308 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. [Sept., 1915. 
irritating humming notes. There can, I think, be little doubt 
that our friend the Yogi had undergone a very considerable 
amount of suffering in order to acquire his reputedly miracu- 
lous endowment.’ 
We may account for the insusceptibility to scorpion-stings, 
displayed by the Moghal mentioned by M. Francois Bernier, by 
Dr. D.D. Cunningham’s theory of artificial immunity acquir 
by repeated inoculations. That is to say, we may take it that 
the young Moghal had rendered himself immune from the 
virus of scorpions by repeatedly allowing himself to be stung 
by them and thereby inoculating himself with the venom there- 
of. But I am unable to explain why M. Francois Bernier 
himself and his servant, though they firmly held the scorpions 
in their hands, were not stung by the latter. 
Closely allied to the foregoing charms is that curious one 
whereby the power to cure scorpion-stings is acquired by the 
practitioner, after rubbing with his hands, while he is in a 
blindfolded state, the blossoms of a mango tree. This charm 
is effected in the following way :—When the mango trees have 
burst into blossoms, the person, who is desirous of acquiring 
the power, must shut his eyes, be led blindfolded by some- 
body else to one of the same and take hold of some of the 
lossoms. He should then rub the blossoms into his hands ; 
and thereafter he blossoms forth into a full-blown adept in the 
art of healing scorpion-stings. In order to effect the cure, the 
practitioner, w uired the power in the foregoing Way, 
has only to wave his hand over the part of the patient’s body 
which has been stung. scorpion. is alleged healing 
0 essential components of this charm are :—(a) 
The touching of the blossoming mango tree; and (b) the act 
of waving the hands over the affected part. 
(a). Now it is well-known to students of folklore that the 
mango tree is a scarer of evil spirits and influences. It is used 
for making the aspersion at rural ceremonies. Wreaths made 
of its leaves are hung up on the occasion of pujas and other 
festive celebrations on the house-door. In Rohilkhand, on the 
occasion of the Akhtij festival, the cultivator goes at daydr® 
to one of his fields, taking with him a brass Jota full of Nm 
a branch of the mango tree and a spade. The attendant 
priest then makes certain calculations and ascertains the spo 
where the first digging should be done. This having beer 
pores 
1 Plagues and Pleasures of Life in Bengal. By Lieut Colonel D. D- 
Canningham, C.LE., F.R.8. London : J. Murray.” 1907. Pp. 196-198 
Indi ” Introduction to the Popular Religion and Folklore 9, 
ta. By W. Crooke, B.A. Allahabad : 256-257. 
