Alabama.
WATER.
282. Float two cambric needles on water and name them. If they float together, they’ll marry. If they float apart, they won’t marry.
Petit Codiac, N. B.
283. Girls prepare basins of dirty and of clean water. If a blindfolded girl puts a stick, with which she reaches about, into the dirty water, she will marry a widower. If into clean water, she will marry a young man.
Labrador.
284. Place three basins on the floor, one containing dirty water, another clear water, and the third empty. Let the (blindfolded?) person crawl up to them on her hands and knees. The one she touches will foretell her fate. The clear water means she is to marry a rich man, the dirty water, a poor man, and the empty basin no man at all.
285. Make ready a mirror, a lamp, a basin of water, a towel and soap. Go to bed backward, not speaking afterwards, and lie awake till midnight. If your sweetheart comes and washes, combs his hair, and looks at you, you’ll be married. If you don’t see him, you’ll see your coffin. (Both sexes.)
Labrador.