In conclusion, I may observe that this worship prevailed also in Spain—, doubtless, throughout Europe—inasmuch as we find the Eleventh and Twelfth Councils of Toledo warning those who offered worship to stones, that they were sacrificing, to devils.
T. A. T.
Florence, March, 1854.
SOMERSETSHIRE FOLK LORE.
1. All texts heard in a church to be remembered by the congregation, for they must be repeated at the day of judgment.
2. If the clock strikes while the text is being given, a death may be expected in the parish.
3. A death in the parish during the Christmas tyde, is a token of many deaths in the year. I remember such a circumstance being spoken of in a village of Somerset. Thirteen died in that year, a very unusual number. Very many attributed this great loss of life to the fact above stated.
4. When a corpse is laid out, a plate of salt is laid on the chest. Why, I know not.
5. None can die comfortably under the cross-beam of a house. I knew a man of whom it was said at his death, that after many hours hard dying, being removed from the position under the cross-beam, he departed peaceably. I cannot account for the origin of this saying.