen

ted to the truth of the statement . 1 Eeculiar ant E ccentric HDet nni ana. 5 5

1 2 of Joanna , in 79 , assumed the titles The Bride ; The Lamb ’ s Wife The Woman clothed with the Sun ; a n d intimated that in process of time She

of would become the mother Shiloh , the second Messiah From this time innumerable converts attached themselves to her , each of whom contributed to the

’ wa s a nd mea ns n n y , maki g Joanna s fi ances ample for a luxurious mode of life .

’ One day , while sweeping out her employer s shop

s he n . . n in Exeter , fou d a seal with J S e graved upon s he n it this annexed , and hu dreds of its impressions in wa x were sold and worn as charms by her devotees . These beatitudes were purchasable at from twelve

n shillings to a gui ea each . The Joanna Southcottians swore never to shave until Shiloh came , and in consequence their beards grew to an enormous length . They were known as

The Bearded Men , and were a terror to children .

’

M rs . w a s Sabatier of Exeter , so shocked at Joanna s strange errors and blasphemies that s he addressed a

of s e e letter to her , in the hope leading her to the folly and wickedness of her teaching . She requested

n replies—to the followi g questions . I s t . Does the voice reveal things , or enforce doc trin es such as could not possibly have been di s covered without the aid of this n ew revelation — z ud . Are all these things utterly free from error or contradiction jfiummite ant «Drummita. — 3rd . Are they of general importance and evident utility h — 4t . Have any events followed these predictions that lay beyond the reach of human forecast To these queries Joanna sent an incoherent reply her letter will give a fair idea o f the mental capacity of of the writer , as well as a pretty accurate idea the

’ woman s religious teaching .

’ T un 2 th 1 X e 0 . E E ER , j , 799 U N NOWN FRIEND , I shall answer your faithful letter with That

n Sincerity it deserves . I am a Consta t member of

of the Church England , but the Cruel usage I have

a nd s om e met with from the Arch Deacon Moor ,

’ n other Ministers made me not freque t St . Peter s . I have written to them Several letters , of the Greatest

Blasphemy , that ever was wrote , if it was not , of God , for which they never reproved me neither would they

for here Me , to Know on what Grounds I had my

N . faith or fears . ow to your enquiries The wind bloweth were it listeth , ye here the Sound thereof,

n but can ot tell from wence it cometh , or wither it goeth . So is every one born of the Spirit . Your

n os s i ti v e l first enquiry I a swer p y , it is impossible for Man by learning to find out what has been revealed to Me by the Spirit of inspiration c on n cerning the Mi s trys of the Bible . Your Second e

i s quiry I answer . It all to one purpose , what God

a c c om designed at first , it is explained to Me , he will

1 8 - ( 5 jnummita ant Ecunnnita.

proper to make known yourself, I am willing to lay

a nd how h every truth before you , these t ings came to me at first . onr I am y Sincere Friend , T TT JOANNA SOU HCO . — ’ . t . n P . S Please direc at Mr Taylor s Cabi et Maker

Exeter . As late as 1 860 a f e w of her disciples were living at

Si dfor d Exmouth , Sidmouth , Sidbury , , and Exeter ,

’ each expecting Joanna s return to life and the f u lfil men t of her expectation s .

2 0th 1 8 1 On Monday , December , 4, Joanna died in

London . A post mortem examination proved that a tumour wa s the ca use of death . A prophecy of hers

1 2 published in 79 , declared that the mother of Shiloh ,

hi s previous to birth , would be as one dead for four days , and at the end of that period would revive and

n the babe would be bor .

In Weekl P os t 1 th the Yorkshire y , for November 9 ,

1 8 8 9 , I read the following paragraph , which seems to

n me to be an i teresting link with the past .

‘ ’ An elderly man who calls himself Judge Milton ,

’ ‘ a and The Promised Shiloh , has again made his p pe ara nc e in the Wakefield district. The old man contends that he is entitled to house property near

the o East Ardsley , built by late Prophet , John Wr e ,

” f t a leader o the followers of Joanna Southco t . h Per aps the following may be interesting , as Shew

’ the H mns ing specimen of y used a t Joanna s Meetings . centr c et 1 ineculiar ant aEc i ED nniana. 59

s on I have said already , thou shalt have a ,

c a n Ere he speak , all this shall sure be done , Great peace in England after this shall be

th e &c . Because remnant shall believe in me ,

s u n The woman clothed with ,

n e Should make all natio s quak ,

’ now For the mystery I ll exp lain ,

The Revelation break .

Son It is the that shall be born , Fatal to those that do him scorn

’ B ecause that I ll uphold his land ,

’ That doth d epi s e the Infant s birth .

N otes a nd Gl ea n i n s C ollected from g , Exeter ,

1 8 2 M emoi r s o R eli i ous I m os tor s 9 , and f g p ,

ACki n . 1 1 . 82 by Dr . M , LL D London , ,

and other sources .

TH E N ORTH DEVON SAVAGES . ALTHOUGH much has already been written about the

ul a North Devon Savages , a short though painf narr tive of their habits and manners may not be u ninte r esting .

The Cheriton family , fifty years ago , resided in the parish of Nymet Rowland , a hamlet sixteen miles

of the from Exeter , situated in the very centre most

our picturesque part of fair county .

t . . . The Doones men ioned by Mr R D Blackmore ,

L r na o D o ne . o n . in , had o connection whatever with 1 66 c flaummita ant ircumntita.

Devonshire , nor were the Gubbings , of whom Mr .

- n Baring Gould writes , in any way co nected with the

Cheritons , who owned a small freehold farm , valued

1 00 n n at about £ 5 , which had been their i herita ce for a great man y years . In the early days of their possession they were re s ecta b le p , hardworking yeomen , living on and culti v a ti ng their estate to advantage . Then a son married

n badly , and the childre of this union grew up idle a nd n n dissolute , conseque tly the farm was eglected and i n a short time it fell into a low state of cultiva

n he tion . Each successive generatio sank lower in t social scale till a con dition insensible to shame w a s reached .

The family lived in a most disreputable wa y .

i n hi s D evons hi r e Their language was , as Tickler “ Sketches , says , too horribly foul for repetition they poured forth copious streams of the dirtiest and most

” n obscene words co ceivable .

n who A corresponde t , when a young man lived in the neighbourhood , tells me that no one could beat

di s them at rough language , horseplay , and filthy

a course . They were disgrace to the neighbourhood

n and a nuisance to their neighbours . One day , whe

wa s passing the house , he accosted by a woman of

n the tribe , who called him disgusti g names , pelted him \ with mud and stones , performed indescribable

f n of ensive acts , and finally chased him brandishi g a

s he hay fork , with which would have undoubtedly

1 62 a t ru t jnummita n c mmi a. could see the Clouds passin g a n d the birds flying

n above the roof . The doors were owhere . The

u n a n d living room was almost destitute of f r iture , in place of seats a hole had been dug in the lime - a s h

fl or n o f o in fro t the fireplace , which was on the

of Of h e arth . Into this hole the legs the members the family rested as they sat on the bare floor around the

fire .

In this hovel resided as many Cheritons , men ,

a n d n - women , children , as could find resti g places ; the surplus members of the family found Shelter and

c ut w oo d s ta k repose in holes into hayricks and c s .

h n The patriarch of the tribe , Christopher C erito ,

n a nd Slept at ight , reclined during the greater part of

n the day in solitary state , within the frie dly shelter of a cider cask well bedded up with hay and dried ferns . A more primitive state of thi ngs could n ot possibly be found an ywhere . Their lan d being freehold no one dared in terfere with the family s o lon g as they ke pt upon their own ff ground . Many strong e orts were made to clear

of n w them out their holdi g but ithout success , and

n n for many years these disgraceful conditio s conti ued . Over their social life on e would wish to draw a curtain , for they regarded not the holy rites prescribed

of by the Church , nor the authority bishops , arch

or . n deacons , Civil laws They had all thi gs in com t mon , and multiplied into a large family withou

. t a n d Ian marriage Their conduct , habi s , manners , cce t ic et onian 1 6 flacculi ar ant (E n r HD a. 3

n guage , made them a terror and a nuisa ce to their immediate neighbours . Their misdeeds were the cause o f their making frequent appearances before

s u r the magistrates in the local police courts . The rounding farmers , after a time forbore to summon

a n d them as their ricks , stacks , barns , homesteads ? were fired . By whom None could tell , though pretty shrewd guesses were levelled at the Cheritons .

Their larder was at all seasons well filled . Game and every portable kind of dairy a n d farm produce

to t found a way it , brough thither by the sons , who

’ were noted poachers and purloin ers of other men s b e

n lo gings .

of They baked three kinds bread , namely , black or

m en barley bread for the servants , whole Wheaten

f or for meal bread the family , and white bread the children . The only persons who dared ven ture to Visit them with impunity , were Lady Portsmouth and the Revd .

- n r i . i a M . u t r n 1 d s G te e s This was 870 3 .

A former rector of this parish , a tall robust man ,

s i x two standing foot , inches , in his stockings , when ever he passed the premises was assailed with

o f n showers stones and i expressibly revolting abuse ,

The n property has long ago changed ow ers , and of

n the fate of the Cheritons very little is k own . The old a n d folks are dead , the younger ones have emi

Or n grated married , thus breaking up a family otor ious for evil in all its forms .

Sto e s ri .

H ERE are a f e w stories which have been told me by old person s in various parts of the county . Some are extracted from newspaper reports , and for per mission to use them I am indebted to the kindness of

Ti ver ton Ga z ette D e von a n d the editors of the , the

E x eter Ga z ette Wes ter n M or n i n N ews , the g , the

N or th D e von H er a ld Yor ks hi r e Weekl P os t. , and the y

The e xu c utor s of the late Mr . Elias Tozer (better “ of on known as Tickler , author Rambles Dart moor) have allowed me to glean from his pages . To

to o very many generous private correspondents , I am under great obligation s for the large amount o f i nfor

n mation , and ma y singular narratives which they have volun tarily sent me . One or tw o triflin g incidents are recorded from per son al Observation . I thin k in themselves they give o ne a clear insight to o f the quaint characteristics , the modes thought , a nd o f of bent imagination our rustic friends .

f ew - With exceptions Devonians are free spirited ,

- r n . sh ewd , ge ial , daring , laughter loving and kindly 1 68 m t ant d ru t mu mi a t mmi e.

They are ever ready to believe in the supernatural , a n d repeat (sometimes , I fear , exaggerate) their own ghostly experiences .

An n old man living in South Devo , once told me that as he w a s one night returning from Starcross to

tw o off a farm about miles , as he passed Easton Wood he had zeed the devil hi s z el a z itti n g pon tap

’ ’ ’ - w s t a w n w o a gaet p a . Th eyes was like t o gert

n a n glazi g tay s ssers , and I urned fit to break my eck

”

v u r . till I got purty from he , he said

’ o r tw o n A day after this , I met the old ma s son of w n hom I e quired for his father .

’ ” ’ ’ ’ ’ Aw e n v itt e t mum , said he , idde y , a n t agot

’ ’ a v z h w er th fright he got tuthe r night . He et e

’ th w a n WI zeed evil , up in Easton Wood , eyes

’ - - e a n ti é blazing like a bull s eye lantern . He hiss d d s s d

’ n n to . There was hu dreds of little devils dancing all

’ - old w about in th blue hell fl a m e s . Poor father a s

’ ’ ’ that scared that e cant tell a awk from a and s aw

’

n . old a e (hero shaw) Poor f ther , es in a brave fizz

’ e t

“ ’ n Yes , I replied , do t you think if you could

’ a s s b ‘ C oc kw ood persuade him to p y The Ship , at ,

of oi n i n s e e Of Old one ? instead g g , he would less the

’ ’ ’ m e th Ess , mayhap widden zee dowl again if

” he stapped gwa i n e there .

’ how ff n n One sees by this , very di ere t the so s tale

’ was from the father s . The whole thing was wonder

n fully elaborated , and there is no doubt as it jour eyed

1 6 7 fl ammita ant dtrununita. was equal to the emergency he was desirous to pro

d a nd f c e e o . , would pay the cost a license This

’ anxiety aroused the publican s suspicions , who re join ed that i i hi s Visitor would zit down and take a

’ ' drap ov z u mm u t e wid go tii Barum a n d get a

” li h n n s e s . But for this prelimi ary the bishop could n ot wait and urged hi s host to harness his cart at

a n d on n n a once , take out a license reachi g Bar st ple . More con vinced than ever Of the character and o c c u

ou t e m ha patiou of the pedestrian , Boniface broke , p “ n s sizing his denunciatio with strong expletives . I

o v knaw thee . Thee art wan they supervisor fellers

' a lwe s a wa i ne n a - n tiI that be g about the cou try , tryi g

” r i h n trap poa r men a wv e their l s e s e s and their carts . The astonished prelate mildly en deavoured to assuage b the wrath of the irate publican , y the statement that

f (1 he wa s the Bishop o Exeter . Tez a lie and

” n u a tii othing of the zort , retorted the other , y w nt

z a me s u n . trick me , y did my eighbour tother day

’ a fin e d tI Why , Bill Smith was five pound and y

’ ’ ’ wan th ti I i n tti a git me the z me box , but I m burned

‘ ‘ ”

iI d iI . n if y So the bishop had agai to sally forth , until he was picked up about four miles from his

n w destinatio by the carriage , hich had meanwhile

n u o f bee sent o t in quest him from Barnstaple . The publican chuckled over his ow n cuten ess in doin g the

n f ew supervisor , and to a frie d who called a days “ t e. later , he narrated the incident with grea gle I “ kna w e d s who ! , aid he , the chap was He wa s t Q to lw. I 7 I a - dressed up like a zort of ge ne lma n v a rmer with a

i a n d pa r of black gaiters breeches , and a rummy zort

’ o f 0n didden a w v e r a hat p his head ; but he git me , I c ii d e zee by the twin kle of his eye he wa s wan of they excise chaps a n d he wan ted to zar me z am e s he li . b d w a s did Bill Smith He , poor , fined five pound

’ tu the r day for just a - taking his missus who d been bad

f n for just a little bit o a turn rou d a bit . Shortly

n o f after , Boniface lear t the true state the case , when

’ s ii he said , Bles my sawl , what a f le I ve abin , may

’ ' d iI e d hap if I d what his lordship axed me , he mid a - made me Dean of the Ka the yd ra l

Slightly altered from report in the Ti ver ton Ga z ette .

SALLY TH E G U ZE .

- n Sc ra ne w a s BEFORE a West country be ch , Samuel charged with stealing fowls from Mr . Grose , geese

La mb s he a d . Vella c ott from Mr . , ducks from Mr , and

Cob b le di c k . pigeons from Mr .

Prosecutors proved missing the poultry , and

La mb s hea d positively identified his grey goose . The following amusing statements were made i n

Court .

’ La mb s he a d Yer on our I cude swear tu my dear old

grey gti z e .

’ Magistrates Clerk How could you do that

’ ’ La mb s hea d : C uz c a l th s he he r ll if I , knaw my

voice and answer me back . 1 2 ( 7 jaummita ant M ummies.

’ Magistrates Clerk : By what name do you call her ?

La mb s he a d Why , zir , her rayle name is Sarah , but

’ ’ z om etime s us c a l th er Sallie ; her knaweth

’ w a n a n d uther of her names , cometh when her s

called , like a dog wid . Magistrates ’ Clerk Did you call her ?

’ ’ La mb s he a d : Cal er ? e r kna we d Ess , I did , and

’ ’ i l e r n w me d re c k y . And a s ered me back wi a

’ ’ z a r of ti er o t a s s y . That s language you must

’ h n r c urs hin kn aw . W y e r s p oa k s o a tte a l as a c

’ ’ ’ ' — z r wid that s o var s e c iI de .

’ Magistrates Clerk Tell us more about it , Mr .

La mb s hea d , exactly what you did and what

Sarah did . We find this most interesting .

’ ’ La mb s hea d : s i r Sc ra ne s a n d Well , , I went to Ouze

’ c orn e d Sc ra ne s w when I there ife zed to me ,

’ La mb s he a d zed She , Well , , What s want yer ” “ Well , zed I , I wants my guze , Sallie .

’

n e r n . Well , tha , zed she , ba t yer I ant a

’ ' O tI z e zeed nort thee old g Sally , and be damned w ‘ ” “ W ll ' ti I e e . e i I , zed I , y mid be Civil I zim ,

’ ’ d a wnt u s e n m e v er and noa o yer cussing tu , I ll

’ ‘ be d d if I ll stan d cussin g a n d thieving i uti I

n . ZO i s t s o a s a the bargai , I j made bold to w lk

' ’ ‘ d riI th i nttI b a c kouz e strite ouze , and there , I

n a n d r u c ki ed n zeed amazi g sight of poultry , dow

‘ c ornder Old liI ki n in the far was my poor Sally , g

’ SO wisht as Simon Fluke s o wl . The very minute

’ e r z eed me up er jumped and hissed and ti s s éd

fi nmmira ant «Drummita.

’ ’ ’ n e lm a n n a n d c ale d s he e r tiI n we t vore , urned

’ n n e r a hissi g and a tissi g as if twas father .

‘ When iI s liI ke d in to the back - ouze nobody

' ’ c iI d e i n tell wan guze from tother , but the very

’ ’ ’ n e r e r a n d sta t master spoke , up urned tu n and

’ ’ r rubbed e ead agin his legs s o loving as a c hee l .

’ ’ La mb s he a d er n a w v er e r Mr . mutched dow

’ e r s o la i z e d head and neck and was p as punch ,

’ e r was .

’ La mb s he a d : now didden s o ? There , zir , I tellee tez

’ ’ s he so true as the Gospel , tez ; I ve ah ad for purty n igh ten year and I widden take ten pound

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ld l v h e r . o n o t e r s o for Why , my Oma Well s

’ ’ r d i nn o u r c hille rn u e r e fi y of . I may s tu take

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ om e wi e r s o l n e r li v th me and keep o g s , ess

’ fy ! E r ll s i t i n the chimbly c orn der warm and

f l - c om e rb e like .

’ s : s e e Magistrate Clerk I wish to this goose .

’ ’ m h i r La b s e a d e r s . I ll fetch vore ,

Hereupon the goose w a s produced and placed in a

n h far cor er of the Court . When La mb s e a d called

s he s Sallie , Sallie , rushed toward him clearing every

n n o o f impedime t . Whereupo S rane was convicted

a n d La mb s he a d the theft , left the Court with Sallie comfortably tucked under his arm .

Somewhat modified from report in Wes ter n M or ni ng

N e ws . 1 Eateries . 7 5

ECCENTRI C N ORTH DEVON PARSON .

o ffici ate . A . PASSEN F . B . was asked to at R , seven

o f Southm olton . . S . miles east , for the Rev J , in the “ days when all kin ds o f music made up a village

. w a s out choir The psalm given , and the musicians

n n began to tu e their instruments . Unfortu ately , the

fiddle s - n ot and the bass Viol would be obliging , and Im some time elapsed before they were in accord .

a t patient the delay , the passen leant over the reading w desk and thro ing his arms wildly over his head ,

to o f - shouted at the very p his voice , Hark away ,

! - ! - ho ! - ho Jack hark away , Jack Tally Tally

WAN TED A P U P .

T n to o f c ol A COUN RY vicar , o ce went fill the pulpit a e who w a s l ague temporarily absent from his paris h . After the service he thought he would gauge the eff ect of his discourse by the opinion of that very fair

n . i dex of public feeling , the clerk Well , Rogers , “ “ ou ? s i r he said , did y like my sermon I did , , ? ” was the reply . I hope it was not too long he

' N o i I anxiously enquired . y wadden tii long a w v e r

’ ” ” n . the , rejoined Rogers Well , then , said vicar , ‘ “ no t . No I hope I was too short , answered “ ’ nu the r u i s t Rogers , ner et tu short , y was j about

” right . The vicar felt relieved , and said , I am glad

to wa s of that because , tell you the truth , while I writing that s e rmon my dog got hold of fo ur folios 1 6 ummit a t c 7 fl e n dt unnnita.

and destroyed them , and I was afraid it would be too

” a n d short . Rogers scratched his head for a moment w a s o a nd n very th ughtful , the said , confidentially ,

’ ’ ! now er ? w a rn dee iI Lor , zir , did ate um all up I y

’ n n widden mi d letti g our passen ome yer , have a pup

’ of your dug wi dd e e n ow for he diI mappery a darned

’ ‘ ”

tii tiI . Sight long plaise us , most times

- TH E AN G RY CHOI R LEADER .

T HE following is in teresting though perhaps a little

n n n startling . Just sixty years ago , stri g i strume ts did duty in the village choirs before the introduction of

n harmoniums and America organs . The leader of the particular choir , of which I write , was an old man

n i of . a d n iron will He kept the village inn , his

n or fiddlers sa ded public parlour , the four five met once a week to practice the psalms and hymns for

’ - n . the ext Sunday s service He played the bass viol ,

f of fi l and was master o the choir . The group dd ers with their quaint everyday workin g costum e s i n that old two u room , lighted by or three tallow dips in p

- e right iron candlesticks , would have mad a capital

l n model for an o d Dutch panel picture . On Su day they occupied with the choirmen and children the

of gallery at the west end the church , and from this position the master of the choir gave out the psalm or hymn which was to follow . The clerk had n oth

o f ing at all to do with that part the service .

1 8 u i s ant (Irru 7 m mm e mni ita.

the Parson and Clerk . The story of these rocks , as told by the gossips of Dawlish is as follows

n s o f A certai bi hop Exeter fell sick , and thinking that the pure air of this charming village would restore hi s lost en ergy took up for a time his resi dence there .

w a s o An ambitious priest , whose aim to succeed t

’ n i re the See in the eve t of his superior s demise , quently rode to Dawlis h accompanied by his clerk to

n o f make enquiries after the co dition the dying bishop .

’ The clerk was usually the priest s guide ; but on e n i n Ha ldon ight , a tremendous storm , while crossing

an d n they lost their way , worn out with the lo g journey foun d themselves miles out of the beaten track , The priest boiled over with rage . He abused “ a n d the clerk , exclaimed I would rather have the

”

ou f or . Devil himself, than y , a guide At this momen t a horseman rode by and volunteered to pioneer the m to Dawlish . They thanked him and

n of jogged comfortably along at his side , unmi dful

n or . time , dista ce , invalid The storm still raged and

ha d the long ride sharpened their appetites , therefore ,

n - e as they approached a brillia tly light d mansion , they

’ gladly accepted the stran ger s invitation to partake

n of his hospitality . They e joyed a sumptuous repast , and indulged freely in the good win e provided so lavishly by their host . ‘ In the midst of their merriment news was brought that the bishop was dead . The priest was eager to 1 Erot ica. 79

u n of n ow be off to sec re the first cha ce promotion , that the bishop w a s ou t of the way . So master and man moun ted their steeds and made ready to depart .

But the h orses were not an xious to go . They were “ whipped a n d spurred but all in vain . Devil take the brutes , exclaimed the priest in his rage .

”

o u . Thank y , sir , said their host , Gee up The “ horses did gee up with a vengeance , and galloped

ff : n madly for the cli s the over they went , that of the

e Clerk first , then followed the parson and his ste d — plump on their backs and there they are to this

— s ee - s e a di s a day looking ward ( ) , monuments of p

n pointed ambitio .

RO MANTI C I N CI DEN T I N A VVE ST

COU N TRY WORKH O USE .

T HE workhouse at Taunton has been the scene of a

i . 1 1 88 romant c incident On October 3th , a middle

to n aged man belonging a eighbouring parish , arrived

to at the workhouse , his object being find a house

n keeper . Seei g the master , he said he had just lost hi s a n d w a s wife , in an awkward fix , as he had a

”

n no on e . situatio and a cottage , but to cook his grub At the time of the conversation a n in mate of the

w who house , a wido , had been allowed to store her

i n n w a s n furniture an outhouse at the U ion , scrubbi g

n - the dini g hall floor , and to her the master put the question : Would s he like to in terview the man 1 86 ; Qummita ant «Drummita. with the view of becomin g his housekeeper ? An

fi n n af rmative a swer was readily give , and the couple w of ere left alone to settle the terms the engagemen t.

- a n - At the end of a half hour , they requested the

of attendance the master , who found them addressing

a n n each other familiarly as Willie d A nie . They

n h asked him to draw up an agreeme t , setting fort that Willie would support Annie a n d her two children in return for her services as housekeeper . T o please

a n d n them the master complied , Willie and An ie at

n n o ce attached their Signatures . Then in the prese ce o f w c on the oman , Willie , addressing the master ,

n n fessed to having a liki g for A nie , and after much c o n y beati g about the bush , he unbosomed himself, “ ’ ’ ’ ’ : of e r s thus Well , aminded I ll go down an gie

’ z n notice to git married o zoon s c a be . With the

of n e hesitation etiquette the e gaged houseke per , who , i n - a business like fashion , had pocketed the agree

s he ment , said would like to have until Monday to

ff n consider the proposal . After a ectionately embraci g the lovers parted . On Saturday , the object of this

of spontaneous passion , took to the master the house

s he a n d a letter which had received from Willie , which w a s so aff ectionately worded that it migh t well

- e . n n n b termed a love letter On Mo day , An ie havi g

on n a n d two n off c se ted , the couple the childre drove , a n the in wago , which Willie had brought for pur

’ n s n pose , the woma furniture bei g taken away in the

n same co veyance . Before leaving , they thanked the

1 82 urnm t a t di ru ja i a n nnnira. able and willing to do a n ythin g that Comes in our

n i n h way , and we desire nothi g t is world but to marry and live Happy together . The female is 63 years of

80 a n d a n d age , and I am turned years Both well hearty able and willin g to do an ythin g that Comes and n ow Gentlemen we pray you to gran t this o u r on ly Hope o f o u r Blessed Comfort we also desire to

n ou r Si ttua ti on s co tinue in , as we do not Desire any change . We are perfectly satisfied with our positions a n d h nkf ll n desire to be t a u . Ge tlemen I will appear

ou on before y Friday next .

We remain ,

Your Humble Servants ,

80 old . Abram Stiles , years

Am G lo n s 6 Old . y y , 3 years

Despite this very pathetic appeal the Guardia n s

n n did ot sa ction the union of the happy pair .

i v t n a z ette . 1 8 T er o G . , Nov 93

M R . N OAH .

T n n ot n WAI ING at a railway statio , far from Credito , on the London and South Western Railway , I over heard the following conversa tion betw een two country men . Being much amused I laughed heartily , when

n on r e a strange woman sitti g at my side the form ,

t i v ve r marked to the friend sitting next to her . O

’ ’ aileth s he p oa r b lid I rakkon er s a go c ra c ke e S tories.

Here is the dialogue

’ ’ : u e Farmer Tom Gude marni tu maister Tapper , be yii a gwain e arresting than

E s s a wa in e d u Farmer George I zim , I be g tu zom

’ ’ t b imb e a n d mat tu , tweel clear up a bit I opes y

' chell try tii c ar the wets ta rta rn ti n e (this after

n noo ) .

’ Tom : Shu dde n winder ef twe e dd en clear up : luke s

’ ’ ’ n u o ff us a d a d f rayn latterly .

’ h v lid George Well , ess , thort us wuz in vur uther .

’ ' I ji s t ra kkon e d ol Maister Noah wuz up tii zome

’ ' ov wu z a w a i n e ti I es anticks again , an g gie us

’ ’ ’ n n n u the r v lid po s awn cou t . Darned e f I

’ we edd en s he lten e f cude come crass n .

HALLELUJAH

A N otter took refuge from the hounds under the stump of an overhanging tree on the ba nks of the

n . Exe at Bickleigh , ear Tiverton The hounds , foiled

to n s et in their desire catch the a imal , up a most

n n glorious bayi g , whereupo the Rev . J . B a of c noted son Nimrod , ex laimed , Tell about music ’ ? dii e e Tell about your oratorios Did e e i v v e r yer

’ e e n m s n a sw eter Hall lujah tha that b woy No ta ob y .

’ All the a rgu n s in the wordle w u nt bayte that ! I ll

n ! s a be bur ed if they will What y you , sir fl ammita ant «Drummite.

SI MON SBATH .

c entre‘ o f I N the the extensive forest of Exmoor , lies the picturesque little Village of Simonsbath , which is

te n i n reputed to be miles from everywhere . Here

n n n o w a cie t times the limpid Barle , as , flowed lazily in summer towards its sister stream the Exe , which

n it joins in the Vicinity of Dulverton . Slowly wendi g its way through the country of the Red Deer , it forms many a deep pool , Sheltered by clumps of

h n i n alder , w ile its ba ks are rich king fern and

n n n bracken . Simo , the ki g of the wester country , often came to disport himself, with his followers , in

w . v en the refreshing aters One day , the sovereign tu re d too far from his attendants and being seiz ed w n ith cramp sa k , and was drowned before assistance — arrived . Hence the name of the hamlet Simons bath .

f o ld S o n s A ew g .

PU RTY JAN E .

’ W z T U down by the river I fust met my purty Jane ,

’ Upon a z u mm er s e v eling when the z i n wuz on the

wane , ’ ’ Her little v e et they twinkled a s her trip d o e r mead

ers bright , ’ ’ e whi s er d z oftl And my heart p y , ’ i v v e r z i ht Bill , did st zee such g

ni v v e r z e e z o N ot in my born days did I a maid fair ,

Her made my heart go pity - pat a n d her riz on en d

my hair . And I axed her v u r to come back but her cudden

then , her zed , o m And n her sped like lightning , across the level ead .

a - I yerd the birds zinging , as I comed up dru the

lane , And I thort they zed Bill Bill thee shet have thy ” purty Jane , ’ ! twu z i v v er Ah music sweeter var , than I yerd

avore , It often gied me comfort digging peat pin tap the

moor . 1 88 a r jaummita nt dt ummita.

Wan Zumm e r Zi nd a y morning when the bells wuz n n ri gi g sweet , ’ I meet my loVe a - comin g up old Cha gf ord s pleasant

street , tuke d n a n d I I courage there and the , up and told

my love , ’ h And her zed , Dear Bill , I ll have t ee , and her

s poke ji s t like a dove .

But her ni v v er lived to do it vur her pined away and

died , ’ i s t on n J the day , her zed her d be my bo ny little

bride . ’ N ow often when I m walkin g down in yonder mead e rs bright , a n n I zee her right avore me , like a gel in the light .

A n d z a i n I yer her sweet voice y g Bill , Bill , be not

afeared , Thee shet zee i n heaven ly places thy loving little

maid , ’ Oh ! te z that which gives me peace as I walks in i n n field and la e , n Vur if I live a true life , I Shall zee my purty Ja e .

Elias Tozer , Exeter .

T H E TRU E LOVERS .

LORD Lovel he stood at his own castle gate ,

- Combing his milk white steed , When up came Lady Nancy Bell — s ee d w s e e d To wish her lover good p p speed ,

T o wish her lover good speed .

So he ordered the grave to be opened wide

A n d n the shroud to be turned dow ,

‘ - And then he kissed her clay cold lips , — n do wn m d o n Till the tears came trickli g down w ,

n Till the tears came trickli g down .

n - Lady Na cy died as it might be to day ,

- Lord Lovel he died as to morrow ,

n ou t of Lady Na cy , she died pure , pure grief,

o ut of — Lord Lovel , he died sorrow sorrow

sorrow ,

d o ut Lord Lovel he ied of sorrow .

Lady Nancy was laid in the cold churchyard , Lord Lovel was laid in the choir ;

h e r And out of bosom there grew a red rose ,

ou t — — And of his a sweet brier rier rier ,

An d o ut of hi s a sweet brier .

They grew a n d they grew to the church steeple

tO P.

An d e n o then th y could grow higher ,

n n - - n So there they e twi ed in a true lovers k ot , — — For all true lovers to admire mire mire ,

For all true lovers to admire .

n . e Su g by Mr Ted Ward , at a harvest supp r ,

1 8 . September , 9 3

T HE n n followi g appeared in an Exeter ewspaper , in

1 8 May , 44, and was attributed to the pen of Mr .

of i n Henry Baird , a popular writer poems the 1 1 3 f an DIDS ongs . 9

n . Devonshire Dialect , generally k own as Nathan Hogg

’ n to o n John a d Moll Chawbacon s visit Exeter , the occasion of the openin g of the Great Western Rail

w a I s t 1 8 . y , May , 44

LO R Johnn y lor John ny n ow whatever is that

’ A - n n n os s rin i g alo g like a upon wheels ,

’ a s s o Tez so bright your buttons , and black s your

hat , An d i s t n how 1 j listen , Joh ny , and hear he squeals

’ ! n w Dash my old buttons , Moll I ll be darned if I k o ,

dh n e r U s w a s to a . fools come yer , and run into g

’

off o . Let s be , he Spits fire , lor do let us g

hi s ii z e to And he holds up head like a g a stranger ,

I be a bit frightened , but let us bide yer ,

how ff And hark he pu s , he coughs , and he blows ,

old - o s s H e idden unlike the cart last year , — Brokenwin ded a n d yet only zee how he goes

’ ri nn th n H e upon ladders , with they thi gs like wheels ,

or o n . Or hurdles , palings put down the ground But why do they let him s tray ou t o f the fields

’ ’ n Tez a wonder they do t clap en into the pound ,

’ ’ ! c a n He can t be alive , John I don t think he ;

of n ow I bant sure that Moll , for just look ,

’ o s s n old m a n He breathes like a , or a s ivelled ,

’ h - And hark ow he s bust out a coughing . Good now

’ He n ever could draw all they waggons d ye see

he v a tc he s or tu rm ets If lived upon , or hay ’ — Why they waggon s be filled up wi people they be ;

’ ’ do e how the m n And but look y laughi g away , 1 2 t ant at ru t 9 jaumnu a mmi a.

And look to they c hillern a rinnin g about With their mouths full of gin gerbread there by shows‘ A n d see to the scores of fin e ladies turned out

n i n And ge tlemen all their best Sunday clothes ,

An d n s o a look to the house made of ca vas sm rt ,

’ n n i n A n d the di er s ot out w such bustle a d fuss .

’ - wi But us brought a squab pie us in the cart ,

’ fi i n f n rk o s o . And a cider , that s ort to us — I tellee what tez , Moll this yer is my mind ,

’ ’ w ordle s s o n The gone mazed sure as you m bor ,

’ ’ —a n d fin d Tez so true as I m living that they ll ,

’ ’ w n With their hosses pon heels , that don t live upon cor .

o I widden g homewards by and by to the farm ,

’ e a n d n B hind such a creature , when all s said do e

’ e n We ve travelled scores of mil s , but we ever got

harm , ’ Fo r i there s nort l ke a market cart under the s un .

YOU NG ROGER OF TH E VALLEY .

Of YOUNG Roger the valley ,

n One morning very soo ,

on Put his best apparel , His hose a n d Sunday Shoon

a - n And he wooi g went ,

nn To bo ie buxom Nell ,

c an o u n Says he , My dear , y fa cy I

e n w For I likes the wo drous ell ,

For n I likes thee wo drous well .

Fo r I have fifty more

T h c o w emoney a will buy , ’ ’ o ur n We ll join hands in wedlock s ba ds , And who like Nell a n d I

es ter n M or n i n N ew From the W g s .

’ THE OLD M AN S SONG .

T W UZ z i xt y years and more , when fust I meet my

Grace ,

’ Among her father s apples that shined ji s t like her

vace .

e e a w ! tw uz Us courted fift n year , a happy time ,

a - And then us was wedded , us both was in our

prime .

’ U s w u z i n n Zu mmer s married a church upo a day , When all the birds wuz zinging and i v v ery thing wu z

gay ,

w u z There father there , and mawther , and likewise

Be n uncle , Aunt Jane and cousin Phylic and Bob and Betty

n Ve n .

OV A cruel lot youngsters , from all the country round , B rof t down a ll z orts of things our happy hearts to

cheer .

wu z on And when the ring , and the clerk had zed

n Ame ,

d u e e n e o ld Who thi k fust jump d vore Why , rough

n n u cle B e . em0 0 011 1 521 f 1 23 5 5 . 9 5

And ke e s ed ra the r z ma é rt didden he Grace y , I much

n he mi d , But tw a dd e n quite z o proper in Young Va rm e r Wil yum Lee !

’ ke e d v ee li n s n rI SIn I p me g dow , which wuz g purty

vast ,

’ ’ I zed , dear Grace , I opes he ll be the last .

s u e e e d a n d Her q g my arm meaned tweed be ,

’ diI e d I also the zame , And then us wen t to dinner ; and a rte rw a rd s

U s lived like turtle doves all dru many happy years . An d reared up thirteen c hi lle rn : ov cus e they b ro ft their kears

’ But then they ve turned ou t well a n d all be gu de to me .

on - As their mawther her death bed , charged um vur

to be .

’ w u z ou r n Vor when the birds zinging , as pon weddi g

day ,

i s t J like a little babby , her calmly passed way , And z o m e tim e s when I comes yer there breathes

about the place ,

o v Such blessed memories her , I zim I zees her vace ,

n a n d e rs z a i n And Clasps her ha d , y her voice , a y g

n u to me , a Cheer up , dear J e mes , be not cast down ,

' ” z iI n e Thee shall come to me .

Elias Tozer , Exeter . ( jaummita ant Ecumtnita.

DADDY FOX .

Fox e ou t on e n DADDY walk d moonshi e night , He prayed to the moon to give him some light

n For he had a lo g way to travel that night ,

ot Before he g home to his den O , den O ,

D e n d e n . O , O

n wa n For he had a lo g y to travel that ight ,

Before he got home to his den O .

’ As he passed by a farmer s yard ,

e a v e a re d The ducks and the geese they w re all ,

of The best your fat shall grease my beard ,

Avore I get home to my den O , den O ,

Den O , den O ,

n Avore I get home to my de O .

old He seized the grey goose by the neck ,

An d slung her all across his back ,

out trib l tribl twa c k The goose cried with a y , y ,

n And the blood came trickly dow O , down O .

Down O , down O ,

An d w the blood came trickly do n O .

Old Mrs . Flipper Flopper jumped out of bed ,

of She And out the window popped her head , “ a n Saying , J , Jan , Jan ,

The grey goose is gone ,

'

And the fox hath gone home to his den O , den O ,

Den O , den O ,

The fox hath gon e home to his d en O .

1 8 nm it ant ru 9 fi m a fi mmite.

Old m a n n n The , he would to Lo do go ,

t e n o f To shew h Ki g great part his woe ,

T o n o f shew the Ki g great part his grief,

’ to a x n And likewise for some relief.

N ow m a n when the old to London came ,

n n The King he was to Wi dsor go e ,

n w a s a c omin Why if he had k own that I g,

” n He widde have gone s o far from home .

old m a n n When the unto Wi dsor came ,

The gates were locked , and all secure ,

’ w n Why let s knock away ith my oake club ,

’ ” There s room for me to get vore , to be sure .

s a rv i nt ! Yer , Maister Nobles shew me the king ,

’ W hot s thi s the Kin g you sheweth to me I zeed a chap to Barn staple fair

Looked more like a king than thicky chap there .

in n m a n s a rv t . Yer , Mr Ki g the old said ,

’ bla tch n n A in my lease the tor ey hath fou d ,

’ i t s e n of h And all for f lli g five as en trees ,

’ An d buildin g a ouze pi n tap his o wn ground .

n The Ki g he took the lease all up ,

An d SI gn e d it with his hand s o free .

' e a - a - diI ed Why , if us cud had it at home ,

’ - Us needn t a comed to thee . t 1 a feta al S ongs . 99

The Old man took the lease all up ,

to o w a s n And for g home also willi g ,

of But to make the King some sort amends ,

ou t a n d n He took his purse gave him a shilli g ,

s ou ! The King he thanked the noble ,

n ten n And paid him dow pou ds in gold ,

An d f or every year the sake of the sport ,

Ten pounds were paid from Windsor Court .

The old man took the lease all up ,

to o now And for g home he was quite willing ,

’ ’ a - n But if I d k owed thee d agot so much money ,

” - - - The devil a bit wid I a gied thee a shilling .

For this and the following song I am indebted to

W hi e a f n of . . . t a w o the kindness Mr W H y , Sun y

i s n to side , Exmouth , who good e ough to allow me “ to insert them here . He says , these songs I give you , from memory , as I can remember hearing them

” sung over Sixty years a go .

WHERE ARE YO U GOI N G , FAI R MAI D

ou w a i ne ? WHERE are y g fair maid , I pray

ma n And Old asked a maid , one day .

n s o Looki g for poppies bright and red ,

” ’ Father , she said , I m hither led .

l old c r Fie fie l did the man y, Poppies all know

n ot . In the field , and in the grove , do grow - jil ununita ant dIZcummita.

n old Tell me , agai the man said ,

n Why are you wanderi g here , fair maid

’ i a n d The night ngales song so sweet clear , ” h ” s e . Father , said , I came to hear

’ i s F fie l was the Old man s cry , Nightingales all people do s a y

n a n d . Warble by ight , not in the day

a n d The sage looked grave , the maid looked shy ,

When Lubin jumped over a stile hard by ,

The sage looked graver , and the maid more glum ,

n a nd Lubi , he twiddled his finger thumb ,

c r Fie l fie l did the old man y ,

thes e Poppies like , I own are rare ,

’ And of such nightingale s son gs beware l

TH E OLD MAN WH O LIVED IN A WOOD . w THERE was an old man who lived in a ood ,

‘ A s iI y may plainly zee ,

' ' c iI d e diI He zed he more work in a day ,

’ ' ’ Than he s wive c i I de diI in dree .

’ u m m on If that be the case , the old zed ,

s he If that be the case , zed ,

’ ' i I tii - Then y shall bide at home day ,

’ And I ll go and drave the plough .

’ tI But mind y milk the cherry cow ,

s hti de For fear that her dry ,

‘ tI n And mind y te d the sucking pigs ,

That he in yonder s ty .

202

n e t private sources , I have u fortunately failed to g

on e . n n n L a w I am i debted to the ki d ess of Mr .

of N or th D evon H er a ld rence , editor the , Barnstaple , for the following very amusing example

’ O H n n i , Devo shire s a noble cou ty , full of lovely V ews , Miss ! And full of gallant gen tlemen for you to pick and

choose , Miss

’ But search the towns all round about the re s n othing

c a n compare , Miss

o f w s In measurement merriment ith Barn taple Fair , Miss !

’ ’ of Ba ru m s n a n d Ba ru m s Then sing merry tow ,

too merry Mayor , ,

n o i n old c om I know place all the world , Barum to pare to

’ There s n othin g happen s in the year but happen s at

ou r ! fair , Sir

’ ’ Tis then that everythin g abound s that s either n e w ! or rare , Sir The Misses make the ir start i n life i ts gaieties to ! Share , Sir

An d ladies look for beaux and balls to Barnstaple fair , Sir !

’ ’ o f t a n d Ba rum s Then sing Ba um s merry town , wor

thy Mayor , too , I know no place in all the world old Barum to com pare to l 2 0 fl f eta alt S ongs . 3

The little boys a n d girls at school their nicest clothes

’ prepare , Ma am T o walk the streets and buy sweetmeats and ginge r

’ s o bread rare , Ma am

s ee e n Their prime delights , to the sights that ornam t

’ our Square , Ma am l When Powell brings his Spangled troop to Barn staple ’ ' Fair , Ma am

’ n Ba ru m s our n Then si g of merry town , and indulge t

Mayor , too , I know n o place in all the world old Barum to com pare to l

’ If milk be scarce though grass be plenty , don t com

too plain soon , Dame

For h i n of n t at will very often happen the month Ju e , Dame !

o u Though cows run dry while grass runs high , y

never need despair , Dame l

’ T he cow s will calve and milk you ll have to Barn

staple Fair , Dame

’ Then sing of B a ru m s wealthy town and its produc

too tive fair , ,

n of And dri k the Corporation , and the head it the

hl a or too l y ,

’ ’ n n If pigeo s wi gs are plucked , and peacocks tails re

to l fuse grow , friend

’ In Spring ; you may depend up on t in Autumn they

n ! will shew , frie d 2 6 r it 4 mammite ant «E umm e.

If feathers hang about your fowls in droopin g style

and spare, friend Both cocks and hens will get their pens to Barn s taple

Fair , friend l

’ off B a ru m s Then , friend , leave your wig , and privi

leges share , too ,

n Where everythi g grows once a year , wings , feathers , ! tails , and hair , too

If Winter wear and Summer dust call out for pain t ! and putty , Sir

An d Newport coals in open grates make paper - hang ! ings smutty , Sir

’ And rusty shops and houses fronts most sadly want ! repair , Sir

to Both Shops and houses will be smart Barnstaple , ! Fair , Sir

A nd n a n d im Barum is a handsome tow , everyday

n ! provi g , Sir Then drink to all who study its improvement to keep

n movi g , Sir l

King George the Third rode out to Staines the houn ds

to lay the stag on ,

But that was no great things of sport , for mighty

kings to brag on ,

a la cha s s e c on o s ha The French , alas go in p y and

pair , But what ’ s all that to Button Hill ? To Barnstaple Fair

a n d Boiled beef, roast beef, squab pie , pear pie ,

n pudde , plenty , ’ W n o r n s i t i n he eight ni e down to d e , they ll find

n e ough for twenty ,

’ n n A d after din er for dessert , the choicest fruits you ll

share , Sir

’ n E en wal uts come from Somerset to Barnstaple Fair , Sir

’ ’ n Ba ru m s Ba ru m s The sing of jolly town , and jolly

too Mayor , , No town in England can be foun d old Barum to c om pare to l

n I will not Si g of Bullock fair , and brutes whose horrid trade is

To Shut our window blinds , and block up all the

ladies ,

N or a n d of the N orth walk , rush crush , where fools ! at horses stare , Sir When Mister Murray brings his nags to Barnstaple ! Fair , Sir

’ ’ But sin g of Ba r u m s jolly town and Ba ru m s jolly

hi a or too ' y ,

n i n c an No tow England be found , old Barum to compare to l

“ “ T he o n e n Ball night , the Play the ext , with

n private parties umerous , ’ ff Prove Barnstaple people s endless e orts , Sir , to

u s humour , 2 0 a f eta alt fa unas . 7

too n n ow And endless , , would be my so g , if I should

declare ,

All the gaieties , and rarities of BARN STAPLE FAI R l “ n n G o d n The loudly si g save the King , and lo g may Barum thrive O l

to s e e a n d e n May we all live the Fair , th be all alive O l

BARBARA ALLEN .

n I N Totnes town where I was bor ,

w a s There a fair maid dwelling ,

c r - a - w a Made every youth y Well y ,

Her name was Barbara All e n .

i n All the merry month of May , n n Whe green buds they were swelli g ,

n on hi s - Young John y Gale death bed lay ,

For love of Barbara Allen .

n n He sent his groom u to her the ,

s he wa s To the town where dwelling , Yo u to must come my master dear ,

If your name be Barbara Allen .

n For death is pri ted on his face ,

’ An d o e r his heart is stealing : n The haste away to comfort him , Oh lovely Barbara Allen l

on hi s Though death be printed face , ’ A n d o er his heart is stealing ,

Yet little better shall he be , n For bonn y Barbara Alle . t nt r jaunnni a a dt unnnita.

s h e So slowly , slowly came up ,

And slowly She came nigh him ,

An d s he e all said , when up she cam , “ ’ ” n n . Young man , I thi k you re dyi g

e n He turned his fac u to her straight , w With deadly sorro sighing , ! Oh lovely maid , come pity me , ’ - n I m on my death bed lyi g .

on - If your death bed you do lie , ’ What needs the fate you re telling

I can not keep you from your death . n Farewell said Barbara Alle .

He turned his face unto the wall , An d deadly pangs he fell in ,

to Adieu , adieu , adieu all l Adieu to Barbara ‘Allen

’ s he w a s n o e r As walki g the fields ,

a - n n She heard the bell k elli g ,

A n d to s a every stroke did seem y, ” Unworthy Barbara Allen .

n She turned her body rou d about , ’ An d a - Spied the corpse coming ,

s he Lay down , lay down , the corpse , said , ” That I may look upon him .

e With scornful eye , she look d down ,

n Her cheeks with laughter swelli g , n m Whilst all his frie ds cried out For sha e , Unworthy Barbara Allen

a t a fl mmi a nt di rummite.

’ ’ 0 There s two little forms at the end the pier , a Heave ho l sh ke out the sail ,

i a s And a h ke in all eyes is the way we steer ,

n Aw , whistle my lads for a favouri g gale .

of a i n Oh , Jim has a bit a b ll his throat ,

a out Heave ho Sh ke the sail ,

’ n hi s na uz e wi He is wipi g the sleeve of his coat ,

Aw , whistle my lad for a favouring gale .

’ n Oh , Jess is his lass , her s a pipi g her eye ,

a s Heave ho l sh ke out the ail ,

’ An d (In Jim he can t it , no not if he tried , Aw , whistle my lads for a favouring gale .

1 2 . Heard at Plymouth , 89

n The following , which appeared in a recent umber of Wes ter n M or ni n N e ws the g , is from the pen of the

. P u ddi c omb e o f . late Dr , Moreton The subject , Jan

’ Pook , was post boy at the Saracen s Head , Two

d . Bri ges , Dartmoor The poem gives a clear idea of the habits of the convivial souls who i n habit and divert themselves i n that neighbourhood .

JAN POOK .

AN - J Pook wuz a post boy , The vokes where he stapped

’ Ze d o s ebi rd a hardier ,

There ni v v er wuz drapped . f emDID an r 2 1 1 fl S ge.

’ c ii de c tI de z He laugh , he ing ,

‘ ’ c iI de c tI d e He smoke , he tell ,

whativ v er And he dued ,

H e a lwe s dii e d well .

’ wuz uv ner He loved by his g ,

Samuel Cann ,

Of The White Hart , in Moreton ,

A merciful man ,

’ tra te d Who his osses ,

And customers , too ,

tra te d And Jan Pook ,

’ When he d nort else to do . Jan Pook d ruV a party

To Princetown one day ,

Returning wherefrom ,

On his empty post shay ,

’ To the Saracen s Head ,

He pulled up for a wet ,

’ Refreshment e s z el hi And s osses to get . Jan dri nke d wey some miners

z e d Until , as he , The liquor he drinke d

Had got into his head .

When he started again ,

To his home to return ,

a rte rwa rd s What happened ,

’ You ll presently learn . 2 1 2

’ a d Es likker warmed en to that there degree,

y a lled That he vast asleep , and his osses you zee ,

’ 0n Forgetting the whip , stapped and grazed p the

road ,

how But long they bided there nobody knowed . Jan dreamed ’ bout some pixies

n And other stra ge folk ,

c orn ed When the miners up ,

All alive for a joke .

They unharnessed his osses ,

And drove mun away , Leaving Jan vast asleep f h On the porch o the s ay .

When the zun in the East wuz beginningto rise ,

Jan Pook , half awake ,

Va lled to rubbing his eyes . Who be I Where be I Ze d Jan in a maze

’ Here s a drunken old zun

- - n Of a gun o a Shays .

If I be Jan Pook , I may zay to my cost A pair of post osses ’ i I ve s a rt nly lost . If I baint Jan Pook

’ T e z f ortinite a day , For I ’ m burned if I aint

Been and found a post shay .

2 1 4 fi nmmita ant dt rummita.

’ a m em ri e s Oh , they waken gl d to cheer me ,

’ AS I sail o er the wide , open sea , And the sweet thoughts of one b rmge th

memory ,

c a n . I am as happy , as happy be

CHORU S .

It is only a dear little letter ,

of And it breathes a heart that is true ,

Its makes my lone heart feel the better ,

As this world I am journeying through .

’ It tells o f a heart s sweet devotion

n now That will cli g and ever to me ,

My mind it is in a commotion ,

’

c an . I m as happy , as happy be

C H ILDREN ’ S SON G FOR ALL SOU LS ’

DAY . SOUL Day Soul !

The Roads are very dirty .

Our shoes are very thin ,

Pray good missis and master ,

Pop a penny in .

An apple , a pear , a plum or a cherry ,

Or any good thing to make us merry ,

’ If you haven t an apple , a pear will do ,

’ I f you haven t a pear , good money will do ,

two One for Peter , for Paul ,

Three for Them as made us all . l v 2 1 fl feta a t re enge. 5

Soul Day l Soul

s at i n The cock up a yew tree , k The hen came cac ling by ,

We wish you a merry Christmas ,

And a fat pig in the s ty . Soul Day l Soul

TH E KN I GHT KI LLED T H E SQU I RE .

T HE knight he killed the squire ,

The squire being dead ,

And witnesses being by ,

’ i n Twas brought Wilful Murder ,

The knight was condemned to die . He was condemn ed to die

La w According to the ,

Though all had expectation ,

That the judge a free pardon would Show .

A

She was but a poor servant ,

n A poor serva t maid ,

If I shall be admitted ,

” s i r She Admitted , said ,

’ I ll come before the j udge ,

’ And there I ll e n d all strife .

For - like a love Sick lady ,

’ ” n I ll go a d beg his life . ‘ 2 1 6 a t r fi nmmita n di unrmi te.

She borrowed rich attire ,

Rich rings she had manifold , Likewise s he had around her neck f A costly chain o gold .

N ow n all thi gs being ready ,

She with her footpage came , Just like some noble lady

a nd . Of honour , birth fame

n s he Whe came before the judge , She on her knees did fall

For mercy , and for mercy ,

For mercy s he did call . “ Take mercy on a virgin ,

And grant to me my love ,

n May the Heave s light you from above . Fair lady and fair lady Fair lady he must die

wrun e d And the lady g her hands , And bitterly did c ry For the l a w must be fulfilled

f or And blood blood must pay .

My life shall be his ransom ,

” T o s et my true love free .

How can you die to save him

Such love I never knew,

Pity but what you could have him , So bid your tears adieu

fl ammita ant «Erummita.

TH E DEVI L AN D TH E TAI LOR .

' ’ ’ i n Ki n TWAS g Henry s time ,

w a s And he a good old king ,

There were three rogues turned out of doors ,

n ot Because they would sing .

The first he was a miller ,

And the second he was a weaver ,

wa s And the third he a little tailor ,

Three thieving rogues together .

The miller , he stole corn ,

The weaver , he stole yarn ,

The little tailor he stole broadcloth ,

To keep these three rogues warm .

w a s d a m The miller drowned in his ,

wa s i n And the weaver hanged his yarn ,

fl e w But the Devil away with the little tailor ,

With the broadcloth under his arm .

H T E STAR I N TH E CAN DLE .

’ i n - THERE S no star the candle to night ,

Nor on e e little ray Shewing cl ar ,

ou r s Still to make heavy heart light ,

n By s h evvi g a letter is near .

’ n o - But although there s star there to night ,

n There is one eye that ever looks dow ,

c a n Whose might change darkness to night ,

’ Who ne er on afflictions will frown . eta 2 1 fl f DIDS ongs . 9

A ROB I N TAPPI N G AT THE WI N DOW

PAN E .

n WHEN the snow was falli g , falling ,

On a bitter winter night ,

I , and little Mary watched it ,

Wrapping all the world in white , n Came a little Robi Redbreast , n Hu gry , shivering , and in pain , n And we heard him gently tappi g , n n Tapping o the wi dow pane .

n Little Mary oped the wi dow ,

a n d n Bitter blew the Wind stro g ,

Warmed and fed the little stranger , An d he paid her with a song . to Robin learned love my Mary ,

Mary loved him back again , ’ w e n Ev ry day heard him ge tly , n Tapping at the window pa e .

Mary died and left me lonely ,

And we laid her in the clay , A nd n the snow that falls upo her ,

Mourning , weeps itself away . n Robin we t and lay beside her , n Sang his last expiri g strain .

When at night I dream of Mary , Comes an echo on the pan e

’ n n Robi s gone to Si g with Mary ,

In my dreams I hear the strain ,

And I wake and hear the echo .

Tappi n g on the window pane .

M ERSET — onti nued SO e . . — No rto n - Sub H amdo n i n the o unt o f , C y om erse t S .

anor and on am il otes on the P ari s and the M H H . N h , l

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