VISITING THE WISHING WELLS.
In Scotland old customs die hard, especially in the Highlands, as was evidenced on the first Sunday in May, when the time-honored practice of paying a visit to the wells, the waters of which are known for their healing virtues, was observed by hundreds of persons. Young and old journeyed from Inverness during the day to St. Mary's Well, which is situated near to blasted Culloden Heath, and after drinking the water a coin was dropped into the well. This act is supposed to be an earnest of good health and success during the year. The pract ; ce of visiting ' wishing wells ' has descended from father to son, and despite the fact that many ministers point out that it is not conducive to keeping the Sabbath holy, and is only fit for superstitious barbarians, still the numbers who go to the well never diminish. Not only was the practice observed in parts of Invernessshire, but in Ross-shire also numbers of people visited the famous healing well of Craigie Howe, deposited their coins, and returned apparently satisfied that tronble and sickness had effectually been guarded against in the coming year.
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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9523, 15 July 1899, Page 6 (Supplement)
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193VISITING THE WISHING WELLS. Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9523, 15 July 1899, Page 6 (Supplement)
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