CHAPTER IX.. Fairies, or Wandering Spirits, and Gypsies.

FAIRIES, OR WANDERING SPIRITS, AND GYPSIES.

Description of fairies, habits, localities, &c.--Subterranean spirits in Wales, called Knockers.--The Brownies in Scotland.--A farmer in Ireland who was tormented by fairies.--Method taken to appease their anger.--Spenser's poem of the Fairy Queen.--Gypsies and their employments.--Casting the evil eye.--Safeguard against it.--Charm of the Bible and key.--Superstition called the elf-shot.--Practice of poisoning animals, and the cure.--Superstitions concerning the loadstone.--Translation of St. Luke into the Gypsy tongue.-- Singular notions of the Gypsies concerning it.--Condemned by the royal edict at Madrid.--The Gypsy choirs at Moscow.--Anecdote of Madame Catalini. 61