18S9.] ^47 [Iloflman. 



If search is made for ore, the Uiune of the kind desired must be men- 

 tioned in the above phrase, instead of the word water. 



Tlie following directions for selecting a divining rod were given as early 

 as 1751.* at which time the practice of discovering various kinds of ores 

 and water was in vogue. The description is related to have been obtained 

 trom "an ingenious gentleman" — not named — who revived the mclhod — 

 which had been greatly neglected — and had made numerous experiments. 

 "The hazel and willow rods, he has by experience found, will actutiUy 

 answer with all persons in a good state of health, if they are used wiili 

 moderation, and at some distance of time, and after meals, when the oper- 

 ator is in good spirits. 



"The hazel, willow and elm are all attracted by springs of water; some 

 persons have the virtue intermittently, the rod in their hands will attract 

 one half hour and repel the next. * * * 



"The best rods are those from the hazel or nut tree, as they are pliant 

 and tough, and cut in the winter months ; a shoot that terminates equally 

 fi)rked is to be preferred, about two feet and a half long ; but as such a 

 forked rod is rarely to be met, with, two single ones of a length and size 

 may be tied together with thread, and they will answer as well as the 

 other. * * * 



"The most convenient and handy method of holding the rod is with the 

 palms of the hands turned upwards, and the two ends of the rod coming 

 outwards ; the palms should be held horizontally as nearly as possible, the 

 part of the rod in the hand ought to be straight, and not bent backward or 

 forward. * * * The rod ought to be so held, that in its workings the 

 sides may move clear of the little fingers. * * * 



" The best manner of carrying the rod is, with the end prolaided in an 

 angle of about 80 degrees from the horizon, as by this method of carrying 

 it the repulsion is more plainly perceived than if it was held pei'pendicu- 

 larly. * * * 



"It is necessary that the grasp should be steady, for if, when the rod is 

 going, there be the least succussion or counteraction in the hands, though 

 ever so small, it will greatly impair and generally totally prevent its activ- 

 ity, which is not to be done by the mere strength of the grasp, for, pro- 

 vided this be steady, no strength can stop it." 



The description continues, embracing directions for using the rod, prop- 

 erties observed, etc., but enough has been quoted to show that the method 

 has not been changed, even up to the present time. 



It may be proper to state, however, in further illustration of the form of 

 the rod commonly used, that it resembles the letter Y inverted, thus \, 

 the lower arms being grasped witli the hands, and bent horizontally out- 

 wards. Thus the stem being carried upright is free to move. 



* Gentleman's Magazine, 1751, p. 507. Reprinted also iu Gentleman's Magazine 

 Library, Vol. on Popular Superstitions, pp. 148, ll'J. 



