Grampian Club > Scotland, social and domestic

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CHAPTER IV.
GENERAL FOLKLORE.
The kingdom of superstition has not been quite sub-
dued. What Scotsman would hazard his connubial
happiness by marrying in May 1 What Highlander
could enjoy a festive entertainment at which the bottle
was passed round from right to left, opposite to the
sun's course % What housewife would invite a party of
thirteen \ What Scottish peasant is without alarm on
hearing that particular sound known as the death-drop?
The occult influence of a strong will is largely credited
in the Highlands.
The curative powers of certain wells were early
recognised. Mineral waters were recommended by
the physicians of ancient Greece. The Romans were
familiar with the efficacy of thermal and other springs.
Among less enlightened peoples, the virtues of healing-
fountains were ascribed to supernatural agency.
Orientals attributed the powers of mineral waters to
the operation of angels. The ancient Britons thought
that particular wells were originally constructed by
devils for the destruction of mankind, but that these had
been converted to healing purposes through the prayers
of saints. Adamnan relates that there was a well in
Pictland, worshipped as a malignant deity,— whoever
touched its waters being seized with leprosy or some