T8 Transactions. 



"Worthy, and it is a further proof of his deep interest in his fellow- 

 men that he left his valuable collection for the benefit of future 

 ajres. 



2. Plant Superstitions. 

 By Mr Samuel Arnott, Carsethorn. 



Before passing to the consideration of the wider field of 

 British plant superstitions, I shall deal briefly with those of 

 my own neighbourhood in hope that other members may be 

 able to add to this part of my subject. Still lingering with us 

 is the belief that the finding of an even ash, that is, one in which 

 the terminal leaflet is absent and the leaf consequently even, is 

 " lucky." This superstition has, however, been shorn of the fuller 

 idea which was attached to it, and which still lingers in some 

 parts of the country, that the finder will meet liis or her sweet- 

 heart before night. 



Of a somewhat similar character is that relating to the " luck " 

 which will follow the finding of a "four leaved clover" — a 

 superstition which still exists to a certain extent in this locality, 

 although it seems singular that what is, after all, not so very 

 uncommon should have been looked upon as necessarily bringing 

 " good luck." 



The custom of burning nuts at Halloween is anotlier remnant 

 of plant superstition too well known to require further mention 

 or detail. The pi-actice at the same season of going into the 

 garden and pulling a " kail stock " seems almost, if not quite, 

 obsolete here, although I have heard it frequently spoken of. As 

 the full ceremony has been gradually reduced it may be of interest 

 to detail it now. After being duly blindfolded the young people 

 made their way to tlie " kail yard," and pulled the first " stock '' 

 they met with. On their return to the house their trophies were 

 examined, and by the appearance of the plant the personal beauty 

 of the future wife or husband was divined. If tlie stalk was tall 

 and straight, the future partner would be well favoured and of 

 good proportions. On the other hand, if the stalk was short and 

 crooked the partner would be ill favoured, and unattractive in 

 personal appearance. The sweetness or bitterness of the pith 

 indicated the temper of the prospective spouse, and the quantity 

 of earth which adhered to the root was emblematic of the amount 



