1919.] REPORTS. 171 



a list of this kind accessible to the student, giving various 

 particulars, concisely worded, with the bibliographical and 

 other authorities available. I therefore propose to publish in 

 the Transactions a copy of this list, and I would be glad to 

 receive the co-operation of any members or friends interested 

 in this in obtaining particulars of discoveries which are not 

 available to the general public. I believe that the publication 

 of this list, besides benefitting residents of Guernsey, would 

 help occasional visitors here. It is noticeable that there is a 

 large demand among visitors for information of this kind, and 

 to show the increased interest in Archaeological matters in 

 Griiernsey, the number of visitors to the Lukis Museum this 

 year has exceeded 500, far above any preceding year. 



S. Carey Curtis, 

 Secretary, Archaeological Section. 



Report of the Folklore Section, 1919. 



I am sorry to say that I have not had many folklore 

 items reported to me this year, and a very busy year has 

 preA r ented my seeking them for myself. 



One of my country correspondents has personally come 

 across instances of the almost universal belief in 

 the " unluckiness " of accidentally crossing knives at 

 table, which is thought to lead to domestic quarrels; 

 and also of the idea that breaking a looking-glass forbodes 

 seven years' ill-luck to the breaker. The idea is, of course, 

 based on what is known as the " Doctrine of Corresponden- 

 cies," namely, that as your reflection in the mirror is shattered, 

 so will your bodily health and prosperity be shattered also. 



It has also been reported to me that two families 

 in the neighbourhood of Torteval consider themselves 

 bewitched. This idea has so shattered the nerves of 

 the members of one of these households, who believe 

 that evil influences are still looking for them, that 

 they have shut themselves up in their house, seldom 

 or never go out, bolt and bar their door and refuse to 

 answer a bell, thus rendering it impossible for the outside 

 world to penetrate. For they believe that it is possible for 

 evil influences to enter bodily as well as spiritually, and also 

 to injure by personal contact, so that witchcraft can be trans- 

 mitted through the air like wireless telegraphy. 



In the other case the victims were undoubtedly suffering 

 from ptomaine poisoning through eating tinned foods. But 



