SUPERSTITIOUS MEN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3144, 20 November 1922, Page 8

SUPERSTITIOUS MEN.

It is generally taken tor granted tfiafc superstition only appeals to the fair sex ; men are supposed' to rise above Mich trifles'. Yet, if men eared to admit the truth, it would be found that they are equally as superstitious as women ; but women usually advertise the fact; men invariably try to hide it. 1 recently stayed at an old farmhouse (says a writer in the Daily Mail) where the atmosphere was absolutely thick with superstition. But the old farmer would not admit that he believed any of it ! He assured me. however, that when an experienced old shepherd sees the first lamb of the season he carefully notes whether its head or tail is turned towards him. If the former, be confidently believes that lie will have plenty of meat to eat during the whole of that year; but if the latter, then he expects to get little beyond bread and milk and vegetables - . If he is very fortunate he may possibly get a little pork. but certainly no beef or mutton. The fanner couldn't give any explanation—but he was sure there was "something in it!" He also admitted that "it was said to be bad luck for the swallows to forsake a place which they have once tenanted." but. of course, lie was not superstitious enough to believe it ! However, as a precautionary measure, he had given strict instructions that his men were on no account to disturb the host of swallows which had taken possession of the thatched roof of tlto farmhouse! An unusually keen business friend of mine, a man of undoubted intelligence, seems almost to worship spiders. When he sees one dosceiiing from the roof ol any building he will stand immediately underneath it until the insect touches him. When this happens he is certain that he will shortly receive a legacy from a friend. He admits that within" the last few years some do/ens of spiders have descended upon him; but he is still waiting lor his legacies! The superstitions of women are legion. There is the girl who. if she would have good luck, will never place a pair of new shoes upon a shelf higher than her head! Some women are sure thai whenever they shiver someone is walking over their future grave: or if their nose itches it is a sign that something will soon happen to vex them! There are thousands of well-educated women) who think that the lug things ol lite depend cntirly mi the veriest trifles in the way of supersitition. They make no secret of these queer belief*, and. in spite of endless chaff on the subject, they still have a. whole-hearted faith in omens, signs, and warnings. Hut men also have their suporsitioms. and the tendency to believe in good and bad omens is latent in all ol us.

As ji preventative for ticks, the breeders' Gazette recommends a largo spoonful of sulphur, added to a little more than a pint of salt, and thoroughly mixed. The sheep may not like it at first, but soon comes to eat it, and begins to show signs of improvement. For pigs aifeeted with lice put a. good quantity of sulphur in the slop trough, and they will soon be free of the pest.