Ash. 
283 
haps, we call it ‘ witchen ; ’ the boughs being stuck about the 
door, or used for walking-staves.” 
Dr. Hunter, in his notes upon Evelyn, says: “In former 
times this tree was supposed to be possessed of the property 
of driving away witches and evil spirits, and this property is 
recorded in one of the stanzas of a very ancient song, called 
the ‘Laidley Worm of Spindlestone Heughs : ’ 
“ ‘ Their spells were vain; the hags return’d 
To the queen, in sorrowful mood, 
Crying that witches have no power 
Where there is roan-tree wood. ! ” 
