"We have the receipt of fern-seed, we walk invisible,"
quoth honest Gadshill (Henry IV., Part I. Act II. Sc. 1.). The difficulty and danger with which it could only be obtained, apparently tended much to enhance its magical value in the estimation of the cabalist. It was to be gathered, after solemn fasting, and the performance of mystic ceremonies now unknown, on Midsummer Eve, at the very instant in which the Baptist's birth took place. The spiritual world was arrayed in fierce hostility against the daring gatherer. The fairies used every effort to preserve it from human possession, with an inveteracy which showed what high value they put upon it. As to the danger resulting from their hostility, Richard Bovet, in his Pandæmonium (p. 217., London, 1684), gives curious evidence:—
"Much discourse hath been about gathering of fern-seed (which is looked upon as a magical herb) on the night of Midsummer Eve; and I remember I was told of one who went to gather it, and the spirits whisk't by his ears like bullets, and sometimes struck his hat, and other parts of his body; in fine, though he apprehended he had gotten a quantity of it, and secured it in papers, and a box besides, when he came home he found all empty. But, most probable, this appointing of times and hours is of the devil's own institution, as well as the fast; that having once ensnared people to an obedience to his rules, he may with more facility oblige them to stricter vassalage."
The fern-seed charm is amply discussed in Brand's Popular Antiquities, vol. i. p. 314. (Bohn's edition.)
R. S. F.
Perth.
Any of your readers who have access to an amusing book called The Radical, by Samuel Bamford, may see most appalling account of an adventure connected with the gathering of fern-seed, and other superstitions.
P. P.
Longevity and Rejuvenescency (Vol. v., p. 276.).
—I beg to refer your sceptical correspondent to Fuller's Worthies (county of Northumberland) for a remarkable instance of longevity; viz. Patrick Machell Vivan, Vicar of Lesbury, near Alnwick. Percival Stockdale, in his Memoirs, gives some further particulars respecting his predecessor; and I extract from that work (vol. i. p. 149.) a letter written by the venerable old man, wherein he gives an account of himself. It is dated Oct. 9, 1657, and addressed to one William Lialkus, a citizen of Antwerp.