THE WITCH HAZEL 163 
cures, but reveals the location of subterranean springs 
and hidden treasures* 
There are few counties in Ontario that cannot boast 
of a citizen qualified to work the divining rod, and, 
incidentally, if the expression may be extended, the 
people who contemplate the sinking of wells* A stout 
fork of Witch Hazel, shaped like a letter “ A,” still 
determines on many farms the place where the well 
is to be dug* The operator grasps the lower ends of 
the fork in his hands, and by twisting his wrists 
bends them outward till they are horizontal* It 
is difficult to hold a strong, springy fork in that 
position, especially when walking over uneven ground* 
And the esoteric influence of a subterranean spring, 
coupled with the elasticity of the wood and the tiring 
and weakening of the wrists, generally causes the 
point of the fork to twist downward* Where it turns 
the well is sunk, with perfect faith in the promised 
abundant flow of water* If the water is not found the 
turning of the rod is attributed to the proximity of 
mines or treasures, thus proving the overmastering 
and all-controlling power of faith* If the operator 
carelessly allows the fork to spring inward his nose is 
seriously endangered, and he may be rewarded with a 
flow of ** purple tears*” 
Sometimes the Witch Hazel blossoms unusually 
early, and, although the leaves are still firm on the 
trees, the yellow decoration becomes conspicuous in 
