THE WITCH HAZEL 163 



cures, but reveals the location of subterranean springs 

 and hidden treasures. 



There are few counties in Ontario that cannot boast 

 of a citizen qualified to work the divining rod, and, 

 incidentally, if the expression may be extended, the 

 people who contemplate the sinking of wells. A stout 

 fork of Witch Hazel, shaped like a letter ** A," still 

 determines on many farms the place where the well 

 is to be dug. The operator grasps the lower ends of 

 the fork in his hands, and by twisting his wrists 

 bends them outward till they are horizontal. It 

 is difficult to hold a strong, springy fork in that 

 position, especially when walking over uneven ground. 

 And the esoteric influence of a subterranean spring, 

 coupled with the elasticity of the wood and the tiring 

 and weakening of the wrists, generally causes the 

 point of the fork to twist downward. Where it turns 

 the well is sunk, with perfect faith in the promised 

 abundant flow of water. If the water is not found the 

 turning of the rod is attributed to the proximity of 

 mines or treasures, thus proving the overmastering 

 and all-controlling power of faith. If the operator 

 carelessly allows the fork to spring inward his nose is 

 seriously endangered, and he may be rewarded with a 

 flow of ** purple tears.** 



Sometimes the Witch Hazel blossoms unusually 

 early, and, although the leaves are still firm on the 

 trees, the yellow decoration becomes conspicuous in 



