827. Nightmare is caused by the nightmare man, a kind of evil spirit, struggling with one. It is prevented by placing a sharp knife under the pillow, and stuffing the keyhole with cotton.
Windham, Me.
828. Sores can be cured by those who possess magical powers going through certain incantations, which are to be followed by applications of oatmeal and vinegar.
Newfoundland.
829. For a sty on the eye, take a small piece of paper, rub it on the sty, go across the road three times, and say each time,—
Sty, sty, go off my eye,
Go on the first one that passes by.
This is a sure cure in two or three days.
Talladega, Ala.
830. To cure a sty repeat at a cross-roads,—
Sty, sty, leave my eye,
And take the next one that passes by.
Massachusetts, Indiana, and California.