APPENDIX. 121 



for the accomplishment of any particular event, or 

 considers himself in danger, he vows alms to some 

 person, generally an old woman who enjoys the re- 

 putation of being provided for in that manner ; and, 

 if his wishes are realized, he scrupulously performs 

 his vow. There are the ruins of an old church in 

 the parish of Weesdale, called Our Lady s Church, 

 which is supposed to possess a still greater influence 

 in this respect than any living being. Many are 

 the boats which are said to have arrived safe at 

 land in consequence of a promise to this effect, 

 where death, without such an intervention, appeared 

 inevitable. Several coins have been found at differ- 

 ent times concealed in the walls of this Loretto of 

 Zetland. 



" A belief in the existence of Broroiie, the tu- 

 telar saint of husbandry, is beginning to be ex- 

 ploded ; but the fairies or trows have still a " lo- 

 cal habitation and a. name." They occupy small 

 stony hillocks or laiowes, and whenever they make 

 an excursion abroad, are seen mounted on bul- 

 rushes riding in the air. If a person should hap- 

 pen to meet them, without having a Bible in his 

 pocket, he is directed to draw a circle round him, 

 on the ground, and in God's name forbid their 

 nearer approach, after which they commonly dis- 

 appear. Tlrey are said to be very mischievous, 



G 



