[25] The garland consisted of two hoops intertwined, decorated with white paper flowers and ribbons, in the centre of which was a white glove, often home-made, of paper or fine linen, upon which was written or worked in some fine stitch the initials or name in full and age of the deceased. According to locality this garland was either carried in front of the coffin by one of the deceased’s dearest companions, or laid upon it. This custom might well have been retained.
[26] And many other places in Cleveland.
[27] The author is quite aware some other writers state that the fire is never allowed to die out whilst the corpse is in the room. He never knew or heard of such a custom, though possibly such may exist.
[28] In the North Riding, about three miles from Ripon.
[29] The Gospelles of Distaues, published by Wynkyn de Worde about 1530, contains the following:—‘If it happen that somebody stride over a little childe, know ye for certain that it shall never grow more, but if (unless) they stride backward over it again. Gloss: Certainly, said Sebylle, of such thing cometh dwarfs and little women.’
[30] Richard Kirby, who gave me the above and several other stories concerning witches, still lives in Carthorpe, near Bedale.
[31] Nanny must have been disguised in some way, at least one would think so, otherwise Mrs. Langstaff would have recognized her at once, both being natives of that part.
[32] Inconvenienced, literally ‘cost.’
[33] Never accomplished his life’s work, i.e. committed suicide.
[34] ‘T au’d un,’ or the old one = the devil.