which Ray also explains in its literal sense, remarking that there "are few places in England where a man can dwell, but he shall have one near him." Then, again, thorns are commonly said to "make the greatest crackling," and "the thorn comes forth with its point forward."
Many a great man has wished himself poor and obscure in his hours of adversity, a sentiment contained in the following proverb:—
"The pine wishes herself a shrub when the axe is at her root."
A quaint phrase applied to those who expect events to take an unnatural turn is:—
"Would you have potatoes grow by the pot-side?"
Amongst some of the other numerous proverbs may be mentioned a few relating to the apple; one of these reminding us that,
"An apple, an egg, and a nut,
You may eat after a slut."
Selfishness in giving is thus expressed:—
"To give an apple where there is an orchard."
And the idea of worthlessness is often referred to as when it is said that "There is small choice in rotten apples," with which may be compared another which warns us of the contagious effects of bad influence:—