Part 9 (1/2)

b.u.t.tONS.

187. The coming husband is determined by repeating the following words, touching each b.u.t.ton of the coat, vest, or dress in order:--

Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief.

Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.

Or,

Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief.

Or,

Doctor, lawyer, merchant, cheat.

_Ohio._

188. With reference to the habitation to be occupied:--

Big house, little house, pig-sty, barn.

_New Hamps.h.i.+re._

189. As to the wedding dress:--

Silk, satin, velvet, cotton, woolen.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

190. In regard to the vehicle:--

Carriage, wagon, wheelbarrow, chaise.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

191. The first of these b.u.t.ton formulae is used by boys to foretell their profession in life. A friend remembers how in childhood his b.u.t.tons were completely worn out by the continual practice of the inquiry.

192. With reference to the acquisition of a coat:--

Bought, given, stolen.

_Ma.s.sachusetts._

193. ”Rich man, poor man, beggar, thief, doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief.” Said over by little girls on their back hair combs to find the occupation of their future husbands.

_New York._

FOUR-LEAVED CLOVER.

194. If a girl puts a two-leaved clover in her shoe, the first man who comes on the side where the clover is will be her future husband.

_Michigan._

195. Put a four-leaved clover in your shoe, and you will marry a man having the first name of the man whom you meet first after doing it.

_Province of Quebec._

196. With a four-leaved clover in your shoe, you will meet your lover.

_Michigan._