at cards.

Dipping in a fountain or lake in Scotland for the purpose of healing
diseases, is a matter of frequent occurrence. In the beginning of
August (old style), between midnight and early morning, may be seen
the impotent, the halt, and the lunatic immersing themselves, or being
immersed by their friends, in Lochmanur, Sutherlandshire, in the full
expectation that benefit to mind and body will be secured by the
operation. One who has witnessed the strange scenes within the last
ten years, _i.e._ since 1870, gives the following graphic account of
the superstitious actions he beheld:--

"The hour was between midnight and one o'clock in the
morning, and the scene was absurd beyond belief,
though not without a touch of weird interest, imparted
by the darkness of the night and the superstitious
faith of the people. The lame, the old, and young were
waiting for an immersion in Lochmanur or Lochmonaire.
About fifty persons were present near one spot, and
other parts of the loch were similarly occupied. About
twelve stripped and walked into the loch, performing
their ablutions three times. Those who were not able
to act for themselves were assisted, some of them
being led willingly and others by force, for there
were cases of each kind. One young woman, strictly
guarded, was an object of great pity. She raved in a
distressing manner, repeating religious phrases, some
of which were very earnest and pathetic. She prayed
her guardians not to immerse her, saying that it was
not a communion occasion, and asking if they could
call this righteousness or faithfulness. No male, so
far as I could see, denuded himself for a plunge.
These gatherings take place twice a year, and are
known far and near to such as put belief in the spell.
But the climax of absurdity is in paying the loch in
sterling coin."

Another writer says he has seen even more than fifty dipping in this
loch in one night. A third eye-witness never saw more than two or
three of a night venturing into the loch; but many more, he adds, were
present to see and be seen. And there are persons who have declared
they derived benefit from bathing in it. The late Rev. D. Mackenzie,
minister at Farr, who often denounces from the pulpit the
superstitious practice of dipping in the loch, says, in his
description of it in the _New