EXAGGERATIONS. 1 99 



Some statements also would make us believe that 

 the larch, if kept under sea-water for a great number 

 of years, becomes as hard as iron, so that the tem- 

 pered chisel would not cut it. And by some, and no 

 doubt the more superstitious class, it was thought to 

 be invested with the essential elements of evil, for 

 if left in a certain place and position at night, it 

 was removed and altered in shape and form by next 

 morning. Some thought it partook of the nature and 

 habits of the serpent, and this impression was confirmed 

 by the extraordinary manner in which it in some cases 

 warps and twists after being sawn. 



