CH. III. ] CHARMING AWAY WARTS, &c. 183 
would probably make himself a peculiarly dis- 
agreeable subject. 
If birds are thus susceptible of the influence 
of the human eye, may there not possibly be some 
truth in the popular idea that they are charmed 
or fascinated by that of the Snake? 
Among the uneducated classes in the Isle of 
Wight, in common probably with those of other 
districts, the belief that diseases can be “charmed 
away” still prevails to no inconsiderable extent. 
Although I believe that other infirmities are at 
times similarly treated, yet rheumatism and warts 
seem to be those as to which the remedy is sup- 
posed to be peculiarly efficacious. 
The “charmers” being naturally anxious to 
keep their secret, if they have one, and if they 
have not, to make up for the want of it by an 
appearance of mystery—while their patients, sus- 
pecting that the educated classes look upon the 
“charm” as a remnant of superstition, and fear- 
ing that they may, by avowing their belief in it, 
expose themselves to ridicule, are somewhat dis- 
inclined to talk freely on the subject—there is 
some difficulty in obtaining information as to the 
process by which it is supposed to be effected. 
It appears, however, to consist in uttering certain 
