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The Rowan, Mountain Ash, or Care-tree has a great repute 

 among country folk in the cure of ills arising from supernatural as 

 well as natural causes. It is dreaded and shunned by evil spirits ; 

 it renders null the spells of Witches and sorcerers, and lias many 

 other marvellous properties. A piece of Rowan wood carried in 

 the pocket of a peasant acts as a charm against ill-wishes, and 

 bunches of Care suspended over the cow's stall and wreathed 

 around her horns will guard her from the effects of the Evil Eye 

 and keep her in health, more especially if her master does not forget 

 to repeat regularly the pious prayer — 



" From Witches and Wizards, and long-tailed Buzzards, 

 And creeping things that run in hedge-bottoms, 

 Good Lord, deliver us ! " 



The Ash, in common with the Rowan-tree, possesses the 

 property of resisting the attacks of Witches, Elves, and other imps 

 of darkness ; on this account Ash-sap is administered to newly- 

 born children, as without some such precaution the Fairies or 

 Witches might change the child, or even steal it. 

 " Rowan, Ash, and red thread 

 Keep the Devils frae their speed." 



The Hazel, according to German tradition, is inimical to 

 Witches and enchanters. North says that by means of Hazel- 

 rods Witches can be compelled to restore to animals and plants 

 the fecundity of which by their malign influence they had pre- 

 viously deprived them. 



Elder, gathered on the last day of April, and affixed to the 

 doors and windows of the house, disappoints designing Witches 

 and protects the inhabitants from their diabolical spells. 



Mistletoe, as a distinctly sacred plant, is considered a talisman 

 against witchcraft. A small sprig of this mystic plant worn round 

 the neck is reputed to possess the power of repelling Witches, 

 always provided that the bough from which it was cut has not been 

 allowed to touch the earth after being gathered. Plucked with 

 certain ceremonies on the Eve of St. John, and hung up in 

 windows, it is considered an infallible protection against Witches, 

 evil spirits, and phantoms, as well as against storms and thunder. 



Cyclamen would appear to be considered a preservative from 

 the assaults of witchcraft and evil spirits, if we may judge from 

 the following couplet: — 



"St. John's Wort and fresh Cyclamen she in her chamber kept, 

 From the power of evil angels to guard him while he slept." 



Vervain and St. John's W^ort, carried about the person, will 

 prove a sure preservation against the wiles of Satan and the 

 machinations and sorcery of Witches. 



" Gin you would be leman of mine, 

 Lay aside the St. John's Wort and the Vervain." 



