would cause the fire
to kindle quickly. This practice is still followed by many, but being
compelled now to give an apparently scientific reason for their conduct,
they say that it is so placed to produce a draught. But this it does not
do. The practice originated in the belief that the slow or dour fire was
spell-bound by witchcraft, and the poker was so placed that it would
form the shape of a cross with the front bar of the grate, and thus the
witch power be destroyed. In early times when the poker was placed in
this position, the person who placed it repeated an _Ave Marie_ or
_Paternoster_, but this feature of the ceremony died out, and with it
the reason for the practice was forgotten. I have seen it done in
private houses, and very frequently in the public rooms of country inns.
Indeed, in such public rooms it was the common practice when the servant
put on a fire, that after sweeping up the dust she placed the poker in
this position, and left the room. Probably she had no idea why she did
it, but merely followed the custom.

In a general chapter, such as this, I can find room for some things
which could not properly find a place in other chapters. The subject of
omens has by no means been exhausted. The late George Smith, in his work
upon the Chaldean Account of Genesis, says that in ancient Babylonia,
1600 B.C., everything in nature was supposed to portend some coming
event. Without much exaggeration, the same might be said of the people
of this country during the earlier part of this century.

On seeing the first plough in the season, it was lucky if it were seen
coming towards the observer, and he or she, in whatever undertaking then
engaged, might be certain of success in it; but, if seen going from the
observer, the omen was reversed.

If a farmer's cows became restive without any apparent cause, it
foreboded trouble to either master or mistress.

On going on any business, if the first person met with was plain-soled,
the journey might be given up, for, if proceeded with, the business to
be transacted would prove a failure; but, by turning and entering the
house again, with the right foot first, and then partaking of food
before resuming the journey, it might be undertaken without misgiving.

It was unlucky to walk under a ladder set up against a wall, but if
passing under it could not be avoided, then, if before doing so, you
wished for anything, your wish would be fulfilled.

It was unlucky to eat t