“ Medical properties enter largely into the common notions of our peasantry. Most heads of families possess a knowledge of herbs and roots sufficient to enable them to treat ordinary diseases with considerable success; and at the proper seasons they never fail to lay in an ample stock of these simples for future use. Herbals are in much request; and herb doctors are met with in every town and village, who profess not only to know what herbs to prescribe for any given disease, but also to gather them "when their proper planets are ruling." ”

“ When persons are afflicted with tumours of any kind, they are advised to rub them with a dead man's hand. Smoke from a lime-kiln, the fumes from ammonia, or liquor from a gas-manufactory, are remedies for whooping-cough. This disease is also supposed to be cured by passing the patient nine times round the body of an ass. Those who suffer from rheumatic pains are advised to carry small potatoes in their pockets, which are held not only to cure, but to prevent a return of the disease. Consumption is believed to be produced, in many cases, by drinking water which has been boiled too long ”

“ This remedy is supposed to be effectual in cases of ordinary coughs, asthmas, whooping-cough, low spirits, and hysteria. Twin children are said to be sympathetic; when one is suffering the other is more or less affected. ”