[15] It is curious that the farm over which some of this water flows is called “Collurian” to this day.
[16] See another story of this wretched woman in the section devoted to Demons and Spectres. 1st Series.
[17] Hals, speaking of Gulval Well, thus describes it and its virtues:—“In Fosses Moor, part of this manor of Lanesly, in this parish, is that well-known fountain called Gulval Well. To which place great numbers of people, time out of mind, have resorted for pleasure and profit of their health, as the credulous country people do in these days, not only to drink the waters thereof, but to inquire after the life or death of their absent friends; where, being arrived, they demanded the question at the well whether such a person by name be living, in health, sick, or dead. If the party be living and in health, the still quiet water of the well-pit, as soon as the question is demanded, will instantly bubble or boil up as a pot, clear crystalline water; if sick, foul and puddle waters; if the party be dead, it will neither bubble, boil up, nor alter its colour or still motion. However, I can speak nothing of the truth of those supernatural facts from my own sight or experience, but write from the mouths of those who told me they had seen and proved the veracity thereof. Finally, it is a strong and courageous fountain of water, kept neat and clean by an old woman of the vicinity, to accommodate strangers, for her own advantage, by blazing the virtues and divine qualities of those waters.”—Hals, quoted by Gilbert, Parochial History of Cornwall, vol. ii. p. 121.
[18] “Tales of the West,” by the author of “Letters from the East.”
[19] The tale of “The Legend of Pacorra.”
[20] “Popular Tales of the West Highlands,” by J. F. Campbell. (See page 134, vol. ii.)
[21] Notes and Queries.
[22] Gilbert, vol. i. p. 291.
[23] Carew.
[24] “Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales,” by James O. Halliwell.