oi ds 
Transactions. 83 
person is speaking well of one, but should the sensation be in 
the left ear then the opposite is the case. The itching of 
the foot, again, is essupposed to indicate that the person ex- 
periencing it will shortly walk on strange ground; while an 
itching palm is appropriately associated with the coming of 
money. When anyone happens to sneeze he is asked, ‘‘ Wha’s 
kirn hae ye been at?” A hiccough is also looked upon as an 
evidence of theft, but not necessarily of the same specific 
character. .The dock leaf is still popular as a cure for nettle- 
sting, and children continue to interrogate the feathery seed 
heads of the dandelion as to the time of day, carefully regulating, 
no doubt, the force of the respective puffs so as to ensure an 
approximately correct answer. The luck of a sprig of four-leaved 
clover is, of course, proverbial ; but it may not be so generally 
known that equal importance was at one time attached to the 
finding of a Saint John nut, or a nut with two kernels. , There 
are a number of minor superstitions more or less intimately 
connected with the home, which we may here briefly summarise. 
A “flichen ” on the grate or the tongs falling foretells the coming 
of visitors. The kettle “sobbing” on the fire is an intimation 
that some long-absent friend will shortly return. If the kettle is 
allowed to boil longer than is desirable it is said “‘to boil a’ the lads 
away.” A speck on the flame of a candle heralds the coming of 
a letter, and if the letter is already on the way the speck is 
expected to fall when the candlestick has been given a sharp rap 
on the table. Froth forming on the top of a cup of tea indicates 
riches, while the grounds at the bottom reveal the secrets of 
futurity. 
6th March, 1891, 
Mr Rosert Murray in the Chair, 
New Member.—Dr Anstruther Davidson, of Los Angeles, 
California, formerly of Sanquhar, was elected an honorary 
member. ; 
Donations.—The United States Geological Survey Report: for 
1887-8 ; the Transactions of the Canadian Institute, Toronto, 
October, 1890; Transactions of the Banfishire Field Club, 1887-8 ; 
