Page:Shetland Folk-Lore - Spence - 1899.pdf/200

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Folk-Lore

been stated, in olden times a small stack, commonly bere, was set apart as an annual offering to Broonie. Now, one went blindfold into the corn yard and fathomed this skroo, three times with the sun and thrice widdershins, and at the last turn they were supposed to clasp in their embrace the form of their lover—perhaps Broonie himself.

Siftin' Siller.—The operator in this case went alone into a room having a window, and placing a looking-glass opposite, he took his stand between the window and the mirror, having his back turned towards the window. Then, with three silver coins in a seive, he sifted away, steadfastly gazing at the mirror, in which, be it observed, a view reflected from the window was obtained. While this was going on, he expected to behold, passing before his astonished gaze in a sort of panoramic order, the whole of his future life.

Passin' the Harrow.—This was a per-

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