"Now, do thy speedy utmost, Meg,
And win the key-stane of the brig:
There at them thou thy tail may toss,
A running stream they dare na crass."—Tam O'Shanter.
North Lincolnshire Folk Lore.—Here follow some shreds of folk lore which I have not seen as yet in "N. & Q." They all belong to North Lincolnshire.
1. Death sign. If a swarm of bees alight on a dead tree, or on the dead bough of a living tree, there will be a death in the family of the owner during the year.
2. If you do not throw salt into the fire before you begin to churn, the butter will not come.
3. If eggs are brought over running water they will have no chicks in them.
4. It is unlucky to bring eggs into the house after sunset.
5. If you wear a snake's skin round your head you will never have the headache.