endeavor to trace the genesis of the most important of the superstitions
here set down. But the limits of the present publication make any such
attempt wholly out of the question, and the brief notes which are
appended refer to but a few of the matters which invite comment and
discussion.

Some few repetitions have been almost unavoidable, since not infrequently
a superstition might consistently be classified under more than one head;
besides, it is not unusual to find that varied significations are
attributed to the same act, accident, or coincidence. When localities are
wanting it is sometimes because the narrator could not tell where he had
become familiar with the items communicated; again, a chance
correspondent failed to note the locality. In putting on paper these
popular beliefs and notions, the abbreviated, often rather elliptical,
vernacular in which they are passed about from mouth to mouth has to a
great extent been followed.

It is impossible here to name the legion of individuals from whom the
subject-matter of the various chapters of this volume has been gathered.
But thanks are especially due to the following persons, who have
contributed largely to the contents of the book:--

Charles Aldrich, Webster City, Iowa.
Miss Ellen Beauchamp, Baldwinsville, N.Y.
John G. Bourke, Capt. 3d Cavalry U.S.A., Ft. Ethan Allen, Vt.
Miss M.A. Caller, A.C.F. College, Tuskeegee, Ala.
John S. Caulkins, M.D., Thornville, Mich.
Miss Ellen Chase, Brookline, Mass.
Miss Ruth R. Cronyn, Bernardston, Mass.
Uriah A. Greene, Flint, Mich.
Professor George M. Harmon, Tufts College, Mass.
W.J. McGee, U.S. Geol. Survey, Washington, D.C.
Hector McInnes, Halifax, N.S.
John B. Nichols, Washington, D.C.
John G. Owens,[viii-1] Lewisburg, Pa.
Prof. Frederick Reed, Talladega, Ala.
Mrs. Amanda M. Thrush, Plymouth, O.
Miss Helen S. Thurston, Providence, R.I.
Rev. A.C. Waghorne, New Harbor, N.F.
Miss Susan Hayes Ward, "The Independent," New York, N.Y.
Miss Ellen L. Wickes, Chestertown, Md.

Above all am I indebted to Mr. Newell, whose generous cooeperation and
advice have been invaluable to one working under peculiar hindrances.

FANNY D. BERGEN.
CAMBRIDGE, MASS., 1. 15. 1896.

[viii-1] Deceased.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE
INTRODUCTION 1
I. BABYHOOD