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 
