 |
||
Gurgling Jugs
A black fish shaped jug that makes a gurgling sound when the liquid is
poured out. When an attempt is made to drink from the jug, the liquid splashes
out over the face. Other types of gurgling jug were in fact puzzle jugs that
originated in China. They were also used by the Romans and examples have been
found in Peru.
Horsehoes for Luck
Whether to be placed up or down is often the question. The horshoe is
said to be all that remains of St. Hubert's (the patron saint of hunting)
halo. Wood or stone statues of his head were to be found over barn doors.
To see a horse's show with heels up is unlucky, especially if travelling in
your direction. Of course a farrier always sees it the other way.
Beer & Scurvy
During times of war, scurvy presented a problem due to lack of fruit.
It was found that Kaffir beer was useful in preventing scurvy in South Africa
and records showed that the British Navy noticed a reduction in problems from
where beer was served. Today's beer is not as useful due to manufacturing
techniques - but then there's no scurvy anyway, but any excuse to sup fine
ale is justification enough.
Rheumatism Remedy
There are some reports that 1-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar and 1 teaspoonful
of pure honey twice a day alleviates the effects. There are of course conflicting
views but never-the-less, it is a natural and wholesome beverage.
Rot of the Stars
There is much popular legend regarding shooting stars and there is a phenomenon
known as 'star shot' (nostoc), which was thought to be the remains
of shooting stars. It resembles white, jelly-like lumps of substance, sometimes
found on river-banks. Nostock however is formed from the glands lining the
oviducts of frogs or toads that have been eaten. So, it is possibly more accurate
to refer to the substance as 'Rot of Toads'
Cures for Warts.
There are various cures ranging from incantations to medicines and faith healing.
Country remedies are based on plant juices which should be used till the wart
drops off. These remedies include - young stems from the elder, dandelion,
sun spurge, burnt ash of the willow mixed with vinegar. Another suggestion
is to tying the wart around the base with a silk thread dipped in milky spurge,
which causes the wart to dropp off as the thread rots.
Preventing Chimney Fires.
Use salt or borax if a fire takes hold. To prevent a build-up of tar or the
resinous soot that causes the chimney fire, place some salt on the coals or
wood once a week. The sodium has an affinity for moisture and removes the
stickiness from the soot.
Logs to Burn Logs to burn, logs to burn,
Logs to save the coal a turn, Here'a word to make you wise,
When you hear the woodman's cries. Never heed his usual tale,
That he has splendid logs for sale, But read these lines and generally learn,
The proper kind of logs to burn.
Oak logs will warm you well, If they're old and dry.
Larch logs of pinewood smell, but the sparks will fly.
Beech logs for Christmas time, yew logs heat you well.
'Scotch' logs it is a crime, for anyone to sell.
Birch logs will burn too fast, Chestnut scarce at all.
Hawthorn logs are good to last, if you cut them in the fall.
Holly logs will burn like wax, you should burn them green.
Elm logs like smouldering flax, No flame to be seen.
Pear logs and apple logs, they will scent your room.
Cherry logs across the dogs, smell like flowers in bloom.
But Ash logs, all smooth and grey, burn them green or old.
But all up that come your way, they are worth their weight in gold.
Moss in a Thatch Roof
Wait for a dry day and spray the roof with a solution of tar oil wash which
needs a drop of detergent, 1 part emulsion, 11 parts water. Tar oil is usually
used for winter-washing fruit trees. You may also try placing a copper band
across the top roof meaing that in the rain copper salts would 'wash' down
the roof and kill moss spores. However this could lead to green staining.
Tight Drawers
Apply either graphite or soap to the runners till the drawers are free.