In regard to the little controversy which I started regarding Bunyan's claim to be author of the Visions of Heaven and Hell, I hope soon to decide it, as I am on the scent of a copy of, I believe, a first edition, which does not claim him for author.
JAMES FRISWELL.
12. Brooke Street, Holborn.
FOLK LORE.
Popular Superstitions in Lancashire.
—That a man must never "go a courting" on a Friday. If an unlucky fellow is caught with his lady-love on that day, he is followed home by a band of musicians playing on pokers, tongs, pan-lids, &c., unless he can rid himself of his tormentors by giving them money to drink with.
That hooping-cough will never be taken by any child which has ridden upon a bear. While bear baiting was in fashion, great part of the owner's profits arose from the money given by parents whose children had had a ride. The writer knows of cases in which the charm is said certainly to have been effectual.
That hooping-cough may be cured by tying a hairy caterpillar in a small bag round the child's neck, and as the caterpillar dies the cough goes.
That Good Friday is the best day of all the year to begin weaning children, which ought if possible to be put off till that day; and a strong hope is sometimes entertained that a very cross child will "be better" after it has been christened.
That May cats are unlucky, and will suck the breath of children.