165 
Folk-Lore. 
ERHAPS the most amusing, and by no means the least 
instructive, of the many branches into which the study of 
local Natural History divides itself, is the one which directs 
attention to the curious traditions concerning animals and plants 
which have been handed down from generation to generation, 
and which still retain their hold in rural districts. Closely con- 
nected with this subject is that of the colloquial, or vulgar, names 
attached to various natural objects, the derivation of which 
is interesting both to the philologist and the naturalist. We 
have already expressed our wish to receive and publish all the 
information obtainable in our own district on these points, and it 
may be as well to commence with the few notes we have at pre- 
sent collected, in the hope that others may be urged to contribute 
their quota for the general benefit. 
Snakes are ever fruitful subjects of rustic superstition. One 
of our members had killed a Slow-worm (Angus fragilis), and 
was carrying it home on a stick. A sagacious peasant, however, 
_ warned him to be careful, for the thing couldn’t die until the sun 
set, ‘‘no, not if you was to cut it in pieces.’’ Ofcourse, the popular 
errors regarding snakes are in full force here; although, to his 
honour let it be recorded, one man confided to us his belief that 
_ “common snakes wasn’t poisonous, only adders and vipers,” 
which seem to be regarded as two different things. Even the 
Land Efts do not escape condemnation: there is supposed to be 
no cure for their bite! (See p. 25.) Report says that a man at 
_Flackwell Heath died from the effects of the bite of a Newt! 
Further particulars are solicited. 
- A curious distinction is made between the Common White 
‘Butterflies (Pieris) and the more brilliantly-coloured species. 
| ra The former are called Butterflies, but the latter receive the 
_ remarkable designation of Hobhowchins! 
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