Part 30 (1/2)
806. Tie a piece of black ribbon around a child's neck, and it will prevent croup.
_Waltham, Ma.s.s._
807. Bra.s.s earrings or rings are thought by negroes to keep away rheumatism.
_Alabama._
808. To cure rheumatism, wear a bra.s.s ring on the finger.
_Boston, Ma.s.s._
809. Wearing bra.s.s rings will prevent cramp.
_Alabama._
810. A bra.s.s ring worn on the finger will cure rheumatism.
_Chestertown, Md. (negro)._
811. Sailors wear gold earrings for weak eyes or to strengthen the sight.
_Brookline, Ma.s.s._
812. A common custom among negroes is to wear a leather strap about the wrist as a cure for rheumatism, sprains, etc., and to give strength.
_Chestertown, Md. (negro)._
813. As a cure for nose-bleed, tie a string about the little finger.
_Cape Breton._
814. A leather string commonly worn around the neck is supposed to prevent whooping-cough.
_Chestertown, Md._
815. A red string tied about the waist cures nausea or sea-sickness.
_Ma.s.sachusetts._
CHARM.
816. To keep fire always burning on the hearth will prevent cholera among chickens.
_Alabama._
817. If a fish-hook pierces the hand, stick it three times into wood, in the name of the Trinity, to prevent festering or other evil consequences.
_Newfoundland._
818. If you scratch yourself with a rusty nail, stick the nail immediately into hard wood, and it will prevent lockjaw.
_Salem, Ma.s.s._
819. A man who ”stuck a nail in his foot” was told by a neighbor to pull it out, grease it, and hang it up in the ”chimbly,” otherwise he might have lockjaw.
_New Brunswick._
820. To cure nose-bleeding, write the person's name on the forehead.
_Newfoundland._
821. For rheumatism, carry a horseshoe nail in the pocket.
_Central New York._