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THE

RURAL "FOLK-LORE."

HERE is scattered amongst the rural population a large amount of that sort of knowledge graphically called "Folk-Lore," from one branch of which, namely, that which your correspondents, B. and R. Holland, call "Rural Natural History," I propose to offer a few examples, taken almost at random from the "Folk-Lore" of the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire.

It is generally believed that the cuckoo sucks the eggs of birds, and that when that kind of food fails, the cuckoo loses his voice,

The cuckoo, he sings in the spring of the year,
And he sucks little birds' eggs to make his voice clear!
Old Rhyme.

It is also believed in some parts that the cuckoo, having no further occasion for the services of his foster-parents, repays them for their kindness by swallowing them. This was an article of "FolkLore" with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Aristotle believed it, and Shakespeare-the universal Shakespeare-alludes to this article of "Folk-Lore" twice: once in the tragedy of “King Lear." old, doating king had stripped himself of his crown and kingdom, and given them to his two daughters. Goneril had begun to look coldly on the father, and to seek a cause of quarrel with him; and during a pause in her inditement, the fool says:

The

For you know, nuncle, the hedge sparrow fed the cuckoo so long that it had its head bit off by its young; so out went the candle, and we were left darkling.

And again, in the first part of "King Henry IV.,” Worcester, reminding the king of his broken promises, says:

And being fed by us, you used us so,
As that ungentle gull the cuckow's bird
Useth the sparrow; did oppress our nest,
Grew by our feeding to so great a bulk,

That even our love durst not come near your sight
For fear of swallowing.-Act 5, sc. 1.

In the same play the king, speaking of Richard II., says:

He was but as a cuckoo is in June.-Act 3, sc. 2. That is, he was common, and he had lost the power to attract; his voice was like the voice of the stuttering cuckoo, no longer commanding attention, except to be unfavourably contrasted with its former perfection. Richard, when he began his reign, was the nation's idol: Pomfret tells the rest.

The old fallacy of the cuckoo wintering here is not yet exploded. It is also believed that if you have any money in your pocket, when you first hear the cuckoo, and turn it over, you will have good luck for the next twelve months. May not the expression "turning a penny" have arisen from this old relic of "Folk-Lore?" Some persons take out their money when they first hear the

welcome cry, and spit upon it for good luck. Spitting for good luck on the first money taken during the day is very common; this money is popularly called "hansel." Tettigonia spumaria, the froth exuded from the body of which is found so common upon grass in the summer months is said by some to be cuckoo-spit, whilst others call it toad-spit. "Scabbed as a cuckoo" is a Yorkshire saying, alluding, I suppose, to the great quantity of scurf which comes off the young birds.

The lady-bird (Coccinelle) is eagerly sought after by country boys, who believe, or profess to believe, that the price of corn for the next year will be as many shillings per bushel as there are dots on the wing-cases of this little insect. In our rambles we often see young Rusticus with one on his finger end, to which he sings the old rhyme,—

Lady-bird! Lady-bird! fly away home!

Your house is on fire, and all your banes gone! Lady-bird! Lady-bird! fly away home. Fly away! fly away!! fly away home!!! Woodlice (Armadillo) are an infallible remedy for fits. A friend of the writer's was in the constant habit of swallowing Armadillo vulgaris like pills. Docks (Rumex sp.) are a remedy against the sting of the nettle. You must take the leaf of the dock, and rub it well on the place nettled, saying nine times, Docken in, nettle out." Rooks do not breed until two years old. Birds pair on St. Valentine's day, and do not build on Holy Thursday. Hedgehogs suck milk from cows. Eels are not in season when beans are in flower; and bean-swads rubbed well into a wart are a cure for it. The latter remedy I have frequently applied, and always with success. A roasted mouse is a cure for the

whooping-cough.

The ass, before our Saviour's entry into Jerusalem, had not the mark of a cross on his back; but that distinguishing mark was a token of our Saviour's favour, given to the ass that bore him on Palm Sunday, and has been ever since borne by all asses.

If you take up a haddock, and examine both the gill-cases, you will observe on each what are not unlike the marks of the pressure of a thumb. These are said to be marks made by the finger and thumb of St. Peter, when he opened the mouth of the fish to take out the tribute-money. The fish in whose mouth it was found must of course have been a haddock, but I question whether that fish is an inhabitant of the Sea of Tiberias.

Pigeon-feathers are never used for beds or pillows, it being an article of "Folk-Lore" that a person cannot die on such a bed, but that his agonies are only prolonged. It is also believed that death most frequently takes place on the turn of the tide.

Such are a few of the articles of "Folk-Lore" in Yorkshire.

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PHYLLACTIDIUM.

EVERAL correspondents having applied for information concerning the freshwater plant called Phyllactidium pulchellum; we have resolved upon communicating a few paragraphs of its history. During the spring of 1866, Mr. Aylward, of Manchester, sent us, for determination, some curious little green discs which had grown in a bottle of water collected in the previous autumn from a small pond near the new Assize Court, Manchester. When collected, this water contained Volvox globator in abundance, but no discs; during winter all traces of Volvox disappeared, and the little green discs supplied their place. At first, and for some time, Mr. Aylward suspected that they were a condition of Volvox, and sent us the discs to be named, these were submitted to Dr. Gray, F.R.S., whom we knew to have been for very many years deeply interested in Algae (indeed, almost a walking polyglot of all forms of vegetable and animal life), and in July, 1866, a description of these discs, under the name of Phyllactidium pulchellum, appeared in Seemann's "Journal of Botany," contributed by Dr. Gray, in which the scientific affinities of the plant were discussed, and much useful information supplied.

This discoid water-weed received the above names, generic and specific, from Kützing, who appears to have been the first to observe it, and we gather from a private letter, from this author, that he first found it in his fresh-water aquarium which he had in 1838-40, in his study. He found about seven or eight specimens of various sizes attached to the glass, and took a drawing of several of them, afterwards describing the plant in his "Phycologia,” under the name which it still bears, but he does not seem to have met with it again, or in any other situation. When Dr. Gray wrote the account above alluded to, he was under the impression that it had not been before observed in Great Britain; but, within a few days after its appearance, Professor Balfour stated at a meeting of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, that it was found thirteen years ago in Scotland by Mr. George Lawson, in the water of a vase at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and specimens were exhibited under the microscope which were put up at that time by Mr. Lawson. In December, 1866, Dr. Gray communicated to the "Journal of Botany" an additional note on Phyllactidium, in which he announced the discovery of a still older authority for this plant in Britain, for that Mr. Ralfs had read a paper before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh in December, 1844, which was printed in the "Annals of Natural History" in 1845 (vol. xvi. p. 308), in which the same plant was described and figured under the name of Coleochate scutata. He also says that he sent specimens to Professor Kützing, and that gentleman considered it to be the

same as his Phyllactidium pulchellum. Hence it was known in Britain in 1844, and the merit of discovery is due to Mr. Ralfs, who adds to his account that he was indebted to Dr. Dickie for determining its name. It is also somewhat singular that Mr. Ralfs gives so many stations for this plant, as, Victoria Park and Windermere, on the authority of Mr. Sidebottom; Aberdeen, where it was found by Dr. Dickie; Henfield, and near Tunbridge Wells, as communicated by Mr. Jenner; near Fleetwood, on the authority of Mr. J. S. Ashworth; near Bristol, found by Mr. Thwaites; ponds at Singleton and Sketty, near Swansea, according to Mr. Moggridge; also abundant in Cromlyn Bogs, near the same town, and in several stations near Penzance and Dolgelly.

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Fig. 180. Phyllactidium pulchellum magnified.

So much for the history of this interesting plant which we have figured from a specimen furnished to us by Mr. Aylward. We will not follow Dr. Gray in discussing whether it should be called Phyllactidium or Coleochate, or Bulbochote, but refer those interested in the more technical phases of the subject to Dr. Gray's two communications in the "Journal of Botany" for 1866. For the sake of those who may still be strangers to this organism we give Dr. Gray's excellent description. "The form is discoidal, circular, slightly concave on one side, formed of very many minute, nearly equal-sized; square cells, placed on forked lines regularly spreading from a central cell to the circumference; the frond is thin, membranaceous, and the upper and under surfaces are similar. The fructification consists of 12 to 16 square thickened patches, forming a circle (sometimes two) rather nearer the margin than the centre of the disc, the square patches being often placed in pairs. The fructification was first observed, and is well figured by Suringar, in his thesis entitled 'Observationes Physiologica,' delivered in Leyden on the 3rd of March, 1857, (p. 26, fig. 4, a)." The student may also consult Dr. Pringsheim's monograph of the genus Bulbochote in his "Jahrbucher," vol. vii., for 1860.

We shall be happy to record additional localities, if authenticated by the name and address of the writer.

I

MY LITTLE GREEN MONKEY.

HAVE the prettiest little monkey I ever saw, a wee green creature, with large red-brown eyes, and hands wonderfully like a human being's. Pretty may seem an inappropriate name to apply to a monkey, but this particular one is really deserving of it.

I have only had it a short time, and I wish to know how to treat it in the winter, in cold weather. It now lives in a hut on the lawn, fastened, by a chain, to a long pole which it can run up and down at will. It eats bread, milk, and ripe fruit. Milk and raw eggs are its especial weakness.

I fancy the poor little thing has been very badly treated in its earlier years by some organ-man or other, for one of these wandering gentlemen entered my garden the other day, and Jock evinced intense terror. He sprang on my shoulder and nearly strangled me with his long slender arms, clasped them tightly round my throat, and began to chatter in monkey language, telling me I have little doubt, could I but have understood him, some tale of sensational cruelty.

"That ere monkey will hurt you," cried the organist.

Poor Jock, I believe, understood him, for as if to reassure me, he let go his grasp, and nestled down on my arm with such an imploring look, that I at once unfastened his chain, and carried him off in-doors, flung him on the rug where his friend the cat lay curled up, and giving the man a few pence asked him to move on. When I came back, Jock was rolled up like a ball in the cat's arms. It is amusing to watch their friendship for each other; puss shares his saucer of milk, and then licks Jock's coat all over. He will gravely hold out his hands to the process or put up his face to be so washed, just like a man holds his face up under the hands of the barber. This cat I must tell you is an old acquaintance of his, belonged to his former mistress, a clergyman's wife, and I was presented with puss in order that the friends might not be parted; but Jock is not fond of kittens. I have a white one; she ventured one day rather too near his domain, and after he had thrown her about like a little snow ball for a few minutes, he coolly flung her into the pond to frighten the stickle-backs. My little boy was fortunately at hand, otherwise she would soon have been food for them. Chickens he invariably begins to feather alive; he holds them cook fashion, and plucks away finely, regardless of the old hen who from a coop close by abuses him loudly.

It is the custom in country villages for the different clubs, headed by a band of music, to call at most of the houses in the neighbourhood. I had a visit last week, and Jock, who hates music, was so frightened by the sound of the drum, that he broke

his chain, sprang across the lawn, and mounted a tall beech tree. We tried in vain to coax him down, but early the next morning, he was on the top of the greenhouse, peeping in at me; a little fresh milk proved too much for his powers of resistance. He came down with a run, and having finished his breakfast very quietly, went to pay his respects to the cat, and was soon chained again.

THOU

H. E. WATNEY.

THE BLIND WORM.

HOUGH I can throw no light on the climbing propensities of the slow-worm, perhaps a few particulars concerning one which was in my possession for several months may not be unacceptable to Mr. Guyon, nor altogether uninteresting to some among your readers. My specimen was captured one warm day in May, on Clifton Down, was twelve inches long, with beautifully iridescent scales about the head, and a skin smooth and shining as satin. The "pretty fellow" soon became a favourite, and although his proper abode was a covered basket, furnished with some folded flannel, yet, as he was not an object of repugnance to any member of the family, a considerable portion of his time was spent in comparative liberty, thus affording every opportunity for observation. The only food he would ever take was the small delicate grey slug so destructive in our gardens and fields; of these four or five would generally satisfy his appetite, though he would sometimes eat as many or seven or eight at one time, renewing his repast every three or four days; but he could bear long fasting without any perceptible diminution of vigour or activity, and the summer being a very dry one, I had sometimes great difficulty in finding the requisite food, and was unwillingly obliged to put his powers of abstinence to severe tests. However hungry, he would take no notice of anything else I could offer him, neither would he eat the small black slug, yellow underneath, perhaps on account of the very viscid slime and tough skin of these little creatures. When about to take a slug, the slow-worm would his mouth to its widest extent, generally turning the head on one side, and gliding slowly up to its victim, seize it exactly in the middle, with a grip like a vice. This appeared entirely to disable the creature, which was then slowly gorged, the operation, even on so small a scale, being decidedly unpleasant to witness. From this mode of capture he never varied, but if, as occasionally happened, from the very slippery nature of the prey, the first attempt failed, he never made another immediately, but would turn away with a most ludicrous air of unconcern, a very flimsy attempt to cover his evident mortification. He would drink freely of water, lapping it with his dark forked tongue, and every now and then lifting his head, precisely in the same

open

manner as a chicken drinking. He had a great love for warmth, particularly that derived from personal contact, and nothing delighted him more than being allowed to coil round my hand. He would interlace himself between the fingers in the most graceful and complicated folds, and it was on these occasions I was particularly struck with the muscular power referred to by Mr. Guyon. The manner in which my fingers were imprisoned in his coils made me realize, as I had never done before, the tremendous strength which the boa-constrictor must be able to exercise. Once established in his favourite position, he would retain it without moving for hours, if my occupation permitted. My singular pet was possessed of a very inquisitive disposition, and would investigate every object on the table with the utmost minuteness, particularly pleasing himself with getting into my work-box, and making almost as great a commotion among my cotton reels as a kitten. One day his researches led him into the salt-cellar, a result with which he appeared by no means satisfied. Of course, having so much liberty, he had many hair-breadth escapes, more especially in the way of falls, as he had no conception of danger when approaching the verge of anything, and if not observed when getting near the edge of the table, the next thing was sure to be a 'flop" on the floor, but he never seemed the worse for these accidents. I hoped to have kept him through the winter, but on my return from an absence of some weeks in the autumn, I found my "pretty fellow" was dead. He lived in captivity from May till November. The terror and astonishment he inspired amongst servants was most amusing, and at a small watering-place to which he accompanied me in the summer, I believe I am still remembered as the lady with the snake!-F. T.

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nearly obsolete) or sub-marginal. Canaliculi very inconspicuous, often wanting. Striæ very sharp and clear, extending to the wide, and well-defined central space, which runs from end to end of the valve. Colour of the dry frustule a rich chestnut brown (fig. 184). This singular form of Surirella occurs but sparingly in the deposit, and very rarely perfect. It was detected by Dr. Lewis in a gathering from a pond near the Saco river, and sufficiently plentiful to allow of his giving the above characteristics.

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MONMOUTH DEPOSIT AGAIN.

TO the two papers already devoted to an enumer

ation of the diatoms found in the Monmouth deposit, from Maine, U.S. I have a few "last words" to append. In a letter recently received from the Rev. E. C. Bolles, he states that this deposit is derived from the old bed of a lake, as one would have suspected, and that it is authentically what it purports to be.

In addition to the forms already enumerated, I find

Surirella linearis (Smith). The valve occasionally constricted, obtuse, or acuminate. The longitudinal central line distinct. Alæ conspicuous (fig. 187). I have hitherto only found the constricted variety, and that but rarely, in this material.

Surirella anceps (Lewis). Frustules free, linear. Valve sigmoid and elongated, with rounded subacute extremities. Alæ very small (sometimes

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Surirella intermedia (Lewis). Frustules free. Valve linear, strongly sigmoid, with attenuated rounded apices. Alæ usually distinct, twisted near the ends of the valves, giving rise to a spathulate appearance. Canaliculi numerous, inconspicuous, reaching the narrow central blank line. Striæ distinct. This form is very rare in the present deposit. Dr. Lewis found it mixed with the preceding species; it is probably identical with Nitzschia curvula of Smith.

Cocconema lanceolatum (Ehr.). Front view lanceolate, obtuse. Valve cymbiform, elongated, and concave. Margin with a central inflation and submedian line, central and terminal nodules. Stric distinct and moniliform. Frustules stipitate.

Cymbella Ehrenbergii (Kützing). Valves cymbiform; the median line sub-central, with central and terminal nodules. Striæ distinct, costate (fig. 188). Cymbella cuspidata (Kützing). Valves with the extremities produced and slightly acuminate. Striæ obscurely moniliform (fig. 190).

abnormal variety may occasionally be detected in the deposit-it has an angular central inflation on the inner margin of the valve.

This enumeration of forms found in the Monmouth deposit, commenced at page 133, continued at page 156, and now terminated, must not be regarded as a complete catalogue of the Diatoms to be found in it. There are several species which I could not satisfactorily refer to any forms previously described, and I do not feel myself warranted in describing as new species forms occurring in a fossil deposit.

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Frustule

Gomphonema acuminatum (Ebr.). stipitate. Valve with central inflation, triangular and apiculate above, attenuated below, with median line, and central and terminal nodules. Striæ conspicuous, moniliform. Variety ẞ, much elongated (fig. 191).

Gomphonema capitatum (Ehr). Valve slightly constricted towards the upper extremity, which is somewhat rounded; much attenuated towards the lower, which is slightly acute. Striæ distinct, moniliform (fig. 192).

Cocconeis Thwaitesii (Smith). Valve slightly constricted towards the obtuse apices. Median line sigmoid. Striæ very faint. I refer the form in this deposit to this species with some hesitation as it differs in some degree from the form described in the "Synopsis of British Diatomacea."

Odontidium Tabellaria (Smith). The figures (183, 185, 186, 181) are considered by Dr. Lewis to be sporangial states of this species. They are common in the lighter part of the Monmouth deposit.

Fig. 182 represents the valve of a minute form considered by Dr. Lewis to be an abnormal state of Tetracyclus. The absence of the frustules from the deposit renders it impossible to decide as to the correctness of this view.

Fig. 189 represents a valve of Pinnularia gigas. This fine form has not, I believe, ever been figured in any English work on the Diatomaceæ.

Eunotia hemicyclus (figured at page 133, fig. 146) has been found by Dr. Lewis growing like Synedra lunaris, the frustules attached to a fixed point, and he has removed it to that genus. A curious

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