FOR THE AILING
While one reader writes to suggest that the saliva cure for warts may owe its origin to Harley Street rather than to old country medicine, a remarkable list of ancient cures comes from Mr. G. E. B. de Maupas, of Mevagissey, Cornwall. Among them are the following: To cure asthma, take the patient down to the edge of the water to meet the incoming tide. Cobwebs will stop bleeding, while an infusion of mandrake root will pre- serve health, vigour and youth. Black spiders dried and powdered will cure heartburn. To cure heartache sleep with the keys of the church door around your neck. To cure wast- ing disease mix a spoonful of earth from the grave of a newly interred virgin, dissolve in water, drink fasting. Three strands of blue worsted around the wrist will prevent strains. To cure a cough breathe over a newly made grave. Fried lizard's liver will cure rheuma- tism. Adders' tails obtained while the dew is still on them are equally beneficial. A diet of
dogfish will ensure a son. Pilchard pie will cure bad vision. A tooth from a dead person will, if carried in the pocket, cure toothache, and a glass of water will cure early morning bad temper !
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