THROUGH FINLAND. 
3 2 * 
rife to the darknefs of gentilifm, were not filenced when thofe na¬ 
tions became enlightened by the gofpel ; they were even interpo¬ 
lated in the times of papal fuperftition for the purpofc of deluding 
the people ; and thefe will probably be the lafh of the runic verfes 
that will be forgotten, as notwithftanding all the induftry of the 
clergy to root out fuch prejudices from the minds of the people, 
the Finns ftill privately favour and countenance thefe fongs, being 
ftrongly of opinion, that they are poffefTed of fecret virtues, and 
have a fuperior degree of efficacy when employed. 
In point of compofition they are confidered by many as inefti- 
/ 
mable monuments of antiquity, and perfect models of genuine 
runic poetry. They are diftinguifhed by their admirers from the 
common runic verfes fung at public meetings, which by them are 
accounted profane. Some of a fpecies named lugut, or ledtures, 
are never fung, but delivered privately in a low murmuring voice, 
accompanied with horrid gefticulations. 
The Finns have many runic verfes which are fuppofed to con¬ 
tain healing powers, and thofe are ftyled fanat , or charms; as 
niadan-fanat , charms for the bite of a ferpent; tulen-Janat, charms 
to cure fcalds or burns; raudan-fanat , charms to heal wounds, 
&c. &c. 
Thefe charms, as has been already obferved, are very numerous; 
and though not much efteemed by the inhabitants of the fea- 
•coaft, are in the higheil repute amongfl thofe who dwell in the 
* 
interior and mountainous parts of the country. This is likely 
to continue to be the cafe, as long as the practice of phyfic re- 
Vol. I. Tt 
mains 
