her visions, and intercourse with the
spirits of departed saints. Her dying agonies were witnessed by a
pitying crowd, who separated to proclaim abroad, that at the moment
her breath went out a pure white dove rose from the pile and soared up
to heaven.

Subsequent to this heroine's death several women emerged from
obscurity, and feigned to be inspired in the same way as Jeanne D'Arc
had been. Two young maids residing near Paris pretended that her
mantle had fallen on them. The clergy interfered. The young women were
apprehended, tried, and declared guilty of holding communication with
evil spirits. One of them recanted, and thereby saved her life; the
other remained firm, and perished at the stake.

After the real or unreal execution of Jeanne D'Arc, the report became
current that she was alive, and playing a conspicuous part in society
at a considerable distance from the scene of her triumphs and
degradation. Some would have it that she escaped punishment through
the interference of her admirers; but the general belief remained,
that she really suffered in terms of her sentence. Another report
represents the Maid's persecutors as being overtaken by more than
ordinary misfortunes in their estate, in addition to suffering the
torments of accusing consciences.

SUPERSTITION IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.

CHAPTER LXVIII.

Generality of Superstition--The Church and
Superstition--St. Mourie--People forbidden to resort
to the island Innis Maree--Various Modes of
Superstition--Charms--Lucky and Unlucky Times--A
Tinker's Curse and a Gipsy's Warning--Sailors' and
Fishermen's Delusions--Spitting on one's
Loof--Weddings, Funerals, and Baptisms--Spae Wives--May
Dew--Holy-days--Kirk-session Records--Fort-William
Fisherman--Dipping in Fountains--Lochmanur--Holy Well
of Kilvullen--Well of Craiguck--Superstition in the
Highlands--Warlock Willox--Superstition in Dundee.

Notwithstanding the progress of religion, science, and education
generally so called, superstition prevails in this and other countries
to an extent scarcely credible, and certainly not creditable to the
leaders of public opinion. In every town and country, in every village
and hamlet, yea, in every domestic circle, a belief in the
supernatural has a place. Although the time has gone by for the
burning of witches, and though the human mind is less disturbed by the
thoughts of ghosts and