THE HEATHER. 189 



the burning had taken place. This edict, in a some- 

 what different form, was renewed by a parliament 

 of James I. of Scotland, in the year 1424, which 

 inflicted a like penalty, or four days' imprisonment, 

 for burning the heather from March until the corn 

 was cut down. There can be little doubt that the 

 objection to the burning it in the spring and early 

 summer consisted in the consequent destruction and 

 waste of the young and tender grass which springs 

 round its roots ; but when the prohibition is con- 

 tinued to the time of harvest, we cannot but sup- 

 pose it to have been prompted by the belief that 

 any extensive fire will produce rain.* 



* For further information on this subject see " Notes and 

 Queries" (passim), which contains several interesting papers 

 relating to the burning of fern, which has at different times 

 been forbidden on account of its causing rain. Dr. G. John- 

 ston states that he finds the idea still prevalent in Berwickshire. 



