HEATHER LORE. 



the eddying of the stream around a rock. Its water 

 was many hundred years since consecrated by Fillan, 

 one of the saints who converted the ancient inhabitants 

 of Caledonia from Paganism to the belief of Chris- 

 tianity. It should seem that he had perhaps resided 

 in the vicinity for some time. 



"Whether he consecrated this pool in compliance 

 with some superstitious notions of its virtues which he 

 found already prevalent among the neighboring in- 

 habitants, I know not. But it has ever since been 

 distinguished by his name, and esteemed of sovereign 

 virtue in curing madness. About two hundred persons 

 afflicted in this way are annually brought to try the 

 benefits of its salutary influence. These patients are 

 conducted by their friends, who first perform the 

 ceremony of passing with them thrice round a neigh- 

 boring cairn ; on this cairn they then deposit a simple 

 offering of clothes, or, perhaps, of a small bunch of 

 Heather. More precious offerings used once to be 

 brought, but these never being left long in the un- 

 molested possession of the saint, it has become cus- 

 tomary to make him presents which afford no tempta- 

 tion to theft. After these, such as they are, have been 

 deposited, the patient is then thrice immersed in the 

 sacred pool. After the immersion he is bound hand 

 and foot and left for the night in the chapel which 

 stands near. If the maniac is found loose in the morn- 

 ing good hopes are conceived for his full recovery. If 

 he is still bound the cure remains doubtful. It some- 

 times happens that death relieves him during his con- 

 finement from the troubles of life." 



161 ii 



