THE MOUNTAIN ASH. 107 



place, or near the circle of a Druid's temple, the rites of 

 which were formerly performed under its shade." 



Many of the inhabitants of Great Britain still believe 

 that a branch of the Eowan-tree carried about with them 

 is a charm against the evil influences of witchcraft. It 

 is remarkable that similar superstitions connected with 

 this tree prevail among the North American Indians ; and 

 it is not improbable that they were introduced by the 

 early Welsh colonists, before the discovery of America 

 by Columbus. 



