HoflFman.] ddO f^Iay 3, 



At some localities, after the blow lias been given, a silver coin is placed 

 over the spot and securely fastened with a bandage. 



WnoopiNG Cough. 



The following method is pursued in the upper Susquehanna valley : 

 !Make a tea of hornets' nests, and allow the patient to drink of it each day. 

 The length of time of continuance is not stated. 



Another practice is to administer milk stolen from a neighbor's cow. 



One instance of treating a child having the whooping cough consisted 

 of thrusting a live fish into the throat.* 



CONJUREKS. 



Under this caption may be classed all persons professing more than ordi- 

 nary ability in the cure of the sick or those under spells. They may be 

 of either sex, and are locally termed hlanVsa dolc'tor — herb doctors — and 

 hex'a dok'tor — witch doctors. The latter practice various methods of 

 what is generally known as branch' a, which includes powwowing or exor- 

 cism, incantation, stroking, etc. It is not always the case that ihej'- are 

 called upon to operate directly, but they may communicate a formula or 

 method to the applicant, from whom they receive a fee. Should a remedy 

 be known to one requiring such aid, he first consults the witch doctor 

 both to verify the correctness of his own proposed plan and to conciliate 

 him that no countercharm may be practiced and compel extortionate 

 demands for freedom therefrom. 



There are many persons who claim to possess the gift of using the divin- 

 ing rod in the discovery of ores and water. Instances are frequent where 

 wells are sunk after an indication of the presence of water has been ascer- 

 tained in this way. In fact, it is amusing to learn the particulars of the 

 searcli, and the ultimate labors of the well-diggers, who continue until 

 they do find water. Naturally, water would have been found under ordi- 

 nary circumstances, but the rod receives the credit. 



Forked sticks of hazel, willow or elm, are generally used for this pur- 

 pose. One of the Pennsylvania methods is as follows: On Christmas Eve, 

 between the hours of eleven and twelve, the one who intends experiment- 

 ing must break off a branch that has grown during the year, and, while 

 facing the east, must at the same time speak the name of the Father, Son 

 and Holy Ghost. The rod must be used three times when searching for 

 an object. If the top of the rod inclines toward the ground, the operator 

 is over the spot sought. "When using the rod, recite the following words: 

 "Thou Archangel Gabriel, I beseech thee through God, the Almighty, if 

 there is water here, or not, indicate it." 



It is supposed that the top of the rod will incline to the front and 

 toward the ground if water is present beneath the surface. 



* Xotes and Queries. Loud., 5th ser., Vol. ix, p. 64. This was observed near Phila- 

 deljihia. 



I 



