Ancient Cures, Charms, and Usages of Ireland. By Lady Wilde.
(Ward and Downey.)--No one could wish for a better guide to the folk-lore of the Irish than Lady Wilde. And, indeed, the remarkable superstitions which she prints are in themselves a sufficient reward for her trouble and research. It is impossible to peruse this collection without coming to the conclusion that, if ever a race groaned under a load of ancient and grotesque superstitions, it is the Irish. Some of these usages are nothing short of horrible, and others are almost meaningless. The cures—that is to say, the herbal cures—are of great value, their universality and efficacy deserve study. The cure of hydrophobia possessed by the MacGowans is a celebrated instance of medicinal secrets handed down through a family. The tradi- tions of the East in respect to these carefully guarded secrets are very numerous. Lady Wilde allows herself to pass a somewhat sweeping generalisation on Celts and Saxons d propes of minstrelsy; but she is so keen and sympathetic an observer, and writes so well, that we have not the heart to protest, and can only express our appreciation of her insight into Irish national life.
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