CH. III.] CHARMING AWAY WARTS, &C. 183 



would probably make himself a peculiarly dis- 

 agreeable subject. 



If birds are thus susceptible of the influence 

 of the human eye, may there not possibly be some 

 truth in the popular idea that they are charmed 

 or fascinated by that of the Snake? 



Among the uneducated classes in the Isle of 

 Wight, in common probably with those of other 

 districts, the belief that diseases can be " charmed 

 away" still prevails to no inconsiderable extent. 

 Although I believe that other infirmities are at 

 times similarly treated, yet rheumatism and warts 

 seem to be those as to which the remedy is sup- 

 posed to be peculiarly efficacious. 



The "charmers" being naturally anxious to 

 keep their secret, if they have one, and if they 

 have not, to make up for the want of it by an 

 appearance of mystery while their patients, sus- 

 pecting that the educated classes look upon the 

 "charm" as a remnant of superstition, and fear- 

 ing that they may, by avowing their belief in it, 

 expose themselves to ridicule, are somewhat dis- 

 inclined to talk freely on the subject there is 

 some difficulty in obtaining information as to the 

 process by which it is supposed to be effected. 

 It appears, however, to consist in uttering certain 



