1027141 * B 1,027,141 OF THE I 6V1 /") I MEMOIRS OF THE AMERICAN FOLK-LORE SOCIETY VOLUME XXIX 1936 I FOLKLORE FROM IOWA COLLECTED AND EDITED BY EARL J. STOUT NEW YORK PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN FOLK-LORE SOCIETY G. E. STECHERT AND CO., NEW YORK, AGENTS 1936 PRINTED BY J. J. AUGUSTIN IN GLUCKSTADT-HAMBURG-NEW YORK PRINTED IN GERMANY 1937 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Introduction........................................ ix Ballads and Folk-Songs from Iowa.............................. 1 1. The Tw a Sisters.......................................... 1 2. The Three Ravens....................................... 2 3. Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor........................... 5 4. Barbary Allen........................................... 8 5. The Gypsy Laddie........................ 11 6. James Harris.........................11 7. Our Goodman..............................13 8. The M ermaid............................................ 14 9. Jemmy and Nancy..................................... 15 10. The Silk Merchant's Daughter............................. 21 11. John Peel........................................... 21 12. Van Dieman's Land..................................... 21 13. Little Johnnie Green.................................... 21 14. Polly Oliver......................................... 22 15. Give Me Three Grains of Corn.......................... 22 16. Captain Jinks............................................ 23 17. Billy Boy.......................................... 24 18. Blow, Boys, Blow........................................ 27 19. The Farmer's Boy...................................... 27 20. Mary of the W ild Moor................................... 28 21. The Old Man Who Came Over the Moor..................... 30 22. The Frog and the Mouse............................... 30 23. The Frog in the W ell..................................... 31 24. Lady LeRoy....................................... 32 25. The Little M ohea................................. 33 26. The Butcher Boy......................................... 37 27. A Paper of Pins....................................... 42 28. The Black Duck......................................42 29. 0, No, John.................................. 44 30. The Banks of Sweet Dundee........................ 44 31. The Mistletoe Bough...................................... 45 32. William and Nancy....................................... 47 33. The Girl I Left Behind Me................................ 48 34. The W agoner's Lad....................................... 49 35. The Prisoner's Song..................................... 49 36. The Jealous Lover...................... 50 37. Young Charlotte........................................ 51 38. Put Me In My Little Bed.................................. 53 39. Vilikins and his Dinah.................................. 54 40. Hello, Central, Give Me Heaven........................... 56 41. Two Little Girls in Blue................................... 57 42. In the Baggage Coach Ahead.............................. 59 43. The Orphan Girl......................................... 61 44. The Lady Elgin......................................... 62 45. A fter the B all............................................ 62 vi Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 46. Just Tell Them That You Saw Me......................... 63 47. The Letter That Never Came..............................64 48. Poor Little Joe............................ 64 49. Johnny Sands.......................................... 65 50. We Are Coming, Sister Mary..............................68 51. The Hawthorne Tree..................................... 69 52. A Bird in a Gilded Cage.................................. 70 53. The Train That Never Returned........................... 72 54. Nobody's Darling........................................ 73 55. The Letter Edged in Black................................ 74 56. Red River Valley...................................... 74 57. R osie N ell............................................. 75 58. The Gypsy's Warning (and Answer)........................ 76 59. The Blind Girl.......................................... 79 60. Kitty W ells............................................. 80 61. Rosewood Casket......................................... 83 62. The Little Black Mustache................................ 85 63. Poor Liza Jane.......................................... 87 64. Meet Me By the Moonlight Alone..........................87 65. I Saw Esau Kissing Kate................................ 88 66. Common Bill...................................... 90 67. The Creole Girl.......................................... 90 68. The Man Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn......................... 91 69. A Married Woman's Lament............................... 92 70. The Sorrow of Marriage.................................. 93 71. Why Did They Dig Ma's Grave So Deep?................... 94 72. Grandfather's Clock...................................... 94 73. A Comical Ditty....................................... 96 74. Down in the Coal Mines................................... 97 75. The Constitution and the Guerriere......................... 97 76. The Spanish Cavalier..................................... 98 77. Hot Time in the Old Town.......................... 99 78. I'm Going to Fight mit Siegel............................. 100 79. Calomel........................................ 100 80. The Irish Jubilee................................ 101 81. Down Went Dan McGinty............................ 102 82. The Dying Cowboy...................................... 103 83. Sweet Betsy from Pike..........................106 84. The Texas Rangers......................... 106 85. Pretty Sarah......................................... 106 86. McAfee's Confession......................... 107 87. Jesse James............................................. 109 88. Charles Guitteau........................................ 110 89. The New Bully.......................................... 112 90. Down at the Water Tank............................. 113 91. Break the News to Mother................................ 113 92. Old Uncle Ned........................................... 116 93. The Soldier's Poor Little Boy.............................. 117 94. Corporal Schnapps....................................... 118 95. Just as the Sun Went Down..............................119 96. Waters of Blue Juniata................................... 121 97. The Drunkard's Lone Child (A)............................ 122 98. The Drunkard's Lone Child (B)............................123 99. The Little Brown Jug....................................124 100. On Eli's Sunny Hill..................................... 125 101. The Newsboy.............................. 126 102. On a Cold December Night................................ 126 103. Early Iowa School Songs................................. 127 104. Nursery Rhym e.......................................... 133 Folklore from Iowa vii 105. Where Did You Get That Hat?............................ 133 106. Irish Barber............................ 134 107. Dunderbeck............................ 135 108. Mush, Mush, Mush............................. 136 109. The Newsboy on the Train............................ 138 110. The Blind Boy.......................................... 138 111. Clara Noland's Ball............................. 140 112. I'll Eat When I'm Hungry........................ 140 PART II Current Beliefs from Iowa....................................... 141 Birth and Infancy..................... 141 Childhood..................... 143 Love and Courtship..................... 144 Marriage..................... 147 Death and Burial.................... 150 The Human Body..................... 154 Articles of Dress..................... 158 Table Superstitions.................... 159 Furniture Omens.................... 161 Weather Signs..................... 162 Heavenly Bodies and Effects..................... 167 Animals, Birds, Trees and Plants.................... 168 Cures and Preventives...................................... 174 Warts..................... 174 Colds................................................. 180 Rheumatism..................... 183 Miscellaneous..................... 183 Household Lore........................................... 191 Days and Seasons.191 Dreams.194 Sports and Games.195 Miscellaneous.196 Table of Sources of Information.204 Index, Part I.................................................. 211 Index, Part II........................... 213 INTRODUCTION1 The inspiration to make this collection of folk-songs and current beliefs in Iowa was aroused in me during the summer of 1931, and the inspirer was Dr. J. W. Ashton of the English Department of the State University of Iowa. It was under his instruction in a graduate class that my first interest in folklore was born and since that time I have been an ardent collector. Naturally, then, it is my wish that should this collection have any merit, a portion of the credit should be given to that inspiring friend and professor. Practically all of the material in this collection was gathered during the fall and winter of 1931. A considerable amount of it I obtained in personal field work. Another section of it was secured through the kindness of high school English teachers who became interested themselves and, in turn, interested their English classes to such an extent that the students discovered many fine pieces of folklore among their own families and neighbors. Another section of the material was supplied by my own relatives and personal friends who became interested in my collection and have tried to help by sending various old pieces to me themselves or telling me where something valuable might be found. Spacehere will not permit 1 Abbreviated references: Barry, Ancient British Ballads; Barry, Eckstorm and Smyth, British Ballads from Maine; Belden, A Partial List of SongBallads and Other Popular Poetry Known in Missouri, Second Edition, 1910; Buck, The Oxford Song Book; Campbell and Sharp, English Folk-Songs from the Southern Appalachians; Chappell, Old English Popular Music; Colcord, Roll and Go, Songs of American Sailormen; Combs, Folk-Songs du Midi des Etats-Unis; Cox, Folk-Songs of the South; Davis, Traditional Ballads of Virginia; Dolph, Sound Off; Duncan, The Minstrelsy of England; Elson, FolkSongs of Many Nations; Gilbert, One Hundred Folk-Songs; Gray, Songs and Ballads of the Maine Lumberjacks; Hatton and Faning, The Songs of England; Hudson, Specimens of Mississippi Folk-Lore; Jackson, English Melodies from the 13th to the 18th Centuries; Journal, Journal of American Folk-Lore; King, Book of Chanties; Lomax, Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads; McGill, Folk-Songs of the Kentucky Mountains; Mackenzie, Ballads and Sea Songs from Nova Scotia; Moffat, The Minstrelsy of England; Pittman, Brown and Mackay, Songs of Scotland; Pound, American Ballads and Songs; Pound, Syllabus, Folk-song of Nebraska and the Central West; Richardson and Spaeth, American Mountain Songs; Sandburg, The American Songbag; Scarborough, On the Trail of Negro Folk-Songs; Sharp, English Folk-Songs; Shearin and Combs, A Syllabus of Kentucky Folk-Songs; Shoemaker, North Pennsylvania Minstrelsy; Smith, The Traditional Ballad and Its South Carolina Survivals; Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady; The Chelsea Song Book; Wier, Songs the Whole World Sings; Wyman and Brockway, Lonesome Tunes. x Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society an enumeration of the many interesting things that happened during the making of this collection. However, I do wish to thank all those who have aided in any way. In every instance, I have tried to give proper credit for any material I have used.L To those who do not find in this presentation songs or lore that they have given to me, I wish to mention that this particular collection is but a portion of all the material I have and that anything of folk-song value not given here will appear in subsequent collections. In sending forth this sampling of folk-song and folklore from Iowa, it is my hope that I can thereby help to dispel the somewhat prevalent idea that Iowa is merely a hog and corn state. Those of us who know her best realize that her people have brought with them the old-established traditional background nourished in their original environs. The traditional songs and lore of these people, especially in the pioneer days, helped to make Iowa great, and it is in the spirit of appreciation of what they did that I am happy to aid in the preservation of many of the things they loved so much and believed in so sincerely. E. J. S. 1 Whenever the national affiliation of the informant appeared to be of possible importance, this has been indicated. Thus (French) following a statement concerning a contributor means that he (or she) was of French descent. PART I BALLADS AND FOLK-SONGS FROM IOWA 1. THE TWA SISTERS. (Child, No. 10) For reference, see Richardson and Spaeth, p. 27; Cox, p. 20; Campbell and Sharp, p. 323; Campbell and Sharp, No. 4; Journal, XVIII, 130 (Barry; Rhode Island and Maine); XIX, 233 (Belden; Missouri and Kentucky); XXX, 286 (Kittredge); XXX, 287 (Missouri, Nebraska); Bulletin, Nos. 6-8. Add Journal XLV, 1 (Henry); Hudson, p. 4; Pound, p. 11; Gray, p. 75; Davis, No. 5; Shearin and Combs, p. 7; Pound, Syllabus, p. 11. No local title. Contributed by Leone Densmore, Harlan, as sung by her grandfather, Manford Fritz, Harlan, who learned it a long time ago in school. 1. There was an old woman lived under the hill, And she had daughters two or three; The youngest one had a beau, The oldest one had none. Chorus: I'll be true to my love, If my love will be true to me. 2. Oh, sister dear, let's walk the seashore And spy the ships as they sail o'er. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 3. The oldest shoved the youngest in Chorus: I'll be true etc. 4. Oh, sister, dear sister, it's sister lend me your hand, Balance sent to me; I'll neither lend me my hand or glove. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 5............................... She swam into the miller's brook. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 2 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 6. Oh, miller, dear miller, I've gold rings three, If you'll take this lady from the brook. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 7. The miller threw out his great grub-hook And took this fine lady from the brook. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 8. The miller takes off gold rings three And pushed the lady in the sea. Chorus: I'll be true etc. 2. THE THREE RAVENS. (Child, No. 26) For reference and interesting discussions of the origin of this song and some of its variations, see Journal, XLV, 8 (Henry) and Cox, No. 6 (headnote). For other texts, see Hudson, No. 6; Barry, No. 27; Sharp, Folk-Songs of English Origin, Second Series, p. 22; Campbell and Sharp, No. 10; Cox, No. 6; Journal, XXVII, 63; XXVIII, 201 (Smith); XXXI, 273 (Tatlock); XLV, 8 (Henry). Add Marcella Sembrich, My Favorite Folk-Songs, New York, 1917, p. 28; The Chelsea Song Book, p. 31; Jackson, p. 24. A. "Crow Song." Contributed and sung by Mrs. Sophia H. Wilcox, Soldiers' Home, Marshalltown, October 1, 1931. She learned it as a girl in Erie County, New York, probably before the Civil War. Mrs. Wilcox wrote down this version and added, "I don't know the age of this song." 1. There were three crows sat on a tree, Oh Billy Magee Magar! There were three crows sat on a tree, Oh Billy Magee Magar! There were three crows sat on a tree, And they were black as crows could be, And they all flapped their wings and cried Caw, caw, caw, Billy Magee Magar! And they all flapped their wings and cried Billy Magee Magar! 2. Said one old crow unto his mate, O Billy Magee Magar! Said one old crow unto his mate, Folklore from Iowa 3 o Billy Magee Magar! Said one old crow unto his mate, "What shall we do for grub to ate?" And they all flapped their wings and cried -- Caw, caw, caw, Billy Magee Magar! And they all flapped their wings and cried Billy Magee Magar! 3. "There lies a horse on yonder plain, Who's by some cruel butcher slain," And they all flapped their wings, etc. 4. "We'll perch ourselves on his backbone, And pick his eyes out one by one," And they all flapped their wings, etc. B. "Three Black Crows." Contributed by Professor S. A. Lynch, Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, October 6, 1931. He learned this song as a boy. He wrote concerning it, "There were other stanzas, but this is the only one I can recall." 1. There were three crows sat on a tree, And they were black as crows could be. Said one old crow to his other mate, "What shall we for our breakfast take?" C. "Three Black Crows." Contributed and sung by George Post, West Bend, September 1, 1931. Mr. Post learned this song as a boy in Pennsylvania and brought it with him to Iowa about 1865. 1. There were three crows sat on a tree And they were black as black could be; Says one black crow unto his mate, "What shall we do for grub to ate?" 2. "On yonder plain lies an old dead horse, That has only been three days slain; We'll perch ourselves on his breastbone And pick his eyes out one by one." D. "Three Black Crows." This version was contributed by Miss Jen McLaren, Lake Park, who learned it at a school exhibition near Norway, Iowa, about 1875. (Scotch) 4 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. There were three crows sat on a tree, And they were black as crows could be; Said one old crow unto his mate, "What shall we do for grub to ate?" 2. "There lies a horse on yonder hill, We'll perch ourselves on his jawbone And eat his eyes out one by one." E. "The Three Ravens." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, and reproduced here as reported by him. 1. There were three ravens sat on a tree, Down a down, hey down hey down; They were as black as they might be, with a down. And one of them said to his mate, "Where shall we our breakfast take?" with a down derry, derry, derry, down, down. 2. Behold, alas, in that green field, Down a down, hey down hey down; There lies a knight slain under his shield, with a down. His hounds lies beside his feet, So well do they the master keep, with a derry, derry, derry, down, down. 3. His faithful hawks so near him fly, Down a down, hey down, hey down; No bird of prey dare venture nigh, with a down. But see here comes a fallow doe, And to the knight she straight doth go, with a down derry, derry, derry, down, down. 4. She lifted up his ghastly head, Down a down, hey down, hey down; And kissed his wounds that were so red, with a down. She hurried him before the prime, And died herself at ev'nsong time, with a derry, derry, derry, down, down. F. "Three Black Crows." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, and reproduced here verbatim from his copy. Folklore from Iowa 5 1. Three black crows sat on a tree, And they were black as black could be. One of them said to his mate, "What shall we do for bread to ate?" "There lies a horse on yonder plain that has but lately been slain, We'll perch ourselves on his backbone and eat his eyes out one by one." 3. LORD THOMAS AND FAIR ELEANOR. (Child, No. 73) For reference texts, see Cox, p. 45; Shoemaker, p. 138; Campbell and Sharp, No. 16; Pound, No. 12; Mackenzie, p. 97 (Nova Scotia); Belden, No. 4; Journal, XVIII, 128; XIX, 235; XX, 254; XXVII, 71; XXVIII, 152; XXIX, 159. Add Sandburg, p. 156; Hudson, p. 10. A. "Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as sung to her by her mother Mrs. Effie Collman Stanley, Massena. Mrs. Stanley learned the song many years ago from a neighbor, Mrs. Irene Karas. With music. -i — 1 1~, ~ I 1. =, I --- Lord Thomas, he was a bold for - est - er, And a chaser of the king's deer. Fair Eleanor was a fair (fine) lady, And Lord Thomas he loved her dear. 1. Lord Thomas he was a bold forester, And a keeper of the king's deer; Fair Eleanor was a fine lady, And Lord Thomas he loved her dear. 2. "Come riddle my riddle, dear Mother," he said, "To riddle my riddle, come; Whether I shall marry with fair Eleanor, Or bring the Brown girl home?" 3. "The brown girl she has houses and lands, And fair Eleanor, she has none; Therefore, I charge you on my blessing, To bring me the brown girl home." 6 6Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. As it befell on a high holiday, As many more did beside, Lord Thomas he went to fair Eleanor, Who should have been his bride. 5. But when he came to fair Eleanor's bower, He knocked there to come in; And who so ready as fair Eleanor, To let Lord Thomas in. 6. "What news, my love, Lord Thomas," she said, "What news hast thou brought unto me?" "I am come to bid thee to my wedding, And that is bad news for thee." 7. "O God forbid, Lord Thomas," she said, "That such a thing should betide; I thought to have been thy bride my own self, And you to have been by my side." 8. "Come riddle my riddle, dear Mother," she said, "And riddle it all in one; Whether I shall go to Lord Thomas' wedding, Or whether tarry at home?" 9. "There are many that are your friends, daughter, And many that are your foe; Therefore, I charge you on my blessing To Lord Thomas' wedding don't go." 10. "There's many that are my friends, Mother, And if a thousand more were my foe; Betide my life, betide my death, To Lord Thomas' wedding I'd go." 11. She clothed herself in gallant attire, And her merry men all in green; And as they rode through every town, They took her to be a queen. 12. But when she came to Lord Thomas' gate, She knocked there to come in; And who was so ready as Lord Thomas To let fair Eleanor in. 13. "Is this your bride?" fair Eleanor said; "Methinks she looks wonderful brown; Thou might'st have had as fair a lady As ever the sun shone on." Folklore from Iowa 7 14. "Despise her not, fair Ellen," he said, "Despise her not unto me; For better I love thy little finger Than all her whole body." 15. The brown girl had a long pen-knife, That was both long and sharp; And between the long ribs and the short Pierced fair Eleanor to the heart. 16. "Oh, Christ now help thee," Lord Thomas he said, "Methinks thou look'st wondrous wan, That used to look with as fresh a color As ever the sun shone on." 17. "O art thou blind, Lord Thomas?" she said, "Or can'st thou not very well see? O dost thou not see my own heart's blood Run trickling down to my knee?" 18. Lord Thomas he had a sword by his side; As he walked about the hall He cut off the brown girl's head from her shoulders And threw it against the wall. 19. He set the hilt against the ground, And the point against his heart; There were never three lovers met That sooner did depart. B. "Lord Thomas and Fair Annet." Contributed by Dwight Davis, Corydon, who wrote, "I obtained this song from my grandfather who heard it from Miss Lillie Fisher who came into Jefferson county, Iowa from East Tennessee. A folk-song which probably their ancestors brought from England. It was sung in 1866." Verbatim. 1. Come riddle my rights dear father, he said, Come riddle my rights for me; Say shall I marry fair Elinar Or bring the Brown girl home. 2. The Brown girl, she has house and lands, Fair Elinar she has none; Therefore, I charge you with my blessing Go bring the Brown girl home. (Rest of the song not remembered but Mr. Davis's grandfather said that the song goes on to tell how the son told Fair Elinor his father's decision and how he left Elinor with a dagger plunged in her heart.) 2 8 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. BARBARY ALLEN. (Child, No. 84) For references, see Pound, No. 3; Mackenzie, p. 35; Smith, p. 13; Campbell and Sharp, p. 90; Shoemaker, p. 107; Journal, XXIX, 160; XXX, 317; XXXV, 343; Cox, p. 96. Add Sandburg, p. 57; Duncan, p. 71; Buck, p. 14; Moffat, p. 132; Hudson, p. 14; and Cox, No. 16. A. "Barbary Allen." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, who secured it from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stanley. She wrote: "This version was dictated to me by my father, John W. Stanley, who learned it years ago from his mother, Mrs. Aaron Stanley, Fontanelle, who must have known it more than sixty years ago. My mother, Mrs. Effie Collman Stanley, learned the same song when she was a little girl by hearing her older brothers and sisters sing it. The song was commonly sung in the community where she then lived which was Kendall County, Illinois. My father and his mother, however, were native Iowans. The latter learned the song from her mother, Mrs. Mary Lilly (Mrs. David Lilly), and it was one of the favorite songs at the 'lyceums,' held at country schoolhouses, which my great-grandmother and her family used to enjoy." Miss Stanley added that her mother's version differed slightly from her father's, given below. With music......... "P, _ I, In Scarlet Town where I was born, There was a fair maid 1A4X r- E dwellin', And every youth cried well - a - way, Her name was Bar-ba-ry Al - len, Her name was Bar-ba- ry t I t7-'d r - r r Allen, Her name was Bar-ba - ry Allen. All in the I_ _ i W I e= I.,~l" f'r r, ~! i:'. -; I'" ',, ' " '" mer - ry month of May, When green buds they were swellin', Young -enny Grove on his death-bed lay For love of Barbary Allen. Jenny Grove on his death-bed lay For love of Barbary Allen. Folklore from Iowa 9 1. In Scarlet town where I was born There was a fair maid dwellin' And every youth cried well-a-way Her name was Barbary Allen, Her name was Barbary Allen, Her name was Barbary Allen. All in the merry month of May, When the green buds they were swellin', Young Jenny Groves on his death-bed lay, For the love of Barbary Allen. 2. He sent his man unto her then To the town where she did dwell in, Saying, "You must come to my master, If your name be Barbary Allen, If your name be Barbary Allen, If your name be Barbary Allen. For death is printed on his face, And o'er his heart is stealin', Then haste away to comfort him, Oh! lovely Barbary Allen." 3. Though death be printed on his face, And o'er his heart be stealin', Yet little better shall he be For bonny Barbary Allen, For bonny Barbary Allen, For bonny Barbary Allen. So slowly, slowly she came up, And slowly she came nigh him, And all she said when there she came, "Young man, I think you're dying." 4. He turned his face unto her straight, With deadly sorrow sighing, "Oh! pretty maid, come pity me, I'm on my death-bed lying, I'm on my death-bed lying, I'm on my death-bed lying." "If on your death-bed you do lie, What need's the tale you're telling? I cannot keep you from your death; - Farewell!" said Barbary Allen. 5. He turned his face unto the wall, And death was with him dealin', Adieu, adieu, my friends all, 2* 10 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Adieu to Barbary Allen, Adieu to Barbary Allen, Adieu to Barbary Alien. As she was walking o'er the fields, She heard the bells a knellin', And every stroke did seem to say, "Unworthy Barbary Allen." 6. She turned her body round about, And spied the corpse a coming, "Lay down, lay down the corpse," she said, "That I may look upon him, That I may look upon him, That I may look upon him." With scornful eyes she looked down, Her cheeks with laughter swelling, Whilst all her friends cried out amain, "Unworthy Barbary Alien!" 7. When he was dead and in his grave, Her heart was struck with sorrow, "O Mother, Mother, make my bed For I shall die tomorrow, For I shall die tomorrow, For I shall die tomorrow. Hard-hearted creature, him to slight, Who loved me so dearly; 0! that I'd been more kind to him, When he was alive and near me." 8. She on her death-bed as she lay Begged to be buried by him; And sore repented of the day That she did e'er deny him, That she did e'er deny him, That she did e'er deny him. "Farewell!" she said, "ye virgins all, And shun the fault I fell in; Henceforth, take warning by the fall Of cruel Barbary Allen." B. "Barbara Allan." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. D. F. Ockerman, Allerton, as learned in her youth. 1. In scarlet town where I was born, A maid there was a dwellin', Made every youth cry "well away," Her name was Barbara Allan. Folklore from Ioqwa 11 5. THE GYPSY LADDIE. (Child, No. 200) For reference, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 27 (variant B, stanza 5); Cox, p. 130; Journal, XVIII, 191; XIX, 294; XXII, 80 (tune only); XXIV, 346; XXV, 171-175. Add Hudson, p. 18. "Gypsy Laddie." Contributed by Verna Benz, Humboldt, as sung by Mr. Carl Benz, Humboldt. 1. "Hand me down your high-heeled boots, Made of Spanish leather; Hand me down your little white hand And we'll unite forever." 6. JAMES HARRIS. (Child, No. 243) For reference, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 29; Pound, No. 17; Journal, XXX, 325; XXXV, 346; Cox, p. 139. Add Sandburg, p. 66. A. "The House Carpenter." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. Joe Zimmerman, Corydon, as learned from her mother. 1. "Well met, well met, my own true love, Well met, well met," cried he; "I've just returned from the Salt Salty sea And it's all for the love of thee. 2. "I could have married a king's daughter, Far-a she would have married me; But I refused all crown of her grace And it's all for the sake of thee." 3. "If you could have married a king's daughter fair, Much better it would have been; For I am married to a house carpenter And I think him a wise young man." 4. "Could you forsake your house carpenter And go along with me? I'll take you where the grass grows green On the bank of the sweet wilkee." 5. "If I forsake my house carpenter And go along with thee; What have you got to mountain me on And keep me from shrivering?" 12 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 6. "I have seven ships on the salt salty sea All steering for dry land; One hundred and ten bold jolly shipmen Shall be at your command." 7. She drew her babe into her arms And kisses gave it three; Saying, "Stay at home, my darling little babe, And keep your father company." 8. They had not sailed on the salt salty sea Three weeks, I'm sure not four, 'Til this fair maid began to weep And she wept still more and more. 9. They had not sailed on the salt salty sea Three months, I'm sure not four, 'Til this grand vessel sprang a leak And she sank to rise no more. B. "The House Carpenter." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine, who learned it from his mother when he was about ten years old, probably in 1872. 1. "Well met - well met - well met," says he, "Well met - well met," says she. "It is all the way from the salt salt sea, And it is all for the love of thee; I could have married the king's daughter, love, But I refused her rich crowns of gold And it's all for the love of thee." 2. "If you could have married the king's daughter, sir, I am sure you are much to blame; For I am married to a house carpenter And I am sure he's a nice young man." 3. "If you will forsake your house carpenter And go along with me, I will take you where the grass grows green On the banks of sweet Willie." 4. "If I forsake my house carpenter And go along with thee; What have you there to maintain me upon And keep me from slavery?" Folklore from Iowa 13 5. "I have three ships on yonder seas A-sailing for dry land; Three hundred and twenty jolly sailor boys Shall be at your command." 6. She dressed her babe so neat and clean And kisses gave it three; "Lie there, lie there my sweet little babe And keep your papa company." 7. She dressed herself in rich array And away with him did go; And as she walked the streets all through, She shone like glittering gold. 8. They had not sailed more than two weeks, I'm sure it was not three; 'Til this young lady began to weep, And she wept most bitterly. 9. "Is it for any gold that you weep, Or is it for my store; Or is it for the house carpenter That you ne'er expect to see any more?" 10. "It is neither for your gold that I weep, And neither for your store; But all for the love of that sweet little babe That I never expect to see any more." 11. They had not sailed more than three weeks, I am sure it was not four; 'Til the ship began to leak, and it sank For to rise no more. 12. "A curse, a curse to all seamen, A curse, a curse," I say; "They have robbed me of my sweet little babe And have taken my life away." 7. OUR GOODMAN. (Child, No. 274) This is but a fragment of the ballad recorded by Child and others. However, the words in this fragment indicate that it is a direct descendant of the original ballad. For reference, see Cox, No. 28; Campbell and Sharp,'No. 32 (North Carolina); Smith, p. 16 (Virginia); Belden (Missouri); Journal, 14 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society XVIII, 294 (Barry; Massachusetts); XXIX, 166; XXX, 199; XXX, 328; XXXV, 348. No local title. Contributed by Billie Martin, Bradgate, as sung in his community. 1. You old fool, you blind old fool; Can't you never see, That's nothing but a milk-cow My mother sent to me? 8. THE MERMAID. (Child, No. 289) For reference, see Kittredge, Jour'nal, XXVI, 175; Cox, p. 172; Spaeth, Read 'em and Weep, p. 81; Mackenzie (Nova Scotia), p. 65. A. "The Mermaid." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck. 1. 'Twas Friday morn when we set sail, And we were not far from the land; When the captain spied a lovely mermaid With a comb and glass in her hand. Chorus: Oh, the ocean waves may roll, And the stormy winds may blow, While we poor sailors go skipping to the tops And the land lubbers lie down below, below, below, And the land lubbers lie down below. 2. Then out spake the captain of our gallant ship, And a well spoken man was he; "I have married me a wife in Salem town, and tonight she a widder she'll be." 3. Then up spake the cook of our gallant ship, And a red hot cook was he; "I care much more for my kettles and pots, than I do for the depths of the sea." 4. Then three round went our gallant ship, And three times round went she, Then three times round went our gallant ship, And she sank to the depths of the sea. B. "The Mermaid." Contributed by Maria Hoemann, Battle Creek, as sung by J. A. Behn, Battle Creek. Folklore from Iowa 15 1. 'Twas from Friday night when we set sail, And we were not far from shore, When the captain spied a lovely merimaid With a comb and glove in her hand. 9. JEMMY AND NANCY. The version of this ballad here given seems to be the complete story. A diligent search for other versions has not brought forth much of a satisfactory nature. For the only American version located up to this time, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 53 (Pretty Nancy of Yarmouth). For English versions, Campbell and Sharp, p. 331, list "Broadside by W. Wright (Birmingham). See also Garret's Merrie Book of Garlands, vol. ii....... Journal of the Folk-Song Society, ii, 113; Christie's Traditional Ballad Airs, ii, 282 (tune only)." "Jemmy and Nancy or The Yarmont Tragedy." Contributed by Frances Schmidt, Reinbeck, who found it in an old copy book now belonging to Mrs. R. B. Welch, Reinbeck. This old ballad was written in the copy book by Mrs. Welch's grandmother, Sophia Lee, in 1820. Given here verbatim as reported from the manuscript. 1. Lovers pray, lend an ear to my story, Take an example by this constant pair, How love, a young creature did blast in her glory Beautiful Nancy, of Yarmouth, you'll hear. 2. She was a merchants lovely fair daughter, Heiress unto fifteen hundred a year; A young man, he courted her to be his jewel, The son of a gentleman that lived near. 3. Many long years he, this maid did admire, When they were infants in love they agree, And when to age this couple arrived, Cupid an arrow between them displayed. 4. They made a promise for to be married, But when her parents the same came to here, They to their charming young beautiful daughter Acted a part that was base and severe. 5. "Daughter," they said, "give o'er your proceedings If that against our consent you do wed, For ever more we resolve to disown you, If you wed one that is so meanly bred." 6. Her mother said, you are of a great fortune, Besides you are beautiful, charming and young, You are a match, dear child, that is fitting, For any lord that's in all Christendom. 16 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 7. Then did reply this young beautiful virgin, Riches and honor I both do defy, If that you deny me of my dearest lover, Then farewell, world which is all vanity. 8. Jimmy's the man that I do admire, He is the riches that I do adore, For to be great, I never desire, My heart is fixed never to love more. 9. Then said her father, 'tis my resolution, Although I have no more daughters but thee, If that with him you resolve for to marry, Banished forever from me shall you be. 10. Well, cruel father, one thing I desire, Grant me that Jimmy once more I may see, Though you do part us, I still will be loyal, For there is none in this world that I admire but he. 11. For the young man he sent in its passion, Saying, forever now, sir take thy leave, I have a match more fit for my daughter, Therefore 'tis but a folly to grieve. 12. Honored father, then said the young lady, Promis'd we are by the powers above; Why of all comfort would you bereave me? Our love is fixed never more to remove. 13. Then said her father a trip on the ocean Jemmy shall go in a ship of my own; I'll consent he shall have my daughter, When to fair Yarmouth again he returns. 14. Honored father then said the two lovers; Since you will we're bound to obey, Our constant hearts can never be parted, But our eager desires some longer must stay. 15. Then beautiful Nancy said, Dearest Jemmy, Here take this ring, the pledge of our vows With it my heart, keep it safe in your bosom, Carry it with you wherever you go. 16. Then in his arms he did enfold her; While Crystal like fountains did flow, Crying, my heart in return I do give you, And you shall be present wherever I go. Folklore from Iowa 17 17. When on the ocean, my dear, I am sailing, The thoughts of my jewel, the compass shall steer, Those tedious days speedy time shall devour, And bring me safe home to the arms of my dear. 18. Therefore be constant, my dearest jewel; For by the heavens if you are untrue, My injured ghost shall forever torment you, Dead or alive I'll have none but you. 19. Her arms round his neck she lovingly twined, Saying, my dear, when you're on the sea, If that the Fates unto us should prove cruel, That we each other no more should see. 20. No man alive shall ever enjoy me, Soon as the tidings of death strike my ear, Then like a poor unfortunate lover, Down to the grave I'll go to my dear. 21. Then with a sorrowful sigh he departed, The wind next morning blew a pleasant gale, All things being ready, the famed Mary galley, For fair Barbadoes did straightway set sail. 22. While Jemmy was floating upon the wide ocean, Her cruel parents were plotting the while, How they the heart of their beautiful daughter With cursed gold should strive to beguile. 23. Many a Lord of fame, birth and breeding, Came forth to court this young beautiful maid, But all their presents and favors she slited, Constant I'll be to my jewel, she said. 24. Now for a while we will leave this fair maiden, And tell how things with her lover did go. In fair Barbadoes the ship safe arrived And now we will observe his fatal overthrow. 25. Young Jemmy was handsome in every feature, A Barbadoes Lady whose fortune was great, Soon fixed her eyes on him then cried, If I have not This brave English sailor, I'll die for his sake. 26. She dressed herself in gallant attire, With costly diamonds she ploted her hair, An hundred slaves dressed in white to attend her, She sent for this young man to come for her there. 18 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 27. Come, noble sailor, she said, can you fancy A lady whose fortune and riches are great? An hundred slaves you shall have to attend you, Music to charm you to your silent sleep. 28. In robes of gold, my dear I will deck you, Pearles and rich jewels I'll lay at your feet, In chariots of gold you shall ride for pleasure; If you can love me, then answer me straight. 29. Amazed with wonder, while he stood gazing, Forbear noble lady, at length he replied, For in fair England I vowed to a lady, At my return to make her my bride. 30. She is a charming young beautiful creature, She has my heart and I can love no more; I bear in my eye, her sweet lovely features; And no other charmer on earth I'll adore. 31. Hearing of this, she did rave in distraction, Crying unfortunate maid! this to love One who so basely doth slight all my glory, And of my person he will not approve. 32. Lords of renown, I, their favors have slighted, Now I must die for a sailor so bold, I must blame him because he was constant; True love, I find, is much better than gold. 33. A costly jewel she instantly gave him, Then with her trembling hand took a knife; One fatal blow, before they could save her, Instantly put an end to her life! 34. Great lamentations were made for this lady, Jimmy on board of the ship soon did steer, And cheerfully homeward for England was sailing, With longing desires to meet with his dear. 35. When her cruel father heard he was returning, A letter he wrote to the boatswain his friend, Saying, "A handsome reward I will give you, If you the life of young Jimmy will end." 36. Void of all grace, and forsaking the money, The cruel boatswain the same did complete; As upon the deck they were lovingly walking, He suddenly plunged him into the deep. Folklore from Iowa 19 37. In the dead of the night when all were sleeping, His troubled ghost to his love did appear, Crying, arise, young beautiful Nancy, Perform now the vow that you made to your dear. 38. You are my own, therefore tarry no longer, Seven long years for you I did stay, Hyman doth wait to crown us with glory, The bridegroom is ready, my love come away. 39. She cried, who is that under my window? Surely it is the voice of my dear; She raised her head from her soft downy pillow, And unto her casement did straightway repair. 40. By the light of the moon, that was brightly shining, She then spied her true love, who unto her did say, Your parents are sleeping, before they awaken, Come, my dear creature, you must come away. 41. Jimmy, she criedif my father should hear you, We should be ruined, therefore now repair, To the sea side I will instantly meet you, With my two maidens, I will come to you there. 42. With her night gown embroidered with gold and silver, Carelessly around her body she throws: With her two maidens at hand to attend, her To meet with her true love she instantly goes. 43. Close in his arms did the spirit enfold her; Jimmy, she said, your colder than clay! Sure you can never be the man I admire, Paler than death you appear unto me. 44. Yes, dearest creature, I am your true lover, Dead or alive you know you're my own; I come from my promise, my dear, you must follow My body now to a watery tomb. 45. I for your sake did refuse gold and treasure, Beauty and riches for you I despised, A charming lady for me has expired, Thinking on you I was deaf to her cries. 46. Your cruel parents have been my undoing, Now I must sleep in a watery grave; But for your promise, my dear, I'm suing, Dead or alive 'tis you I must have. 20 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 47. The trembling lady was sorely affrighted, Amazed she stood, near the brink of the sea; With eyes lift to heaven, she cried, cruel parents! Heaven requite you for your cruelty. 48. Indeed I have promised, my dearest jewel, Dead or alive I would be your own; And now, to perform my vow, I am ready To follow you to your watery tomb. 49. The maidens, they heard the sad lamentations, But the apparition indeed could not see; Thinking the lady had fallen in distraction, They strove to persuade her contented to be. 50. But still she cried, my dear, I am coming, Now in thy bosom I'll soon fall asleep; When thus she had spoke, this unfortunate lady, Suddenly plunged herself into the deep. 51. When to her father the maids told the story, He wrung his hands crying, what have I done? Oh! dearest child, it was thy cruel father, That did provide thee a watery tomb. 52. Two or three days then being expired, These two unfortunate lovers were seen; In each others arms on the waves they were floating By the side of the ship on the watery main. 53. The cruel boatswain, being struck with horror, Straight did confess the sad deed he had done, Shewing the letter which came from her father, Which was the cause of these lovers' sad dream. 54. On board of the ship he was tried for the murder, At the yard-arm he was hung for the same; Her father he broke his heart for his daughter, Before the ship into harbor came. 55. Thus cursed gold hath caused destruction, Why are the rich still striving for gain? I hope that this story may long be a warning That other parents may never do the same. 56. True love is better than jewels or treasure, Riches can never buy true love, you know: But this young couple did love out of measure, Love was the action of their overflow. Folklore from Iowa 21 10. THE SILK MERCHANT'S DAUGHTER. For other texts, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 54; Cox, No. 99; Journal, XXVIII, 160 (Perrow). For reference, see Shearin and Combs, p. 12; Journal of the Folk-Song Society, II, 33; III, 292. No local title. Contributed by Miss Jane Houghton, Cedar Rapids, as sung by her father. 1. There were thirty-four of us, all in a long boat, And o'er the blue waters so gaily did float; Our provisions growing scanty, pale death drawing nigh, We cast a look 'round about to see which one must die. 11. JOHN PEEL. For reference, see Buck, p. 106; and Duncan, p. 84. "John Peel." Contributed by Shirley Anderson, Reinbeck, who secured it from Mrs. Helen Chrystal, Green Mountain. Verbatim. 1. Do you know John Peel With his coat so gay? As the sound of his hounds Brought me from my bed And the fox from its lair in the morning. 12. VAN DIEMAN'S LAND. Mackenzie (Nova Scotia, p. 304) is authority for the statement that "This doleful ballad has been sung extensively in England, Scotland and Ireland, and the names of the dramatis personae, their provenience, and the scenes of their earlier activities have been varied so as to domesticate the song practically wherever it happened to be current." He cites a number of English texts. For other versions, see Dean, The Flying Cloud, p. 95; Mackenzie, No. 122. No local title. Contributed by Miss Jane Houghton, Cedar Rapids, as sung by her father. 1. They picked us up like horses, And sold us out of hand; And hitched us to the plow, my boy, To plow Van Deeman's land. 13. LITTLE JOHNNIE GREEN. For other texts, see Williams, Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames, p. 74; Cox, No. 161; Richardson and Spaeth, p. 46; Journal, XXXV, 402. No local title. Contributed by Edwina Hughes, Monticello, as sung by Mrs. S. W. Reynes, who learned it years ago. 1. My grandma lived on yonder little green, A fine old lady as ever was seen; 22 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society She often cautioned me with care, Of all false young men to beware. Chorus: Timmie, I Timmie, ah Timmie, um turn day, Of all false young men to beware. 2. The first came courting was little Johnny Green, A fine young fellow as ever was seen; But the words of my grandma rang in my head So I could not hear one word that he said. 3. Thinks I to myself there is some mistake, Oh, what a fuss these old folks make! If the boys and girls had always been afraid, Grandma herself would of died an old maid. 14. POLLY OLIVER. For English texts of this song, see Cox, p. 387. For American texts, see Belden's Missouri group; Campbell and Sharp, No. 44; Mackenzie, No. 55 (Nova Scotia); Journal, XII, 248 (Newell); XXIV, 337 (Barry, Mass.); Cox, No. 122. No local title. Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Miss Kent, Allerton. 1. Down in yonder valley Pretty Polly doth dwell; She is courted by a Captain That loveth her well. 15. GIVE ME THREE GRAINS OF CORN. For reference, see Sandburg, p. 41. "Give Me Three Grains of Corn." Contributed by Mary Ellen Donald, Corydon, as sung by her grandmother, Mrs. E. L. Hutchinson, who learned it from her mother, Mrs. Anna Berry Wells. "The song was written during the potato famine in Ireland." 1. Give me three grains of corn, mother, Give me three grains of corn; 'Twill keep the little eye I have, 'Til the coming of the morn. 2. I'm dying of hunger and cold, mother, Dying of hunger and cold; And oh, the agony of such a death My eyes have never told. XFolklore from Iowa 23 3. But how can I look to you, mother, How can I look to you; For bread to feed your starving child, When you are starving, too? 4. For I read the famine in your cheek, mother, And in your eye so wild; And felt it in your bony hands, As you laid them on your child. 5. Come closer to my side, mother, Come closer to my side; Quick, for I cannot see you, mother, But the starving child had died. 16. CAPTAIN JINKS. For other texts, see Dolph, p. 27; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 47. A. "Captian Jinks." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, as sung by Mrs. Hattie Munn Richmond, Grundy Center. Verbatim. 1. I'm Captian Jinks of the Horse Marines; I feed my horse on corn and beans, And sport young ladies in their teens, Though a captian in the army. I teach young ladies how to dance, how to dance, How to dance, how to dance I teach young ladies how to dance For I'm the pet of the army. Chorus: Captian Jinks of the Horse Marines; I feed my horse on corn and beans, And often live beyond my means, Though a captian in the army. 2. I joined my corps when twenty-one Of course I thot it fun; When the enemy came, of course I'd run, For I'm not cut out for the army. When I left home, mamma she cried, Mamma she cried, mamma she cried, When I left home, mamma she cried; He's not cut out for the army. 3. The first time I went out to drill, The bugle sounding made mn ill; 3 24 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Of the battle field I'd had my fill, For I'm not cut out for the army. The officers, they all did shout, They all did shout, they all did shout, The officers, they all did shout, C"Why, kick him out of the army." B. No local title. Contributed by Charlena Haviland, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. M. L. Haviland, Humboldt. 1. I'm Captain Jenks of the horse marines, I feed my horse good corn and beans; And court young ladies in their teens, For I'm captain in the army. C. "Captain Jinks of the Horse Marine." Reported by Marguerite Mason, Reinbeck, as sung by her father, F. N. Mason, Reinbeck. 1. I'm Captain Jinks of the horse marine, I feed my horses good corn and beans; I always live beyond my means For that's the style of the army. 17. BILLY BOY. For reference, see Shoemaker, pp. 102, 131; Campbell and Sharp, No. 89; Pound, No. 113; Shearin and Combs, p. 30; Brown, p. 10; Jones, p. 3 (Michigan); Belden's Missouri Collection; Cox, p. 484; Kittredge, Journal, XXVI, 357, note 1. A. "Billy Boy." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as dictated to her by Mrs. Flannigan and Miss Margaret Hunt, Iowa City, who said their mother used to sing them to sleep with it when they were children. They had never seen the song in print. The mother, Mrs. William Hunt, was for years a resident of Iowa City and knew the song more than fifty years ago. With music. (English-Irish) Oh, where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?.... I n ' I!' I" ] _, I, ' '". I {,-..... I /, _........... _........ _:_ Oh, where have you been, charming Did she bid you etc. Billy? Folklore from Iowa 25 I have been to seek a wife, She's the joy of my life, dimple ringlets etc. AU~ She's a young thing and cannot leave her moth - er. 1. Oh, where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Oh, where have you been, charming Billy? I have been to seek a wife, She's the joy of my life, She's a young thing, and cannot leave her mother. 2. Did she bid you to come in, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Did she bid you to come in, charming Billy? Yes, she bade me to come in, There's a dimple in her chin, She's a young thing, and cannot leave her mother. 3. Did she set for you a chair, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Did she set for you a chair, charming Billy? Yes, she set for me a chair, She has ringlets in her hair, She's a young thing, and cannot leave her mother. 4. Can she make a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Can she make a cherry pie, charming Billy? Can she make a cherry pie, Quick's a cat can wink her eye, She's a young thing, and cannot leave her mother. 5. Can she make a feather-bed, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Can she make a feather-bed, charming Billy? She can make a feather-bed, Quick's a cat can shake its head, She's a young thing, and cannot leave her mother. B. "Billy Boy." Contributed by L. Humphrey, Roland, as he learned it years ago. 1. Oh, where have you been, Billy boy, Billy boy, Oh, where have you been, charming Billy? I have been to see my wife, She's the joy of my life, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mammy. 3* 26 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 2. How old is she, Billy boy, Billy boy, How old is she, charming Billy? Twice five, twice seven, Twice forty and eleven, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mammy. C. "Billy Boy." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck. 1. 0 where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy, O where have you been charming Billy? I have been to seek a wife, She's the joy of my life, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother. 2. Did she bid you to come in, Billy Boy, Billy Boy, Did she bid you to come in charming Billy? Yes, she bade me to come in, There's a dimple in her chin, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother. 3. Did she set for you a chair, Billy Boy, Billy Boy, Did she set for you a chair charming Billy? Yes, she set for me a chair, She has ringlets in her hair, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother. 4. Can she make a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy, Can she make a cherry pie, charming Billy? She can make a cherry pie, Quick's a cat can wink her eye, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother. 5. How old is she Billy Boy, Billy Boy, How old is she charming Billy? Three times six and four times seven, Twenty-eight and eleven, She's a young thing and cannot leave her mother. D. "Billy Boy." Contributed by Virginia Conway, Tipton. 1. Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? Can she bake a cherry pie, charming Billy Yes, she can bake a cherry pie as quick as a cat can wink her eye; She's a young thing and can't leave her mammy. Folklore from Iowa 27 2. How old is she, Billy Boy, Billy Boy? How old is she, charming Billy? Twice six, twice seven, twice forty and eleven She's a young thing and can't leave her mammy. 18. BLOW, BOYS, BLOW. For other texts see King, p. 2; Shay, Iron Men and Wooden Ships, p. 71; Mackenzie, No. 100 (Nova Scotia); Journal, XIX, 24 (Hutchison). No local title. Contributed by Minnetta Molander, Humboldt, as sung by Ben Molander, Humboldt. 1. Yankee ship coming down the river, Blow, boys, she blows! A Yankee captain and an Irish crew, Blow, boys, she blows! Stretch the top-sails and let them go, Blow, boys, she blows! 19. THE FARMER'S BOY. Miss Pound (Ballads, p. 246, note 28) states that this song was "'brought from Newcastle, England, as early as 1870.' " For reference, see Pound, No. 28; also known in Missouri. A. "The Farmer Boy." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, who obtained it from her mother who got it from Eva E. Allman. 1. The sun had sunk behind a hill Just o'er yon dreary moor; When up the lane a lad there came Up to a farmer door. "Can you tell me if any there be Who can give to me employ?" Chorus: For to be a farmer boy, To be a farmer boy; For to plow, for to sow, for to reap, for to mow, For to be a farmer boy. 2. "My father's dead, my mother's left With just four children small, And what is worse on mother yet, I'm the oldest of them all; Though little I be I'll fear not work If you will give to me employ. 28 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 3. "If you cannot give to me employ, One favor yet I ask that you shelter me this night From the cold and stormy blast; At the break of day I'll trudge away Elsewhere to seek employ." 4. This farmer's lad he grew a man And the good old farmer died; And he left to him the farm he had And his daughter for a bride. 5. This farmer's lad he grew a man And he often smiles with gay; "0 lucky, lucky day when I came this way To be a farmer boy, to be a farmer boy; O the lucky day when I came this way To be a farmer boy!" B. No local title. Contributed by Dorothy Rollf, Monticello, as sung by her mother who learned it from her father. 1. If you'll treat my daughter kindly And say you'll do no harm, Why, when I die, I'll leave to you My little house and barn; My house, my home, my sheep, my plow, Horses, stock and farm, And all those little chickens In the garden. 20. MARY OF THE WILD MOOR. For reference, see Mackenzie, p. 164 (Nova Scotia); Shoemaker, p. 96; Pound, No. 35; A. Williams, Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames, p. 213; Cox, p. 437; Journal, XXIX, 185; XXXV, 389. A. "Mary of the Wild Moor." Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa, as known by his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 1. One night the wind it blew cold, Blew bitter across the wild moor; Young Mary she came with her child Wand'ring home to her own father's door; Crying, "Father, oh! pray let me in, Take pity on me I implore! Or the child at my bosom will die From the winds that blow 'cross the wild moor. Folklore from Iowa 29 2. "Oh, why did I leave this fair cot Where once I was happy and free; Doomed to roam without friends or home Oh! Father, take pity on me." But her father was deaf to her cries, Not a voice nor a sound reached the door; But the watch-dog did bark, and winds Blew bitter across the wild moor. 3. Oh, how must her father have felt When he came to the door in the morn! There he found Mary dead, and the child Fondly clasped to its dead mother's form. How in frenzy he tore his grey hairs, As on Mary he gazed at the door; For that night she had perished and died From the winds that blew 'cross the wild moor. 4. The father in grief pined away, The child to the grave was soon borne, And no one lives there to this day For the cottage to ruin has gone. The villagers point out the spot Where a willow droops over the door, Saying, "There Mary perished and died From the winds that blew 'cross the wild moor.' B. "Mary of the Wild Moor." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine, who learned the song from his mother about 1870 when he was a boy. 1. One night when the winds did blow cold, Blew bitter across the wild moor, Poor Mary came wandering back to her home, Wandering back to her own father's door. "Oh, father! dear father," she cried, "come down and open the door; For the child in my arms will perish and die By the winds that blow across the wild moor." 2. How sad must the old man have felt When he came to the door in the morn, Poor Mary was dead, but the child still alive Closely pressed in its dead mother's arms. The old man in grief pined away, 30 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society The babe to its mother went soon; And no one they say has lived there till this day - The village to ruin has gone. C. "Mary of the Wild Moor." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. Tim Couchman, Allerton. (Irish) 1. One cold winter night as the wind Blew loudly across the wild moor, Poor Mary came wandering home with her child 'Til she came to her own father's door. Chorus: "Oh! father, dear father," she cried, "Come down and open the door; Or this child in my arms will perish and die By the winds that blow across the wild moor." 2. The old man was deaf to her cries, Not a sound of her voice reached his ears; Though the watch dog howled and the village bell tolled While the winds blew across the wild moor. 21. THE OLD MAN WHO CAME OVER THE MOOR. For reference, see Cox, p. 489; Campbell and Sharp, No. 108; Journal, XXVIII, 158; XXIX, 188. No local title. Contributed by Frances Bowman, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. David Kee, Humboldt. 1. There was an old man came over the lea, He came over a-courting me, But aw-he-how, I won't have him. He came over a-courting with his old grey beard newly shaven, But aw-he-how, I won't have him. I gave him a stool and he sat like a fool With his old grey beard newly shaven, Aw-he-how, but I won't have 'im. 22. THE FROG AND THE MOUSE. For reference, see Chappell, Vol. I, p. 142; Cox, p. 470; Sharp, Nursery Songs from the Appalachian Mountains, 1921, No. 1; Talley, Negro Folk Rhymes, pp. 167, 190; Journal, XXXV, 394; XLV, 175. Add Sandburg, p. 143. A. "Kemo, Kimo, Komo." Contributed by Harmaline Pieper, Mount Vernon, as dictated and sung by Henry Wright, Mount Vernon. Folklore from Iowa 31 1. A froggie would a wooin' go, Kemo, Kimo, Komo; Whether his mother said yes or no, Kemo, Kimo, Komo. Chorus: Kemo, Kimo, London Kimo, Komo, Sprim, Pomp, Polly-wolly, Riggle dom, Riggle dom, Komo. 2. A sword and a pistol by his side, Kemo, Kimo, Komo; A little Miss Mouse be his bride, Kemo, Kimo, Komo. 3. Took Miss Mouse for he did dwell, Kemo, Kimo, Komo; 'Twas in a bottom of a well, Kemo, Kimo, Komo. 4. The water was up to her chin, Kemo, Kimo, Komo; I wish that I was a maid again, Kemo, Kimo, Komo. B. No local title. Contributed by Lotta Greenewald, Monticello, as sung by Mrs. J. H. Perrine, Monticello, who learned it from her father. 1. Chorus: Kemo, kimo, caraway, Me, meNi, meo; Merumsittle penniwiggle nipcat, Kitty won't you kimeo. 23. THE FROG IN THE WELL. English variants of this ballad are listed by Campbell and Sharp, p. 336. For American texts, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 120; Journal, XXII, 74 (tune only); XXVI, 134; and Wyman and Brockway, p. 25. A. No local title. Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. Mirn Strickland, Allerton, as learned from her parents. 1. There was a frog in the spring, 'Twas so cold he could not sing; He tied his tail to a hickory stump, He rared and he pitched and he couldn't make a jump. 32 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Chorus: Where did you come from? Knock a negro down. Where did you come from? Knock a negro down. B. "The Little Frog." Contributed by Mrs. W. L. Dougherty, Allerton, and reported by the Allerton High School. 1. There was a little frog and he lived in a well, And that little frog he lived very well, Come up, stump Billy, make a kimo. Chorus: Kimo nero denican kero kimo kimo, Come up rumstum pumince didle Bugar ally, Billy, make a kimo. 2. And that little frog he wore a green suit, As pretty a green as ever was seen, Come up, stump Billy, make a kimo. 3. And that little frog he smoked a pipe, And the pipe he smoked was a rye straw pipe, Come up, stump Billy, make a kimo. 24. LADY LeROY. For reference, see Cox, p. 377; Shoemaker, p. 60; Journal, XXIX, 180. "Lady Le Roy." Contributed by Mildred Bushnell, Dysart, as sung by her parents who learned it about 1880. 1. Bright Phoebus was shining all on the bright Maine, The birds they were singing, all nature serene; I spied a fair couple on Ireland's shore A-viewing the ocean while the bellows did roar. 2. The one was a maiden, both beauteous and fair, The other a captain persuading his dear; Persuading his jewel to cross the wide sea In a ship he commanded called Lady Le Roy. 3. "Oh, no," cried this fair maid, "this never can be For my father has vessels full twenty and three; And should he o'er-take us our lives he'd destroy, So I dare not to venture on the Lady Le Roy." 4. "Oh, then," cried the captain, "I'm purely undone, I wish that my mother had ne'er born a son; Folklore from Iowa 33 May sweet peace go with you for wretched am I For the love of Pretty Polly I'm doomed for to die." 5. Then she dressed herself up in a suit of men's clothes, And disguised thus unto her old father she goes; She purchased a vessel and paid full demand, But little did he think 'twas from his own daughter's hand. *6. Then she turned to her lover, and to him she did say, "Make haste and get ready, there's no time for delay." They hoisted their top sails, their colors let fly, And they sailed o'er the ocean in the Lady Le Roy. 7. But when this her father he came to understand, He quickly swore vengeance on this worthy young man; And as for his daughter, she should ne'er be his wife, And for her disobedience he would take her sweet life. 8. Then he turned to his old Captain and to them did say, "Make haste and get ready, there's no time to delay!" They hoisted their top sails, their colors let fly And swore by their maker they would conquer or die. 9. They had not sailed more than a week or ten days When from the southeast there blew a fair breeze; They spied a lone vessel which was to their joy They hailed her and found her the Lady Le Roy. 10. "Turn back, oh, turn back to old Ireland shores Or this very minute a broadside I'll pour;" Then broadside and broadside these vessels did pour, Like loud peals of thunder their cannon did roar. 11. They had not fought more than an hour and a half When this pretty, fair maid gained a victory at last. "Now, go tell my father it is to his shame, I've conquered his vessel, I've conquered his fame." 12. And they rode into Boston, the city of fame, With two as fine vessels as e'er crossed the Maine; The one was the Essex, the other the Le Roy. Success to Pretty Polly, the source of all joy. 25. THE LITTLE MOHEA. For reference, see Pound, No. 91; Mackenzie, p. 155; Cox, No. 116; Eckstorm and Smyth, Minstrelsy of Maine, 230; Journal, XXXV, 408; XXXIX, 132; XLII, 282; XLV, 96. 34 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society A. "The Little Mohee." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as dictated to her by her father, Mr. John Stanley, Massena. Mr. Stanley learned the song from his mother, Mrs. Aaron Stanley, Fontanelle, who in turn learned it from her mother, Mrs. David Lilly. This song was a favorite at the "lyceums" held in country schoolhouses when those people were young. With music.,; - I_ I. -- B I.- ---- - J,l -'l As I was a - roam- ing for pleasure one day, A,, - -I I -- I -— I. 1:' ---'. ' - a' - '. -.' " ' ', 1 For love's rec - re - a - tion, with thoughts cast away. 1 -I-2 1 w- = As I sat a - mus - ing my - self on the grass,.E _J - " I - -........=. W There stepped up beside me an In - di - an lass. 1. As I was a-roaming for pleasure one day, For love's recreation, with thoughts far away; As I sat amusing myself on the grass, There stepped up beside me an Indian lass. 2. She sat down beside me, and taking my hand, Said, "I know you're a stranger, not one of this land; But if you will follow, you're welcome to come, For I live by myself in a snug little home." 3. The sun was just sinking o'er all the salt sea As I walked along with this little Mohee; Together we rambled, together we roamed, Till we came to a cot in a cocoanut grove. 4. In the kindest of manners, she said unto me, "If you will consent, Sir, to marry me, No more to go roaming o'er all the salt sea, I'll teach you the language of the little Mohee." Fotklore from Iowa 35 5. "Ah, no, my fair maiden, this never can be, For I have a sweetheart in my own country; And I'll not forsake her in her poverty, For she's just as fair as the little Mohee." 6. The last time I saw her, 'twas down on the sand, As I was a-leaving, she waved me her hand, Saying, "When you get back to the maid that you love, Remember the lass in the cocoanut grove." 7. Now I'm safe landed on my native shore With friends and relations around me once more; As I look around me, there's none whom I see That I can compare with the little Mohee. B. No local title. Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Miss Kent, Allerton. Verbatim. 1. As I went out walking, For pleasure one day. In sweet recreation To whill time away As I sat amusing Myself on the grass Oh who should I spy But a fair Indian lass. C. "The Pretty Mohea." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by her mother and grandmother who learned it in Germany. She said, "My mother always used to sing it in the German language." (German) 1. As I went out walking for pleasure one day, In sweet recreation to while time away; As I sat amusing myself on the grass, Oh, who should I spy but a fair Indian lass! 2. She sat down beside me and taking my hand, Said, "You are a stranger and in a strange land; But if you will follow you're welcome to come And dwell in the cottage that I call my home." 3. The sun was fast sinking far o'er the blue sea, When I wandered alone with my pretty Mohea; Together we wandered, together did rove, Till we came to the cot in the cocoanut grove. 36 M Wemoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. Then this kind expression she made unto me, "If you will consent, sir, to stay here with me, And go no more rowing upon the salt sea, I'll teach you the language of the lass of Mohea." 5. "Oh, no, my dear maiden, that could never be, For I have a true love in my own country; And I'll not forsake for I know she loves me, And her heart is as true as the pretty Mohea." 6. 'Twas early one morning, one morning in May That to this fair maiden these words I did say; "I'm going to leave you, so farewell, my dear, My ship's sails are spreading and home I must steer." 7. The last time I saw her she stood on the strand, And as my boat passed her she waved with her hand Saying, "When you have landed with the girl that you love, Think of the little Mohea in the cocoanut grove." 8. And when then I landed on my native shore, With friends and relations around me once more; I gazed all about me, not one could I see That was fit to compare with the pretty Mohea. 9. And the girl that I trusted proved untrue to me, So I'll turn my course backward far o'er the deep sea; I'll turn my course backward, from this land I'll flee, I'll go spend my days with my pretty Mohea. D. "The Lass of Mohea." Contributed by Norma Stark, Corydon, as sung by her mother who in turn learned it from her mother. Printed here as reported by Miss Stark. 1. One day as I sat amusing myself in the grass, Oh! who would come nigh me but a young Indian lass. She sat down beside me and gave me her hand, Saying, you look like a stranger, not one of our band. She sat down beside me and gave me her hand, Saying, "You look like a stranger, not one of our band." 2. If you will but follow, you're welcome to come, For I live by myself in a neat little home, Saying, "If you will but follow you're welcome to come, For I live by myself in a neat little home." Folklore from Iowa 37 3. And together we rambled, and together we roamed, Till we came to a cot in a neat little grove. Said she, "My fair rover, if you will marry me, No more will you go roaming along the North Sea." 4. Said she, "My fair rover, if you'll marry me, I'll teach you the language of the Lass of Mohi." 5. Said I, "My pretty fair maid This never can be, For I have a sweetheart in my own country. And ne'er will forsake her for your poverty." 6. Said she, "When you return again To your own native shore, And relation crowd round you once more," Said she, "When you return again to your own native shore, And friends and relatives once more you do see, Will you think once again of your Lass of Mohi?" 26. THE BUTCHER BOY. For reference, see Cox, No. 145; Mackenzie, Quest of the Ballad, p. 9; Pound, No. 24; Sandburg, p. 324; Hudson, p. 31; Journal, XXIX, 169; XXXI, 73; XXXV, 360; XXXIX, 122; XLV, 72. A. "The Butcher Boy." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as dictated by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stanley, Massena. Miss Stanley's mother knew the ballad before she could read, and her father knew it when he was a little boy from hearing his mother sing it. 1. "In Jersey City where I did dwell Lived a butcher boy I loved so well. He courted me my heart away, And then with me he would not stay. 2. There is an inn in that same town Where my love goes and sets him down. He takes a strange girl on his knee, And tells her what he won't tell me. 3. It's grief to me, I'll tell you why; Because she's got more gold than I. But her gold may melt and her silver fly, And in time of need be as poor as I. 38 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. Oh, Mother, Mother, you do not know What grief it is, what sorrow, woe; Go get me a chair to sit me on, And pen and ink to write it down." 5. At the end of every line, she drops a tear While calling for her Willie dear. And when her father he came home, He said, "Where has my daughter gone?" 6. He went upstairs, the door he broke, He found her hanging to a rope. He took a knife and cut her down And on her breast these lines he found. 7. "Go dig my grave both wide and deep, Place a marble stone at my head and feet; And on my breast a turtle dove To show the world I died of love." B. "The False Lover." Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa, as known by his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 1. In Jersey City where I did dwell With a butcher's boy I loved him well. He courted me both night and day, But now he always stays away. 2. There was an inn in that same town, Where my lover goes and sits him down; He takes a strange girl on his knee, And he tells her now what he once told me. 3. And it grieves my heart and I'll tell you why, 'Tis because she has more gold than I; Her gold will melt in a silver fly, She'll see the day when she's poor as I. 4. I went upstairs to make my bed, And there I laid my aching head. My mother came and asked me why, "My darling daughter, what makes you cry?" 5. "Oh, get me a chair to set me down, Get ink and pen, I'll write it down;" Folklore from Iowa 39 And every word she dropped a tear, And every line cried "William, dear." 6. That evening when her father came home, He asked where had his darling gone; He went upstairs, the door he broke, And found her hanging by a rope. 7. He took out his knife and he cut her down, And in her bosom this note was found; "O dig my grave, dig it wide and deep, Place a marble stone at my head and feet. 8. "Upon my breast place a turtle dove, To let the world know I died for love; Place a turtle dove upon my breast, To let the world know I'm now at rest." C. "Butcher Boy." Contributed by Rubye Krueger, Battle Creek, as sung in her community. 1. Then go dig a grave both wide and deep, Place marble stone both head and feet; Place a turtle dove upon my breast To show the world that I died for love. D. "Butcher Boy." Contributed by Raymond Willer, Reinbeck, as secured from Mrs. Henry Willer, Reinbeck. 1. In Jersey City where I once dwelled Lived a butcher boy I loved well; He courted me my heart away And now with me he will not stay. 2. Go dig my grave both wide and deep; Place a marble stone at head and feet. E. "The Butcher Boy." Contributed by Bernice Voege, Reinbeck. 1. In Jersey City where I did dwell A Butcher Boy I loved so well; He courted me my heart away And then with me he would not stay. 4 40 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society F. "The Butcher Boy." Contributed by Isla Mae Olson, Reinbeck, as obtained from Mrs. Oscar Olson, Reinbeck. 1. In New York City where I do dwell A Butcher Boy I loved so well. G. No local title. Contributed by Iva Ehlers, Dysart. 1. In Jersey City where I did dwell A butcher's boy I loved so well; He courted me my heart away But now with me he will not stay. H. "The Butcher Boy." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by older members of her family about 1870. 1. In Jersey City where I did dwell, A butcher boy I loved so well; He courted me my heart away, And now with me he will not stay. There is an inn in that same town, Where my love goes and sits him down; He takes a strange girl on his knee And tells her what he can't tell me. 2. It's a grief for me, I'll tell you why: Because she has more gold than I; But her gold will melt and her silver fly; In time of need, she'll be poor as I. I go upstairs to make my bed, But nothing to my mother said; My mother comes upstairs to me Saying, "What's the matter, my daughter dear?" 3. "Oh! mother, mother! you do not know What grief, and pain, and sorrow, woe - Go get a chair to sit me down, And a pen and ink to write it down." On every line she dropped a tear, While calling home her Willie dear; And when her father he came home, He said, "Where is my daughter gone?" Folklore from Iowa 41 4. He went upstairs, the door he broke - He found her hanging upon a rope; He took his knife and he cut her down, And in her breast those lines were found: "Oh! what a silly maid am I! To hang myself for a butcher boy! Go dig my grave, both long and deep; Place a marble stone at my head and feet; And on my breast a turtle dove To show the world I died for love!" I. "The Butcher's Boy." Contributed by Anna Marie Lauterbach, Reinbeck. Given here verbatim as contributed. 1. In Jersey City, where I did dwell, A butcher's boy I loved so well; He courted me, my life away, And then with me he would not stay; 2. I went upstairs to go to bed; And nothing to my mother said; But mother said you're acting queer; What is the trouble my daughter dear? 3. Oh mother dear, you need not know; The pain and sorrow, grief and woe; Give me a chair and set me down; With pen and ink to write words down; 4. Oh dig my grave, both wide and deep; And place a marble at my feet; Upon my breast, a snow white dove; To show the world that I died for love; 5. And when her father first came home, Where is my girl, where has she gone? He went upstairs, the door he broke; And found her hanging to a rope. 6. He took his knife, and cut her down; And in her bosom, these words he found; A silly girl, am I you know; To hang myself for a butcher's boy. 4* 42 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 27. A PAPER OF PINS. For reference, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 92; Pound, No. 111; Hudson, Journal, XXXIX, 180; XLV, 118. Add Richardson and Spaeth, p. 52. "A Paper of Pins." Contributed by Bernadine Christensen, Harlan. 1. Oh, Miss, I'll give you a paper of pins, If that is the way that love begins; If you will marry me, me, me, If you will marry me. 2. Oh, Sir, I'll not take a paper of pins For that's not the way that love begins; And I'll not marry you, you, you, And I'll not marry you. 3. Oh, Miss, I'll give you a satin gown That you may wear when you go to town If you etc. 4. Oh, Sir, I'll not take a satin gown That I can wear when I go to town And I'll etc. 5. Oh, Miss, I'll give you a coach and four That will call for you at your own door If you etc. 6. Oh, Sir, I'll not take a coach and four That will call for me at my own door And I'll etc. 7. Oh, Miss, I'll give you the key to my heart That you and I shall never part If you etc. 8. Oh, Sir, I'll take the key to your heart That you and I shall never part; And I will marry you, you, you, And I will marry you. 28. THE BLACK DUCK. This song is generally known as The Fox. For other texts, see Belden (Missouri Collection); Brown, p. 12; Williams, Folk-Songs of the Upper Thames, p. 247; Cox, No. 163; Journal, XXXIX, 377 (Truitt). Folklore from Iowa 43 A. "The Black Duck." Contributed by Maxine Adair, Reinbeck, as sung by her contributor, Mrs. J. E. Verly, Reinbeck, who heard a Civil War soldier sing it when she was a child. 1. A hungry fox went out one night - He begged the moon to give him light For he had many miles to trot that night Before he could reach 'is dinno, Dinno, dinno. Before he could reach 'is dinno. 2. Soon he reached the farmer's yard; The ducks and geese declared it hard; Their nerves were shaken and rest was marred By a visit by Mister Foxo, Foxo, Foxo. A visit by Mister Foxo. 3. He grabbed the black duck by the neck And flung him all across his back; The black duck cried out, "Quack, quack, quack," And his heels hung dangling downo, Downo, downo. And his heels hung dangling downo. 4. Old Lady Slipper-slopper jumped out of bed, Hoist up the window and thrust out her head, Crying, "John, John, John, the black duck's gone; The fox is off to his dinno." Dinno, dinno. The fox is off to his dinno. 5. John ran up on the hill And blew a blast both loud and shrill. Said the fox, "That's pretty music, still I would rather be off to my dinno." Dinno, dinno. I would rather be off to my dinno. 6. Master fox trotted off to his den, To his dear little foxes, eight, nine, ten; Showing the luck of a good fat duck And his legs hang dangling downo, Downo, downo. And his legs hang dangling downo. 7. Master fox and his hungry wife Ate very well without fork or knife; They never had a better meal in all their life And the little ones slicked the boneso, Boneso, boneso. And the little ones slicked the boneso. 44 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "The Black Duck." Contributed by Warren Scobey, Mount Vernon, as he heard it sung in his family. 1. Old Mother Widdle Waddle jumped out of bed, Out of the window she popped her head; "John! John! John! the black duck's gone." Chorus: The fox went through the town 0, The fox went through the town. 29. o, NO, JOHN. For reference, see Buck, p. 147; Journal, XXXV, 405. "No, Sir, No." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine. 1. Tell me one thing, tell me truly, Tell me why you scorn me so; Tell me why when asked a question, You will always answer "No." Chorus: No, sir; no, sir; no, oh oh sir; No, sir; no, sir; no, sir; no - - - 2. "My father was a Spanish merchant And before he went to sea He told me to be sure and answer 'No,' to all you said to me." 3. Then while walking in the garden Plucking flowers all wet with dew; Tell me, would you be offended If I walk and talk with you. 4. Then while walking in the garden, I should ask you to be mine; Would you then, my dearest sweetheart, Would you then my heart decline? 30. THE BANKS OF SWEET DUNDEE. Mackenzie (Nova Scotia, p. 84) states "Robert Ford (Vagabond Songs and Ballads of Scotland, First Series, p. 77) wrote in 1898, 'It (i. e., 'The Banks of Sweet Dundee') cannot be less than a hundred years old. Fifty years ago, when harvest work in Scotland was almost wholly done by hand-hook, it was a common song among the bands of shearers in the Carse of Gowrie and thereabout when songs went round in the bothies at night.' We may suppose, then, that the song has been in existence well over a century, and during a considerable part of that time, at least, it has been a particular favourite in Folklore from Iowa 45 England and Scotland. It has appeared frequently in songbooks and broadsides in both England and America." For reference, see Mackenzie, No. 23; Cox, p. 379; Journal, XXXV, 355 (Kittredge). "The Farmer's Boy." Contributed by Elvin Sloth, Reinbeck, who secured it from Eral F. Strohbehm, Treynor. 1. - - - was a farmer's daughter So beautiful and bold; Her parents died and left her One hundred pounds in gold. 2. She lived with her uncle Which caused her overthrow, But soon you'll see this lady free On the banks of the sweet Lumbee. 3. Her uncle came to her and knocked at her door, Saying, "Arise, arise, my pretty maid For you're going to marry the squire On the banks of the sweet Lumbee." 31. THE MISTLETOE BOUGH. For another version, see Hatton and Faning, vol. 3, p. 44. A. "The Mistletoe Bough." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, to whom it was dictated by Mrs. Anne Collman Vetterick, Massena, who learned it in her girlhood about fifty years ago. Mrs. Vetterick also contributed a blank verse version of the same theme from which she thinks the song was made. 1. The mistletoe hung in the castle hall, The holly branch shone on the old oak wall; And the baron's retainers were blithe and gay, And keeping their Christmas holiday. The baron beheld with a father's pride His beautiful child, young Lovell's bride; While she, with her bright eyes, seemed to be The star of the goodly company. 2. "I'm weary of dancing now," she cried, "Here tarry a moment - I'll hide - I'll hide! And, Lovell, be sure thou art first to trace The clue to my secret lurking place." Away she ran, and her friends began Each tower to search, and each nook to scan; And young Lovell cried, "Oh, where dost thou hide? I'm lonesome without thee, my own dear bride." 46 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 3. They sought her that night and they sought her next day, And they sought her in vain when a week passed away. In the highest - the lowest - the loneliest spot, Young Lovell sought wildly, but found her not. And years flew by, and their grief at last Was told as a sorrowful tale long past; And when Lovell appeared, the children cried, "See the old man weep for his fairy bride." 4. At length an oak chest that had long lain hid Was found in the castle - they raised the lidAnd a skeleton form lay smouldering there In the bridal wreath of thatp lady fair! Oh! sad was her fate! - in sportive jest She hid from her lord in the old oak chest. It closed with a spring! - and dreadful doom - The bride lay clasped in her living tomb. B. "Ginevra." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as dictated by Mrs. Anne Collman Vetterick, Massena, who believes it to be the source for the song "The Mistletoe Bough." 1. She was an only child; from infancy The joy, the pride of an indulgent sire. Her mother dying of the gift she gave, That precious gift, what else remained to him? The young Ginevra was his all in life, Still as she grew, forever in his sight; And in her fifteenth year became a bride, Marrying an only son, Francesco Doria, Her playmate from her birth, and her first love. Just as she looks there in her bridal dress, She was all gentleness, all gaiety, Her pranks the favorite theme of every tongue. But now the day was come, the day, the hour; Now, frowning, smiling, for the hundredth time, The nurse, that ancient lady, preached decorum. And, in the lustre of her youth, she gave Her hand, with her heart in it, to Francesco. Great was the joy; and at the bridal feast, When all sat down, the bride was wanting there, Nor was she to be found! Her father cried, "'Tis but to make a trial of our love!" And filled his glass to all; but his hand shook, And soon from guest to guest the panic spread. 'Twas but that instant she had left Francesco, Folklore from Iowa 47 Laughing and looking back, and flying still, Her ivory tooth imprinted on his finger. But now, alas! she was not to be found: Nor from that hour could anything be guessed But that she was not! Weary of his life, Francesco flew to Venice, and forthwith Flung it away in battle with the Turk. Orsini lived; and long might'st thou have seen An old man wandering as in quest of something, Something he could not find, he knew not what. When he was gone, the house remained awhile, Silent and tenantless, then went to strangers, Full fifty years were past and all forgot When on an idle day, a day of search 'Mid the old lumber in the gallery, That mouldering chest was noticed; and 'twas said By one as young, as thoughtless as Ginevra, "Why not remove it from its lurking place?" 'Twas done as soon as said; but on the way, It burst, it fell; and lo, a skeleton, With here and there a pearl, an emerald stone, A golden clasp, clasping a shred of gold! All else had perished save a nuptial ring And a small seal, her mother's legacy, Engraven with a name, the name of both, "Ginevra." There then had she found a grave. Within that chest had she concealed herself, Fluttering with joy, the happiest of the happy, When a spring lock that lay in ambush there Fastened her down forever. 32. WILLIAM AND NANCY. For other versions, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 68; Belden, No. 15; Mackenzie, No. 35 (Nova Scotia); and Journal, XXV, 9. No local title. Contributed by Alice Rossing, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Ole Sheldon, Humboldt. 1. It was on a Monday morning, All in the month of May, When our ship left her cable, And bully sailed away. The wind that blew from the southeast For Lisbon we were bound, Where the hills and the valleys were lined With pretty girls all around. 48 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 33. THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME. For reference, see Moffat, p. 66; Duncan, p. 260; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 16; Hatton and Faning, vol. 1, p. 101; Elson, p. 66; Wier, p. 57; Buck, p. 82; and Dolph, p. 507. "Girl I Left Behind Me." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, "whose mother had this song. It was copied down by Mrs. Addie Morrett, Ernestine's grandmother, in the years around 1884-85, when she was still unmarried and named Miss Addie Partridge." 1. I'm lonesome since I crossed the hills, And o'er the moor that's shaggy, With heavy thoughts my mind is filled Since I have parted, Peggy. Whene'er I turned to view that place The tears doth fall and blind me; When I think on the charming grace Of the girl I left behind me. 2. The hours I remember well When next to see doth move me, The burning flames my heart doth tell Since first she owned she loved me. In search of someone fair and gay, Several doth remind me; I know my darling loves me well Though I left her behind me. 3. The bees shall lavish make store And the dove become a ranger, The falling waters cease to roar Before I shall ever see her. Each mutual promise faithfully made By her whom tears doth blind me, And bless the hours I pass away With the girl I left behind me. 4. My mind her image will retain Whether sleeping or waking, I hope to see my jewel again For her my heart is breaking. But if ever I chance to go that way And that she has not resigned me; I'll reconcile my mind and stay With the girl I left behind me. Folklore from Iowa 49 34. THE WAGONER'S LAD. Some of the stanza (no. 1) is very similar to stanzas in versions of "Old Smoky," as given in the Journal, XLV, p. 105. For other texts and references concerning this song, see Cox, No. 146; Wyman and Brockway, p. 64; Campbell and Sharp, No. 64; Journal, XX, 268 (Kittredge); XLV, 108 (Henry). "Fare ye Well, Molly." Contributed by LaVon Poquet, Osceola, as sung by her father, H. C. Poquet, Osceola. (French) 1. My horse is not tired, He won't eat your hay; He's saddled and bridled For riding away. Chorus: Oh, fare ye well, Molly, I bid you adieu; I'm ruined forever By the lovin' of you. 35. THE PRISONER'S SONG. For reference, see Mackenzie, p. 303 (Nova Scotia); Pound, p. 34; Adventure magazine, January 1, 1927. "The Prisoner's Song." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, as sung by Mrs. Hattie Munn Richmond, Grundy Center. 1. Oh, I wish I had some one to love me, Some one to call me their own; Oh, I wish I had some one to live with, For I'm tired of living alone. 2. Oh, please meet me tonight in the moonlight, Please meet me tonight all alone; For I have a sad story to tell you, It's a story that's never been told. 3. I'll be carried to the new jail tomorrow, Leaving my poor darling alone; With the cold prison-bars all around me, And my head on a pillow of stone. 4. Now I have a brave ship on the ocean, All mounted with silver and gold; And before my poor darling should suffer, Oh, that ship should be anchored and sold. 5. Now if I had wings like an angel, Over these prison-walls I would fly, And I'd fly to the arms of my poor darling, And there I'd be willing to die. So Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 36. THE JEALOUS LOVER. For reference, see Shoemaker, p. 49; Cox, p. 197; Pound, No. 43; Journal, XXX, 344; XLV, 130. "The Jealous Lover." Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa, as known to his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 1. One night the moon shone brightly, And gently fell the dew; Into a lonely cottage A jealous lover drew. 2. Said he to fair y6ung Emma, "Down to the meadow way, And we will go and ponder Upon our wedding day." 3. "Oh! Eddie, I am tired, I do not care to roam; For pondering seems so dreary, Please, Eddie, take me home." 4. Up stepped the gallant lover And with one solemn vow, Said he, "There's none can save you, So prepare now to die." 5. "Hard-hearted cruel monster, Don't draw that knife on me; For you don't know the danger That soon may follow thee." 6. And kneeling down before him, She begged him spare her life; Into her fair young bosom He plunged the dagger knife. 7. "Oh! Eddie, I'll forgive you, Though this be my last breath; I never have deceived you; Now I close my eyes in death." 8. She died not broken-hearted, No sickness o'er her brow; But in one moment departed From all she loved so well. 9. Down beneath the weeping willow Where the violets early bloom; There sleeps a fair young maiden, All silent in her tomb. Folklore from Iowa 51 37. YOuNG CHARLOTTE. For reference, see Belden's Missouri Collection; Shoemaker, p. 62; Gray, p. 94; Cox, p. 286; Journal, XXII, 367; XXV, 156; XXVI, 357; XXIX, 191; XXXV, 420. Add Sandburg, p. 58. A. "Young Charlotte." Contributed by Enid Stark, Corydon, as sung by her mother's father. 1. Young Charlotte lived on a mountain side, In a wild and lonely spot; There was no other dwelling for five miles 'round Except her father's cot. 2. Her father owned the social board, And she was light and fair, And many a cold and winter night Young swains would gather there. 3. 'Twas New Year's Eve, the sun was low, Joy beamed in her mild blue eyes; And she sat and waited until young Charles Came dashing swiftly by. 4. "Oh, daughter, dear!" the mother cried, "This blanket around you fold, For 'tis a dreadful night abroad And you'll take your death of cold." 5. "Oh, no! Oh, no!" the daughter cried, And she laughed like a gypsy queen; "To ride in a blanket all muffled up I never shall be seen. 6. "My silken cloak is quite enough, You know it's lined throughout; Besides I have a silken scarf To wrap my neck about." 7. Cloak and bonnet soon were on, They stepped into the sleigh, And o'er hills and valley down For many a mile away. 8. In a village not more than fifty miles away, There's a royal ball tonight; The air is deathly freezing cold, But their hearts were young and light. 52 5Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 9. "Such a night," says Charles, "I never knew, My reins I scarce can hold;" Young Charlotte spoke in a frozen voice, "I am growing very cold." 10. He cracked his whip, he urged his team Much faster than before; Five miles in silence they rode on And neither spoke a word. 11. "How fast," said Charles, "this frosty ice Keeps gathering on my brow;" Young Charlotte spoke in a broken tone, "I am growing warmer now." 12. They drove up to the ball room door, He stepped out and reached a hand; He asked her once, he asked her twice, He asked her three times o'er. 13. "Why sit you there like a monument?" He took her hand in his - "Oh, God!"' It was stiff with death and cold. 14. He then did kneel down by her side And kissed her marble brow; "My once, my own intended bride, You never more shall know." B. "Young Charlotte." Contributed by Buelah Terwilliger, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Cora Terwilliger, Humboldt. 1. Young Charlotte lived on a mountain side, In a wild and lonely spot; There were no cots for three miles wide Except her father's cot. And yet on many a winter night, Young swains were gathered there; For her father kept a social board And she was very fair. C. "Fair Charlotte." Contributed by Margaret Robinson, Reinbeck, as sung by Mrs. Hugh Loniley, Reinbeck, who learned it in 1872. Folklore from Iowa 53 1. Fair Charlotte lived on the mountain top, In a cold dwelling and dreary spot; There was no dwelling for a long ways off Except her father's hut. ("The song goes on to state that she went out for a young man for a ride in a storm and was frozen to death, her last words being 'I'm growing warmer now."') 38. PUT ME IN MY LITTLE BED. For reference only, see Spaeth, Read 'Em And Weep, p. 99. "Put Me In My Little Bed." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Jessie Clow, Allerton, as learned in her youth. 1. Oh! birdy, I am tired now, I do not care to hear you sing, You've sung your happy songs all day, now put your head beneath your wing; I'm sleepy, too, as I can be, And sister when my prayer is said, I want to lay me down to rest, to put me in my little bed. Chorus: Come, sister, kiss me good-night, For I my evening prayers have said; I'm tired now and sleepy, too, Come put me in my little bed. 2. Oh, sister, what did mother say when she was called to heaven away? "She told me always to be good and never never to go astray; I can't forget the day she died.................... And placed her hand upon my child and then they told me she was dead." 3. Oh, love too strong! the mother's heart was filled with tender fears, Oh, love be strong and for her child, here grief restrained its tears; One evening a light shone round her bed and there she saw him stand, Her infant in his little shroud, a taper in his hand. 4. Lo! Mother, see my shroud is dry and I can sleep once more, And beautiful the parting smile this little infant wore. 5. And down within the silent grove he laid his weary head, And soon the early violets grew o'er his grassy bed; She, mother, went her household ways, again she knelt in prayer, And only asked of heaven its aid her heavy lots to bear. 54 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 39. VILIKINS AND HIS DINAH. According to Cox (p. 344, head-note) this song is a comic stage-version of the English broadside ballad of "William and Dinah." He adds that both the serious and comic forms have circulated widely, but that the history of the song has never been satisfactorily stated. For other versions, see Cox, No. 105; The Chelsea Song Book, p. 28; Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 59; Journal, XXIX, 190; XXXV, 418. Add Hudson, p. 35. A. No local title. Contributed by Arlene Reasoner, Humboldt, as sung by F. W. Reasoner, Humboldt. 1. There was a rich Dutchman In New York did dwell; He had a fine daughter The truth for to tell. 2. Her name was Katrina, As sweet as a rose, And she had a large fortune In the hands of old Mose. 3. As Katrina was drinking buttermilk one day, Her father came to her and thus he did say, "Now hurry up, Katrina, the parlor go to, There's a young man waits to go riding with you." 4. "0, father, why don't they some other girls find? To ride with these people I don't feel inclined. They drive the buggy so fast they make me feel weak, And I want to get married mit Hans Dunder next week." 5. Then her father got mad and he swore his G - - damn She never should marry mit any young man; "If you like dis Hans Dunder then go take his bags And with his hooks and his baskets go help gather rags." 6. Then away to the kitchen Katrina ran saying, "I'll eat me my breakfast so fast as I can; Then I'll travel away since I can't be his wife." But 'twas by this thing that Katrina lost her life. 7. For as she was eating a big bologna sausage It stuck in her throat and stopped up the passage; She tried hard to breathe but by grief overcome Her head it rolled round and she fell very much numb. Folklore from Iowa 55 8. Now as Hans Dunder chanced to pass by the door, He saw his Katrina lying dead on the floor; The big bologna sausage lay there by her side And he said, "I'll be damned 'twas by this thing she died." 9. Now all you young fellers take warning from me, Be careful whose girl you go for to see; And all you young ladies what court in the passage, Think of Hans and Katrina and the big bologna sausage. B. "Katrina." Contributed by.Norma Stark, Corydon, as sung by her mother. Reproduced here as reported by Miss Stark. 1. Oh Miss Katrina, the parlor go to A coustomer's waiting go riding mit you. Oh Fadder, why can't there some other girl find. Go riding mit these fellows I don't feel inclined. The way they drive the buggy, it makes me veel weak. I'm going to get married to Hon Stancer next week. Hon Stancer gets mad and he swears he's dogone. I shall never but marry any young man. 2. If she loves Hon Stancer she might take his hogs, And hook on his basket and go gather rags; So into the kitchen Katrina she ran, Says I'll eat up my breakfast So fast but I can. I'll travel avay, I can be his wife, And this is the way the poor girl lost her life. 3. As she was eating a big bone of sausage, It sticked in her throat And stopped up the passage, She tried to breathe but by grief overcome, Her head reels around and she falls very dumb. Hon Stancer he happens to walk in the door. He sees handsome Katrina lying dead on the floor. And the big bone of sausage laying down by her side. Says Hans, "I'll be damned It was by this mit she died." 4. Now all you young vimen Whatever you do Don't lets this Hans Stancer speak nothing mit you. But all you young men who court on the passage, Think of handsome Katrina and the big bone of sausage. 5 56 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 40. HELLO, CENTRAL, GIVE ME HEAVEN. For another version, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 250. A. "Hello, Central, Give Me Heaven." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center. 1. Papa, I'm so sad and lonely, sobbed a tearful little maid, Since dear mamma's gone to heaven, papa darling you've not smiled. I will speak to her and tell her that we want her to come home, Just you listen and I'll call her through the telephone. Chorus: Hello, Central, give me heaven for my mamma's there, You can find her with the angels on the golden stair; She'll be glad it's me who's speaking, call her, won't you, please? For I surely want to tell her we're so lonely here. 2. When the girl received the message coming through the telephone, How her heart thrilled in that moment and the wires seemed to moan, I will answer just to please her, "Yes, dear heart, I'll soon be home, Kiss me, darling, kiss your mamma through the telephone." B. No local title. Contributed by Helen Holtz, Dysart. 1. "Papa, I'm so sad and lonely," Sobbed a tearful little child; "Since dear mamma's gone to heaven, Papa darling, you've not smiled. I will speak to her and tell her; Just you listen and I'll call her Through the telephone. Chorus: "Hello, Central, give me Heaven For my mamma's there; You can find her with the angels On the golden stair. She'll be glad it's me who's speaking, Call her, won't you, please? For I want to surely tell her We're so lonely here." C. "Hello, Central; Give Me Heaven." Contributed by Eunice Gruener, Dakota City. Folklore from Iowa 57 1. Hello, Central, give me heaven for my mother's there; You will find her with the angels on the golden stairs. She'll be glad it's me who's speaking; tell her, won't you, please? For I surely want to tell her we're so lonely here. 41. TWO LITTLE GIRLS IN BLUE. For another version, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 199. A. "Two Little Girls in Blue." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as learned by her parents in school. 1. An old man gazed on a photograph, In a locket he'd worn for years; His nephew then asked him the reason why This picture had caused him tears. "Oh, listen, my lad, and I'll tell it to you, A story that's strange but true; Your father and I at school one day Met two little girls in blue." Chorus: "Two little girls in blue, lad, Two little girls in blue; They were sisters and we were brothers And we learned to love the two. And one little girl in blue, lad, Won your father's heart, became your mother; I married the other But we have drifted apart. 2. "That picture is one of the girls," he said, "To me she was once a wife; I thought her unfaithful, we quarreled then, And parted that night for life. A feeling of jealousy wronged a life, O her that was kind and true; For two better girls never lived, lad, Than those two little girls in blue." B. "Two Little Girls in Blue." Contributed by Marjory Gailey, Battle Creek, as sung by her mother, Mrs. J. W. Gailey, Battle Creek. 1. An old man gazed on a photograph In a locket he'd worn for years, His nephew then asked him the reason why 5* 58 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society That picture had caused him tears. "Come, listen, my lad, and I'll tell you why, A story that's strange but true; For two better girls never lived than they - Those two little girls in blue. Chorus: "Two little girls in blue, lad, Two little girls in blue; They were sisters, we were brothers, And learned to love the two. There's one little girl in blue, lad, Won your father's heart, became your mother; I married the other - But now we've drifted apart. 2. "That picture is one of those girls, lad, And to me she was once a wife; We finally quarreled and then, my lad, We parted that night for life. A fancy of jealousy wronged my heart, A heart that was fond and true; For two better girls never lived than they - Those two little girls in blue." C. "Two Little Girls in Blue." Contributed by Herman Schroeder, Dysart, as he has sung the song, to Glen Bader, Dysart. 1. Two little girls in blue, lad, Two little girls in blue; They were sisters, we were brothers, And learned to love the two. One little girl in blue, lad, She won your father's heart, Became your mother - I married the other But we have drifted apart. D. "Two Little Girls in Blue." Contributed by Mildred Nervig, Hardy, as sung by Mrs. Joe Fleming, Humboldt. 1. "Two little girls in blue, lad, Two little girls in blue; They were brothers and we were sisters, And learned to love the two." Folklore from Iowa 59 42. IN THE BAGGAGE COACH AHEAD. For other texts, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 174; Pound, No. 58. A. "In the Baggage Coach Ahead." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as learned in school by her mother. 1. On a dark and stormy night as the train rattled on, All the passengers had gone to bed, Except one young man with a babe on his arm, Who sat there with bowed down head. The innocent one commenced crying just then, As though its poor heart would break; One angry man said, "Make that child stop its noise, For it's keeping us all awake." "Put it out," said another, "don't keep it in here, We've paid for our berths and want rest!" But never a word said the man with the child As he fondled it close to his breast. "Where is its mother? Go take it to her," One lady then softly said; "I wish that I could," was the man's sad reply, "But she's dead in the coach ahead." Chorus: While the train rolled onward a husband sat in tears, Thinking of the happiness of just a few short years; For baby's face brings pictures of a cherished hope that's dead, But baby's cries can't awaken her in the baggage coach ahead. 2. Every eye filled with tears when his story was told Of a wife who was faithful and true; He told how he'd saved up his earnings for years Just to build a house for the two. How, when heaven had sent them this sweet little babe, Their young happy lives were blest, His heart seemed to break when he mentioned her name And in tears tried to tell them the rest. Every woman arose to assist with the child, There were mothers and wives on that train; And soon was the little one sleeping in peace With no thought of sorrow or pain. Next morn at the station he bade all good-bye, "God bless you," he softly said; Each one had a story to tell in their homes Of the baggage coach ahead. 60 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "Baggage Coach Ahead." Contributed by Helen Gruener, Dakota City. 1. On a dark stormy night as the train rambled on, All the passengers had gone to bed, All except one young man with a babe in his arms, Who sat there with a bowed-down head. The innocent thing began crying just then, As if its poor heart would break; An angry man said, "Make that child stop its noise For it's keeping all others awake." "Take it out," said another; "we paid for our berths and want rest." But never a word spoke the man with the child, As he bundled it close to his breast. "Oh, where is its mother; go take it to her," A lady then softly said. "I wish that I could," was the man's sad reply, "But she's dead in the coach ahead." Chorus: As the train rolled onward, A husband sat in tears; Thinking of the happiness Of just a few short years. For baby's face brings pictures Of a cherished hope that's dead; For baby's cries can't waken her In the baggage coach ahead. 2. Every eye filled with tears as the story was told Of a wife who was faithful and true; He told how he'd saved all earnings for years, Just to build up a home for two. How, when heaven had sent them this little sweet babe, Their young happy lives were blest; His heart seemed to break when he mentioned her name, And in tears tried to tell them the rest. Every woman arose to assist with the child, There were mothers and wives on that train; And soon was the little one sleeping in peace With no thought of sorrow or pain. Next morn at the station he bade all good-bye; "God bless you," he softly said; Everyone had a story to tell in their homes Of a baggage coach ahead. Folklore from Iowa 61 C. "Baggage Coach Ahead." Contributed by Buelah Terwilliger, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. H. Echelberger, Humboldt. 1. On a wild and stormy night as the train rattled on, All the passengers had gone to rest Except one young man with a babe in his arms Who sat there with bowed down head. The innocent one began crying just then Like its poor heart would break; An angry man said, "Make that child stop its crying, It is keeping us all awake." "Where is its mother? Go take it to her," A lady then softly said. "I wish that I could," was the man's soft reply, "But she's dead in the baggage coach ahead." 43. THE ORPHAN GIRL. For reference, see Cox, No. 153; Sandburg, p. 319; Shearin and Combs, p. 32; Perrow, Journal, XXVIII, 170; Henry, Journal, XLV, 66. No local title. Contributed by Vada Parsons, Dakota City, as sung by E. Parsons, Dakota City. 1. "No home, no home," pled an orphan girl As she lay at a rich man's door; But his proud face frowned as he scornfully said, "No room or no bread for the poor." 2. The rich man sleeps on his velvet couch, And dreams of his silver and gold; While the poor orphan girl on her bed of snow Murmurs, "So cold, so cold." 3. "I must freeze here," she said as she sank on the step And stooped to cover her feet; With her tattered dress all ragged and torn And covered with snow and sleet. 4. The hours went on and the morning came; It seemed like a funeral. All the earth seemed wrapped in its winding sheet, And the drifting sheet still fell. 5. At the break of day the orphan girl Still lay at the rich man's door, But her soul had fled to a home. 62 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 44. THE LADY ELGIN. This song is the work of Henry C. Work and commemorates a wreck on Lake Michigan in 1860, according to Miss Pound (Ballads, p. 250). She adds, and I have found it true, that the singers have no knowledge of the authorship or origin of the song. For another version, see Pound, No. 60. A. "Lost on the Lady Elgin." Contributed by Bessie Myers, Humboldt. 1. Up from the poor man's cottage, Forth from the mansion door; Sweeping across the waters And echoing along the shore. Chorus: Lost on the Lady Elgin, Sleeping to wake no more; Numbering about three hundred Who failed to reach the shore. 2. Staunch was the noble steamer, Precious the freight she bore; o...... * o....* *. *..* * *.... 3. Gaily she swept out the harbor, Joyfully she rang her bell; Little thought we ere morning 'Twould toll so sad a knell. B. "Lady Elgin." Contributed by Margaret Robinson, Reinbeck, who obtained it from Mrs. Hugh Loniley, Reinbeck, who learned it in 1872. "Built up on the Lady Elgin sinkage in the '50's." 1. Lost on the Lady Elgin, sleeping to wake no more, Numbered in that three hundred who failed to reach the shore; Listen for brothers weeping, husbands for missing wives, Such was the cry asunder for those three hundred lives. 45. AFTER THE BALL. For another version, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 188. A. "After the Ball." Contributed by Grace Hoepner, Reinbeck, as dictated by J. F. Mumm, Reinbeck. Folklore from Iowa 63 1. After the ball is over, After the break of dawn; After the dancers are leaving After the stars are gone. Many a heart is aching If you could read them all; Many a hope that is vanished After the ball. Verse The little maiden climbed an old man's knee And begged for a story. "Do, Uncle, please. Why are you single? Why do you live alone? Have you no babies? Have you no home?" B. "After the Ball." Contributed by Helen Taylor, Reinbeck, as sung by her mother, Mrs. 0. F. Taylor, Reinbeck. 1. After the ball was over, After the break of dawn; After the dance is leaving, After the stars are gone. Many a heart is aching If you could read them all; Many a heart is broken After the ball. C. "Parody on After the Ball is Over." Contributed by Mary Anne Ennis, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Clarence Sheker, Humboldt. 1. After the ball is over, After you haven't a cent; Sorry your ever leaving, Sorry you ever went. 46. JUST TELL THEM TEAT YOU SAW ME. For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 220. "Just Tell Them That You Saw Me." Contributed by Lucille Keidel, Dysart, as sung by Mrs. Effie Duncan, Dysart. 1. While strolling down the street one eve upon more pleasure bent, 'Twas after business worries of the day - I saw a girl who shrank from me in whom I recognized My school-mate in a village far away. "Is that you, Madge?" I said to her, 64 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society She quickly turned away. "Don't turn away, Madge, I'm still a friend, Next week I'm going back to see The old folks and I thought perhaps Some message you would like to send." Chorus: "Just tell them that you saw me," She said, "they'll know the rest, Just tell them I was looking well, you know; Just whisper if you get a chance to mother dear, And say, 'I love her as I did long, long ago.'" 47. THE LETTER THAT NEVER CAME. For reference only, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 18. "Letter That Never Came." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine, as he learned it in 1887. 1. "A letter here for me?" is the question he would ask Of the mail man at the closing of the day; He'd turn sadly with a sigh and a tear stood in his eye, Then he'd bow his head and slowly walk away, When the postmaster would say, "There is nothing here today," He'd bemoan his fate but none would he blame; Then he'd murmur, "Surely she will sometimes think of me," But the letter that he longed for never came. Chorus: Was it from a gray-haired mother, a sister or a brother? Had he waited all those weary years in vain? Then he'd murmur, "Surely she will sometimes think of me," But the letter that he longed for never came. 48. POOR LITTLE JOE. For other texts, see Cox, No. 152; Partridge's New National Songster, I, 47. A. "Poor Little Joe." Contributed by Bessie Myers, Humboldt. 1. While strolling one night through New York's gay throng, I met a poor boy, he was singing a song; Although he was singing, he wanted for bread, And though he was smiling he wished himself dead. I spoke to this poor boy out in the snow, He had no home to shelter him, no place to go; No mother to guide him, in the grave she is low, Cast on the cold street was poor little Joe. Folklore from Iowa 65 Chorus: Cold blew the blast, down came the snow, He had no place to shelter him, no place to go; No mother to guide him, in the grave she is laid, Cast on the cold street was poor little Joe. 2. A carriage passed by with a lady inside, I looked on poor little Joe's face and saw that he cried; He followed the carriage, she not even smiled, But fondly caressed her own darling child. I looked on this way, I thought it was odd, Is this poor ragged urchin forgotten by God And I saw by the lamplight that shone on the snow The pale deathly features of poor little Joe. 3. The light had gone out, the clock had struck one, Along came a policeman whose duty was done; I could tell by the sound of his dull heavy tread You'd think he was sinking the graves of the dead. "Oh, what is this?" the policeman said. It was poor little Joe on the ground - he lay dead; With his eyes turned to heaven, covered with snow Died in the cold street did poor little Joe. B. "Poor Little Joe." Contributed by Wilma Clark, Monticello, as sung by a teacher. 1. It was a stormy night though the New York great throng, I meet a poor boy who was singing a song; Although he was singing, he wanted for bread, Although he was smiling, he wished himself dead. 49. JOHNNY SANDS. For another version of this song, see Pound, No. 48; Journal, XXIX, 178 (with annotations by Kittredge). Add Hudson, p. 59. "Johnny Sands." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, who got it from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stanley, Massena. Miss Stanley wrote: "My father learned this song from his mother and has known it almost as long as he can remember. My mother learned it when she was a little girl from hearing her older sisters sing it." With music. 66 A Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society A man whose name was Johnny Sands, Had married Bet - ty 1 j,_ ^, | -r,. P,, N Hague, And though she brought him gold and lands, She prov'd a P, - IP ter - ri - ble plague; For oh, she was a scolding i,.j ji, _ j'. j _.i j- - _ wife, Full of caprice and whim. He said that, r c I,.-;, _,^,. J i he was tired of life, And she was tired of 1~" ~ ~ r;s~ r-| ^;, | I f him, And she was tired of him, And she was 1t r _x WN I an-f tired of him. Says he, "Then I will drown myself, The riv - er runs be - low." Says she, "Pray do, you -4 --- silly elf, I wished it long a-go." Says he, "Up - on the brink I'll stand, Do you run down the hill, And push me brink I'll stand, Do you run down the hill, And push me Folklore from Iowa 67 in with all your might." Says she, "My love, I will." Says 1.. J"- f.- ~ OIr' r""!- I r a I. she, "My love, I will." Says she, "My love, I will." 1. A man whose name was Johnny Sands Had married Betty Hague, And though she brought him gold and lands, She proved a terrible plague; For, oh, she was a scolding wife Full of caprice and whim. He said that he was tired of life, And she was tired of him, And she was tired of him, And she was tired of him. Says he, "Then I will drown myself, The river flows below." Says she, "Pray do, you silly elf, I wished it long ago." Says he, "Upon the brink I'll stand, Do you run down the hill, And push me in with all your might." Says she, "My love, I will." Says she, "My love, I will." Says she, "My love, I will." 2. "For fear that I should courage lack And try to save my life, Pray tie my hands behind my back." "I will," replied his wife. She tied them fast, as you may think, And when securely done, "Now stand," says she, "upon the brink, And I'll prepare to run, And I'll prepare to run, And I'll prepare to run." All down the hill his loving bride Now ran with all her force, To push him in - he stepped aside, And she fell in, of course. Now, splashing, dashing, like a fish, "Oh, save me, Johnny Sands." 68 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society "I can't, my dear, though much I wish, For you have tied my hands, For you have tied my hands, For you have tied my hands." 50. WE ARE COMING, SISTER MARY. For reference only, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 49. "We Are Coming, Sister Mary." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, who reports it as sung by her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John Stanley, Massena, who learned it in childhood. The melody is the one they knew. With music. ll ~- ~ 1 ---. I On a stormy night in winter, When the wind blew cold and....,.. i J4-r, -- _ -: l wet, I heard some strains of music That I never can forget; I was sleeping in the cabin, Where lived Mary, fair and young, When a light shone in the window, And a band of singers sung: We are coming, sister Mary, We are coming by-and_FL —_ j__^.... -[i,:;j-,i by; Be ready, sister Mary, For the time is drawing nigh. 1. On a stormy night in winter, When the wind blew cold and wet; I heard some strains of music That I never can forget. I was sleeping in the cabin, Folklore from Iowa 69 Where lived Mary, fair and young, When a light shone in the window, And a band of singers sungWe are coming, sister Mary, We are coming by and by; Be ready, sister Mary, For the time is drawing nigh. 2. I tried to call my Mary, But my tongue would not obey; Till the song so strange had ended, And the singers flown away. As I watched, I heard a rustling, Like the rustling of a wing, And beside my Mary's pillow Very soon I heard them sing - We are coming, sister Mary, We are coming by and by; Be ready, sister Mary, For the time is drawing nigh. 3. Then again I called my Mary, But my sorrow was complete, For I found her heart of kindness Had forever ceased to beat. And I now am very lonely, From summer round till spring; And I oft, in midnight slumber, Seem to hear the same ones sing - We are coming, sister Mary, We are coming by and by; Be ready, sister Mary, For the time is drawing nigh. 51. THE HAWTHORNE TREE. For another version, see Pound, No. 92 (B). No local title. Contributed by Arlene Reasoner, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Glen Crawford, Humboldt. 1. Last night I was dreaming, dear mother, Last night I was dreaming alone. This world seemed so cold and so dreary, My heart felt as heavy as stone. This world seemed so cold and so dreary, My heart felt as heavy as stone. 70 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 2. Last night I was dreaming, dear mother, When Willie came down to the gate And whispered, "Come out in the moonlight, I have something to say to you, Kate." And whispered, "Come out in the moonlight, I have something to say to you, Kate." 3. Then out in the moonlight we wandered And down by the old hawthorne tree I wondered whether if ever there were Any so merry as we. I wondered whether if ever there were Any so merry as we. 4. I know I am dearer, dear mother, To Willie than all else beside, For he told me so out in the moonlight And called me his darling, his pride. For he told me so out in the moonlight And called me his dark-eyed bride. 5. So I will go gather primroses To entwine in my long black hair And Willie will come in the evening And smile when he sees me so fair. And Willie will come in the evening And smile when he sees me so fair. 52. A BIRD IN A GILDED CAGE. For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 224. A. "A Bird in a Gilded Cage." Contributed by Margaret Mason, Reinbeck, as sung by her mother, Mrs. F. N. Mason, Reinbeck, who learned it from a teacher when she was a girl. 1. The ballroom was filled with fashion's throng, It shone with a thousand lights,And there was a woman who passed along, The fairest of all the sight. A girl to her lover then softly sighed, "There's riches at her command;" - "But she married for wealth, not for love," he cried, "Though she lives in a mansion grand." 2. I stood in a churchyard just at eve, When sunset adorned the west, And looked at the people who'd come to grieve Folklore from Iowa 71 For loved ones now laid at rest. A tall marble monument marked the grave Of one who'd been fashion's queen; And I thought, "She is happier here at rest, Than to have people say when seen, Chorus: "She's only a bird in a gilded cage, A beautiful sight to see; You may think she's happy and free from care, She's not though she seems to be. 'Tis sad when you think of her wasted life, For youth cannot mate with age; And her beauty was sold for an old man's gold - She's a bird in a gilded cage." B. "The Bird in a Gilded Cage." Contributed by Kathryn Collins, Dakota City, as sung by her father, J. O. Collins, Dakota City, who learned it from his mother when he was a small boy. 1. The ball-room was filled with a fashion throng And shone with a thousand lights; There was a woman who passed alone The fairest of all the sights. A girl to her lover then softly sighed, "There's riches at her command." "But she's married for gold and not for love," he cried, "Though she lives in a mansion grand. Chorus: "She's only a bird in a gilded cage, A beautiful sight to see; You may think she is happy, and free from care But she's not what she seems to be. 'Tis sad when you think a wasted life, For youth cannot mate with age; Her beauty was sold for an old man's gold She's a bird in a gilded cage." 2. "I stood at the church yard just at eve, When the sunset adorned the west; And looked at the people who came to grieve For the loved ones now laid to rest. A tall marble monument marks the grave Of one who had been fashion's queen; But I think she is happier there at rest Than to hear people say when seen." 6 72 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society C. "A Bird in a Gilded Cage." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by her mother. 1. The ballroom was filled with fashion's throng, It gleamed with a thousand lights; And there was a woman who passed along, The fairest of all the sights; A girl to her lover then softly said, "She has riches at her command." "But she's married for wealth, not for love," he cried, "Though she lives in a mansion grand." Chorus: She's only a bird in a gilded cage, A beautiful sight to see; You may think she is happy and free from care, She's not what she seems to be. It's sad when you think of a wasted life, For youth cannot mate with age; And her beauty was sold for an old man's gold She's a bird in a gilded cage. 2. I stood in the church yard just at eve, As sunset adorned the west; And saw the people who came to grieve For loved ones laid at rest. A tall marble monument marked a grave Of one who'd been fashion's queen; And I thought she was better there at rest Than to have people say when seen. 53. THE TRAIN THAT NEVER RETURNED. For other texts, see Richardson and Spaeth, p. 42; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 139. "Train That Never Returned." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School, as sung by Oren Beek, sometime of Belle Plaine, and as he learned it from a girl in a boarding house in Columbus, Indiana, in the spring of 1888. 1. It was a summer's morning and the smoke Was curling from a tall and straightened stack, Did a train start out with its cargo laden From Mount Vernon down the track; It was a sad farewell to her red signal When the brakeman pulled the pin, And for hours and hours the switchman waited For the train that never returned. Folklore from Iowa 73 Chorus: Did it ever return 2 No, it never returned, And her fate as yet unlearned; But for hours and hours the switchman waited For the train that never returned. 2. Says the weary brakeman to his old time conductor, "I am nearly dead for a snooze; I've been out all night at the switchman's picnic And I'm loaded down with booze." It was a gleam of hope and a maze of danger As he laid himself down for a snooze; For alas! poor boy, he is a dead brakeman On the train that never returned. 3. "Only one more trip," says the gallant conductor As he kissed his weeping wife, "I've made money enough on the air-line railroad To maintain us all our lives. Then we'll settle down in our little cabins And enjoy the money I have earned;" But alas! poor man, he's the chief conductor On the train that never returned. 54. NOBODY'S DARLING. For another text, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 22. "Nobody's Darling." Contributed by Anna Marie Lauterbach, Reinbeck, and presented here verbatim from her copy. 1. Out in the cold world alone, walking alone on the street, Asking a penny for bread, Begging for something to eat, Parentless, friendless, and poor, Nothing but sorrow, I see, I am nobody's darling, nobody cares for me. Chorus: Nobody's darling on earth, heaven will mercifully be, There I'm somebody's darling, somebody cares for me. 2. No one to kiss me good-night, No one to put me to bed, Up in the attic alone, Weeping for those who are dead, Merciless winds, chill my form, Getting poverty's knee, I am nobody's darling, Nobody cares for me. 6* 74 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 3. Often at midnight when kneeling, Lifting my sorrowful eyes Asking my mother to smile Down on her child, from the skies, Then I forget all my grief, Mother in Heaven, I see, Then I am somebody's darling, Somebody cares for me. 55. THE LETTER EDGED IN BLACK. For other texts, see Richardson and Spaeth, p. 35; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 38. "Letter Edged in Black." Contributed by Vida Parsons, Dakota City, and reproduced as reported by her. 1. As I was standing by my window yesterday morning Without a thought of sorrow or of care, I saw the post-man coming up the pathway, With such a pleasant face and jolly air. He rang the bell and whistled as he waited, And then he said "Good morning to you Jack." Though he little guessed the sorrow he had brought me, As he handed me "The Letter Edged in Black." With trembling hands I took the letter from him, Broke the seal and this is what it read. "Come home my boy your kind old father wants you, come home, my boy your dear old mother's dead." 56. RED RIVER VALLEY. For reference, see Sandburg, p. 130. "The Red River Valley." Contributed by Rhoda Petersen, Harlan, as sung by Mrs. L. P. Petersen, Harlan. 1. 'Tis a long time, you know, I've been waiting For those words that you never did say; But, alas, all my fond hopes have vanished For they say you are going away. Chorus: Consider awhile ere you leave me, And don't hasten to bid me adieu; But remember the Red River Valley, And the half-breed that loves you so true. 2. From this valley they say you are going, I shall miss your blue eyes and bright smile; Folklore from Iowa 75 But, alas, you take with you the sunshine That has brightened my pathway awhile. 3. Remember the valley you're leaving, How lonely and dreary 'twill be; Remember the heart you are breaking And be true to your promise to me. 4. As you go to your home by the ocean, May you never forget those sweet hours That we spent in the Red River Valley And the love we exchanged mid its bowers. 5. There never could be such a longing In the heart of a pure maiden's breast; That dwells in the heart you are breaking With love for the boy who came west. 6. And the dark maiden's prayer of her lover And the spirit that rules all this world; May his pathway in sunshine e'er cover, Give its griefs to the Red River Girl. 57. ROSIE NELL. For reference, see Sandburg, p. 114. A. "Rosy Nell." Contributed by John Manso, Battle Creek, as sung by William Manso, age 81, Battle Creek. 1. We often tell of children joy and tricks we used to play With one each other while at school to pass the time away; Us boys and girls we often went a-fishing in the brook With spools of thread for fishing line and bended pins for hook. They always wished me with them, but always wished in vain, I'd sooner go with rosy Nell a-swinging in the lane. 2. But soon a cloud of sorrow came, a strange young man from town Was introduced by rosy Nell as Art Jerry Brown; She stayed away from school next day - the truth to me was plain, She'd gone off with that city chap a-swinging in the lane. 3. Now allyoung men with tender hearts, please take advice from me, Don't be so quick to fall in love with every girl you see; For if you do you soon will find your love will be in vain For they go off with this city chap a-swinging in the lane. Oh, very often do I think of those bright days again When little rosy Nell and I were swinging in the lane. 76 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "Swinging in the Lane." Contributed by Evelyn Baldwin, Coggon, as sung by George C. Baldwin, Coggon, who learned it as a boy from his mother. 1. How oft we talked of childhood days, The tricks we used to play Upon each other while at school To pass the time away; But, oh, how often have I longed For those bright days again, When little Rosie Nell and I Went swinging in the lane. Chorus: But yet I'd give the world to be With Rosie Nell again; I never, never shall forget Our swinging in the lane. 2. But soon a cloud of sorrow came, A strange young man from town Was introduced to Rosie Nell By Aunt Jemima Brown. She stayed away from school next day, The truth to me was plain, She had gone with that old city chap A-swinging in the lane. 3. Now, all young men with tender hearts, Pray take advice from me; Don't be too quick to fall in love With every girl you see. For if you do, you soon will find You have only loved in vain; She will go oft with some other chap A-swinging in the lane. 58. THE GYPSY'S WARNING (AND ANSWER). For reference, see Brown, p. 12; Pound, p. 43; Belden, No. 35; Cox, p. 439. Another version of the "answer" is recorded by Shoemaker, p. 94. A 1. "The Gypsy's Warning." Contributed by Mary Ellen Donald, Corydon, as dictated to her by her mother, Mrs. Chas. Donald, who learned it from her mother, Mrs. E. L. Hutchinson. "It was a popular song when Mrs. Hutchinson was a young lady." Verbatim. Folklore from Iowa 77 1. Do not trust him gentle lady, Though his voice be low and sweet, Heed not him who kneels before you, Gently pleading at your feet. Now thy life is in its morning, Cloud not this thy happy lot, Listen to the Gypsy's warning Gentle lady trust him not. 2. Do not turn so coldly from me, I would only guard thy youth From this stern and withering power. I would only tell thee truth I would shield thee from all danger Save thee from a tempter's snare, Listen to the Gypsy's warning I have warned thee, now beware. 3. Lady once there lived a maiden, Pure and sweet and like thee fair, But he wooed, he wooed and won her, Filled her gentle heart with care. Then he heeded not her weeping Nor cared he her life to save Soon she perished, now she's sleeping, In a cold and silent grave. 4. Keep thy gold I do not wish it. Lady I have prayed for this For the hour that I might foil him, Rob him of expected bliss. Gentle lady do not wander At my words so cold and wild, Lady in that green grave yonder, Sleeps the Gypsy's only child. A 2. "Answer to the Gypsy's Warning." Contributed by Mary Ellen Donald, Corydon, as dictated by her mother, Mrs. Chas. Donald, who learned it from her mother, Mrs. E. L. Hutchinson. Verbatim. 1. Lady, do not heed her warning Trust me - thou wilt find me true. Constant as the light of morning I will ever be to you -Lady I will not deceive you, 78 M7emoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Fill thy guileless heart with woe, Trust me lady and believe me. Sorrow thou shalt never know. 2. Lady, every joy would perish Pleasure all would wither fast If no heart could love and cherish In this world of storm and blight, E'en the stars that gleam above thee Shine the brightest in the night, So would he who fondly loves you In the darkness be they light. 3. Down beside the flowing river Where the dark green willow weeps Where the leafy branches quiver There a gentle maiden sleeps. In the morning a lone stranger Comes and lingers many hours Lady, he's no heartless stranger For he strews her grave with flowers. 4. Lady, heed not then her warning Lay thy soft white hand in mine, For I seek no fairer laurel Than the constant love of thine. When the silver moonlight brightens Thou shalt slumber on my breast, Tender words thy soul shall lighten Lull thy spirit into rest. B. "The Gypsies Warning." Contributed by Margaret Hill, Tipton, as sung by Mrs. R. E. Osbaugh, now of Dixon, Illinois. 1. Listen to the gypsies warning, Gentle lady, trust him not, With his sweet words so low and sweet, Heed not him who kneels before you Gently pleading at thy feet. 2. Now your life is in its morning, Cloud not this thy happy lot; Listen to the gypsies warning, Gentle lady, trust him not. Folklore from Iowa 79 3. Lady, once there lived a maiden, Pure and good and of the fair; But he wooed and wooed and won her, Filled her gentle heart with care. 4. Then he heeded not her weeping, Cared not he her life to save; Soon she perished, now she's sleeping In the cold and silent grave. 5. Gentle lady, do not wonder At my words so cold and wild; Lady, in the green grave yonder Lies the gypsies only child. 59. THE BLIND GIRL. For reference, see Shearin and Combs, p. 32; Perrow, Journal, XXVIII, 170; Henry, Journal, XLIV, (January-March, 1931); Henry, XLV, 69. A. "The Blind Girl." Contributed by Lois Bennett, Corydon, as sung by her mother, Mrs. Vena Bennett, Corydon, who learned it in school. 1. "They tell me, father, that tonight You'll wed another bride; That you will clasp her in those arms Where my dear mother died. 2. "They say her name is Mary, too, The same my mother bore; But, father, is she kind and true Like the one you loved before? 3. "And is her step as soft and low, Her voice as sweet and mild; And do you think she'll love me, too, Your blind and helpless child 4. "Please, father, do not bid me come To greet your bride tonight; I could not meet her in that room Where my dear mother died. 5. "Her picture hangs upon the wall, Her books are lying there; There stands the harp her fingers touched And there's her easy chair. 80 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 6. "That chair where by her side I knelt To say my evening prayer; Oh! father, it would break my heart, I could not meet her there. 7. "Now, father, once before you go To greet your promised bride; Let's sing that song my mother sung That night on which she died. 8. "And let me kneel beside you here And to our Saviour pray That His right hand may guide you both O'er all life's erring way." 9. The prayer was ended, and the song. "I'm weary now," she said; He gently took her in his arms And laid her on the bed. 10. And as he turned to leave the room, One low glad sigh was given; He caught the beaming smile And his blind girl was in heaven. 11. They laid her by her mother's side And raised a marble fair; On which they carved these simple words, "There'll be no blind ones there." B. "The Blind Child." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. J. B. Hysell. 1. They say, dear father, that tonight You'll wed another bride; That you shall fold her in your arms Where my poor mother died. 2. They say her name is Mary, too, The name my mother bore; But, father, is she kind and true Like the one you loved before? 60. KITTY WELLS. For reference, see Cox's head-note. This indicates that the song first appeared as a New York broadside and was included in a song book as early as 1867. Other books mentioned by Cox later contained the song. Folklore from Iowa 81 For other texts, see Cox, No. 127; Shoemaker, p. 119; Pound, p. 202; Shearin and Combs, p. 22. A. "Kitty Wells." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine, as he learned it from his mother in 1872 when he was about ten years old. 1. You ask me what makes this darky weep, Why he, like others, am not gay'? What cause the tear flow down his cheek From early dawn till close of day? My story, darkies, you shall hear While in my memory fresh it dwells; It will cause you all to drop a tear On the grave of my sweet Kitty Wells. Chorus: Oh, the birds were singing in the morning, The myrtle and the ivy were in bloom; And the sun on the hill it was a-dawning, It was then we laid her in the tomb. 2. I shall never forget the day That we together roamed the dell; I kissed her cheek and named the day That I would marry Kitty Wells. But Death came in the cabin door And took from me my joy and bride; And when I found she was no more, I laid my banjo down and cried. B. "Kitty Wells." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. Tim Couchman, Allerton. 1. You ask what makes this darkey weep, Why he like other am not gay; What makes the tears flow down his cheeks From early morn till close of day? My story, darkies, you shall hear, While fresh it in my memory dwells; It will cause you all to shed a tear O'er the grave of my sweet Kitty Wells. Chorus: Oh, the birds were singing in the morn, And the myrtle and the ivy were in bloom; When the sun o'er the hilltops dawning 'Twas then we laid her in the tomb. 82 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society C. "Kitty Wells." Contributed by Lucille Main, Coggon, as sung by her mother, Mrs. W. M. Main, Coggon, who learned it from her mother, Mrs. Charlie Falconer, formerly of Masonville. 1. You ask the darky why he's sad, Why he no longer roams the dell. "My story, darkies, you shall hear While in my memory fresh it dwells. It will cause you all to shed a tear On the grave of my poor Kitty Wells." Chorus: While the birds were singing in the morning, And the myrtle and the ivy were in bloom; And the sun o'er the hilltop was shiningIt was then they laid her in the tomb. D. "Kitty Wells." Contributed by Bessie Myers, Humboldt. 1. You ask what makes dis darky weep - Why he like others am not gay, And why the tears roll down his cheek From early morn till close of day? My story, darkies, you shall hear, While in my memory fresh it dwells; It will cause you all to drop a tear On the grave of my sweet Kitty Wells. Chorus: The birds were singing in the morning, The myrtles and the ivy were in bloom; The sun o'er the hilltops was dawning, It was then we laid her in the tomb. 2. I never shall forget the day That we rambled through the dells; I kissed her cheek, she named the day That I should marry Kitty Wells. But death came in my cabin door, And stole from me my joy and pride; And when I found she was no more I laid my banjo down and cried. 3. I sometimes wish that I was dead And laid beside her in the tomb; The sorrow that bows down my head Folklore from Iowa 83 Is silent as the midnight gloom. The springtime has no charms for me, Though flowers are blooming in the dells; There's one bright form I cannot seeThat's the form of my sweet Kitty Wells. 61. ROSEWOOD CASKET. For reference, see Richardson and Spaeth, p. 54; Pound, Syllabus, p. 21; Perrow, Journal, XXVIII, 172; Henry, Journal, XLII, 293; Henry, Journal, XLV, 90. A. "The Rosewood Casket." Contributed by Iva Ehlers, Dysart, as sung in her community. 1. In a little rosewood casket Which is resting near the stand, Lay a package of old letters Written by a churl's hand; Lay a package of old letters Written by a churl's hand. 2. "Will you get them for me, sister, Will you read them o'er to me; For oft times I've tried to read them But for tears I cannot see; For oft times I've tried to read them But for tears I cannot see. 3. "Now, you've brought them - Thank you, sister; now sit down upon my bed; And place gently to your bosom My poor and aching head. And place gently to your bosom My poor and aching head." B. "Rose Wood Casket." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, "whose mother, Mrs. E. K. Morrett, had this song. It was copied down by Mrs. Addie Morrett, Ernestine's grandmother, in years around 1884-85, when she was still unmarried and named Miss Addie Partridge." 1. In a little rose-wood casket That is resting on the stand Is a package of old letters 84 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Written by a cherished hand. Go and get them, will you, sister? Read them o'er to me again; Often times I've tried to read them But for tears I could not see. (Repeat last two lines) 2. Now you have them, read them, sister, Sit you down upon my bed; And lift gently to your bosom This poor aching throbbing head. 3. When I'm dead and in my coffin, And the shroud about me wound, And any narrow bed is ready In the pleasant church yard ground. 4. And if ever you should see him, Whom I never more shall see; Tell him what a sweeter solace Those dear letters were to me. 5. Now, I'm steady. You may read them, Read them o'er to me again, As I listen to you read them I shall gently fall asleep; Fall asleep to wake in Jesus, Dearest sister, do not weep. C. "A Package of Old Letters." Contributed by Margaret Hill, Tipton. 1. In a little rosewood casket lying there upon the shelf, Is a package of old letters written in a cherished hand; Go and bring them, darling sister, and read them o'er to me, I've oft times tried to read them, but for tears I could not see. D. "Package of Old Letters." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by her grandmother who learned it in 1875. 1. In a little rosewood casket that is resting on the stand, There's a package of old letters, written by a cherished hand; Will you go and bring them, sister, and read them all tonight, I have often tried, but could not, for the tears would blind my sight. Folklore from Iowa 85 Chorus: In a little rosewood casket that is resting on the stand, There's a package of old letters written by a cherished hand. 2. Come up closer to me, sister, let me lean upon thy breast, For the tide of life is ebbing and I fain would be at rest; Bring the letters he has written, he whose voice I've often heard, Read them over, love, distinctly, for I've cherished every word. 3. Tell him sister, when you see him, that I never ceased to love, That I dying prayed to Him in the better world above; Tell him that I was supported, ne'er a word of censure spoke, But his silence and his absence this poor heart hath well nigh broke. 4. Tell him that I watched his coming when the noontide sun was high, And when at eve the angels sit, sit their starlights in the sky; But when I saw he came not, tell him that I did not chide, But I spoke in love about him, and I blessed him when I died. 5. And when in death's white garments you have wrapped my form around, And have laid me down to slumber in the quiet church yard ground; Place the letters and the picture close beside my pulseless heart, We for years have been together, and in death we will not part. 6. I am ready now, sister, you may read the letters o'er, I will listen to the words of him whom I shall see no more; And ere you shall have finished, should I calmly fall asleep, Fall asleep to death and wake not, dearest sister, do not weep. 62. THE LITTLE BLACK MUSTACHE. For reference, see Henry, Journal, XLV, 116; Combs, p. 210. A. "The Little Black Mustache." Contributed by Wilma Dilley, Maquoketa, as sung by her mother, Mrs. Dilley, Maquoketa. 1. Once I had a charming beau; I loved him dear as life. I surely thought the day would come When I could be his wife. Chorus: Oh, the little black mustache; Oh, the little black mustache. But now you know, I've lost my beau With the little black mustache. 86 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 2. He'd come to see me Sunday morn, And stay until almost three; He said he'd never love a girl As well as he loved me. 3. And then there came a sour old maid; She was worth her weight in gold. She had false teeth, she wore false hair, And was forty-five years old. 4. He threw at me a raging sneer, Just for this old maid's cash; And now you know I've lost my beau With the little black mustache. B. "The Little Black Mustache." Contributed by John Manso, Battle Creek, as sung by William Manso, age 81, Battle Creek. 1. Once I had a charming beau I loved him dear as life; I always thought that I should be His loving dearly wife. But then there came a sorry old maid, She was worth her weight in gold; She wore false teeth and had false hair, She's forty-five years old. He cruelly deserted me for this old maid's cash; That's how you know I lost my beau With the little black mustache. C. "The Black Mustache." Contributed by Virginia Conway, Tipton. 1. Once I had a charming beau, I loved him dear as life, I thought the time would surely come when I should be his wife; His pockets they are filled with gold, and, oh, he cut a dash With a diamond ring and a little black mustache. Till along there came a sour old maid worth her weight in gold, She wore false teeth and she wore false hair and was forty-five; My fellow then deserted me, he married for the cash And don't you know, I lost my beau with the little black mustache. Chorus: Oh! the little black mustache, the little black mustache, Every time I think of him my heart beats quick as flash; His pockets now are filled with gold, and, oh, he cuts a dash With a diamond ring and a sour old maid and a little black mustache. Folklore from Iowa 87 63. POOR LIZA JANE. For reference, see note on page 172 in N. I. White's American Negro Folk Songs. Also see Sandburg, p. 133; Journal, XLI, 575; XLV, 165. Add Sandburg, p. 132. "Poor Liza Jane." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine. 1. I looked upon the mountain And give my horn a blow, And I thought I heard Miss Liza Say, "Come alone, let's go." Chorus: Po' Liza! Po' Gal! Po' Liza Jane. Po' Liza! Po' Gal! She rides on de train. 2. She hugged me and she kissed me, She put her hand in mine; Saying she'd rather marry a poor man Than any other kind. 3. If I ever live to marry, I'll marry Liza Jane; If I ever live to travel, I'll travel on the train. 4. I went up the new cut road, She came down the lane; I hooked my foot in the corner of the fence - Goodbye, Liza Jane. 64. MEET ME BY THE MOONLIGHT ALONE. For other texts, see Richardson and Spaeth, p. 55; Hatton and Faning, vol. I, p. 28; Sandburg, p. 216. "Meet Me By Moonlight Alone." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by her parents at school. 1. Meet me by moonlight alone, And then I will tell you a tale; Must be told by the moonlight alone In the grove at the end of the vale. You must promise to come, for I said I would show the night-flowers their queen - Nay, turn not away thy sweet head, 'Tis the loveliest ever was seen; Oh, meet me by moonlight alone, Meet me by moonlight alone. 7 88 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 2. Daylight may do for the gay, The thoughtless, the heartless, the free; But there's something about the moon's ray That is sweeter to you and to me. Oh! I remember. Be sure to be there, For though dearly a moonlight I prize, I care not for all in the air If I want the sweet light of your eyes. So meet me by moonlight alone, Meet me by moonlight alone. 65. I SAW ESAU KISSING KATE. For reference, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 201. "I Saw Esau Kissing Kate." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as sung to her by her mother, Mrs. John Stanley, Massena. The latter learned it from older members of the family when she was a young girl. With music. ITV - Ad F->L= S ' |' ^ - = c t I C-L 'Twas just about a year a-go, When I was down to \b I4 G:: 9 ---PI Glo'ster, I found a lass, but now, a - las! I find that I have lost her. I'm sure I nev - er can for - get The hap - py days that we saw, Be - fyw fore the day on which we met Her country cousin h... B^=^ E - sau. I saw E - sau kissing Kate, And the I saw E - sau kissing Kate, And the Folklore from Iowa 89 fact is, we all three saw, For I saw E - sau,: ~, h. _., P I1' G --- t I- G -L.-.-. E I I G ~ -111 he saw me, and she saw I saw E - sau. 1. 'Twas just about a year ago, When I was down to Gloucester, I found a lass, but now, alas! I find that I have lost her. I'm sure I never can forget The happy days that we saw, Before the day on which we met Her country cousin, Esau. I saw Esau kissing Kate, And the fact is, we all three saw, For I saw Esau, he saw me, And she saw I saw Esau. 2. I'd rather go without my beer, Or even get my sconce hurt, Than ever go again to hear A crystal palace concert. For I took Kitty there and then Unfortunately she saw That horridest of countrymen, Her country cousin, Esau. I saw Esau etc. 3. She introduced this man to me, And soon, behind a statue, I saw what made me audibly Sing out, "I'm looking at you." 'Tis sad indeed to have to state What poor unlucky me saw; For there was Esau kissing Kate And Kate was kissing Esau. I saw Esau etc. 4. "Is this why you both quitted me?" Said I, "you little Tartar!" "Oh, yes," said she, "the rule of three Is not so good as barter. I went to school with him," she said, "And used to play at see-saw, 7* 90 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society So, if you please, I think I'll wed My country cousin, Esau." I saw Esau etc. 5. I went away in quite a pet, And tottered home to tea, oh! For I could see that their duet Had put me up a tree, oh! But still my sorrow wasn't great, When in the papers we saw That Mister Esau'd married Kate And Kate had married Esau. I saw Esau etc. 66. COMMON BILL. For other texts, see Pound, No. 104; Broadwood and Maitland, English County Songs, p. 52; Hudson, p. 107; Journal, XXVIII, 173; XXIX, 171; XXXV, 363. Add Sandburg, p. 62. "Bill." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, as sung by Mrs. Hattie Munn Richmond, Grundy Center. Verbatim. 1. I will tell you of a fellow, of a fellow I have seen, He was neither white nor yellow, but he was altogether green And his name it isn't charming, it is only common "Bill." And he ask me to wed him but I hardly think I will, He was here last night to see me And he made so long a stay That I really think the "gauky" Never intended to go away. And the tears that he shed was enough to turn a mill. He ask me to wed him But I hardly think I will. Don't you think the great big gauky Tumbled down upon his knees, And he said if I refused him He could not live, But I hardly think I will. And you know the Holy Bible strickly says, "Thou shalt not kill." Since I thought the matter over I think I'll marry "Bill." Yes, I thought the matter over And I'm going to marry Bill. 67. THE CREOLE GIRL. For other versions, see Pound, No. 55; Journal, XXXV, 387. "Lakes Upon." Contributed by Lucille Main, Coggon, as sung by her mother, Mrs. W. M. Main, Coggon. Folklore from Iowa 91 1. Good-eve to you, fair maiden, My money does me no good; If it were not for the alligator, I'd sleep out in the wood. 2. You're welcome, welcome, stranger, Although our house is plain; We've never turned a stranger out Of the Lakes Upon. 3. She took me to her father's house, She treated me quite well; Her hair in golden ringlets Around her shoulders fell. I tried to paint her beauty, But to me it was in vain; So handsome was this Creole girl Of the Lakes Upon. 4. I asked her if she'd marry me. She said that ne'er could be. She said she had a lover And he was far at sea. She said she had a lover And true she would remain Until he should return again To the Lakes Upon. 5. So good-eve to you, fair maiden, I never shall see you more; I'll ne'er forget your kindness On the cottage by the shore. And when in social circles A sparkling bowl I'll drain, I'll drink good health to the Creole girl On the Lakes Upon. 68. THE MAN WHO WOULDN'T HOE CORN. This song is often known by the title of Harm Link and is so given by Campbell and Sharp. For other texts, see Pound, No. 46; Campbell and Sharp, No. 116; Journal, XXIX, 181. No local title. Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa, as found in an old scrap book belonging to his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 92 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. I'll sing you a song that isn't very long Concerning a young man who wouldn't hoe corn; But the reason why I can not tell For this young man was always well. 2. He planted his corn in the month of June And in July it was knee high; And in September there came a great frost And all this young man's corn was lost. 3. He went to the fence and he peeped in, The grass and weeds were up to his chin; The careless weeds had grown so high It caused this young man for to sigh. 4. He went unto his neighbor's door Where he had oft times been before; And there his courtship he began, Said she, "Young man, have you hoed corn?" 5. "Oh, no, dear madam, I've tried and tried, I've tried and tried and tried in vain; I've tried and tried and tried in vain, I don't believe I'll raise one grain." 6. "Then why do you come for me to wed, If you can't earn your own corn bread? Single I am and single I'll remain For a lazy man I won't maintain." 7. He hung his head and he went away. Said he, "Dear Madam, you'll rue this day; You'll rue this day as sure as you're born - Give me the mitten 'cause I wouldn't hoe my corn." 69. A MARRIED WOMAN'S LAMENT. For another version, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 26. A. "I Wish I Was Single Again." Contributed by Alice Rossing, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Ole Sheldon, Humboldt. 1. Once I was single I lived at my ease, But now I am married and have a husband to please; Four small children all to maintain - Oh! how I wish I was single again. Folklore from Iowa 93 B. "When I Was Single." Contributed by Charlotte Johanson, Route 2, Fort Dodge, as sung by Mrs. M. H. Kee, Humboldt. 1. When I was single I lived at my ease. Now I am married A husband to please. Four small children All to maintain; Oh, how I wish I was single again. C. No local title. Contributed by Charlotte Johanson, Route 2, Fort Dodge, as sung by Mrs. M. H. Kee, Humboldt. 1. When these young men first began to love, It's nothing but my honey, my little turtle dove; But after they get you, it's no such thing - Go to work, you huzzy, you good for nothing thing. When these young men go about the towns, They make you believe they're worth a hundred pounds; Put your hand into their pockets, not a penny will you find, Then oh, how fickle is a young man's mind! 70. THE SORROW OF MARRIAGE. For other texts, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 27; Journal, XLV, 121 (Henry). No local title. Contributed by Leone Densmore, Harlan, as sung by Elmer Norgaard, Harlan, who learned it when he was a small boy. 1. I am an old bachelor both ragged and lame, I just from County Cumberland came; I married me a wife who is thirty and one - The very next day my trouble begun. Chorus: Oh, how I wish I might get rid of my pain, I wished to the Lord I was single again; For in my coffin I might have been laid If I hadn't married the silly old maid. 2. 'Tis when we go to the dance or the play, Her in her ribbons and her in her lace so gay; Me in my rags and her in her lace 94 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Some of the gentlemen steps in my place. Oh, how I might get rid of my pain, I wish to the Lord I was single again; And if one word says out of its place The jolly kapoodle come right in my face. 3. Oh, how I might get rid of my pains, I wish that I was single again; She makes me wash the dishes and scrub the room, Or else she will paddle my head with a broom. 71. WHY DID THEY DIG MA'S GRAVE SO DEEP? For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 102. "Poor Little Nellie." Contributed by Ercell Faulkner, Corydon, as sung to her by her grandmother, Mrs. Warren Brees, Allerton. 1. Poor little Nellie is weeping tonight, Thinking of days that were filled with delight; Lonely she sits by the old kitchen grate Sighing for mother, but now it's too late. Under the daisies now covered with snow Sleeps that fond mother away from life's woe. 72. GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK. For another text, see Wier, p. 8. A. "Grandfather's Clock." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Miss Kent, Allerton. 1. My grandfather's clock was too large for the shelf, And it stood ninety years on the floor. It was taller by half than the old man himself, Though it weighed no a penny weight more. It was bought on the day that he was born. It was always his joy and his pride And it stopped short never to go again When the old man died. Chorus: Ninety years without slumbering, tick-tock-tick-tock, His life's seconds numbering, tick-tock-tick-tock; It stopped short never to go again When the old man died. 2. In watching the pendulum swing to and fro, Many hours he had spent when a boy; And in childhood and manhood the clock seemed to know Folklore from Iowa 95 And to share his grief and his joy, For it struck twenty-four when he entered the door With his blooming and beautiful bride, But it stopped short never to go again When the old man died. B. "Grandfather's Clock." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, "whose mother, Mrs. E. K. Morrett, had this song. It was copied down by Mrs. Addie Morrett, Ernestine's grandmother, in the years around 1884-85, when she was still unmarried and named Miss Addie Partridge." Given here verbatim as reported. 1. My grandfathers clock was too large for the shelf It had stood ninety years on the floor It was taller by half than the old man himself Though it weighed not a pennyweight more. It was bought on the morn of the day he was born And was always his treasure and pride But it stopped short - never to go again When the old man died. Chorus: Ninety years without slumbering tick.. tick.. tick.. tick.. His life seconds tick.. tick.. tick.. tick.. It stopped short - never to go again When the old man died. 2. In watching its pendulum swing to and fro Many hours had he spent while a boy And in childhood and manhood the clock seemed to know And to share both his grief and his joy For it struck twenty-four when he entered the door With a charming and beautiful bride But it stopped short - never to go again When the old man died. 3. My grandfather said that those he could hire Not a servant so faithful he found For it wasted no time and had but one desire At the close of each week to be wound. It was kept into place not a frown on its face And its hands never hung by its side But it stopped short - never to go again When the old man died. 4. It rang an alarm in the dead of the night An alarm that for years had not rung And we knew that his spirit was plunging for life 96 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society And his hour of departure had come. Still the clock kept time with a soft and ruffled chime As we silently lay by his side But it stopped short - never to go again When the old man died. C. "The Grandfather's Clock." Contributed by Lorena Gonnerman, Dysart, as sung by elderly neighbors. 1. The grandfather's clock was too large for the shelf, So it stood ninety years on the floor; It was taller by half than the old man himself And it weighed not a pennyweight more. Ninety years without slumbering - tick-tock, tick-tock, And it stopped short never to go again When the old man died. D. "My Grandfather's Clock." Contributed by Willard Eiler, Tipton, as sung by Mrs. Peter Willer. Mr. Eiler wrote, "My great, great grandfather's favorite." 1. My grandfather's clock was too tall for the shelf, So it stood ninety years on the floor, It was taller than half than the old man himself, Though it weighed not a pennyweight more. It was bought on the morn of the day that he was born And was always his comfort and pride; But it stopped short - never to go again, When the old man died. 73. A COMICAL DITTY. For other texts, see Cox, p. 253; Lomax, p. 211. No local title. Contributed by Glen Wogen, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Lars Wogen, Humboldt. 1. The boys around here they think they are men, They go a-courting as soon as they can; They will cheat and they will lie, And flirt the pretty girls they will try. Chorus: The li li li, the lu li li, The li li li, the lu li li; They will cheat and they will lie And flirt the pretty girls they will try. Folklore from Iowa 97 2. When Sunday comes, they dress so fine, Future buttons and how they shine; Little white handkerchiefs under their chin They look like a saint and choked with sin. 3. And they'll come home and they'll sit down, "Oh! how lonesome it is all around; I declare I can't sit here I'll go down to the saloon to get some beer." 74. DOWN IN THE COAL MINES. For another text, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 171. "Down in the Coal Mines." Sung and dictated by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine, as he learned it when about fifteen years old from a man by the name of Silas Talbert who was a banjo picker. 1. I am a jovial coaler's lad, as blythe and blythe can be, So let the time be good or bad, it is all the same to me; 'Tis little of this world I know and care less for its ways, For where the dog-star never shines, I wear away my days. Chorus: Down in the coal mines underneath the ground, Where the gleam of sunshine never can be found; Digging dirty diamonds all the seasons round, Down in the coal mines underneath the ground. '2. My hands are horny, hard and black whilst working in the vein Just like the clothes upon my back; my speech is rough and plain; And if I stumble with my tongue, I've one excuse to say, 'Tis not the coaler's heart that's wrong, it's the head that goes astray. 3. Now, cheer up, boys, and make you much of every day you can, But let your mirth be always such that best becomes a man; The every fires that mansions boast to cheer themselves and wives Perhaps were kindled at the cost of jovial coalers' lives. 75. THE CONSTITUTION AND THE GUERRIERE. In his head-note Cox says that the battle between the Constitution and the Guerriere was fought on August 19, 1812, and this song was written soon after to a tune entitled A Lady of France. Other interesting data are given by Cox to indicate how widespread was the publication of this song about a century ago. For other texts, see Cox, No. 60; Gray, p. 144. "The Guerriere and the Constitution." Contributed by Miss Belle M. Stout, Maquoketa, who "learned this from my mother who learned it from her grandfather, a soldier in the War of 1812." 98 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. Oh, the old Guerriere bold On the foaming ocean rolled; Commanded by proud Dekker Of the Grande 0. And with as brave a crew As a rammer ever drew; They could whip the tars of France, And do it handy 0. 2. But they never met their match, 'Til the Yankees did them catch. We could whip them two to one, And do it handy 0. 3. Oh, proud Dekker came on board, To deliver up his sword; Oh, sad was he to part with it, 'Twas so handy 0. "Oh, keep it," said brave Hull, "For 'twill surely make you dull; Come, cheer up, and let us take A drop of brandy O." 76. THE SPANISH CAVALIER. For another version, see Pound, No. 106. A. "Spanish Cavalier." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School, as sung by Oren Beck, one time of Belle Plaine. 1. A Spanish Cavalier stood in his retreat And on his guitar played a tune, dear; The music so sweet he would oft times repeat The blessings of my country and you, dear. Chorus: Say, darling, say when I am far away, Some time you may think of me, dear; Bright sunny days will soon fade away Remember what I say and be true, dear. 2. I off to the war, to the war I must go, And fight for my country and you, dear; But if I should fall, in vain I would call The blessings of my country and you, dear. 3. And when the war is over to you I'll return, Back to my country and you, dear; But if I be slain, you will seek one in vain - Upon the battle field you'll find me. Folklore from Iowa 99 B. "Spanish Cavalier." Contributed by Grace Hoepner, Reinbeck, as dictated by J. F. Mumm, Reinbeck. 1. A Spanish Cavalier stood in his retreat And on his guitar played a tune, dear; The music so sweet, they oft times repeat The blessing of my country and you, dear. 77. HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN. For another text, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 222. A. "Hot Time in the Old Town." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. Alex. Donelson, Lineville. 1. Come along and get you ready, wear your brand, brand new gown, For there's going to be a meeting in this good, good old town; Where you know everybody and they all know you You don't have to get a rabbit's foot to keep away hoodoos. There's a girl for every boy in this good, good old town, For there's Miss Condolia Davis and there's Miss Condolia Brown; She is mesquite, a bisalm, for she's always dressed in red, I just hugged her and I kissed her and this is what she said: "Hold me tight and don't let me fall For I love you, I love you, I love you best of all; You'll be my man or I'll have no man at all It'll be a hot time in the old town tonight." B. "Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight." Contributed by Minnetta Molander, as sung by Ben Molander, Humboldt. 1. It looks to me like a big night tonight, Big night tonight, big night tonight; For when the cat's away, why the mice want to play And it looks like a big night tonight. C. "A Hot Time in the Old Town." Contributed by Alfreda Husmann, Monticello. 1. Come along, git you ready, wear your bran, bran new gown, For dere's gwine to be a meeting in that good, good old town; Where you knowd everybody and dey all knowd you, And you've got a rabbit's foot to keep away de hoodoo. 100 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society When you hear that the preachin' does begin, Bend down low for to drive away your sin; And when you get religious, when you want to shout and sing There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight, my baby. Chorus: When you hear dem bells go ding, ling, ling, All join 'round and sweetly you must sing; And when de verse am done in de chorus all join inThere'll be a hot time in de old town tonight. 78. I'M GOING TO FIGHT MIT SIEGEL. For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 48. "I'm Going to Fight mit Siegel." Contributed by Bernadine Christensen, Harlan. 1. Ja, dis is drue, I speaks mit you, I's going to fight mit Siegel To save de American Eagle. I'll dress mine frau in britchaloons And go to fight mit Siegel. Chorus: For rations dey give salty bork, I dink it is a great sell; I better loves de sauerkraut Mit Sweitzerkase and pretzle. And go to fight mit Siegel. 2.......................... With my rifle on mine shoulder, I feel just like a big black horse And act like something bolder. 79. CALOMEL. In a note on this song, Miss Pound (Ballads, p. 250) states that the song was well known in the forties of the nineteenth century. She adds in this note that the song is probably of British importation. For other versions, see Pound, No. 54; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 203. "Calumel Doctor." Contributed by Charlotte Porter, Reinbeck, as learned from Mrs. John Cooper, Reinbeck. 1. When a patient is taken sick, Go for the doctor and be quick; The doctor comes with free good will And brings with him his calumel. Folklore from Iowa 1 101 2. He takes the patient by the hand, He compromises him as a friend; He sits a while his pulse to feel And then pulls out his calumel. 3. He turns unto the patient's wife. "Have you clean paper and a knife?" Said, "I think your husband will get well If he takes a dose of calumel." 4. He leaves the patient in her care And leaves her with a graceful air. "I think your husband will get well If you freely give him the calumel." 5. The patient he grows worse indeed. "Oh, go for the doctor and go with speed." The doctor comes like post or mail And doubles the dose of calumel. 6. Here's the health to every man That will be happy or be damned I wish the doctors all in hell That uses this stuff called calumel. 80. THE IRISH JUBILEE. For another text, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 225. "The Irish Jubilee." Contributed by Dorothy Logan, Corydon, as sung by her mother who learned it from her older brothers. 1. A short time ago there was an Irishman named Daugherety Elected to the Senate by a very large majority; He felt so elated that he went to Dennis Cassidy Who owned a bar-room of a very large capacity. 2. He said for Cassidy to go down to the brewery, A thousand kegs of lager beer to give to the poor; Then go down to the butcher shop and order up a ton of meat, To be sure of all the boys and girls 'ave all they want to drink and eat. 3. Two by two they marched into the dining room, Young men, old men, and girls that were not men at all. 4. Smoked herring, dried herring, herring from old Erin's Isle, Sweet cakes, hot cakes, sausage a half a mile. Then oatmeal till we could hardly stir about, Catsup, hurry up, sweet kraut or sour kraut. 102 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 5. Fire crackers, soda crackers, limburger cheese,.................. Carter's little liver pills, Everyone was wondering who was going to pay the bills. 6. For dessert they had ice picks, tooth picks, and skipping rope, And they washed them all down with a big piece of shaving soap............................................................... * * * *. * ****. 7. A finer lot of dancers you never set your eyes upon, And those that couldn't dance at all were dancing with their slippers on; Some danced the two-step, the four-step, the Highland fling, Murphy took his knife out and tried to cut the pigeon's wing. 8. And when the dance was over, Cassidy then told us To all join hands together and we'd sing the good old chorus; "Should auld acquaintance ever be forgot wherever we may be, Think of the good old time we had at the Irish Jubilee." 81. DOWN WENT DAN MCGINTY. For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 151. A. "Down Went McGinty." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine. 1. Sunday morning just at nine, Dan Me Ginty, dressed so fine, Stood looking up at a very high stone wall; When his friend young Pat McCan says, "I'll bet five dollars, Dan, I can carry you to the top without a fall." On his shoulders he took Dan, to climb the ladder he began, And he soon was reaching very near the top, When Me Ginty, cute old rogue, to win the fine he did let go Never thinkin' just how far he had to drop. Chorus: Down went Me Ginty to the bottom of the wall, Although he won the fine, he was more dead than alive; His arms and legs and nose was broke by getting such a fall Dressed up in his best suit of clothes. B. "Dan McGinty." Contributed by Leila Miller, Reinbeck, as sung by her mother, Mrs. Thos. A. Miller, Reinbeck. Her father also knew the song. Folklore from Iowa 103 1. Dan McGinty landed here from Emerald Isles so dear One Saturday afternoon so bright and clear; On Sunday morning just at nine Dan McGinty dressed so fine Down to the beach took a stroll..................... Cried I can carry you to the top without a fall And a billy goat hit him free Where the bustle ought to be. Down went McGinty to the bottom of the hole Dressed in his best suit of clothes. And I think he must be wet For I haven't seen him yet Dressed in his best suit of clothes. 82. THE DYING COWBOY. For reference on the background for this song see Cox, p. 242. Much interesting information is given in the head-note. For other texts, see Pound, No. 77; Lomax, p. 74; Journal, XXII, 258; XXV, 153; XXV, 277; XXVI, 356; Cox, No. 53. A. "The Cowboy's Lament." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as sung by her parents in school. 1. As I rode to Latern in Barin So early one day, 'Twas there I espied a handsome young cowboy, All dressed in white linen and clothed for the grave. Chorus: Then play your fife lowly and beat your drum slowly, And play the dead march as you carry me along; Go take me to the graveyard and place the sod o'er me, For I'm a young cowboy, I know I've done wrong. 2. "'Twas once to my saddle I used to go dashing, 'Twas once to my saddle I used to be gay; But I first took to drinking, and then to card playing, Got shot through the body, so now I must die. 3. "Go gather all around you a crowd of young cowboys, And tell them the history of this, my fate; Go tell them to stop their deep drinking And all their wild ways before it's too late. 8 104 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. "Go write a letter to my gray-headed mother, And bear the news gently to my sister so dear; But then there's another far dearer than a mother, She'll bitterly weep when she knows I am here. 5. "Go bring me a cup of pure cold water, Of pure, cold water," the poor fellow said; But when I returned the spirit had departed And gone to the Giver - the cowboy was dead. B. "The Cowboy." Contributed by Anna Marie Lauterbach, Reinbeck. This version is given verbatim as reported by Miss Lauterbach. 1. As I went to lather, to barroom to lather, To barroom to lather, so early one morn, Twas there I spied a handsome young cowboy, All robed in white linen, for the grave he was clad. Chorus: So play the fife slowly and the drum boldly, And play the dead march slowly as you carry me along, Go take me to the grave yard and throw the sod over me For I am a young cowboy and know I've done wrong. 2. Twas once in my saddle, I used to go dashing, Twas once in my saddle, I used to be gay, I first took to drinking, and then to card playing, Got shot through the heart, so now I must die. 3. Go call all around me a crowd of young cowboys, And tell them a story of a comrade's sad fate Go tell one another before you go farther, To cease their night's warning before it is too late. 4. Go write me a letter to my gray headed mother And break the news gently to my sister, so dear, But still there's another far dearer than a sister; She would weep bitter tears if she knew I was here. 5. Go bring me a cup of cold water A cup of cold water, the poor fellow said; But before I returned, his spirit had departed He had gone to the Giver, and the cowboy was dead. Folklore from Iowa 105 C. "The Dying Cowboy." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, as secured from Mrs. Hattie Munn Richmond, Grundy Center. Verbatim from the written copy of Mr. Dew. 1. As I went a riding by Tom Shermann's borrow one morning in May, By Tom Shermann's borrow one morning in May, I spied a young cow-boy dressed up in white garments, Dressed up in white garments, as though for the grave. Chorus: Beat your drums lowly and play your fife slowly, Play the dead march as they bear me along, Take me to the grave yard and lay the sod o'er me For I was a wild cowboy, and I know I done wrong. 2. He knew by my outfit that I was a cowboy, These words said to me as I went riding by, Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story, I'm shot through the breast, and I know I must die. 3. Once in the saddle I used to go dashing by, Once in the saddle I used to feel gay; I first took to drinking and then to bad company, I then took to fighting, and now to my grave. 4. My lasso I used to throw to perfection, Roping wild cattle for me was great fun, To cattle I always gave satisfaction With a band of wild cowboys, but now I'm done. 5. Break the news softly to my gray-haired mother, Break it as softly to my sister dear; And not one word of this place do you mention When they gather round you, my story to hear. 6. And then there's another more dear than a sister, 0, how she will weep when she hears I am gone, But there will be another to gain her affection For I was a wild cowboy and I know I done wrong. 7. Go get me a glass of cold water, To cool my hot temples, this cowboy he said, But when I had returned, he had gone to the Giver - This once handsome cowboy lay senseless and dead. 8* 106 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 83. SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE. For reference, see Sandburg, p. 107. No local title. Contributed by Arlene Reasoner, Humboldt, as sung by F. W. Reasoner, Humboldt. 1. Have you heard tell of sweet Betsey from Pike Who traveled through Utah with her sweetheart Ike; With nine yoke of oxen and one spotted hog And two shanghai roosters and one "yaller" dog? 2. The oxen ran off and the chickens all died; This morning the last of the bacon was fried. Ike got distracted and Betsey got mad, And the dog hung his tail and looked wondrous sad. 84. THE TEXAS RANGERS. For other texts, see Pound, No. 73; Journal, XXXV, 417. "The Texas Ranger." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. H. M. Yeigh, Allerton. 1. Come all you Texas Rangers wherever you may be, I'll tell you of some trouble that's happened unto me; My name is nothing extra for it I will not tell, And here's to all true rangers I almost wish them well. 85. PRETTY SARAH. For reference, see Campbell and Sharp, No. 76; Hudson, No. 33; Henry, Journal, XLV, 112. "Pretty Sarah." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, whose mother, Mrs. E. K. Morrett, had the song. "It was copied down by Mrs. Addie Morrett, Ernestine's grandmother, around 1886 when she was still unmarried and named Miss Addie Partridge." 1. Way down in lone valley in some lonesome place Where the wild birds are singing their notes to increase; I would think on pretty Sarah, her ways are complete - I would wish no better pastime than to be with my sweet. 2. My love she won't have me so I understand, She wants a free-holder and I have no land; But I could maintain her on silver or gold, Or as many other nice things as my love's house can hold. 3. I came to this country in eighteen forty-nine, Saw many a true love, but never saw mine; I looked all around me and found I was alone, I am an old bachelor and a long ways from home. Folklore from Iowa 107 4. Farewell to my father, likewise mother, too, I am going to travel this wide wild straight through; And when I get tired I will sit down and cry And think on pretty Sarah till the day that I die. 5. It is not this long journey that I value one straw Or leaving this country for the debts that I owe; There is one thing that grieves me, it troubles my mind, It is leaving pretty Sarah, my true love, behind. 6. I wish I were on turtle dove, had wings and could fly, Near to my love's dwelling this night I would fly; And in her lily white arms this night I would lie Or by some little window I would sit down and cry. 7. I wish I was a merchant, could write a fine hand, I would write my love a letter that she might understand; I would send it by the water where the isle overflow And think on pretty Sarah whenever I go. 86. MCAFEE'S CONFESSION. For reference, see Pound, No. 68; Lomax, p. 164; Belden, No. 24; Shearin and Combs, p. 16; Cox, p. 192; Tolman, Journal, XXIX,185. "The Confession of John Macafee." Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa. He found this version in an old scrap book which belonged to his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 1. Draw near, young friends, and learn from me My sad and mournful history; And may you ne'er forgetful be Of all this day I tell to thee. 2. Before I had reached my fifth year, My father and mother dear Were both laid in their silent grave By him who them their being gave. 3. No more a mother's voice I heard, No more a mother's love I shared; No more was I a father's joy, I was a helpless orphan boy. 4. But Providence, the orphan's friend, A kind relief did quickly send; And snatched from want and poverty Poor little orphan Macafee. 108 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 5. Beneath my uncle's friendly roof From want and hunger far aloof, Nine years was I most kindly referred And oft his kind advice I hears. 6. At length arrived the fatal day When from my home I ran away; And to my sorrow since in life, I took unto myself a wife. 7. And she was as kind and true to me As e'er a woman need to be; And might have been living I have no doubt Had I ne'er seen young Hattie Shout. 8. Ah! well I remember the very day Young Hattie stole my heart away; 'Twas love for her controlled my will Which caused me my wife to kill. 9. 'Twas on a summer's pleasant night, The sky was clear, the stars shone bright; My wife was lying on her bed When I approached her and said: 10. "Dear wife, here's medicine for you I've bought, For you this very day I bought; My dear, I know it will cure you Of those vile fits; pray, take it, do." 11. Then giving me a tender look All in her mouth the poison took; Down to her babe upon her breast, Down to her last long sleep she lay. 12. Then fearing that she was not dead, Upon her throat my hand I laid; And there such a deep impression made This world again how can I face? 13. Freely would I give up all my store, Had I ten thousand pounds or more; If I could bring again to life My dear, my darling murdered wife. 14. Her head is here beneath the sod, Her soul, I hope, is with her God; And soon into Eternity My guilty soul shall also be. Folklore from Iowa 109 15. The moments now are drawing nigh When from this earth my soul shall fly; To meet Jehovah at his bar And there my final sentence hear. 16. Young friends, I'll bid you all adieu, No more on earth will I see you; But on Heaven's bright and flowery plain, I hope we all shall meet again. But on Heaven's bright and flowery plain, I hope we all shall meet again. 87. JESSE JAMES. For other versions, see Pound, Syllabus, p. 34; Pound, No. 64; Hudson, p. 78; Cox, No. 44; Journal, XXII, 246 (Bascom); XXV, 17 (Belden); XXV, 145 (Perrow); XXIX, 178 (Tolman); XXXIV, 124 (Redfeam). Add Sandburg, p. 420. A. "Jesse James." Contributed by Lorene Ferrell, Corydon, as sung by Miss Cecil Stephens who learned it from her parents. 1. How the people held their breath When they heard of Jesse's death, And wondered how he came to die; For the big reward, little Robert Ford Shot Jesse James on the sly. 2. Jesse leaves a widow to mourn all her life, The children he left will pray For the thief and the coward who shot Mr. Howard And laid Jesse James in his grave. 3. Jesse was a man, a friend to the poor, Never did he suffer a man's pain; And with his brother Frank, he robbed the Chicago Bank, And stopped the Glendale train. 4. Jesse goes to rest with his hand on his breast, And the devil will be upon his knees; He was born one day in the County of Clay, And came from a great race. 5. Men, when you go out to the West, don't be afraid to die, With the law in their hand......................... But they didn't have the sand For to take Jesse James alive. 110 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "Jesse James." Contributed by Lou Ella Anderson, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. John N. Miller, Humboldt. 1. Jesse James was a thief, but a friend to the poor; For money they would never suffer pain, And 'twas with his brother Frank, That he robbed the Chicago bank, And stopped the Glennan train. They held the agent on his knees To deliver up the keys To Frank and Jesse James. C. "Jessie James." Contributed by Ruth Hayes, Mount Vernon, as sung by Mrs. Sarah Hayes, Mount Vernon. 1. Jessie James was a man And he travelled o'er the land. D. "Jesse James." Contributed by Charles Dew, Reinbeck, and reproduced as written down by him. 1. 'Twas on a Saturday nite, The moon was shining bright And the money in the bank was arranged, I was with my brother Frank, We robbed a Chicago bank And stopped a Glendale train. 2. Now Jesse was a man - a friend to all the poor, And for money, he never suffered pain, With the agents on their knees They delivered up the keys To Frank and Jesse James. 'Twas a thief and a coward that shot Mistress Howard And lay Jesse James in his grave. 88. CHARLES GUITTEAU. For other texts, see Pound, No. 65 (A); Hudson, p. 79. A. "Charles Guataui." Contributed by Mildred Miller, Corydon, as sung by her mother who learned it from her father, Mr. Glowe, and he in turn learned it from his parents. Folklore from Iowa ill 1. My name is Charles Guataui, My name I will never deny; For the murder of James A. Garfield Up on the scaffold high. 2. It was down by the depot I tried to make my escape, But Providence was against me And I knew it was too late. 3. Judge Cole, he read the sentence, The clerk he set it down; So on the thirtieth of June I should meet my fatal doom. 4. My sister came to the prison To bid her last goodbye; She threw her arms around me And bitterly did she cry. 5. Said she, "My darling brother, This day surely will you die For the murder of James A. Garfield Up on the scaffold high." B. "James Garfield." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center. 1. Come all ye generous people Whoever you may be, And likewise pay attention To these few words from me. Chorus: My name is Charles Gitteau, My name I'll never deny; For the murder of James A. Garfield Upon the gallows high. 2. Little did I think while in my youthful bloom, That on the gallows high I should meet my faithful doom; The thirtieth day of June I am compelled to die For the murder of James A. Garfield upon the gallows high. 3. Down at the depot, I tried to make my escape, But Providence against me, I found I was too late; They took me back to prison, where I was doomed to die For the murder of James A. Garfield upon the gallows high. 112 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 4. My sister came to prison to bid her last farewell, She threw her arms around me, and wept most bitterly; Says she, "My dearest brother, this day you have to die For the murder of James A. Garfield upon the gallows high." C. "Charles Guitteau." Contributed by George Dew, Reinbeck, as sung by Mrs. P. W. Watts, Carson, who said she sang it years ago in school. 1. My name is Charles Guitteau, That name I'll never deny, I left my aged parents in sorrow, For to die. D. "Charles Gitteau." Contributed by Ethel Hoemann, Battle Creek, as sung by Mrs. A. Kopplin, Battle Creek. 1. My name is Charles Gitteau, That name I'll never deny; I leave my dear old parents In sorrow for to die. For the murder of James A. Garfield They say I surely must die On the thirtieth day of June Here upon the scaffold high. E. "Charles J. Dagew." Contributed by Edward Powers, Humboldt, as sung by Charles Kurth, Humboldt. 1. My name it is Charles J. Dagew, My name I shall never deny; For the murder of James A. Garfield That I am now doomed to die. 89. THE NEW BULLY. For another text, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 212. "Bully of the Town." Contributed by Belle Plaine High School as sung by Oren Beck, sometime of Belle Plaine. Have you heard about the bully - he just came to town? He's down on that levee knocking them niggers around. I'se looking for that bully and he must be found, I is a Tennessee nigger and I don't allow No red-eyed river roust-about with me to raise a roaw - I is looking for that bully and I'll make him bow. Folklore from Iowa 113 Chorus: Then walk that levee around, around, around, Then walk that levee around, around, around, Then walk that levee around; I is looking for that bully and he must be found. 90. DOWN AT THE WATER TANK. For reference, see Gray, p. 102; Cox, p. 252; Webb, Publications of the Texas Folk-Lore Society, II, 40. "Down at the Water Tank." Contributed by Elmer Dogel, Manning, as sung by Mrs. Thos. Dogel, Manning. 1. I am in your city, boys, trying to do what is right, You need not think because I am poor that I am not all right; My pocket-book is empty, my heart is filled with pain, I am a thousand miles away from home trying to bum the train. Chorus: Down at the water tank waiting for a train, Cold and hungry I lie down though it is in vain; Thinking of those good old times, hope they come again, I am a thousand miles away from home trying to bum a train. 2. I went down to the brakeman to have a little talk. "Say, if you have any money, sir, you will not have to walk." "No money or ticket, sir, pity me, I am poor." "Get out, get out!" the brakeman said, as he slammed the box car door. 3. I went down to the restaurant to get a bite to eat; I got a little piece of bread and a little bite of meat, I got a piece of apple pie to suit my appetite - I'm going to ride the flying train a thousand miles tonight. 4. I stopped off in Denver and got struck on a Denver girl, I'm glad tonight she's out of sight - she wore those Denver curls; She wore her hair high on her head in same old fashion, too - Just as the train came whizzing by I kissed my love adieu. 91. BREAK THE NEWS TO MOTHER. For reference, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 194. A. "Break the News to Mother." Contributed by Norma Stark, Corydon, as sung by her mother, Mrs. C. E. Clark. 114 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. The shot and shell were streaming Upon the battle field, The boys in blue were fighting, Their noble flag to shield. There came a cry from their brave captain, "Look, boys! Our flag is down; Who will volunteer To save it from disgrace?" "I will," a young man shouted, "I'll bring it back or die;" And then he sprang into The thickest of the fray. He saved the flag but gave his young life All for his country's sake; They brought him back And softly heard him say: Chorus: "Just break the news to mother, She knows how dear I love her - Just tell her not to look for me, For I'm not coming home. Just say there is no other, That can take the place of mother; And kiss her dear sweet lips for me And break the news to her." 2. From a far and noted general Witnessed the brave deed; "Who saved the flag? Speak up, lad, 'Twas noble, brave, indeed." "There he lies, sir," Said the captain; "He's sinking very fast," And slowly turned to hide a tear. The general in a moment Knelt down beside the boy, And gave a cry that Melted all hearts that day. "My boy, my own brave hero, I thought you safe at home." "Forgive me, father, For I ran away." B. "Break the News to Mother." Contributed by Vida Parsons, Dakota City. Reproduced verbatim as written down by Miss Parsons. Folklore from Iowa 115 1. While the shots and shells were streaming, upon the battle field, The boys in blue were fighting, there noble flag to shield. Came a cry from their brave captain, "Look Boys, our flag is down, who'll voUenteer to save it from disgrace." "I will," a young voice shouted, "I'll bring it back or die," then sprang into the thickest of the fray. Saved the flag but gave his young life all for his country's sake. They brought him back and heard him softly say. Chorus: Just break the news to mother, She knows how dear I love her, Then tell her not to wait for me, for I'm not coming home, Just say there is no other, Can take the place of mother then kiss her dear sweet lips for me. And break the news to her. 2. "Who saved the flag, speak up lads, 'twas noble, brave indeed," "There he lies sir," said the Captain, "he's sinking very fast," then slowly turned away to hide a tear. The General in a moment, knelt down beside the boy, then gave a cry that touched all hearts that day. "Its my son, my brave young hero, I thought you safe at home." "Forgive me father, for I ran away." C. "Just Break the News to Mother." Contributed by Jean Broderick, Grundy Center, as sung by W. J. Broderick, Grundy Center. Mr. Broderick learned it about 1895. 1. Just break the news to mother, She knows how dear I love her; Just tell her not to wait for me For I'm not coming home. 116 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society D. "Just Break the News to Mother." Contributed by Mary Jane Whitney, Tipton. 1. The shot and shell were screaming upon the battle-field, The boys in blue were fighting their noble flag to shield; Came a cry from their brave Captain, "Look, Boys, our flag is down, Who'll volunteer to save it from disgrace?" "I will," a young voice shouted, "I'll bring it back or die," And sprang into the thickest of the fray, Saved our flag, but gave his young life all for our country's sake, They brought him back and heard him softly say, Chorus: "Just break the news to Mother, She knows how dear I love her And tell her not to wait for me For I'm not coming home. Just say there is no other Can take the place of Mother, And kiss those dear sweet lips for me And break the news to her." 92. OLD UNCLE NED. For other versions, see Buck, p. 184; Wier, p. 198. A. "Old Uncle Ned." Contributed by Mrs. Alma Cunningham, Roland, as sung by her father and a Mrs. Kiser, the latter of Clear Lake. 1. There was an old darky and they called him Uncle Ned, And he lived long, long ago; And there wasn't any wool on the top of his head In the place where the wool ought to grow. Chorus: So he hung up his fiddle and his bow, And he laid down his shovel and his hoe; There is no more work for poor Uncle Ned For he's gone where the good darkies go. 2. His fingers were long like the cane in the brake, And he hadn't any eyes for to see; He hadn't any teeth to eat the hoe cake So he had to let the hoe cake be. Folklore from Iowa 117 B. "Uncle Ned." Contributed by Arlene Mars, Gowrie, as sung by her father. 1. There was an old man and his name was Uncle Ned, And he died long long ago; He had no hair on the top of his head In the place where the wool ought to grow. Chorus: Hang up the shovel and the hoe, Take down the fiddle and the bow; For there is no more work for poor Uncle Ned, He's gone where the good darkies go. 93. THE SOLDIER'S POOR LITTLE BOY. For reference, see Ashton, Modern Street Ballads, p. 240; Shoemaker, p. 61; Singer's Journal, I, 32; Belden's Missouri Collection; Journal, XXXV, 366. A. "The Soldier's Orphan Boys." Contributed by Lloyd Soldow, Humboldt, as he has heard it sung. 1. The snow was gently falling, the ground was all covered o'er When a poor little boy, half frozen, came up to a rich lady's door; He saw her at her window high, which gave his heart much joy, "Oh, lady fair, have pity on me: I'm a poor little orphan boy. 2. "My mother died when I was young, my father went to the war, And it's many a mile he's carried me, all covered with wounds and *sores; Yes, it's many a mile he's carried me and his knapsack forth with joy, But now he's dead and in his grave; I'm a poor little orphan boy. 3. "There's no one left to shelter me; I'm exposed to the snow and storm, And if you do not protect me, I shall die before it is morn; And then your tender heart will break, your peace of mind destroy If you find me lying dead at your gate; I'm a poor little orphan boy." 4. The lady rose from off her chair and opened wide the door. "Come in, come in, my poor little boy, you ne'er shall want any more; My only son in the war was slain - my only pride and joy." 118 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "A Soldier's Poor Boy." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Mrs. J. H. Orr, Allerton, who learned it from her mother. 1. The snow was fastly falling, The night winds roaring go; A poor little boy quite forlorn Came to a rich lady's door Saying, "Lady so fair, pity on me take, I'm a soldier's poor little boy." 2. "My mother died when I was quite young, My father went to the war; For many a mile I was in his knapsack, He carried me with joy. But now I am left quite parentless - I'm a soldier's poor little boy." 94. CORPORAL SCHNAPPS. For another text, see Cox, No. 78. According to Cox, this song was written about 1864. No local title. Contributed by Robert Davis, Corydon, as sung by his grandfather, Mr. I. G. Davis, Corydon, who heard it sung toward the close of the Civil War by some of the returning soldiers. 1. Mine heart iss broked all up in little bits, I tole you friends vot for, Mine sweetheart, one good patriotic girl, She drive me off mit de war. I fights for her to battle of ter flag, I strikes as braver as I can; But now long time she nix remembers me, And goes with anoder man. Chorus: Oh! mim choms fraulien, you iss so very unkind, You goes mit Hans to Germany to live And leaves poor Schnapps behind. 2. I march all day, no matter if de rain Be vorse as Moses' flood; I lays me down mine head upon a stump And sinks to sleep in der mud. De nightmare comes, I catch him ferry bad, I dreams I schleeps mit my ghost, I vakes nixt morning frozen in der mud, So stiffer as von stone post. Folklore from Iowa 119 95. JUST AS THE SUN WENT DOWN. For another text, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 257. A. "Just as the Sun Went Down." Contributed by Irma Vought, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. J. J. Knieriem, Humboldt. 1. After the din of a battle roar Just at the close of day, Wounded and bleeding upon the field Two dying soldiers lay. One held a ringlet of thin grey hair, One held a lock of brown; Bidding goodbye to the stars and stripes Just as the sun went down. Chorus: One thought of mother at home alone, Feeble and old and gray; One of the sweetheart he left in town, Happy and young and gay. One kissed a ringlet of thin gray hair, One kissed a lock of brown; Bidding goodbye to the stars and stripes Just as the sun went down. 2. One knew the joys of a mother's love, One of a sweetheart's fair; Thinking of home they lay side by side Breathing a farewell prayer. One for his mother so old and gray, One for his lover in town; They closed their eyes to the earth and skies Just as the sun went down. B. "Just as the Sun Went Down." Contributed by Harold D. Holder, Corydon, as sung by his mother, Mrs. Nellie E. Holder, who learned i t in school. 1. After the din of the battle's roar Just at the close of day, Wounded and bleeding upon the field Two dying soldiers lay. 2. One held a ringlet of thin gray hair, One held a lock of brown; Bidding each other the last farewell Just as the sun went down. 9 120 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 3. One thought of mother at home alone, Feeble and old and gray; One of the sweetheart he left in town - Happy and young and gay. 4. One knew joy of the mother's love, One sweetheart fair; Thinking of home they lay side by side, Breathing a farewell prayer. 5. One for his mother so old and gray, One for his love in town; They closed their eyes to earth and skies Just as the sun went down. C. "Just as the Sun Went Down." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as learned in school by her mother. 1. In the dim and the battle's roar, Just at the close of day; Wounded and bleeding upon the field, Two dying soldiers lay. One held a ringlet of thin grey hair, One held a lock of brown; Bidding farewell to the stars and stripes Just as the sun went down. Chorus: One thought of mother at home alone, Feeble and old and grey; One of a sweetheart he's left in town, Happy and young and gay. One kissed a ringlet of thin grey hair, One kissed a lock of brown; Bidding farewell to the stars and stripes Just as the sun went down. 2. One knew the joys of a mother's love, One of a sweetheart's fair; Thinking of home they lay side by side Breathing a farewell prayer. One for his mother so old and grey, One for his love in town; They closed their eyes to the earth and skies Just as the sun went down. Folklore from Iowa 121 D. "Just as the Sun Went Down." Contributed by Hazel Kahn, Dysart, as sung by Mrs. Fred Kahn, Dysart. 1. There in the dim and battle's roar, just at the close of day Wounded and bleeding upon a field, two dying soldiers lay; One held a ringlet of their gray hair, one held a lock of brown, Bidding each other a last farewell just as the sun went down. Chorus: One thought of mother at home alone, feeble and old and gray, One of a sweetheart he left in town, happy and young and gay; One kissed a ringlet of thin gray hair, one kissed a lock of brown, Bidding farewell to the stars and stripes just as the sun went down. 2. One knew the joys of a mother's love, one of a sweetheart fair, Thinking of home, they lay side by side, breathing a farewell prayer; One for the mother so old and gray, one for his love in town, They closed their eyes to the earth and skies just as the sun went down. E. "Just as the Sun Went Down." Contributed by Edwin Byrnes, Reinbeck, as secured from Mrs. Wilbur Byrnes, Morrison. 1. One thought of Mother at home alone, Feeble and old and grey; One of a sweetheart he left in town, Happy and young and gay. One kissed a ringlet of thin grey hair, One kissed a lock of brown; Bidding each other a last farewellJust as the sun went down. 96. WATERS OF BLUE JUNIATA. For reference, see Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 98. A. "Junietta." Contributed by Helen Heltibridle, Grundy Center, as sung by Mrs. E. E. Heltibridle, Grundy Center, who learned it in the fifth grade when she went to school in Pennsylvania. 1. Wild roved an Indian maid, Her name was Alfaretta By the waters of the river, Bright blue Junietta. 9* 122 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "Waters of the Blue Juniata." Contributed by Alvin Storey, Reinbeck, as sung by Miss Alice Chalupsky, Reinbeck. 1. Wild roved an Indian girl, bright Al-fa-ra-ta, Where sweep the waters of the blue Juniata; Swift as the antelope through the forest going loose Were her jetty locks in wavy tresses flowing. 97. THE DRUNKARD'S LONE CHILD (A). For reference, see Henry, Journal, XLV, p. 58; Spaeth, Weep Some More, My Lady, p. 191; Grahame, The Palimpsest, p. 95, Vol. X, No. 3, March, 1929, published by The State Historical Society, Iowa City, Iowa. A. "The Drunkard's Lone Child." Contributed by Allerton High School as sung by Icy McKeeman, Allerton. 1. Out in the gloomy night, sadly I roam, No one to love me, no friends and no home; Nobody cares for me, no one would cry Even if poor little Bessie would die. Hungry and tired, I've wandered all day, Asking for work - I'm too small, they all say; All the day long I've been begging for bread, Father's a drunkard and mother is dead. Chorus: Mother, oh why did you leave me alone? No one to love me, no friends and no home; Dark is the night and the storm rages wild, God pity Bessie, the drunkard's lone child. 2. We were so happy till father drank rum, Then all our sorrows and troubles begun; Mother grew paler and wept every day, Baby and I were too hungry to play. Slowly they faded and one summer's night Found their sweet faces all silent and white; And with big tears slowly dropping, I said, "Father's a drunkard and mother is dead." 3. Oh! If temperance folks only could find Poor wretched father and speak very kind; If they could stop him from drinking, why then I should feel very happy again. Is it too late? Men of temperance, please try, Folklore from Iowa 123 For poor little Bessie will soon starve and die; All the day long I've been begging for bread - Father's a drunkard and mother is dead. B. "The Drunkard's Lone Child." Contributed by Harold F. Hollar, Humboldt, as sung by his mother, Mrs. Leota Hollar, Humboldt. 1. We were all so happy till father drank rum, Then all our sorrows and troubles begun. Mother grew paler and wept every day, Baby and I were too hungry to play. Slowly she faded, till one summer night, Found their dear faces all silent and white, Then with big tears slowly dropping I said, "Father's a drunkard and mother is dead." 98. THE DRUNKARD 'S LONE CHILD (B). Although bearing the same title as its predecessor in this collection, this song seems to be of an entirely different origin than the version in No. 97. It is another example of the song so popular among the foes of liquor in the early days of the struggle between the dry and wet forces. A. "The Drunkard's Lone Child." Contributed by Ercell Faulkner, Corydon, as sung by her grandmother, Mrs. Warren Brees, Allerton, who learned it from her cousins. 1. I'm a little lone girl, my friends have all fled, My father's a drunkard, my mother is dead; She's gone with the angels, I wonder and weep For the voice of my mother to sing me to sleep. Chorus: I'm alone, all alone in this cold world so wild, God look down and pity the drunkard's lone child; Look down and pity and soon come to me, And take me to dwell with mother and Thee. 2. She sleeps on the hill in a bed made of clay, How cold it did seem to lay mother away; She's gone with the angels, I wonder and weep For the voice of my mother to sing me to sleep. 3. Last night in my dreams she seemed to draw near, She kissed me as fondly as when she was here; She smiled on me sweetly and fondled my brow, And whispered, "Sweet loved one, I'm watching you now." 124 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society B. "The Drunkard's Lone Child." Contributed by Lorraine Purvis, Grundy Center, as learned by her parents in school. 1. I'm alone, all alone; my friends have fled; My father's a drunkard, my mother is dead; I'm a poor little girl, I wander and weep For the voice of my mother to sing me to sleep. She sleeps on a hill in a bed made of clay, How cold it did seem to lay mother away; She's gone with the angels and none do I see, So dear as the face of my mother to me. Chorus: I'm a little lone girl in this cold world so wide, God, look down and pity the drunkard's lone child; Look down and pity, oh! soon come to see And take me to dwell with mother and me. 2. 'Tis spring-time on earth, the birds seem so glad, I listen and wonder - my heart is so sad; Sweet flowers around, the crowd wanders by, But the form of my mother no longer is nigh. Last night in my dreams she seemed to draw near, She pressed me fondly as when she was here; She smiled on me sweetly and fondled my brow, And whispered, "Sleep on, I'm watching thee now." 99. THE LITTLE BROWN JUG. For other versions, see Buck, p. 122; Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 58. A. "The Little Brown Jug." Contributed by Vera Wickham, Mount Vernon, as sung by Mrs. J. C. Wickham, Mount Vernon. 1. I and my wife lived all alone In a little brown hut; She liked whiskey And I liked rum. Chorus: Ha, Ha, Ha, you and me, Little brown jug, don't I love thee? Ha, Ha, Ha, you and me, Little brown jug, don't I love thee? 2. I had a cow that gave such milk, I'd dress her on the choicest hay - Milk her forty times a day. Folklore from Iowa 125 B. "Little Brown Jug." Contributed by L. Humphrey, Roland, as he learned it in boyhood. 1. When I go toiling on the farm, I put little Brown Jug under my arm; Set it under some shady tree - Little Brown Jug, how I love thee! Chorus: Ha! Ha! Ha! You and me, Little Brown Jug, how I love thee! Ha! Ha! Ha! You and me, Little Brown Jug, how I love thee! C. "Little Brown Jug." Contributed by Mrs. Alma Cunningham, Roland, as sung by her father and Mrs. Kiser, the latter from Clear Lake. 1. When I go toiling on my farm I take little brown jug under my arm; I set it 'neath the shady tree My little brown jug, I do love thee. Chorus: Ha Ha Ha, He He He, little brown jug, I do love thee; Ha Ha Ha, He He He, little brown jug, I do love thee. 2. It's you that gives me friends and foes, It's you that makes me wear old clothes; When I get you under my nose, I tip you up and down she goes. 100. ON ELI'S SUNNY HILL. Another song often sung in Iowa in the early struggle over the liquor issue. "On Eli's Sunny Hill." Contributed by Charles McLaughlin, Mount Vernon. 1. On Eli's Sunny Hill I stand And cast a wicked eye, Down toward Bill McFarland's Don't let that hat pass by; Drop in a nickle, brother Burnett, 'Tis the river of Delight. 126 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 101. THE NEWSBOY. This is a type of the "personal suffering" song used so often in the early liquor conflict to excite the emotions and feelings of those battling over the issue. It illustrated, for the drys, the dire poverty of a family; the poverty caused by a drunken father. "The Newsboy." Contributed by Ercell Faulkner, Corydon, as sung by Mrs. Annis Faulkner, Allerton. 1. When I was a lad, I had a bad dad, Very bad in his ways, I mean; Every dollar and cent for liquor was spent Till poverty opened our door. 2. One cold winter morn I started away, To earn some money for bread; But when I returned, 'twas then I did mourn For there lay my poor mother dead. Chorus: Evening News, Evening News, Evening News, I would cry; While roving the streets, I didn't look neat, But I hustled for mother and I. 102. ON A COLD DECEMBER NIGHT. This song is another version of the story of a besotted father and his abused family. The song was used to arouse feeling in the early battle against liquor in this state. It is fairly representative of the songs used during those strenuous times. "On a Cold December Night." Contributed by Paul Parmer, Maquoketa, as known to his aunts, Miss Belle Parmer and Mrs. Chas. Robbins. 1. It was on a cold December night, 'Twas the eve ere Christmas morn, A night when old and young remember That Christ in the manger was born. While hearts rejoice some others suffer, In a hut wealth would disdain, When the snow on the wings of the wind was driven Through the cracks and the broken panes. Chorus: With no eye to see and no heart to pity, Where cold and hunger reign; The howling wind that knew no mercy Blew the snow through the broken panes. 2. On the cold bare floor of that dwelling By cold and hunger kept, A wife and child were waiting, listening, Folklore from Iowa 127 For a drunkard's tottering step. 'Twas a drunkard's home, 'twas once all happy, 'Twas sin that brought them pain; When Satan comes, he mocks at sorrow, Like the wind through the window panes. 3. 'Tis just ten years since before the altar, With vows of sacred verse, They pledged to love and to cherish For better or for worse. The worst has come and with its demons Enter with clanking chains; A happy home and then there followed The storm through the broken panes. 4. "Don't cry, dear mamma," came a whisper, "'Cause you make me feel so lone, Let's sing some verses like we used to Of the song about 'Home Sweet Home;' Hold me close unto your bosom, mamma, 'Cause I know you're not to blame; I'm warmer now, it must be Jesus Warmed the winds that blew through the panes." 5. When the sun awoke on that Christmas morning, To shine on the earth below, It shone on the stiff and frozen features Of poor old drunken Joe. To the cold bare floor of that wretched cottage, That night God's angels came; And the sun shone in on the cold, white faces Through the holes in the window panes. 103. EARLY IOWA SCHOOL SONGS. These various songs in this group are distinct in themselves and have no relation to one another. They are songs that were created for the purpose of instruction and were considered extreme y valuable at the time of their use. They remain now largely in the memory of those who attended the schools in the earlier days in Iowa and they are set forth here that they may be kept from perishing with the passing of the generation that knew them intimately. It seems certain that those who knew them will enjoy seeing them again; those who did not know them will appreciate the fact that they have been preserved in this way for posterity. These songs have a significance all their own and a distinct place in the history of Iowa. A. "County Song." Contributed by Marie Schlapkohl, Dysart, as sung by her father who learned it in school in 1880. 128 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. Our home is in Iowa westward toward the setting sun Just between two mighty rivers where the flowing waters run; It has towns, it has cities, it has many noble streams, It has ninety-nine counties. Will you join and sing their names? 2. Lyons, Osceola, Dickinson, where the Spirit Lake we see; Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee so fine Makes eleven northern counties on the Minnesota line. Clayton, Dubuque, Jackson, Clinton, together with Scott and Muscatine, Lee, Louisa, and Des Moines on the Eastern line are seen. Van Buren, Davis, Appanoose, Decatur, Ringgold, Wayne, We spy Taylor, Page, and Freemont on the Missouri border line. Pottawattami, Harrison, Mills, Union, Woodbury, Plymouth, Sioux are all the counties that around the border of our state we view. Next we point you to O'brien, Palo Alto, and Clay, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Floyd; now we see Chickasaw, I pray. Fayette, Bremer, Butler, Franklin next upon the map we see. Wright, and Humboldt, Pocahontas, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, a name so rare. Next is Hardin, Grundy, Black Hawk, and Buchanan, Delaware, Jones, Linn, Benton, Tama, Marshall, Story, Carroll, Crawford, Boone. Let us not your patience weary for we'll have them all too soon. Greene, Cedar, Johnson,lIowa, Powshiek, by the presidential fame, Guthrie, Audubon, Shelby, Cass and Madison, Adair, Warren, Marion, and Mahaska and Keokuk, too, is there, Henry. Jefferson, Wapello, Monroe, Washington is missed, Lucas, Clark, Union, Adams, and Montgomery fill the list. B. "States and Capitals." Contributed by Betty Balleu Poston, Corydon, who gave the following explanation concerning the song: "In Corydon, Iowa in the year of 1864, Mrs. Rosetta Whittaker kept a select school for girls and boys. Mrs. Emma Tedford and Mrs. Lewis Miles, both of this city, when they were about 12 years of age attended this school. Their teacher believed that everything that could be sung should be put to a tune. The rhythm, she claimed, made things easier to remember." The states and capitals and their location were sung thus: 1. State of Maine, Augusta, On the Kenebec River; State of Maine, Augusta, On the Kenebec River. Folklore from Iowa.129 2. Concord, New Hampshire, On the Merimac River; Concord, New Hampshire, On the Merimac River. 3. Massachusetts, Boston, On the Charles River; Massachusetts, Boston, On the Charles River. 4. New York, Albany, On the Hudson River; New York, Albany, On the Hudson River. 5. Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, On the Susquehanna; Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, On the Susquehanna. (Quoting Miss Poston again: "Nearly every city was located on a river, bay or lake. If not, they sang 'inland.' Both Mrs. Tedford and Mrs. Miles remember the tune. It is quite catchy and I found myself singing it quite often after that. They sang the multiplication tables to another tune Mrs. Whittaker made up.") C. "Roll Call Song." Contributed by Betty Balleu Poston, Corydon, as sung to her by Mrs. Lewis Miles, Corydon, who learned it in school about 1865. 1. There is Daniel Robb and Milly, Thomas Boswell, Jackson's Billy, Power's George and Bennett's Wesley, All belong to the Union School. Mary Boyle and Thomas's Emmy, Molly Robb and Bennett's Elly, And mischievous Charley Robb. D. "Roll Call Song." Contributed by Betty Balleu Poston, Corydon, as sung to her by Mrs. Lewis Miles, Corydon, who said that a Wesley Bennett, son of a circuit rider, and a school-mate of Mrs. Miles in 1865, composed it. 1. Painter's Jake and Lawyer's Joe, Pat and Jack and Ervino. Here's the girls and there they go, Allie, Laura, Froneo. 130 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society E. "School Song." Contributed by Ruthanne Jordan, Mount Vernon, as sung by her grandfather and grandmother Jordan. 1. Oh! how wonderful, oh, how nice It is to go to school; There you learn many things That make you happy and pious. Chorus: Oh! how wonderful, oh, how nice It is to go to school. F. "School Song." Contributed by Virgil Smith, Rutland, as sung by Mrs. Roy Caryl, Rutland, who learned it while in school at Creston in 1895. 1. Raise your hands if they are clean, By your teacher to be seen; Raise them higher, turn them slow, They're almost white as snow. G. "An Old School Song." Contributed by Hazel L. Lehman, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. E. E. Olmstead, Humboldt, who learned it from her mother. 1. School has begun, so come every one And come with smiling faces; For happy are they who learn when they may, So come and take your places. 2. Here you will find your teachers are kind, And with their help succeeding; The older you grow, the more you will know, And soon will love your reading. 3. Little boys, when you grow to be men, And fill some useful station; If you should be once found out as a dunce - 0, think of your vexation. 4. Little girls, too, a lesson for you, To learn is now your duty; Or no one will deem your worthy esteem, Whatever your worth and beauty. Folklore from Iowa 131 H. "Multiplication Tables Song." Contributed by Eunice Runft, Reinbeck, as learned by John Runft, Reinbeck, as a boy in 1882. Sung to the tune of Yankee Doodle, and used for all tables. 1. Five times five is twenty-five, And five times six is thirty; Five times seven is thirty-five, And five times eight is forty. Five times nine is forty-five, Five times ten is fifty; Five times eleven is fifty-five, And five times twelve is sixty. I 1. "Was It Right?" Contributed by Robert Keller, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. Sarah Millward, Humboldt. 1. If the girls and boys will listen, I will tell them in my song Of a sad, sad sight I noticed As to school I came along. 'Twas a fight between two children Who had fallen out in play; And at last they beat each other In a cruel and angry way. Was it right? Was it right? 2. Along the street came singing Such a merry little lad, But his voice soon ceased its singing And his happy voice was sad. He parted them so gently, And he begged them so to cease That they bound their arms together And went off to school in peace. That was right. That was right. I 2. "Was It Right?" Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, as known by her mother who also had a copy copied down by Mrs. Addie Morrett, Ernestine's grandmother, "around 1884-85." 1. If you girls and boys will listen I will tell you in my song Of a sad thing that I noticed 132 MXemoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society As to school I came along. 'Twas a fight, 'twas a fight, 'twas a fight! 'Twas between two little children Who had fallen out in play; And alas! they beat each other In a rude and angry way. Was it right? Was it right? Was it right? 2. All their little books so pretty Lay upon the dusty ground; They were torn and soiled and tumbled As their owner pushed around, In such a plight, in such a plight, in such a plight! That they never will be decent To be used in school again, But the boys had both forgotten All about their lessons then. Was it right? Was it right? Was it right? 3. Then along the street came singing Such a merry little lad, But his voice soon ceased its singing And his happy face was sad At the sight, at the sight, at the sight; And he parted them so gently And he begged them so to cease That they turned their arms together And all went to school in peace - That was right, that was right, that was right. J. "Uncle Sam's School." Contributed by Velma Sayers, Humboldt, as sung by Mrs. R. J. Sayers, Humboldt. 1. Of all the institutions in the east or in the west, The glorious institution of the schoolroom is the best; There is room for every scholar and our banner is unfurled With a general invitation to the people of the world. 2. Then come along, make no delay, Come from every dwelling, come from every way. Bring your books and slates along and don't be a fool For Uncle Sam is rich enough to send us all to school. K. "Rhymes on Johnnie and Annie." Contributed by Miss Belle McLaren, Lake Park, September 2, 1931. "This," she said, "was Folklore from Iowa 133 an original song by a young schoolmaster and was read at a school lyceum in Benton County about 1875. The song was much longer and treated local characters." 1. Who'll do their courtin' With a right good will; Have courted long and have courted still? Johnnie and Annie. 2. Who goes to his neighbors To court and to woo; Who never goes home until half-past two? Johnnie. 3. Who thinks of all Young men in the land Young Johnnie, the most handsome and grand? Annie. 104. NURSERY RHYME. Until he was told recently, the singer of this song never knew that the words he sang were parts of two songs, and that the second stanza was very much older than the first. In all probability, he at one time learned the words of both songs, but because the tune was the same, he, as the years passed, pieced together as one song the fragments he remembered. For reference and an interesting history of Yankee Doodle, as well as for additional texts, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, pp. 4-8. "Yankee Doodle." Sung by W. L. Stout, Cedar Falls, as he learned it more than fifty years ago. He said that he did not know where he learned it, but assumed that it was while he lived near Livermore. He said that he always sang the song this way and that he had never seen the words in print. 1. Yankee Doodle came to town A-ridin' a spotted pony; He stuck a feather in his cap And called it macmaroni. 2. Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it; Nothing in it, nothing in it, Only ribbons around it. 105. WHERE DID YOU GET THAT HAT? For another version, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 154. A. "Where Did You Get That Hat?" Contributed by Thelma Olson, Humboldt, as sung by Chris Olson, Humboldt. 134 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1. Now how I came to get this hat 'tis very strange and funny: Grandfather died and left to me his property and money; And when the will was read, they told me straight and flat: If I would have his money, I must always wear this hat. Chorus: "Where did you get that hat? Where did you get that tile? Isn't it a nobby one, and just the proper style? I should like to have one just the same as that;" Where'er I go, they shout, "Hello! Where did you get that hat?" 2. If I go to the op'ra house in the op'ra season, There's some one sure to shout at me without the slightest reason; If I go to a "chowder club" to have a jolly spell, There is some one in the party who is sure to shout at me: 3. At twenty-one I thought I would to my sweetheart be married, The people in the neighborhood had said too long we'd tarried; So off to church we went right guid, determined to get wed, I had not long been in there when the parson to me said: B. "Where Did You Get That Hat?" Contributed by Harmaline Pieper, Mount Vernon, as sung by Henry Wright, Mount Vernon. 1. Sure its de hat me father wore Upon Saint Patrick's Day; "Not a man in line looked half so fine," Me old mother used to say. As me father in this old time lid As he marched along Broadway. 106. IRISH BARBER. For other versions, see Shoemaker, p. 128 (second edition); Journal, XLV, p. 159 (Henry). "A Ballad." Contributed by Bernadine Christensen, Harlan. 1. Down in the city, not far from this spot A barber set up a nice little shop; He was silent and sad, but his smile was so sweet That he pulled the people right off of the street. 2. One horrid bad custom he thought he would stop, That no one for credit should come to his shop; So he got him a razor full of notches and rust To shave the poor mortal who came there for trust. Folklore from Iowa 135 3. Some time after that, Pat was passing that way His beard had been growing for many a day; He looked at the barber, he set down his hod, "Will you thrust me a shave by the pure love of God?" 4. "Walk in," said the barber, "set down in this chair And I'll mow your beard right down to a hair." He spread his lather over Paddie's big chin, And with his "trust" razor to shave did begin. 5. "Och, murther," said Pat, "and phat are you doin'? Lay off with your thricks or my jaws you will ruin; How would you like to be shaved with a saw? By the powers you'll pull every tooth out o' me jaw." 6. Some days after that Pat was passing that way - A jackass set up a most horrible bray; "Och, murther," said Pat, "just list to yon knave He's giving some mortal a love-of-God shave." 107. DUNDERBECK. For another version, see Spaeth, Read 'Em and Weep, p. 90. "Dunderbeck." Contributed by Helen Holtz, Dysart. 1. There was a fat old Dutchman, His name was Dunderbeck; He was fond of sausage meat, Sauerkraut and spack. He owned a great big butcher shop, The finest ever seen; And he made up a patent Of a sausage meat machine. Chorus: Oh, Dunderbeck! Oh, Dunderbeck! How could you be so mean? I'm sorry you invented That wonderful machine. For pussy cats and long tailed rats Will never more be seen; They'll all be ground to sausage meat In Dunderbeck's machine. 2. One day a very little boy Came walking in the store; To buy a pound of sausage meat, Some eggs half a score. 10 136 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society And while he stood there waiting, He whistled up a tune; Those sausage meats began to dance And hop about the room. 3. There's something got the matter, The machine it would not go; So Dunderbeck he crawled inside The reason for to know. His wife she had a night-mare, A walking in her sleep; She gave the crank an awful yank And Dunderbeck was meat. 108. MUSH, MUSH, MUSH. For another version, see Wier, p. 176. "Mush, Mush, Mush, Tu-ra-li-ad-dy." Contributed by Miss Edith Stanley, Massena, as obtained by her from Mr. Charles Cox, Massena. He has known it for about fifty years and learned it from hearing it sung when he was a boy. The melody is the one that Mr. Cox learned. With music. 'Twas there I learned reading and writing, Bil-lie Brackets taught the school. Twas there I learned howling and fight - Brackets taught the school. 'Twas there I learned howling and fight Iu-, I. g F e _.-.Mister_ ilTo — -i i — - me hI * iy G. — W i _ o I_ ing, From me school-master, Mister O'Toole. Him and me had ^ 1. l ^ I J,,,"-.," ---.r...... many a scrimmage. And div- il a cop - y I wrote; I —': " ' I- I -I| / -"'" "I -e --- — I ~ 's, _, _, ~. - '~ '-~J ' If you say a hard word agin' me, I'll tread on the Folklore from Iowa 137 i ]l_,, _, i,. i,..,, tail o' your Mush, mush, mush, tu - ra - ii - ad - dy, Sing I. r r,. F r: r.I. r Pi — I J! - r a r - mush, mush, mush, tu - ra - li - ay. If you say a hard word a - gin' me, I'll tread on the tail o' your coat. 1. 'Twas there I learned reading and writing, Billie Brackets taught the school. 'Twas there I learned howling and fighting, From me school-master, Mister O'Toole. Him and me had many a scrimmage, And divil a copy I wrote; If you say a hard word agin' me, I'll tread on the tail of your Mush, mush, mush, tu-ra-li-ad-dy, Sing mush, mush, mush, tu-ra-li-ay. If you say a hard word agin' me, I'll tread on the tail o' your coat. 2. 'Twas there I learned all o' me courtin', And lessons I took in the art; When Cupid, the blackguard, while courtin', Drove an arrow straight through to me heart. (Rest of stanza forgotten) 3. The blackguard, Mickey Maloney, He stole her affections away; For he'd money and I hadn't any, And I sent him a challenge next day. In the morning we met at Killarney, The Sharon we crossed in a boat; And I lathered him with my shilalley, For he's tread on the tail o' me Mush, mush, mush, Tu-ra-li-ad-dy, Sing mush, mush, mush, tu-ra-li-ay. And I lathered him with my shilalley, For he'd tread on the tail o' me coat. 4. My fame went abroad through the nation, And folks came flocking to see; 10* 138 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society And they cried out without hesitation, "You're the fightin' man, Billy McGee." I've cleaned out the Finnigan faction, I've licked all the Murphys afloat. If you're in for a row and a raction, Just tread on the tail o' me Mush, mush, mush, Tu-ra-li-ad-dy, Sing mush, mush, mush, tu-ra-li-ay. If you're in for a row or a raction, Just tread on the tail o' me coat. 109. THE NEWSBOY ON THE TRAIN. This song illustrates how a modern theme with local color may be developed into a ballad. It is probably illustrative, also, of the manner in which, in early times, true or historical events became at once the theme and the inspiration for a song in the form of the ballad. "The Newsboy on the Train." Contributed by Enid Stark, Corydon, who said, "This piece was bought by my mother's father from a cripple who wrote it." 1. It was a long, long time ago, When I from pain was free; A happy boy was I at school, And none so gay as me. 2. From school I went and labored hard As newsboy on the train; To battle with the mighty world, My daily bread to gain. 3. I learned to know as time flew by That trouble thick and fast Should o'er me come and make me go On crutches to the last. 4. So here I am as you can see, I think it is a shame; In remembrance of the fatal night I fell beneath the train. 110. THE BLIND BOY. Although not in true ballad form, this song does exhibit the theme of personal grievance and does attempt to set forth a true story. It, evidently, was the work of some unfortunate Iowa workman. It is possible that it was done for monetary reward or selfish motive although no record is available to substantiate that idea. The motive may have been simply to explain the unfortunate condition of the singer. Folklore from Iowa 139 "The Blind Boy." Contributed by Ernestine Morrett, Corydon, as dictated by her mother, Mrs. E. K. Morrett. 1. Pardon, friends and neighbors, if I intrude upon your time, Please stop and read these verses and see that I am blind; I once gazed on the morning sun and saw the early lark, But the heavenly Father's will is done - I'm now left in the dark. 2. My name is Edward Brodrick, I was born in Illinois, My parents came to Iowa when I was but a boy; I remember well those happy days, the joy that filled my mind, As I viewed the fields and flowers, but now alas, I'm blind! 3. Strangers, you may wish to know how I became so blind, A boiler maker I am by trade and lived in East Des Moines; Four years I worked in McDonald's shop Not only for myself but for my parents, they were poor and needed all my help. 4. Then, oh! the youthful plans I made - they ne'er were realized, But God he knoweth what was best and will know it by and by; A sad... there came a sharp iron splint, struck me in my right eye; It grieved me much to lose its sight, it caused me much of pain. 5. But I blessed God I'd one bright orb and I went on to work again, Twelve months had scarce passed me by, while working in my speed, A hot iron chip struck my right eye and I was blind indeed. 6. My mother wept from day to day, she does not seem the same, Says she, "Dear son, what will you do? You ne'er will see again;" Said I, "Dear mother, do not weep; thank God our lives have made A home for poor blind boys like me - I will go and learn a trade." 7. Three years I spent in Tinten inn, that dread silent home, I learned that trade of making brooms, but money I have none; And if some kind friend will pity and give me a little help, I'll buy some stock and start a shop, and I'll support myself. 8. And God he surely will reward more than a hundred fold, I pray he'll leave you your bright orbs which can't be bought for gold; But we will meet again some day in our Father's heavenly land, Where the poor and rich and blind can see up in that better land. 140 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 111. CLARA NOLAND'S BALL. For another text, see Journal, XXXIX, 169 (Hudson). No local title. Contributed by Edward Powers, Humboldt, as sung by Charles Kurth, Humboldt. 1. You are all invited and the band is engaged; We are going to have some fun For Clara Knowlens gives a ball The day she's twenty-one. With borrowed knives and tablecloths From the town all around, Be sure and bring your chair along If you want to sit down. 112. I'LL EAT WHEN I'M HUNGRY. For reference and other texts, see Hudson, No. 85; Journal, XXXIX, 160 (Hudson). A. No local title. Contributed by Leona Lovell, Reinbeck, as obtained from Mrs. Celia Judd, Reinbeck. 1. I'll eat when I'm hungry, And drink when I'm dry; If whiskey won't kill me, I'll live till I die. Work I'm too lazy And beg I won't do; I'll steal for a living And fight my way through. B. No local title. Contributed by LaVon Poquet, Osceola, as sung by her father, H. C. Poquet, Osceola. (French) 1. Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, Rye whiskey I cry; If rye whiskey don't kill me, I'll live until I die. PART II CURRENT BELIEFS FROM IOWA BIRTH AND INFANCY. 1. If a girl is born: In JANUARY, she will be a prudent housewife, given to melancholy, but good-natured; In FEBRUARY, a humane and affectionate wife and tender mother; In MARCH, a frivolous chatterbox, somewhat given to quarreling; In APRIL, inconstant, not very intelligent, but likely to be good-natured; In MAY, handsome, amiable, and likely to be happy; In JUNE, impetuous, will marry early and be frivolous; In JULY, passably handsome, but with a sulky temper; In AUGUST, amiable and practical, and likely to marry rich; In SEPTEMBER, discreet, affable, and much liked; In OCTOBER, pretty and coquettish, and likely to be unhappy; In NOVEMBER, liberal, kind, and of a mild disposition; In DECEMBER, well-proportioned, fond of novelty and extravagant. (167). 2. A child that dies before being christened will not go to heaven. (408). 3. A woman about to become a mother is exceptionally active and ambitious the day before confinement. (408). 4. The day on which a child is born influences its whole life: Monday's child is fair of face, Tuesday's child is full of grace, 1 The first numeral within parentheses following an item of folklore refers to the numeral to be found in the Table of Sources of Information in Part II. Comparison of these numerals will identify the person who contributed that particular item of folklore. If two numerals are within parentheses (334; 335), it will be known that #334 contributed the item to the collection and that that person learned or obtained it from t335. When the numerals are connected by and (334 and 335), it will be known that two persons contributed the same item. If a word indicating nationality follows the numerals (334; 335; German), it will be known that the original contributor indicated was of German descent or learned the item of folklore from a German source. These devices are used to conserve space and prevent tiresome repetition. 142 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Wednesday's child is loving and giving, Thursday's child works hard for a living, Friday's child is full of woe, Saturday's child has a journey to go; But the child that is born on the Sabbath day Is merry and happy, and wise and gay. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 5. If the baby smiles in his sleep, it is a sign he will die soon and go to the angels. (198; Norwegian). 6. When a baby smiles in its sleep, it is talking with the angels. (78; Danish). 7. To tickle a baby excessively on the soles of the feet will cause it to stammer. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 8. If a mother leaves her baby, her breasts will hurt if the child cries or is uncomfortable. (408; Norwegian). 9. The ninth day after confinement is the most critical day for the mother. (407 and 408; English, Scotch, and Norwegian). 10. If a woman who is pregnant is frightened, her child will bear a mark that will resemble that which frightened her. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 11. A woman is most beautiful just before the birth of her first child. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 12. A baby's layette should contain something old. (408; Norwegian). 13. If a mother craves a certain food during pregnancy, her child will have a craving for the same thing throughout its life. (408; Norwegian). 14. Babies are brought by storks. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 15. Babies are found in straw piles. (407). 16. A good looking baby becomes an ugly adult, and vice-versa. (408). 17. It is bad luck for the first son or daughter to be named after the father or mother. (408; Norwegian). 18. It is a lucky sign for a baby to be cross or to cry while being christened. (408; Norwegian). 19. The good die young. (407 and 408). 20. If a child looks into a mirror before it is one year old, it will be sickly. (385; 217). 21. If a baby looks into a looking-glass, it will go crazy. (143; 396). 22. If you dream of a birth, you will hear of a death. (8; 166). 23. Let a baby look into a mirror before it is a year old and it will not live to be a year old. (8; 168). 24. Bad luck always follows if a baby looks in the mirror at himself. (122). 25. Use catnip tea to cure the baby's colic. (221; 222). Folklore from Iowa 143 26. If a new born baby is carried upstairs, he will always be highminded. (330). 27. If a new born baby is passed through a window on a horsecollar, he will always have good luck. (330). 28. If the baby's picture is taken, the fourth generation of his descendants will die out. (114; 151). 29. It is bad luck to cut a baby's finger-nails before he is a year old. (114; 151). 30. If a baby is born with two ringlets on his head instead of one, he will not live long. (137). 31. If it rains on a baby's head before it is a year old, it will not live long. (293; 399). 32. Pass a baby through a window and it will be a thief. (188). 33. If a baby sees itself in the mirror before it is a year old, it will be vain. (346). 34. The seventh son of the seventh son is superior. (69; 70). 35. If a baby looks at himself in a mirror before he is six months old, he will die within a year. (445; 439). 36. Born on Friday, everything goes backwards on Friday. (436; 157). 37. A child born with a veil over its face is able to forecast the future. (341). 38. Don't let a baby look in the mirror or it will be cross-eyed. (102). CHILDHOOD. 39. At confirmation time it is a sign of good luck if the minister happens to lay his hand on the confirmant's head. (408; Norwegian). 40. On seeing the first star in the evening, the following verse should be repeated and a wish made: Star bright, star light, The first star I've seen tonight; Would it were that I might have The wish I wish tonight. (110; Norwegian). 41. If a child picks its nose, it has worms. (408; Norwegian). 42. If you get a licking on Monday, you will get one every day of the week. (12). 43. If you cry on your birthday, you will cry every day during the year. (12). 44. If you sing after you go to bed at night, you will cry before breakfast. (8; 351). 45. One will get his wish, if, when he sees the first star of the evening, he will toss it three kisses, make a wish and repeat the following poem: 144 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Star light, star bright, First star I've seen tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might Get the wish I wish tonight. (112). 46. Sing before breakfast, you'll cry before dinner. (114; 353). 47. If you crawl through a window, you will never grow big. (62; 454). 48. If you sing at the table, you will have bad luck. (438). 49. If you sing in bed, you will have bad luck. (438). 50. If you walk under a ladder, you will cease to grow. (255; 321). 51. Whistle before breakfast, you'll cry before supper. (346; 345). 52. Sing before you eat, cry before you sleep. (436). LOVE AND COURTSHIP. 53. If you let your dish-water boil, your beau will go up the chimney. (101; 102). 54. If you put a wish-bone over the door, the first young man to pass under it will be your husband. (385; 208). 55. When two girls wish on a wish-bone of a fowl by pulling it in two, the girl who gets the larger piece gets her wish, and if she places her part of the wish-bone over the door, the first young man to enter under it is her future husband. (112; 322). 56. Hang a wish-bone over the door and the first boy or girl who goes under it will marry. (445; 439). 57. If you have a wish-bone, place it over the door so it won't fall down, and the first boy or girl (not in the family) who walks under it is the one you will marry. (31; 272). 58. If you peel an apple without breaking the peeling and then put it over the door, the first man to enter through the door is your husband. (112; 298). 59. Opals and pearls in an engagement ring bring sorrow and tears. (122; 383). 60. When you see a new moon, pick up what is under your right foot and say: New moon, true moon, tell to me Who my true love is going to be; The color of his hair And the tie he'll wear On the day he is wed to me. The first man you then see will be your husband. (112; 298). 61. Place a piece of bridal cake under your pillow and you will dream of your future husband or wife. (112; 298). 62. Peel an apple and throw the peeling over your left shoulder with your right hand and it will fall in the shape of the initials of your future husband or wife. (112; 298). 63. If a girl will count nine stars in the heavens every night for Folklore from Iowa 145 a week, she will dream on the seventh night of her future spouse. (122). 64. A young unmarried woman should avoid sweeping around her feet, for if it is done it means that she will not marry during that year. (122). 65. If any one is overly fond of dill or sour pickles, it means that he is very much in love. (122). 66. To use an abundance of sugar is a sign that one is in love. (122). 67. If a person who is pouring coffee into a cup causes it to overflow, that person is in love. (122). 68. On Hallowe'en if you will look in the mirror, and see a face over your shoulder, it is the face of the person you will marry. (394; 393).,69. On Hallowe'en if you peel an apple and throw the peeling over your shoulder and it forms a number, it is the number of years you will be married. (394; 393). 70. Count nine stars for nine nights and the first man you meet after that you will marry. (181; 182). 71. Finding a hair-pin is the sign of finding a date. (114; 332). 72. Stub your toe and kiss your thumb - That's a sign your beau will surely come. (114; 332). 73. Pass two articles at once at a meal and you'll be the first one of those present to marry. (114; 380). 74. If you can walk three lengths of rails on a railroad track without falling off, you will marry the first man seen afterward. (114; 403). 75. Three lamps burning in a room, a secret bride or groom is in the room. (114; 374; German). 76. If you place two knives at a place on the table instead of a knife and fork, there'll be a new bride in the family. (114; 118). 77. If you stub your toe, turn around and you will see your fellow. (377; 417). 78. If you go down cellar with a lighted candle and have a mirror and look into it, you will see the man you are to marry. (377; 417). 79. Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride. (100; 352). 80. If you let your dish-water boil, you will be an old maid. (369). 81. Place a horseshoe above the door. The first one to walk under it will be the first one in the family to marry. (188). 82. If you step over a broom, you will be an old maid. (290; 149). 83. One may count apple seeds and predict the future: One I love, Two I love, Three I love I say; Four I love with all my heart 146 146Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society And five I cast away; Six he loves, Seven she loves, Eight they both love; Nine he comes And ten he tarries, Eleven he courts And twelve he marries. (336; 337). 84. It is unlucky for anyone to remove rings except the owner. (453). 85. When you blow out candles on a birthday cake, the number of candles left lit after you blow once is the number of years left before you get married. (372; 373). 86. If you stand on a table, you'll marry before you're able. (349). 87. If you sit on the table, you want to be married. (407; -Scotch). 88. If two forks are placed at one plate instead of a knife and fork, it is the sign of an approaching wedding. (349). 89. Pare an apple and throw the peeling over your left shoulder and the letter formed will be the initial of your future last name. (452). 90. If you see the moon over your right shoulder, you will marry wealthy. (129; 130). 91. If two forks or two knives are at one place, it means a wedding in the house. (129; 308). 92. If someone pulls a chair from under you when you are at a party, your future husband or wife is in the room. (9; 10). 93. To fall in love with someone at first sight is a sign you will marry that person. (405; probably Scotch). 94. Dissolve a pearl in water; have your girl drink the solution and she will always love you. (405). 95. When you stub your toe, kiss your thumb, and the first man you meet is the one you will be sure to marry. (336). 96. If a girl looks under the bed at night, she will be an old maid. (78). 97. To find where your love or lover lives, strike a match and hold the stem vertical with the head at the top. When the stem burns down, the head will fall off and the direction in which it falls indicates the direction in which the loved one lives. (410). 98. If you take the last item from a plate, such as the last slice of bread, you will be an old maid or a bachelor as the case may be. (108; Norwegian). 99. Light a match and the direction the smoke goes is the direction your fellow goes. (405). 100. To find if her sweetheart loves her, a girl will take a daisy and pluck the petals off as she repeats the words: "He loves me, he loves me not." The last petal plucked tells the truth. (408; Norwegian). Folklore from Iowa 147 101. Peaches and cream once a week, Kiss your girl on the right hand cheek; Apples fried and apples dried, Kiss her on the other side. (135; Scotch). 102. Girls years ago wore dresses with many buttons down the back. Often they would ascertain the name of the future husband by counting the buttons and repeating the A, B, C's. (336; French-Canadian or English). 103. A petal on a daisy, sunflower, or plant of a similar nature is plucked off as each of the following words is spoken: "Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief; merchant, tailor, banker, chief." The word named as the last petal is plucked indicates the type of person the girl will marry. (407; English). 104. If your shoestring comes untied, your sweetheart is thinking of you. (408; Norwegian). 105. It is a sign of bad luck to take off an engagement ring. (408; Norwegian). MARRIAGE. 106. If you can make a good fire, you will make a good husband. (78). 107. If a woman can build up a quick fire in the morning, she will be a good wife. (198; Norwegian). 108. To cut bread slices thick when you are cutting bread indicates you will make a good stepmother. (200; Scotch). 109. Place a fish flat-bone above the door and you will marry the first man who enters the room under it. (251; Norwegian). 110. Hang a rabbit's foot above the front door, and the first strange gentleman who passes under it will marry the eldest daughter at home. (455). 111. A bride should never save her veil, but should tear it up and distribute it among the guests for luck. (333). 112. If it snows on your wedding day, it is a sign of wealth. (207). 113. If you cross hands with another couple while shaking hands, there will be a wedding. (421). 114. Throw rice on a newly married couple for luck. (408; Norwegian). 115. Happy is the bride the sun shines on, and sorrowful the bride the rain rains on. (200; Scotch). 116. After a wedding it is a sign of luck to throw old shoes at the bridegroom and bride as they leave the bride's house. (407; Scotch or English). 117. When a woman marries, she should wear on her wedding day: Something old, something new; Something borrowed, something blue. (408; Norwegian). 118. It is unlucky to take off a wedding ring. (407; Scotch). 148 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 119. To walk in front of someone and have that one sweep dust on you is a sign that you will never marry. (109; Norwegian). 120. When tying a quilt, place a cat in the middle of it as four girls hold the four corners of the quilt. Then shake the quilt to scare the cat and the person he jumps toward will be the first one married. (428). 121. When you see the first new moon in the year, take a silk handkerchief and hold it between you and the moon. You will see some half-moons. Take one-half of the moons you see, and it will be that many years until you are married. (8; 205). 122. Bake a ring in the bridal cake and the one who gets the ring in a piece of cake is the next to be married. (112; 298). 123. When two brothers or two sisters are married the same day, bad luck is bound to befall one. (122; 383). 124. Never remove your wedding ring and you'll have a happy married life. If you remove it, you'll lose your husband. (122; 383). 125. For a couple to be happily married, one must be ambitious and the other lazy. (388; Bohemian). 126. If a bride wants good luck, she should step through the church door with her right foot. (330; 402). 127. If you put butter on the wrong side of the bread, you will be a stepmother. (114; 118). 128. To dream of a marriage is the sign of a death, or vice-versa. (283). 129. Step over a broom and you will never marry. (334; 335). 130. When a white pigeon flies around, it means that someone in the family will be married soon. (318; 134). 131. Marry in Lent and live to repent. (100). 132. If it rains on her wedding day, the bride will weep all her married life. (100; 352). 133. Just as a wedding party leaves the ceremony, the bride throws her bouquet. The lady who catches it will wed within the year. (408; Norwegian). 134. When girls wore dresses with many buttons down the back, they foretold the future business of the husband-to-be by counting the buttons as the following words were spoken: "Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief; Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief." The last named button indicated the type to be expected. (408; Norwegian). 135. You will never get rich until you wear out your wedding clothes. (109; Norwegian). 136. For marriage there are lucky and unlucky days: Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth, Wednesday the best day of all; Folklore from Iowa 149 Thursday losses, Friday crosses, Saturday no luck at all. (408; Norwegian). 137. The number of seeds found in an apple indicates the number of children you will have. (408; Norwegian). 138. Change the name and not the letter, Change for worse instead of better. (408; Norwegian). 139. A piece of wedding cake, cut by the bride, and placed by a guest under her pillow for three nights will cause her on the third night to dream of her true lover. (408; Norwegian). 140. To have an odd number of guests at the wedding dinner is an unlucky omen for the bride's future. (109; Norwegian). 141. A marriage calendar: If married in January, the wife will live longer than the husband; In February, domestic happiness will prevail; In March, the couple will eventually make their home abroad; In April, the bride will decidedly rule the roost; May is considered unlucky for weddings; June is an exceptionally lucky month, promises lasting love to bridal couples; July marriages are apt to be crisscrossed with sunshine and shadow; August is noted for its ideally mated couples; September marriages run a smooth congenial course; October marriages mean that either love or money will be lacking in the future; November promises prosperity; December, a married life full of love. (109; Norwegian). 142. If the bride or bridegroom is handed a telegram on the way to the church, it is a sure sign of bad luck. (109; Norwegian). 143. One marriage is followed by another. (336; 347). 144. Type of dress the bride wears at the wedding foretells the condition of her wedded life: If you marry in green, you'll live like a queen, If you marry in red,..................... If you marry in brown, you'll live in town, If you marry in blue, you'll live happy and true, If you marry in black, you'll wish yourself back, If you marry in gray, your love will stray, If you marry in pink, your love will stink, If you marry in white, you'll quarrel and fight. (198; Norwegian). 145. Type of dress the bride wears at the wedding foretells the condition of her wedded life: Married in white, you have chosen all right, Married in gray, you will go far away, 150 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Married in black, you will wish yourself back, Married in red, you will wish yourself dead, Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in blue, you will always be true, Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl, Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow, Married in brown, you will live out of town, Married in pink, your spirits will sink. (167). DEATH AND BURIAL. 146. If you see a star fall, you will soon hear of the death of some acquaintance. (109; Norwegian). 147. Rain in an open grave is the sign of another death in the same family within a year. (200; Scotch). 148. If an owl sits on the window ledge of a sick room, it is a sign of death. (108; Norwegian). 149. If an owl hoots, don't go outside or someone will die. (123). 150. To see two toothpicks crossed on the floor is a sign that someone dear to you has died. (109; Norwegian). 151. If you bring an axe into the house, there will be a death in the house within a year. (385). 152. If one of the family is sick and a bird comes and sings on the porch, there will be a death in the family. (385; 58). 153. If an old hen flies into a window, there will be a death in the family. (266; 265). 154. If a fruit tree blooms twice a year, there will be a death in the family. (266; 265). 155. Measuring a spade or a shovel in the house means that you are starting your grave. (266; 265). 156. Whenever two things accidentally form a cross, such as the crossing of two sticks or of thread, it is a sign of death. (198; Norwegian). 157. It is a sign of death to open an umbrella in the house. (252; Norwegian). 158. It is a sign of death if a bird flies against the window. (411; English). 159. To dream of a white horse going through the sky is a sign of death in the family within a year. (173; English). 160. If it is a bad day when a person is buried, it is a sign that he has been mean to the cats. (284; Norwegian). 161. Stop a clock when someone dies and leave it stopped until after the funeral to prevent further bad luck in the family. (269). 162. To break a mirror is the sign of impending death in the family. (409; English). 163. If a shovel is carried through the house, it is a sign of death in the family within a year. (176). Folklore from Iowa 151 164. The last one to leave the cemetery after a funeral will be the next one buried. (409; English). 165. If a picture falls from the wall, it is a sign of death in the family. (408; Norwegian). 166. If a person looks into a mirror during a funeral, there will be a death in his family within a year's time. (128; 127). 167. You should not count a funeral procession or you will die within a year. (113). 168. If a dog moans, it is a sign of death in the family. (428). 169. It is a sign of bad luck to take anything off of a grave. (428). 170. When someone dies, the mirror should be turned to the wall. Otherwise, the first person to see himself in the mirror will be the next person in the family to die. (88; 86). 171. If two white doves try to enter a house and one or both succeed, it means death. (93). 172. If you hear a ticking from the depth or hollow of a wall in your home, and it gets louder and louder until it crashes, and then ceases, a sick friend or relative will die. (93). 173. If the funeral procession stops on the way to the cemetery, someone in the procession is going to die within a month. (8; 166). 174. It is a sign of death for a wild bird to fly into the house. (8). 175. If a cherry tree blooms out of season, there will be a death in the family before the year is up. (8; 77). 176. If there is sickness in the family and the dog howls, it is a sign of death. (8). 177. If you are eating dinner on Sunday when the clock strikes one, you will hear of the death of a friend before the week is up. (8; 351). 178. It is a sure sign of death in the household if an owl hoots three consecutive nights and then leaves. (122). 179. If an owl hoots on the chimney, there will be a death in the family. (144). 180. When a wild bird enters the house and is in the room in which you are, it signifies death in the family. (144; 215). 181. If your flowers bloom out-of-doors late in the fall, and the fruit trees bear new leaves, it means death. (314). 182. If you hear a clock tick in the wall, there will be a death among the near relatives soon. (135). 183. If you borrow salt, there will be a death in the family. (98). 184. If an umbrella is opened in the house and someone stands under it, a death will occur in the family within a year. (294). 185. When a lynx howls from a tree, it is a sign of death. (414). 186. If a shark follows a ship and raises itself clear of the water so that its stomach may be seen, it is a sign of death on board the ship before the journey is ended. (17; 18). 11 152 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 187. If a rooster crows at night repeatedly between nine p.m. and three a.m., it is a sign of death. (17; 18). 188. If an old person leaves his home for a short visit and he walks with a speed unfamiliar to him, it means he'll never see his home again. (17; 18). 189. If you step over a grave, you will die soon. (407; Scotch). 190. Never buy a new broom in May or some member of the family will die soon. (357; 356). 191. Whenhunting for the body of a personwho has been drowned, place a young rooster in the boat and row all around the body of water in which you suspect the body to be. If the rooster starts to crow and crows three times in succession, the body will be found at the point where the rooster began crowing. (17; 18). 192. If a woodpecker pecks on the roof in the morning, it is a sign of death. (330; 402). 193. If a hen crows, there will be a death in the family. (330; 402). 194. If it rains on a coffin at a funeral, there will be another death in the family within a year. (330; 459). 195. If a loaf of bread is placed upside down, someone in the family will die. (448). 196. If a bird flutters in your face, it is a sign of death. (114; 353). 197. If you stand on a grave, you will have bad luck. (407; Scotch). 198. If you drop your scissors and they stick upright in the floor, there will be a death in your family soon. (114; 353). 199. If a funeral procession is separated on the way to the cemetery, another funeral will pass that same road in a short time. (434; 248). 200. If people linger at the cemetery following a burial, the same group will soon gather there again. (434; 248). 201. It is a sure sign of death to hang a white washing on the line between Christmas and New Year's. (99). 202. It is a sign of death to burn flowers of any kind. (99). 203. If you find a flower that has dropped off a casket, there will be a death in your family. (193). 204. If a funeral procession meets a young person first, the next death you will hear of will be that of a young person. If the first person met is an old person, the next death will be an old person. (114). 205. If a black cat squalls under your window, someone in your family will die. (338; 204). 206. It is a sign of death when a person planting potatoes forgets to plant a row and doesn't notice it until the vines come through the ground. (29; 209; Danish). 207. A dog howling in the night foretells a death in the neighborhood. (301). 208. If a bat comes down the chimney and flies in the house, there is going to be a death in the family. (145; 96). Folklore from Iowa 153 209. If a snowball bush blooms in the fall, there will be a death before the year is over. (145; 96). 210. If a spider is seen on the ceiling in the morning before you are up from your bed, it means a death in the family. (246). 211. If a crow is seen trying to get in a window, there will be a death in the family living in the house. (42). 212. To break a mirror means death in the family within seven years. (370). 213. It is a sign of death in the family if the dog looks at the house and howls. (37a). 214. When someone dies, stop the clock and turn all mirrors to face the wall so that the spirit won't come back and look into a mirror. To fail to do these things will bring bad luck. (189; 30). 215. If a child is named after a dead brother or sister, he will not live long. (392; 297). 216. It is a sure sign of death if a whippoorwill comes into a house where there is sickness. (237). 217. Never take any instrument to be used in the ground through the house or you will work on the grave of some member of the household within a year. (346; 345). 218. If you hear a death-knell tingling in your ear, there will be a death in the family soon. (186). 219. If a pigeon lights on your window sill at night, someone in the family will die. (185). 220. If three men light their cigars from one match, one of them will die before the year is over. (325). 221. If a funeral procession stops, there will be another death in the family. (262; 261). 222. A bat flying is a sign of death. (336; 79). 223. If three lamps are on the table at the same time, a death will occur in the family. (349). 224. When a star falls at night, some person died at that moment. (452). 225. If a dog howls at night, a person died at that moment. (452). 226. If any flowers fall to the floor during a funeral, it means death to as many in the family as the number of the flowers that fell. (111). 227. If a pigeon flies against the window, there will be a death in the family. (455). 228. If a raindrop falls in an open grave, someone else in the family will die within a year. (40; 344). 229. If the family washing is done between Christmas and New Year's, there will be a death in the family. (258). 230. If a hat of mourning is placed on your head, you will soon need one yourself. (238). 231. If a dog howls under your bedroom window, some relative will die in the near future. (233). 11* 154 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 232. If a bird pecks at the window, it is a sign of death in the family. (326). 233. To sweep over the threshold after dark is a sign of death. (327). THE HUMAN BODY. 234. Wash the hair in salt water to keep it from falling out. (303). 235. When you lose a hair-pin, you lose a friend. (385; 58). 236. If you want a prosperous journey, put your right shoe on first. (428). 237. It is a sign of bad luck to cut your finger-nails on Sunday. (241; 249). 238. If you cut your hair at certain periods of the moon, it will grow faster. (143; 396). 239. If you come to the table with clean hands, you will get plenty to eat. (55; 68). 240. If your hair grows far up on both sides of the forehead, you will fall heir to a large fortune soon. (109; Norwegian). 241. Those who have much hair on the arms and legs are sure to be rich. (408; Norwegian). 242. A pimple on the tongue is a sign that a lie has been told. (251; Norwegian). 243. To save pulled teeth will bring good luck. (198; Norwegian). 244. If two people say the same thing at the same time, they should lock their little fingers together and wish, and the wish will come true providing they do not speak to each other until one has said "Needles" and the other "Pins" or until someone else has called them by name. (407). 245. If two people happen to say the same thing at the same time, they immediately link their little fingers together and wish something secretly. By doing this the wish will be granted. (110; Norwegian). 246. If two people say the same thing at the same time, they lock their little fingers together and wish, then say opposites (as needles - pins or cups - saucers), kiss thumbs, press them together without speaking further, and the wish will come true. (336). 247. The length of a scratch is an indication of the length of a journey at an early date. (407; Scotch). 248. A turned-up nose indicates temper. (407; English). 249. It is a sign of coming sickness to dream of teeth. (421). 250. If you will keep your tongue out of a tooth socket after the extraction of a tooth, a gold tooth will grow in its place. (171). 251. If the teeth of a person are far apart, he will live far from his parents when he leaves home for himself. (408; Norwegian). Folklore from Iowa 155 252. If the right eye itches, it is the sign of happiness to come; if the left eye, sorrow. (408; Norwegian). 253. If you pull a tooth and throw it away and a cow walks over it, you will get a cow's tooth; if a dog walks over it, a dog's tooth, and so on. (78). 254. An extremely high forehead is a sign of much intelligence. (407). 255. A scratch on the arm is an indication of a journey - the nearer the thumb the sooner the pleasure. (200; Scotch). 256. Mole on the neck, money by the peck. (200; Scotch). 257. If your ear itches, someone is talking about you. (407; Scotch). 258. If your right ear itches, somebody is talking good about you; if your left ear, someone is talking evil of you. (40). 259. A ringing in the right ear is the sign of good news; in the left, of bad news. (327). 260. If your left ear burns, somebody is telling lies about you; if your right ear, someone is talking spitefully about you. (109; Norwegian). 261. If the right hand itches, you will shake hands with someone. (201 and 200; English). 262. If the palm of the hand itches, you will get money. (78). 263. If your right hand itches, you are going to shake hands with a stranger; if your left hand, you are going to get some money. (40). 264. When your right hand itches, you are going to see a friend. (223). 265. It is bad luck for two people to wipe their hands on the same towel at the same time unless it be twisted after one of them has finished using it. (123). 266. If twopeoplewash in the same pan at the same time, they will quarrel. (174; Norwegian). 267. It is bad luck for anyone who does not have his nose greased on his birthday by each member of his family. Butter or axle-grease is commonly used, the theory being that the more difficult the removal of the grease from the nose, the luckier the charm to help the person slide through another year. (411; English). 268. The number of white spots on the finger-nails indicates the number of lies told during the day. (336). 269. It is a sign of luck to have human ashes in or on your desk. (407). 270. Place a dandelion below the chin and if it reflects yellow, it is a sign the person likes butter. (405; Scotch). 271. To eat bread crusts will make one's hair very curly. (405). 272. If your left foot itches, you are going to walk on strange ground. (40). 156 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 273. A long nose is the sign of intelligence. (407; Scotch). 274. The eating of carrots will make the cheeks rosy. (405). 275. To prevent forgetfulness, tie a string around the finger. (405; Scotch). 276. Eat the burned part of toast and it will make the hair curly. (200). 277. "Stub your toe, kiss your thumb, Meet your fate (or beau) ere the day is done." (200). 278. Eat anything burned and it will make you a good singer. (408; Norwegian). 279. A fever blister on the lip is a sign that you have been kissed by your sweetheart. (407). 280. If you have a canker or blister on the tongue, it is a sign that you have told a lie. (408; Norwegian). 281. If your tongue is sore, you have told a lie. (407; Scotch). 282. If you bite yourself when speaking, it is a sign that you are telling a lie. (407; Scotch). 283. The hair and beard grow after death. (407). 284. If the end of the nose itches, it is a sign of company. (404; Scotch). 285. If the end of the nose itches, you will be angry. (108; Norwegian). 286. If the end of the nose itches, you will be kissed by a fool. (408; Norwegian). 287. If the end of the nose itches, you will get a letter shortly. (407; Scotch). 288. If the end of the nose itches, it is a sign of nosey company. (108). 289. A person with much hair on his body is a real "he" man. (407). 290. A person's hair will turn white from fright. (407). 291. Red hair indicates hot temper or emotion. (407). 292. Cold hands, warm heart. (404; Scotch). 293. If the palm of your hand itches, it is a sure sign of company. (64). 294. If your left hand itches, you are going to receive a letter. (112; 322). 295. To comb the hair after dark will bring ill luck. (122). 296. If your nose itches, you will have curious visitors. (279; 278). 297. If your ears ring, someone is thinking about you. If you can think of the right person, the ringing will stop. (35; 34). 298. Do not let the birds get hold of the combings from your hair for if they do and use them to make a nest, you will have aheadache until it is destroyed. (43; 44). 299. When your nose itches, someone is talking about you. (203). 300. If you stub your toe, take a step backwards, make a wish, and step forward. The wish will come true. (294). 301. If your eyebrows meet, it is a sign that you will cross the ocean. (17; 18). Folklore from Iowa 157 302. If you sneeze three times in succession, you will be lucky. (17; 362). 303. If you go on any kind of business, go any day except Friday, and you will have good luck if you place your right foot on the door-step first when you reach your destination. (330; 402). 304. If you eat rabbit, you will remain beautiful for nine days. (388; Bohemian). 305. If you comb your hair after dark, you will have shame on your face before the week-end. (36). 306. A person who makes faces at himself in the mirror will be entered by evil spirits. (264). 307. If one's left ear burns or rings, he will get good news; if the right one, bad news. (219; 104). 308. Don't cut your finger-nails on Sunday or you will be ashamed before Monday. (47). 309. Do not tie wool string around braided hair as it cuts the hair. (438). 310. If your left hand itches, you will receive some money; if your right hand itches, you will shake hands with a friend. (27; 363). 311. If you want your hair to grow, wash it in beer every night. (227; 228; German). 312. If you cut your finger-nails on Sunday, you will be ashamed before the day is done. (24; 30). 313. After you have pulled a tooth, stick your tongue in the cavity in the gum and you will get a gold tooth. (15; 361). 314. When you pull a tooth, remember to place it under your pillow when you go to bed. The next morning you will find some money where the tooth was. (15; 361). 315. You will travel at home if your right foot itches; you will travel in foreign lands if your left foot itches. (447; 446). 316. Two cowlicks are a sign of riches. (401). 317. It is a sign of good luck if you have a letter "M" in the palm of your hand. (350). 318. One should observe the signs of the zodiac: 1. An animal or a baby should not be weaned when the sign is in the head; 2. One will not recover from an injury when the sign is in the heart; 3. Plant cabbage when the sign is in the hip as that is the biggest part. (65; 415). 319. If your nose itches on the right side, a girl is coming to call; if it itches on the left side, a boy is coming; if it itches on both sides, the whole family is coming. (336). 20. Nosebleed can be stopped by calling someone on the telephone. (336; 347). 321. If some person comes suddenly to mind, that person is thinking of you. (336; 79). 322. In the morning, a shoe should be placed on the right foot first to insure good luck during the day. (453). 158 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 323. To stumble with the right foot is a sign of good luck; with the left foot, bad luck. (453). 324. Always get out of bed right foot first. To place the left foot on the floor first is a sure forerunner of an unsuccessful, unpleasant day. (453). 325. Cut your finger-nails on Monday, cut them for health; Cut them on Tuesday, cut them for wealth; Cut them on Wednesday, cut them for news; Cut them on Thursday, a pair of new shoes; Cut them on Friday, cut them for woe; Cut them on Saturday, a journey to go; Cut them on Sunday, your safety seek For Satan will have you the rest of the week. (397; 398). 326. A person who talks in his sleep will answer any question you ask if you place his hand in a pitcher of warm water. (408; Norwegian). 327. People are cross when they get out of the wrong side of the bed in the morning. (407; Scotch and English). 328. To fail to use the same procedure in dressing daily is a sign of bad luck. (407). ARTICLES OF DRESS. 329. It is a sign of bad luck to dress up in wedding clothes before a wedding. (201; 200). 330. A woman will never have good luck until she has worn out her wedding dress. (408; Norwegian). 331. When a hem of a dress is turned up accidentally, it is a sign that someone is thinking of you. (408; Norwegian). 332. When a girl slips a dress over her head and the hem accidentally turns up, she faces the east, turns about three times, makes a wish, kisses the hem, unfolds the fold, and the wish is sure to come true. (336). 333. If your shoe comes untied, someone is thinking of you. (110; Norwegian). 334. If clothing is put on wrong side out and left on that way, good luck will come; if the clothing is changed to right side out, there will be bad luck. (110; Norwegian). 335. Throw an old shoe after a newly married couple for luck. (407). 336. If you put a garment on wrong side out and attempt to change it to right side out, as you have it above your head taking it off, you should make a wish and the wish will come true. (385; 208). 337. If you cut a dress on Saturday and don't get it made, you will never live to wear it out. (8; 168). 338. It brings bad luck to put on a new suit for the first time on Saturday. (8; 166). Folklore from Iowa 159 339. Don't cut anything out on Friday. (8; 351). 340. A change of luck results from putting a garment on correctly after it has either been put on wrong side out or backwards. (122). 341. When sewing on a garment, part of what you have sewed must be ripped out or the person who is to wear the garment will not live long enough to wear it out. (412). 342. If you mend a garment while wearing it, you will never be rich. (343; 81). 343. If a worm lights on your clothing, it means that you will have some new clothing, and the piece of clothing you will get will be the same as the one on which the worm landed. (461). 344. Sew on Friday and you'll get snakes in your house. (315). 345. If you meet a woman wearing an apron on the street, it is a sign of bad luck. (283; 76). 346. If you cut out a garment on Saturday, the person for whom it is cut will die within a year. (26). 347. If the hem of any garment folds up and remains so, it is a sign of good luck. (355). 348. If you have to rip a garment while sewing it, the party to wear it will live to wear it out. (263; 13). 349. If your dress is turned up on one side, it means that someone is talking about you. (21). 350. If a person breaks more than three needles while sewing a dress, it is in this dress that she will meet her lover. (170). 351. An old saying among Danish women concerning the time to change from heavy to lighter underwear is, "Change before May and you shall lay in clay," (170). 352. Wear winter underwear until the blue-flags bloom. (404; 206). 353. If you kill a cricket in the house, others will come and eat your clothing. (237). 354. If the bastings are not pulled out of a new dress, it means the dress isn't paid for. (346; 345). 355. To lay new clothes on a bed is a sign of bad luck. (453). 356. If by accident you get your clothes on wrong side out, you will have bad luck unless you turn them, and make a wish. (452). TABLE SUPERSTITIONS. 357. If a girl sits on the corner of a square table, she will be an old maid. (312). 358. If everything on the table is eaten, it is a sign of a clear day next day. (201; 200). 359. Sing at the table, cry before night. (171). 360. To take more bread, or other food, when you have some indicates that someone is coming hungrier than you are. (200). 160 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 361. Sing before breakfast, cry before supper, and be unlucky. (109; Norwegian). 362. To take more food when you have some is a sign that company is coming. (171). 363. If a knife falls, a man is coming to call; if a fork falls, a woman is coming; if a spoon falls, there will be a disappointment. (407; Scotch). 364. If you drop a knife, a lady will call and come from the direction the knife points; if you drop a fork, a man will call and come from the direction it points. (268). 365. If a knife falls, a woman will call; if a fork falls, a man will call; if a spoon falls, a fool will call. (408; Norwegian). 366. If you drop a knife, a man is coming; a fork, a woman; a spoon, a boy or girl. (436). 367. If you drop a fork, a man is coming; a knife, a woman; a spoon, a girl. (40). 368. If a fork falls and points toward you, a woman is coming; if a knife falls and points toward you, a man will call. (195). 369. The length of a tea leaf floating in a cup of tea indicates the size of a stranger who will call. (407). 370. If two spoons are accidentally put together on the table, there will be a wedding in the family. (385). 371. Sing at the table, you'll live in a stable. (8; 139). 372. It means bad luck to sing at the table. (122). 373. It is a sign of bad luck to start to cut a slice of bread and not finish it. (38). 374. If when you set a table you cross two knives, it is a sign that the person who sits at that place will die within a year. (416; 115). 375. Two spoons accidentally placed at one place is the sign of a birth in the family. (416; 115). 376. If you drop a knife or fork, a hungry friend is on the way to your house. (419; German). 377. If two people at dinner lay down their silverware at the same time, it is a sign of a wedding in the family soon. (254). 378. Drop a spoon, a letter soon. (348). 379. Shake hands across the corner of the table and there will be a marriage before the year is up. (62). 380. The one who takes and eats the second to the last piece of cake or bread on the plate will marry rich. (246). 381. Spill the toothpick holder and you'll have a disappointment. (462). 382. Never set a pair of shoes on the table; there'll be a quarrel if you do. (42). 383. If you place thirteen plates on the table, you will have bad luck. (189; 30). 384. If you place one more plate on the table than there are persons to eat, you are going to have a fight. (185). Folklore from Iowa 161 385. To whistle at the table is the sign of bad luck. (401). 386. If you are seated with thirteen persons at a dinner table, one of the thirteen will die within a year. (238). 387. Thirteen seated at a table is unlucky. (258). 388. If two knives or two forks are laid at one place, there will be a marriage in the family. (40). FURNITURE OMENS. 389. Don't rock a chair unless you are sitting in it or you will have bad luck. (269). 390. If you sleep in a strange bed in a house, place your shoes in the form of a letter "T" at the foot of the bed, make a wish, and the wish will come true. (421). 391. To rest best in bed, have the head directly toward the west. (407; Scotch). 392. To rock an empty rocking chair means that the baby of the family will die. (266). 393. If you sweep under a person's chair while he is in it, you won't be married for seven years. (428). 394. If you move from a house and do not leave a broom at the place you are leaving, you will have bad luck. (103). 395. If you rock an empty rocking chair, someone in the home will die soon. (103). 396. It is a sign of bad luck to whirl a chair on one leg. (8). 397. If two chairs stand accidentally back to back, company will come. (8). 398. If a rocking chair rocks of its own accord with no one near it, it is a sign of death in the family. (8; 351). 399. If by accident you place the backs of three chairs together, you are going to have company. (253; 23). 400. When three people are sleeping in a bed, the one next the wall gets a wish, the one in the middle a golden slipper, and the one on the outside is for the rats and mice. (12). 401. If one drops a broom, she will have a keen disappointment. (343). 402. It is a sign of bad luck to move a cot from one place to another. (98). 403. If you whirl a chair around, it is a sign that there is going to be a death in the family. (416; 115). 404. If anybody rocks the cradle while the baby is not in it, the baby will get the colic. (448). 405. To place a baby on the table is a sign that it will die within a year. (359; 358). 406. If a person stands in the center of a room and whirls a chair around him on one of its legs, it is a sign of bad luck. (355). 407. Do not sweep your toes with the broom or you will sweep your luck away. (4; 3). 162 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 408. If you are sitting in a chair and someone sweeps under the chair, it means bad luck for you. (246). 409. If a rocking chair is rocked without anyone sitting in it, it means bad luck. (246). 410. If you sit at a square table, you should not sit in front of a corner or it will make you sick. (202). 411. If the broom is lying on the floor and you step over it, you will have a quarrel. (202). 412. If the broom falls across the doorway, company will come within three days. (74). 413. If anyone sweeps under your chair, you won't be married for a year. (163; 164; 165). 414. If chairs are placed with their backs together, there will be company. (163; 164; 165). 415. If one sits on a table, he will be disappointed. (382; 250). 416. If you sing in bed, it is a sign of bad luck. (186). 417. Sing at the table, sing at the bed, The bad man will catch you before you are dead. (65). 418. If you drop a broom and step over it, you are a dirty housekeeper. (31; 313; Irish). 419. If you rock an empty rocking chair, it will cause sickness. (31; 313; Irish). 420. If a chair is dusted while someone is seated in it, he will be wealthy some day. (258). WEATHER SIGNS. 421. If you can hear a train whistle miles away, it is a sign of rain. (108; Norwegian). 422. If you kill a frog and leave it on its back, it will rain. (108; Norwegian). 423. If you can see a clear space in the sky as large as a Dutchman's britches, it will clear off. (174; Norwegian). 424. It is a sign of clear weather the next day if a snake lies on its back in its death throes. (407; Scotch-English). 425. A snake that has been killed continues to move its tail until sundown. (407; Scotch-English). 426. If the rooster crows before midnight, a storm is coming. (463). 427. When a hailstorm comes, people believe that if they place their knives and forks in the storm, it will stop. (463). 428. When the sun goes down on Friday night behind a cloud, it will rain before Monday. (437; 158). 429. A curdled sky is never twenty-four hours dry. (258). 430. A red sky at night in winter indicates colder weather. (407; English). 431. "Sun dogs" indicate severe weather. (407; English). 432. Big frosts are followed by rain. (408; Norwegian). Folklore from Iowa 163 433. If the sun draws water, it will rain. (407; English). 434. Thunder before seven, rain before eleven. (407; Scotch). 435. A red sun is a storm warning. (258). 436. A thick skin on onions is a sign of a severe winter. (258). 437. If it rains on Monday, it will rain four more days that week. (117). 438. If it rains on Easter, it will rain for seven Sundays following. (117). 439. If the chickens stay out late and keep eating until dark, the weather will be bad next day. (117). 440. If it rains on Monday, it will rain three days a week. (192). 441. A rooster crowing off the ground signifies bad weather. (107). 442. When the rooster crows off the ground, the next day will be fair. (432). 443. If a storm doesn't stop by twelve (noon), it will get worse. (407; English-Scotch). 444. Thunder in midwinter indicates extreme cold. (407). 445. When flies are bad, it is a sign of rain. (408; Norwegian). 446. The aching of a toe, corn, or other part of the body is a sign of rain. (408; Norwegian). 447. If a horned moon is "on its back," dry weather will result; but if the point is down, "spilling water," rain will follow. (407; English-Scotch). 448. If a whirlwind crosses a field, it is a sign of dry weather. (201; 200). 449. If there is a ring around the moon, a storm is brewing. If there is one star within the ring, it will storm within a day; if two stars, within two days, and so on. (201; 200). 450. If it clears off in the night, it will rain the next day. (200; English-Scotch). 451. If it rains bubbles, it will rain for three days. (200). 452. Rain when the sun shines, rain again tomorrow. (200; Scotch). 453. If you kill a spider, it will rain. (123). 454. The croaking of frogs is a sign of rain. (408; Norwegian). 455. If hogs run and squeal, at the same time carrying branches in their mouths, it is a sign of rain. (411). 456. When chickens oil their feathers, they indicate a coming rain. (407). 457. When horses and other live stock run and kick, it is a sign of a severe change in the weather. (411). 458. A fog lying close to the ground indicates fair weather; if it lifts early, it will rain. (407; Scotch). 459. It is a sign of bad weather if the locusts sing. (407). 460. Ant holes unprotected in the ground are signs of fair weather. (407). 461. Spider webs on the ground indicate fair weather. (407). 462. A flock of birds going south indicates that cold weather will 164 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society follow; a flock going north indicates the coming of warm weather. (200). 463. "Sun dogs" in the sky foretell a change in weather. (200 and 201). 464. If ants pile their mound high, it is a sign of rain. (420). 465. If a turkey or leghorn chicken goes high up in a tree to roost in the winter, it is a sign of much snow and severe cold. (201). 466. If the moon is tipped so an Indian can hang his powderhorn on it safely, it will be dry weather; if the powderhorn cannot hang, it will be a wet season. (420). 467. It is a sign of rain if there is no dew in the morning. (171). 468. An Indian sure sign of rain: "Cloudy all around and rain in the middle." (78). 469. If frogs, toads, or snakes come up around dwellings, it is a sign of rain. (198; Norwegian). 470. It is a sign of rain if a dog eats grass. (252). 471. Rainbow at night, sailors delight; Rainbow in the morning, sailors take warning. (404; Scotch). 472. Red sky at night, sailors delight; Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. (252; Norwegian). 473. It is a sign of coming bad weather for smoke to descend to the ground. (407; English-Scotch). 474. It is a sign of rain if a rooster crows at night. (194). 475. It is a sign of rain if anyone eats in an outhouse (privy). (195). 476. It is a sign of good weather if smoke from a chimney rises straight into the air. (407). 477. Rain before seven, clear before eleven. (407; Scotch). 478. Smoke travelling parallel to the surface of the ground for a long distance indicates a change in the weather. (123). 479. A circle around the moon is a sign of bad weather within forty-eight hours. (407; Scotch). 480. It is a sign of rain when the rain-bird can be heard. (407). 481. It is a sign of rain when maple leaves turn inside out or bottomside up. (405). 482. It is a sign of rain when moisture collects on the outside of metal or glass objects. (405). 483. A rainbow is a sign that it will clear off. (385). 484. If one stands near a closed window during a storm, he will not be struck by lightning. (242). 485. It is dangerous to stand near glass during an electrical storm. (407). 486. Evening red and morning gray sets the traveller on his way; Evening gray and morning red brings the rain upon his head. (316; 46). 487. If the cat licks his face in front of the fire, it is a sign of rain. (245; 87). Folklore from Iowa 165 488. A red sunset is an omen of a fair day tomorrow. (97). 489. It is a sign of rain when your feet hurt. (41). 490. If the sun shines while it is raining, it will be a nice day next day. (103). 491. If there is a ring around the sun in winter, it is a sign of a cold spell approaching. (103). 492. If the sun sets in a cloud, it will rain next day. (103). 493. If the sun's rays strike a large cloud in the west when the sun rises in the morning, it is a sign of rain within forty-eight hours. (103). 494. All signs fail in dry weather. (156). 495. If you have to "mud in" oats, you will have a good corn crop. (156). 496. If it rains at the noon hour, it will rain all day. (156). 497. If the sun comes out while it is raining, there will be a bad storm. (156). 498. When a chicken runs in the rain, it will rain all day. (156). 499. When gophers throw up large piles of dirt, it is going to rain. (156). 500. When a person's bones ache, it is a sign of a storm. (156). 501. Red at night, sailors delight; Yellow at night, sailors take warning. (8; 211). 502. Evening red and morning grey puts the traveller on his way; Evening grey and morning red puts the traveller to bed. (203). 503. Rain in sunshine, rain three days. (203). 504. If the sun sets under a cloud on Sunday, it will rain before Wednesday. (364; 152). 505. When your feet burn, it is a sign of rain. (364; 152). 506. If the clouds come up in the west at night, then go back, it will rain. (5). 507. If the sun sets in a cloud at night, it will rain before morning. (5). 508. If the sun sets in a cloud Friday night, there will be rain before Monday. (5). 509. If the sun sets clear on Friday night, a rain will come before Monday night. (412). 510. When the sun shines while it is raining, a sailor is going to heaven. (35; 34). 511. If one stands under a tree for shelter from rain, he will surely be struck by lightning. (343; 81). 512. By looking at the breast-bone of any fowl after it is dry, one can tell what kind of weather there will be next season. (203). 513. If it thunders before the buds are on the trees, there will be an early frost. (239). 514. If the chickens roost on trees and buildings in a rainy season, more rain will follow. (239). 515. If the tame geese flap their wings, it is a sign of rain. (239). 166 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 516. If the robins flock around on the ground, it will rain soon. (203; 215). 517. If a pig carries a stick, it will rain. (210). 518. For every fog in January there will be a frost in May. (161). 519. If a frog croaks before Easter, he will close his mouth six weeks later because of cold weather. (160). 520. When the big dipper stands on its end, it is the sign of a storm. (387; 414). 521. Whichever way the handle of the big dipper points, that is the direction for the wind the next day. (387; 414). 522. A ring around the moon means a storm on the ocean. (17; 18). 523. When you find a flat chicken egg with a ring on one end of it, there is going to be a storm. (387; 414). 524. If a pig carries a bone, it will rain. (212; 11). 525. Sun sets gray - tomorrow a wet day. (458). 526. Wind in the east indicates stormy weather. (458). 527. If the wind blows the leaves of the bushes and trees backward, it is a sign of rain. (448). 528. If you hang a snake over a fence, it will rain until you take it off. (36). 529. If frogs hop across the road at night, it will rain. (155). 530. If the sun sets behind a cloud on Friday night, no rain before Monday. (456). 531. If a dog eats weeds, it is a good sign of rain. (114; 332). 532. When the chickens go to roost late, it will rain the next day. (148). 533. It is going to rain if the fire glows on the soot in the stove. (137). 534. If a whirlwind travels away from the sun, it's a sign of bad weather; if it travels toward the sun, it is a sign of good weather. (355). 535. Never run when it is lightning for it causes a draft and there is danger of being struck. (431). 536. If a rooster crows at midnight, it means rain. (431; 449). 537. It is going to rain if you see and hear a group of chimney swallows flying around. (377; 418). 538. It is a sign of rain if a cat drinks water. (19). 539. A mackerel sky never leaves the ground dry. (153). 540. If a cat washes its face and puts its paws behind the ears, there will be rain within a short time. (74). 541. A spider on the table is a sign of good weather tomorrow. (188). 542. If a cat scratches on wood, it will rain. (37a). 543. It is a sign of rain if the swallows fly low or close to the buildings. (37a). 544. It is a sign of rain when the rooster goes around wagging his tail. (75). 545. If a cobweb flies, it will rain within three days. (290; 149). Folklore from Iowa 167 546. Kill a snake and let it lie belly up and it will rain before sundown. (65; 415). 547. The weather will be clear when the wind is in the southwest. (407). HEAVENLY BODIES AND EFFECTS. 548. All things that grow above the ground should be planted in the light of the moon; all that grow below the ground should be planted in the dark of the moon. (78). 549. Lightning will not strike one if he is sleeping in a feather bed. (407; Scotch-English). 550. Don't play a piano during a thunderstorm as it draws lightning. (123). 551. If it thunders heavily, it will sour the milk. (78). 552. When a star falls, a soul goes to heaven. (78). 553. A heavy mist is a sign that the world is coming to an end. (405). 554. If one sleeps with the bright, full moon shining on his face, and doesn't move out of the light, his face will be drawn out of shape. (404; Scotch). 555. If the new moon is seen over the left shoulder, you will be very lucky. (408; Norwegian). 556. To see the new moon over the right shoulder is a sign of good luck. (288). 557. Corn should be planted in the full moon to insure large ears and a small stalk. (198; Norwegian). 558. Hogs should be butchered after the full moon to keep the meat from going to grease. (198; Norwegian). 559. When a star shoots across the sky, say "money" three times before it goes out of sight and you will be wealthy. (404). 560. It is extremely dangerous to sit between two windows during an electrical storm. (195). 561. If potatoes are planted in the light of the moon, they will go to vines. (385; 58). 562. It is bad luck to see a new moon over your left shoulder. (316; 46). 563. If you see a star fall, say "Money, Money, Money" before it goes out of sight and you will find some money within a few days. (275). 564. Butcher when the moon is full so the meat will not shrink when cooking. (8; 273). 565. Moon, Moon, whom I see; tell me who my husband shall be. (8; 6). 566. If you see a star falling and say "Money, Money" before it is out of sight, you will have money in the morning. (8; 25). 567. There will never be a killing frost in the full of the moon. (343). 12 168 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 568. If a star falls, it means money. (461). 569. If you plant crops in the light of the moon, they will be large and plentiful. (160). 570. While gazing at the first star which you see in the evening, whisper to yourself a wish, and sometime it will come true. (294). 571. If you count one hundred stars in one night, you will die. (320). 572. If you see the new moon over either shoulder, you must throw some salt over the other shoulder or you will have bad luck. (177). 573. If you want to kill any foul weed, cut it on the twenty-second of June or near that date, in the full of the moon, in the afternoon. (114; 353). 574. If a star falls in front of you, you will have bad luck. (114; 224). 575. Go out under the first full moon of the new year and you'll have a year of prosperity. (390). 576. Expect trouble if you see the new moon through trees. (237). 577. When the moon changes, the weather will change. (75). 578. When we have a new moon, it wil rain within seven days. (75). 579. If the crescent moon is tipped like a boat, there will be a period of dry weather; if the moon is upset, there will be rain. (75). 580. If it is a starry night, it foretells a good day next day. (401). 581. If you look toward the new moon and anything obstructs the view, you will have bad luck. (401). 582. If there is a ring around the sun, a storm is brewing. (401). 583. If the sun sets clear, it will be clear next day. (2; 39). 584. Houses must be shingled in the dark of the moon or the shingles will turn up. (65; 415). 585. Fertilizer must be hauled out in the dark of the moon. If hauled out in the light of the moon, it will just lie on top of the ground. (65; 415). 586. If you plant before the moon is full, the growth of the moon will speed the plant in its growth. (372; 373). 587. The time to destroy weeds is when the moon is full, for the shrinking of the moon will prevent the seeds from growing. (372; 373). 588. If the great dipper is upside down, it means rain in the night. (307). ANIMALS, BIRDS, TREES AND PLANTS. 589. Never thank anyone for seeds or plants or they won't grow. (269). 590. If an oak leaf is the size of a squirrel's ear, it is time to plant corn. (420). Folklore from Iowa 169 591. When animals grow a heavy coat of fur in the fall, it is a sign of a bitter winter. (200 and 201). 592. Catch a live rat, paint him red, turn him loose and he will drive all rats away. (171). 593. A cat has nine lives. (407; Scotch-English). 594. Kill a cat and have seven years of bad luck. (78). 595. When at a crossroads, and in doubt as to the direction of your destination, throw a feather into the air, note the way the quill points when the feather lands and go that way. (405). 596. It is lucky to find a four leaf clover. (407 and 408). 597. When in danger, or when frightened, snakes swallow their little ones to save them. (336). 598. Pull up a plantain leaf. The number of fibers or ribs extending indicates the number of lies told during the day. (336). 599. A person lost will travel in a circle. (406). 600. One can ascertain direction when he is lost by remembering that moss grows on the north side of a tree. (406; American). 601. If the shucks on ears of corn are loose in the fall, the winter will be mild; if they are tight, the winter will be severe. (200; English). 602. If field animals burrow deep in the fall, it is a sign of an impending hard winter. (200; Indian). 603. To discover the best place for a well, use a box-elder stick, forked type (like a Y). The fork, or Y, is inverted; that is, the two short prongs point downward. These two prongs are taken in the hands and the person holding them walks about the area in which the well is desired. When the base of the fork which is being held above the hands twitches or the prongs begin to turn in the hands, a water stream is indicated below. (274 - Given from family's experience. For years they had had well failure. So they got a man to witch a well for them. He indicated where the well should be, stated about how large a flow the well would have, and guaranteed water enough for a certain number of live stock. He also witched the old well, and said that it was barely on the edge of an underground stream; that it should have been so many feet from where it was to be satisfactory. Still the informant doubted. She asked if the device would work for her as well as for him. He said it would. So she tried it. She said that she walked over the area and suddenly felt the stick begin to twitch; she tightened her grip but the prongs were twisted almost out of her hands. The result was that they dug the well where the witch had said. This occurred a few years ago and they have had no water shortage since sinking the new pump equipment). 604. If trees have heavy foliage, it is a sign of a very severe winter. (78). 605. If a bird flies in the house, it is a sign of bad luck. (420). 12* 170 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 606. Hammering on a tin pan will cause swarming bees to light on some object where they can be hived. (407; Scotch). 607. Knock on wood to avoid bad luck. (408; Norwegian). 608. When a hen wants to sit, place eleven large eggs or thirteen small ones under her if you want good luck. (408; Norwegian). 609. To prevent being struck by lightning, stay away from wet animals during an electrical storm. (407; English). 610. When the rooster crows on the porch, company is coming. (110; Norwegian). 611. If the rooster faces the door when he crows, welcome guests are coming; if he turns away, they will be unwelcome. (109; Norwegian). 612. In the fall when the locusts sing, it is six weeks until frost. (385; 58). 613. Seeing a black cat cross ahead of you means bad luck, but if you go back in front of it there will be no bad luck. (385; 58). 614. It is best to get rid of a crowing old hen or there will be trouble. (266; 265). 615. It is a sign of good luck for a cat to come to your house if it stays. (428). 616. If a turtle bites you any place, it won't let go until it thunders. (143; 396). 617. A rabbit's front left paw is a charm of good luck. (88; 389). 618. Wear a four leaf clover in the shoe for luck. (88; 389). 619. Place a horsehair in water and it will turn into a horsehair snake. (275). 620. If you see two white horses together, make a wish and don't look back, and the wish will come true. (214). 621. If you step on an ant, it will rain within twenty-four hours. (91). 622. When the wind is from the south, it blows the bait in the fish's mouth; when it is from the west, then the fishing is the best. (91). 623. It is a sign of bad luck to kill a cricket. (340). 624. If a cat follows you, you will have bad luck. (156). 625. If a dog eats grass, he is waiting for bad weather. (368). 626. If a cat eats grass, it is a sign of rain. (60). 627. If a chicken's breast is spotted, it is a sign of rain. (60). 628. Plant in the morning those vegetables that grow above the ground and in the evening those that grow beneath the ground. (8; 273). 629. If you kill a toad, the cows will give bloody milk. (8; 166). 630. If you set a hen on Monday morning when the wind is in the east, all of the eggs will hatch pullets. (8; 166). 631. Kill a cat and you will lose a horse. (8; 211). 632. If a dog or a cat comes into a room where a sick person is, the person will not recover. (8; 211). Folklore from Iowa 171 633. When birds flock together, it is time for them to go south. (8; 211). 634. If a cabbage head goes to seed in a garden, there will be a death in the family before the year is up. (8; 77). 635. If a rooster crows when he goes to bed, he will get up with a wet head. (8; 306). 636. If you find a pea pod with nine peas in it, put it up over the door for good luck. (8; 197). 63T. If you eat fish and milk at the same time, it will poison you. (8; 197). 638. Tomatoes are love and apples are poison. (8). 639. If a snake hangs on a fence, there will be a storm and a person killed in it. (8; 59). 640. When a turkey goes to roost out-of-doors, the way his head is pointed is the way the wind will be the next day. (8; 287). 641. If you see a spider in the morning, kill it or you will have bad luck all day. (122). 642. If you see a spider in the afternoon, it will bring you good luck. (122). 643. If you squeeze a grasshopper and he squirts "tobacco juice" on you, you will get a wart. (394; 393). 644. If a rabbit crosses your path, you will have good luck. (184). 645. If a rooster while standing near the door of the house crows three times, company is coming. (203; 140). 646. If you want rain, kill a snake and hang it over the fence belly up, and it will come. (43; 44). 647. Flowers in bloom out of season, trouble without reason. (98). 648. Good luck will come to you if three cats cross your path while you are walking. (294). 649. If a snake is seen lying on its back, rain will fall within twentyfour hours. (294; 49). 650. If a toad is killed, the best cow to produce milk will give bloody milk. (294; 49). 651. When you kill a mouse, you will burn the bread you are baking. (387; 414). 652. Touch a snake and make a wish and it will come true. (329). 653. To kill young box-elder trees, cut them in the dark of the moon in the month of August. (11a; 105). 654. Plant cucumbers and beans on either the twentieth or twentyfirst of June. (lla). 655. Negroes often carry rabbit feet in their pockets, but many of them believe that they have no charm unless they are dipped in the water in an old rotten stump in a graveyard at midnight. If anything bothers them after that performance, they point the enchanted feet at the disturbance (ghost or what-not) and it disappears. (154). 656. If a thousand legged worm counts your teeth, you will die. (320). 172 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 657. When a horse has lung fever, bleed him in the neck. (424). 658. If a cow gives bloody milk, it is a sign that she has stepped on a toad and killed it. (330). 659. It is a sign of bad luck if a tree blooms in the fall. (458). 660. If you pull a hair out of a horse's tail and place it in water, it will turn into a snake. (220). 661. If you come into contact with a snake, point at its tail and it will drop off and thus demolish the poisonous effect. (220). 662. Do not use soap in dish-water for when it is fed to the hogs the soap gives them consumption. (220). 663. If you kill a snake, he will wiggle his tail until sunrise. (36). 664. Corn should be knee high by the Fourth of July or the crop will fail. (53; 381). 665. When the rooster crows, everybody knows that there will be eggs for breakfast in the morning. (137). 666. You will have bad luck if you fish in the light of the moon. (193). 667. If you kill a spider when it is going straight down its web, you will have bad luck. (375). 668. Bad luck will follow you if a crow flies over your path. (218). 669. When you are planning a trip, never say what horse you are going to take or you will be disappointed. (218). 670. If the first person you meet on a journey is a man on horseback, you will have good luck. (283). 671. If a hog scratches his back, it is a sign of rain. (26). 672. When a rooster crows on Sunday morning, you will have company. (243; 244; Danish). 673. Kill a toad and your cows will go dry. (355). 674. To see a spider in the morning means bad luck, but to see one at night means good luck. (246a). 675. If a rooster crows at your back door, you will have company soon. (118a). 676. To make the task of catching a robin or rabbit easier, put salt on their tails. (141). 677. If a white cat crosses your path, you will have good luck. (377; 417). 678. If the blue-jays scream outside the house, you will get bad news. (348). 679. If a cow bawls at night, there will be a death or some very bad luck. (438). 680. If you hear a hoot-owl, you will have bad luck. (438). 681. Indians say that if a brave can catch a white weasel without killing it he is certain to become a great chief. (82). 682. Every fly kept over the winter means that the head of the family will be one hundred dollars richer. (27; 363). 683. If a horse rolls all the way over, it means that he is worth one hundred dollars. (27; 363). Folklore from Iowa 173 684. There will be a death if the dog howls with his nose to the ground and a fire if he holds it in the air. (237). 685. The first time a heifer has a calf, the owner should take the first milking and throw it into running water. If this is done, the heifer will always give milk until her next calf is born. (27: 363). 686. When a cat scratches against a post, the direction her tail points is the direction from which the wind will be the next day. (305). 687. When you see two white horses, wet your second (index) finger, put it on your other palm, then hit the palm with your fist, and make a wish before you withdraw the fist. Do this twice and both wishes will come true. (346; 345). 688. If a black cat crosses your path ahead of you, it will bring you seven years of bad luck. (75). 689. If you have a black cat, you will have good luck; if you have a white cat, you will have bad luck. (401). 690. You will have good luck if you carry the leg of a rabbit. (401). 691. A left hind rabbit's foot brings good luck. (80). 692. Kill a rabbit on a newly dug grave in the dark of the moon after midnight and carry the left hind foot and you will have good luck. (57). 693. If a person steps on an ant hill, he will have bad luck. (262; 261). 694. When you see a couple of white horses, make a wish and it will come true. (290; 149). 695. Mormon flies come from unfertile fish eggs. (336; 440). 696. Hoop snakes are so poisonous that if one of them bites a tree, the tree will die. (336; 440). 697. Place a hair from a horse's tail in pure rain-water and the hair will turn into a snake. (336; 337). 698. To kill a cat means everlasting bad luck. (453). 699. If a cat sits and looks at you as it washes its face, you are going to have company. (397; 398). 700. If a bird comes through the window where you are sitting, it means hasty news. (129; 130). 701. Anything that has a bird on it brings bad luck. (111; 282). 702. If a black cat comes to your place to stay, it is a sign of bad luck; if a white one comes, it is a sign of good luck. (225; 226; English). 703. The direction in which the cat wags his tail as he washes his face is the direction from which company will come. (445; 439). 704. The way in which a water willow points indicates the place in the ground where there is a plant. (445; 439). 705. If a shark follows a ship, someone on board the ship will die shortly. (407). 174 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 706. A cat washing itself in your lap signifies that you will hold someone in your arms in the near future. (432). 707. The hooting of an owl foretells death. (117). 708. If you are lost and see a grand-daddy-long-legs, ask him the way home and he will show you. (341). CURES AND PREVENTIVES (WARTS). 709. Scratch the top of the wart. Then break off a milkweed and rub the secretion on the wart. It will disappear after a couple of applications. (288). 709a. Sell your warts to a friend for a coin; then hide the coin. (252). 709b. Lay a dish-rag on the warts and they will disappear. (251). 710. Rub a potato on the warts; then bury the potato. When it rots, the warts will leave. (178). 711. Kill a black hen; rub her blood over the warts and they will leave. (195). 712. Take some bacon, rub it on the warts, and then place it between two bricks and bury all that way. When the bacon rots, the warts will disappear. (178). 713. Tie a string around the warts yourself, then have someone else remove the string and bury it. The warts will leave. (268). 714. Let a green grasshopper bite the wart and it will disappear. (201). 715. To avoid warts, do not handle toads. (404). 716. Rub navy beans over the wart and place the beans in a sack. Tie the sack and throw it on the walk or path; the first person to pick the sack up will get the warts. (405). 717. Steal someone's dish-rag, rub it on the warts, and then place it in a paper sack. Take a walk and carry with you the sack containing the dish-rag. After some distance has been covered, throw the sack containing the dish-rag over the left shoulder. Do not look back and the warts will disappear shortly after someone picks the sack up. (386). 718. Find an old stick of wood and in it cut a notch for each wart on the body; then bury the stick in a place unknown to others. The warts will disappear in a few days. (407). 719. Peddlers sometimes perform gestures (pow-wow) above a man's warts mumbling a "hocus-pocus" verse as they do so. The warts disappear in a few days. (411). 720. Rub smartweed on the warts and throw the weed away. (142). 721. Have a friend tie a knot around each wart. Then have him slip the knots off the warts, tighten the knots, and bury the string in a place known only to himself. When the string rots, the warts will be gone. (420). 722. Find an old bone and rub it on the warts; then throw the bone Folklore from Iowa 175 in the road. Whoever picks up the bone will get the warts. (409). 723. Find a snail, rub it on the warts, throw the snail away and the warts will leave. (409). 724. Take a broom-straw and pow-wow as it is rubbed over the warts. Bury the straw and the warts will disappear. (171a). 725. Cut open a bean, rub it on the warts, bury the bean in a place known to no one else, and when the bean rots the warts will be gone. (66). 726. Tie a string tightly about each wart and leave the string there until the wart falls off. (404). 727. Prick the warts with a needle until they bleed. Then rub salt into them and they will leave shortly. (404). 728. If one has a wart and meets a stranger, he should rub the wart with his hand and say to himself each time the wart is touched, "Take it, stranger," and the wart will leave. (187). 729. When you see a stranger, rub your hand over your warts three times and each time say, "Stranger, take them." Shortly they will leave. (331). 730. Take a bean and split it. Rub one half over the warts and hide the other half in rocks. When the part in the rocks rots, the warts will leave. (422). 731. Spit on a bean and rub the bean on the warts. Then throw the bean in a well and when it rots the warts will leave. (245). 732. Take a string and tie knots around the warts. Then let the string slip off and burn it. After it is destroyed, the warts will leave. (245). 733. Rub a bone on the warts and throw the bone away. The one who picks it up will get the warts. (12). 734. Cut an apple in two and rub the parts on the warts. Then tie them together and bury them, and when they decay the warts will go away. (92). 735. Bury a wet dish-rag and with it go your warts. (384). 736. Rub the warts with a piece of bacon and place the bacon under a stone. The first person to touch the stone will get the warts. (236). 737. Rub a dirty dish-rag over the warts and burn it. (41). 738. Place a piece of fat meat on the wart; then bury the fat, and when it rots, the wart will be gone. (32). 739. Take a cloth that you use for washing dishes and bury it and your warts will go away, but if the cloth should get uncovered, the warts will return. (32). 740. Rub a few beans on the warts. Place the beans in a sack and throw it away. The one who picks up the sack of beans will get the warts. (328). 741. Rub the wart with the hand of a corpse. When the corpse decays after burial, the wart will disappear. (93). 176 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 742. Rub a piece of raw meat over the wart; then bury the meat. When it decays, the wart will be gone. (93). 743. Take a string and tie as many knots in it as there are warts on a person's hands. Bury the string and when it rots, the warts will have disappeared. (309). 744. Rub your warts with a potato and throw it over your left shoulder. When the potato rots, the warts will be gone. (95). 745. Steal your mother's dish-cloth and burn it, and your warts will leave. (451). 746. If you kill a black cat and bury it at midnight, your warts will disappear. (8; 211). 747. Rub the warts with a meat rind; then bury the rind and the warts will leave. (8; 77). 748. Take a wet dish-rag and rub it on an onion. Put it in a dead log and leave it there until the log falls apart. Then the warts you have will go away. (8; 139). 749. Rub a grain of corn over the warts and drop it in a well. When the corn rots, the warts will disappear. (8; 139). 750. Rub a piece of bacon on the warts and bury the bacon. The warts will leave. (8; 311). 751. Pick your wart until it bleeds. Then rub the blood on an ear of corn, throw the corn to the hogs, watch them eat it, then go away and the wart will go away, too. (8; 45a). 752. Rub a rotten potato on a wart and bury it without looking at it, and the wart will go away. (8; 257). 753. Hold your hand that has the wart on it in hot water for five minutes. Throw the water out and the wart will disappear. (8; 139). 754. Rub a pea on the wart, throw the pea in a well, and the wart will disappear. (8; 400). 755. Cut a piece of potato and rub the warts with it every night, letting the juice dry on, and the warts will soon disappear. (364; 152). 756. Rub a piece of chalk on the wart; then carry the chalk in your pocket. When you lose the chalk, you will lose the wart. (394; 393). 757. Take a green pea and rub it on your wart; then throw the pea over your shoulder into a place where you will never see it again. The wart will leave. (279; 278). 758. Cut an onion in two. Take one of the parts of the onion, rub it on the wart and bury it, and the wart will leave. (89; 152). 759. Take the tip of a match and lay it on top of the wart. Light the part of the match on the wart, and after a few days the wart will disappear. (48). 760. Have someone take a white silk thread and tie the wart off. Then put the wart some place where you will never walk over it and the wart will never return. (203). Folklore jrom Iowa 177 761. Rub warts with another person having them and one of you will get all of them. (461). 762. Rub an old bone on your wart. Bury the bone and when it decays, the wart will disappear. (461). 763. Cut a potato in halves and rub one half over the warts. Bury this half of the potato and when it is decayed the warts will be gone. (239). 764. After a rain let the raindrops drip from a gate onto your warts and they will in time disappear. (210). 765. Take a bean, break it open, mash the wart in between the parts of the bean until the wart bleeds. Then take the bean to a crossroads, make a cross in the road, bury the bean there, and walk back home without looking back toward where the bean is buried. (203). 766. During harvest time, take some oats from the field and rub them on your warts. Bury the oats and the warts will go away. (212; 395). 767. Bury a burned rag and it will cure your warts. (302). 768. If you throw a penny over your left shoulder and never look for it, you will lose all the warts you have. (36). 769. Take a piece of chalk and mark the wart. Then mark with the same piece of chalk on the bottom of a stove lid. When the mark on the lid disappears, the wart will, too. (235). 770. Cut a sour apple in half, bury one half under the eaves of the house, and rub the wart with the other half until it becomes irritated and about to bleed. Throw that half of the apple over your left shoulder and make a wish. The wart will disappear when the moon changes. (114; 353). 771. Take a piece of cloth and put it under a place where the water drips continually. When the cloth rots, the wart will disappear. (114). 772. Take the wish-bone of a fowl, throw it over your left shoulder and don't look to see where it goes. When the bone decays, your warts will disappear. (114). 773. Rub the warts with salted raw pork; then bury the pork and when it has rotted, the warts will leave. (99). 774. Count your warts and then forget the number. They will go away in a short time. (150). 775. Rub a pea across the wart and throw it down a well. If the pea does not grow, the wart will go away. (283). 776. Rub a bean over your warts; then place the bean where someone else will pick it up. The wart will be transferred to the finder's hand. (355). 777. You should when there is a new moon go somewhere where no one will see you, then strike over the wart three times with your other hand and say, "What you are looking at increases and what I am striking diminishes." Do this for three consec 178 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society utive months on the nights you see the new moon for the first time. (348). 778. Rub each wart with a separate bean; then place the beans in a fancy sack and drop it in the road. Whoever picks the bag up gets the warts. (334; 335). 779. Take a cat that has been dead nearly a week and go to the cemetery at midnight, rub the cat's tail over your warts; then bury the cat. The warts are sure to leave. (431). 780. Burn your wart with a lighted match and throw the match over your left shoulder. The wart will leave. (145; 96). 781. Take a black string after counting the number of warts on your hands, tie the same number of knots in the string as there are warts, and bury the string in the ground. (141). 782. An onion rubbed over a wart, then buried in the earth for seven days, then dug up and thrown over the left shoulder at sunset will cause the wart to leave within three days. (301). 783. Rub meat rinds on your warts. Then hang the rinds under the eaves where the water will fall on them and the warts will disappear. (145; 96). 784. Take a kernel of corn for each wart you have. Throw the kernels over the left shoulder without looking around, and the warts will soon leave. (145; 96). 785. Rub your wart on the sole of a new shoe and when the sole wears out, the wart will wear out also. (246). 786. Take your mother's dish-rag and throw it behind you without looking to see where it goes, and the wart will leave. (246). 787. Steal some fried bacon and rub it on your warts; then bury the bacon and when it has rotted, the warts will leave. (246). 788. Cut an onion in halves, rub the cut sides on your wart, tie the onion together again, bury the onion, and when it decays the wart will be gone. (100). 789. Rub your wart on a potato and throw the potato over your left shoulder. Do not look to see where it goes and the wart will disappear. (348). 790. Rub a cord on your warts and throw it away. The person who picks up the cord will get the warts. (348). 791. Cut a potato in two, rub the parts over the warts, feed the potato to the cow, and the warts will leave. (259). 792. Rub warm chalk over your warts three times a day for a week and they will be gone within another week. (85). 793. Take a string and tie it real tight around the wart. Leave it that way about five minutes, then take the string and hide it some good place and when the string has decayed, the wart will disappear. (42). 794. Tie as many knots in a long string as you have warts. Then prick each wart until it bleeds, and drop some of the blood Folklore from Iowa 179 upon each knot. Bury the string and the warts will soon disappear. (153). 795. Rub a grain of corn on the wart and throw it to an old rooster. When the rooster eats the corn, the wart will disappear. (27; 363). 796. Rub lye soap over your warts and they will go away within two weeks. (147). 797. You can remove a wart from another person by rubbing the wart with a piece of bacon and throwing it away without letting the person know where you threw it. (423; 300). 798. To remove a wart from another person, tie a string on the wart tightly; then remove the string and place it in the ground without letting the person treated know where you put it. The wart will soon leave. (423; 300). 799. Take three yellow bean leaves and rub them on the wart until the leaves are in little bits. Bury the leaves and when they are decayed, the wart will disappear. (20; 310). 800. Rub some corn on the warts; then bury it and when the corn rots, the warts will be gone. (15). 801. Rub a pin on a wart. Then sell the pin to somebody who will bury it. When the pin is rusty, the warts will have disappeared. (15). 802. Warts will disappear if you will wash your hands in the water that has collected in a white oak stump. (69). 803. Prick the warts until they bleed. Place some of the blood on three grains of wheat and place the wheat under the eavesspout. When the wheat decays, the warts will disappear. (186). 804. Steal somebody's dish-rag, rub it over your warts, bury it under the eaves and when the rag rots, the warts will be gone. (240). 805. Count your warts. Then take as many grains of corn as you have warts and rub the corn over them. After that tie the corn in a neat package and lay it on the street. The person who picks up the package will get the warts. (240). 806. Rub the warts with a dish-rag and bury the rag under a rock. When the rag rots, the warts will go. (57). 807. Have your grandfather spit on your warts and they will leave some night while you are asleep. (365; 146). 808. Rub a bean on the warts; then shut your eyes and throw the bean as far as you can. The warts will leave. (365; 146). 809. Take two pieces of grass. Place one piece around the wart and one across. Remove both pieces and bury them under a dripping eaves-spout. The wart will be gone in ten days. (285). 810. While sitting in the moonlight, blow your breath on someone's warts, and the warts will leave in a few days. (200). 811. Tie two pieces of potato together and place them under the 180 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society eaves of the house. When the potato rots, the warts will disappear. (336; 441). 812. Steal a piece of bacon, rub it on the warts, hide it under the eaves of the house and when it rots, the warts will disappear. (336; 441). 813. Tie a string around a wart, then take the string off and bury it on a moonlight night without telling anyone where it is buried, and the wart will leave. (372; 373). 814. Rub a penny on your warts, bury it, and your warts will leave. (225; 226). 815. Rhubarb juice placed on a wart will cure it. (225; 226). 816. Cut an apple into four pieces, then eat one of the pieces, rub one on the wart, and throw the other two away. Bury the one rubbed on the wart and when it becomes rotten, the wart will be gone. (31; 276). 817. Rub an old woolen mitten on the wart, lay it under the eaves drip and when it becomes rotten, the wart will be gone. (31; 175). 818. Tie a loop in a string, lay the loop around the wart; then place the string under a stone and when the string has rotted away, the wart will be gone. (326). 819. Tie as many beans in a handkerchief as you have warts; then throw the handkerchief in the river. The warts will disappear overnight. (296). 820. Stick a hot needle through each wart and they will go away. (404). 821. Go to the neighbor's and steal a dish-rag. When the light of the full moon comes, bury it under the eaves and as it decays, the warts will leave. (286). 822. Rub castor-oil on your warts and they will go away. (407). 823. Hunt a milkweed, break it and rub the milky liquid on the warts. Then throw the stalk of the weed which was used backward over the shoulder and go away. The remedy will fail if one turns and looks to see where the weed goes. (161; 119). CURES AND PREVENTIVES (COLDS). 824. To cure colds rub skunk-oil on the chest and throat at bedtime. (90). 825. When skunk-oil is unavailable for use, goose-grease is used. (90; Virginia). 826. Syrup made from elderberries is a good remedy for coughs. (90; Virginia). 827. To cure colds eat a paste made from strained honey and black walnuts mashed together. (90; Virginia). 828. Tie a stocking around the neck to cure a sore throat. (142). 829. Fried onions placed on the chest will cure colds. (200). Folklore from Iowa 181 830. Tie fried onions to the soles of the feet to cure colds. (200). 831. To cure a sore throat tie a red flannel around the neck. (200). 832. To prevent colds tie a small bag containing assafetida about the neck. (407 and 408; English, Scotch and Norwegian). 833. Place brown paper on the chest to cure colds. (176). 834. Onion syrup will cure colds. (195). 835. A remedy for colds is to melt together lard and turpentine, and grease the chest and throat, using it as hot as possible. (61). 836. A remedy for coughs is to heat to a boiling temperature molasses and vinegar, and drink the combination while it is extremely hot. (61). 837. Hot corn-whiskey is a sure cure for colds. (303). 838. To cure a cold or the flu, build a fire in an old bucket and stand over it. (8; 457). 839. Dried turnip grated and mixed with honey is good for colds. (8; 457). 840. For colds drink cold smartweed tea. (8; 457). 841. Turpentine is a good remedy to remove soreness. (8; 222). 842. Soda and molasses will cure coughs. (8; 270). 843. Hot water and salt makes a good gargle for sore throat. (8; 270). 844. Soda and water is a good remedy for a cold. (8; 270). 845. Turpentine, lard, camphor and kerosene mixed together is good to rub on the chest or throat to cure colds. (8; 270). 846. Vinegar, salt, honey and cayenne pepper mixed together will cure sore throat. (8; 270). 847. Remove fat from a skunk and render it. This is good to rub on the chest and throat when one has a severe cold. (8; 56). 848. Cure sore throat by wrapping on it a slice of fat meat sprinkled with red pepper. (8; 56). 849. To cure a cold, turn a stocking that has just been worn wrong side out, put some turpentine on it, and pin it around the neck. (8; 6). 850. A red flannel cloth worn over the chest in the winter will prevent lung disease. (8; 56). 851. To cure sore throat gargle with coal-oil and smoke drymullen. (8; 435). 852. For colds fry onions and place them in a flannel bag on the sick person's chest. (8; 168). 853. Drink hot pepper or ginger for colds. (8; 168). 854. Hot milk and pepper mixed and used as a drink is a remedy for a cold. (144). 855. To cure colds and sore throat, wrap a long woolen home-knit stocking about the throat. It should be wrong side out with the sole of the stocking against the sorest spot. (343). 856. A teaspoonful of soda in half a glass of water makes a good solution for gargle for sore throat. (203). 182 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 857. To cure sore throat, pull a few hairs on the top of the head. This draws the palate up and cures the soreness. (239). 858. Assafedita is soaked in camphor and then wrapped up in a little bag and worn around the neck to keep colds away. (71; 72). 859. Sulphur and sorghum mixed together and taken internally is a good remedy for tonsilitis. (71; 72). 860. Make an onion poultice and place it on the chest to cure colds. (203). 861. A few drops of kerosene on some sugar is a remedy for a sore throat. (38). 862. A mixture of sorghum and butter will cure colds. (215). 863. Place a bag of chopped onions on the chest of a person who has a cold. (215). 864. To cure a cold, soak the feet in hot water and go to bed. Then drink sweetened hot sage tea. (371; 7). 865. To cure a cough, take a mixture made of equal parts of sugar, butter and vinegar. (371; 14). 866. A good remedy for colds is to make a tea from the leaves of a plant called "Old Man." (160). 867. Whiskey, sugar and hot water make a good remedy for colds. (98). 867 a. To cure a cold, take equal parts of honey and tar internally. (203). 867b. To cure a cold, take a tablespoonful of sugar and three drops of kerosene before going to bed every night until the cold is cured. (203). 868. If you are fearful of receiving a sore throat during the night, wrap the stocking which you wore on your left foot during the day around your neck for the night. (294). 869. An excellent remedy for colds is a mixture of skunk-oil and sugar. (294). 870. Take onions and honey to cure a cold. (294; 295). 871. The pulling of certain hairs on the back of the neck will cure a cold. (231; 232). 872. To cure pneumonia, fry onions in lard; then rub the lard on the chest. After that place the onions in a sack and lay the sack on the patient's chest. (424). 873. For sore throat use vinegar, salt and pepper. (443). 874. For a cold, take pepper tea. (443). 875. To cure sore throat, put fat bacon on it. (262). 876. Take a cloth and wring it out of ice-cold water and put it on the chest to break a cold. (453). 877. If you have a cold and wish to break it, place your feet in the oven of a stove and warm them. (129; 131). 878. A slice of salt pork in the neck will cure a sore throat. (225; 226). Folklore from Iowa 183 879. A mixture of vinegar, butter, pepper and sugar will cure a cough. (225; 226). 880. To break up a cold or pneumonia, rub pine tar on the chest and back and cover those parts of the body with a woolen jacket. (225; 226). 881. Eat salt to cure a cough. (225; 226). CURES AND PREVENTIVES (RHEUMATISM). 882. Apply wool that has not been washed to the part of the body afflicted. (110; Norwegian). 883. Carry a buckeye in the pocket to cure rheumatism. (51). 884. Wear a copper wire around the wrist. (429). 885. Rheumatism is worse in dry windy weather than in damp weather. (429). 886. Carry a potato in the pocket. The potato dries very much and becomes almost petrified. (252). 887. Wear a lead or silver ring to ward off rheumatism. (252; Norwegian). 888. Carry a chestnut in the pocket. (199; Norwegian). 889. A good cure for rheumatism is to get stung by bees. (92). 890. Sleep with a dog and in the morning your rheumatism will be gone. (95). 891. Rub turpentine on the afflicted part. (60). 892. Put your left sock on first every morning and you won't have rheumatism. (8; 25). 893. Apples relieve rheumatism. (8; 270). 894. Wear a spider in a nutshell around your neck and it will keep away rheumatism. (461). 895. Fill a can with angleworms and hang it on a wire fence. The greasy concoction that results makes a good ointment. (220). 896. Do not sleep in damp places and you will escape rheumatism. (407; English-Scotch). CURES AND PREVENTIVES (MISCELLANEOUS). 897. If medicine makes you sick at your stomach, turn the glass from which it is taken upside down immediately after taking it and you will not vomit. (324; 323). 898. A grape leaf in the hat will prevent sunstroke. (88; 389). 899. Prick a blister after the sun goes down and it will not get sore. (275). 900. A remedy for frozen feet or hands is to wash or soak them in kerosene, rubbing them all the while. (61). 901. To cure a sprained ankle, bury it until it is well. (8). 902. If you have a side-ache, spit on a clod; then go on and don't look back toward the clod until you are sure you are out of sight of it, and the side-ache will be gone. (8; 45a). 13 184 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 903. If you put the soles of your slippers together under the bed every night, you won't have cramps. (8; 25). 904. To cure a sore, cook an onion for thirty-five minutes. Rub the cooked onion on the sore and give it to the pigs. The sore will heal. (8; 139). 905. To remove freckles, soak an old rag overnight in lye water. The next day rub it on the freckles real hard; then throw it in the road or street. The next person to rub his hands or face on the rag gets the freckles. (8; 139). 906. Put fat meat on your head to cure a headache. (8; 196). 907. Put green walnut on ringworm to cure it. (8; 196). 908. Drink sulphur water to cure the itch. (8; 196). 909. Eat yeast to cure boils. (8; 196). 910. Wrap green leaves around a burn to stop the pain. (8; 196). 911. Give catnip tea to little folks for stomach trouble. (8; 457). 912. Rub skunk-oil on a person who has had smallpox or other terrible disease. (8; 457). 913. Take catnip tea for headaches. (8; 457). 914. Soak cucumbers in water to draw out the poison. (8; 120). 915. To cure catarrh of the head, breathe the smoke from dry peach leaves. (8; 457). 916. Sulphur and lard will cure the itch. (8; 270). 917. Drink burdock tea to remedy blood difficulties. (8; 270). 918. Bathe a bruise or sprain in hot vinegar and salt. (8; 270). 919. To cure sore eyes, bathe them with warm salt water. (8; 270). 920. Clove oil will cure toothache. (8; 270). 921. Alum and glycerine is a good remedy for earache. (8; 270). 922. Eat sulphur and molasses for skin diseases. (8; 270). 923. Eat cream of tartar, sulphur and cold water for the blood. (8; 270). 924. A tablespoonful of olive oil taken three times a day will cure indigestion, sick headaches, and make you fat. (8; 270). 925. Apples are the best remedy for nervous dyspepsia. (8; 270). 926. Fry bitter-sweet berries in mutton tallow and then pour the melted tallow off very carefully into a wide-mouthed bottle. This makes a good sweet-scented healing salve. (8; 56). 927. Kill a fat hen. Render the fat and place it (unsalted) in a widemouthed bottle. This is good to drop into the ear in case of earache. (8; 56). 928. Roast an onion in coals made from wood. A few drops of the juice secreted by the onion will cure earache. This juice will also cut the phlegm out of the throat in case one has the croup. (8; 56). 929. To cure a sprain, soak thick brown paper in hot vinegar and bind it on the sprain. (8; 56). 930. To cure measles, make a tea out of oats and drink freely. (8; 56). Folklore from Iowa 185 931. Carry a raw potato in the pocket to prevent train sickness. (8). 932. Place brown paper across the stomach to prevent train sickness. (8). 933. To cure a running sore, catch a frog and fry it in lard; then put the grease from the frog on the sore. (8; 435). 934. To cure ringworm, use a mixture of gunpowder and lard. (8; 138). 935. To cure an infection, crush live-forever plant and fry it. Then make it into a poultice and place it on the sore. (8; 138). 936. Plaster a bee sting with mud to keep it from swelling. (8; 168). 937. Use carbolic acid to keep infection out of a wound. (8; 168). 938. Eat raisins to cure boils. (8). 939. A few drops of peppermint flavor in a glass of water will relieve stomach-ache. (203). 940. Camile tea is good for all kinds of ailments, internal or external. (203). 941. Raw grated potato or egg-white should be applied to painful burns. (203). 942. For kidney trouble, drink boiled flax tea including the seed from which it is made. (203). 943. Wet soda should be applied at once to a bee sting. (203). 944. On a fresh cut apply mucilage and wrap it with a piece of paper. (364; 152). 945. Salt and water solution, quite strong, and used persistently for a time will prevent the hair from falling out. (364; 152). 946. To save shoe soles, melt together tallow and common resin, in the proportion of two parts of the former to one part of the latter, and apply the preparation hot to the soles of the boots or shoes. Use as much as the soles will absorb. (364; 152). 947. Flour and water mixed together and eaten is a remedy for an upset stomach. (144). 948. Tie a piece of fat meat on a wound to draw out the poison. (315). 949. To stop the hiccoughs, drink ten swallows of water without breathing. (35). 950. To cure a boil, take the skin from the inside of an egg-shell and place it on the boil. (89). 951. To cure shingles, take a black cat and skin it; then bind the cat's skin to the affected part of the body. (89). 952. To cure hiccoughs, slowly bring the middle fingers of your hand together. Put them as close to each other as you can without making them touch. After you hold them this way a while, you will find the hiccough gone. (48). 953. To dry high-top leather boots: Fill the boots with hot oats and let them stand overnight; the oats will absorb the moisture and may be reheated the following night. (343). 954. For a spring tonic, mix one teaspoonful of cream of tartar into 13* 186 1Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society one cup of sorghum. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture each morning during the spring season. (343). 955. For a spring tonic, take sassafras tea. (343). 956. To cure boils and carbuncles, apply bread and milk poultice or flaxseed poultice. (343). 957. To purify wounds, apply fat salt pork. (343). 958. To purify wounds, apply kerosene. (343). 959. A mixture of honey and alum is good for the croup. (203). 960. Chew roasted coffee or corn to cure a bad breath. (203). 961. To cure a corn, take a milkweed, squeeze out some of the milk and put it on your corn; then throw the weed backwards over your head and don't look where it lands. (314; 126). 962. To cure the whooping cough, take a gallon of poplar leaves and cover them with water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then strain it. To a pint of the strained liquid, add one cup of sugar. Take one tablespoonful when you begin to cough. (203). 963. To draw poison out of rusty nail sores, apply bacon to the sore overnight. (239). 964. Sulphur and sorghum mixed together and taken internally is a good remedy for scarlet fever. (71; 256). 965. To cure a boil, place some sour cream that has been stirred until it is real thick on the sore place. (203; 215). 966. Swallow lard to cure croup. (210). 967. In pioneer days when medical aid was unavailable, a person who had cancer was almost sure to die. The home remedy for cancer was to kill a chicken, and without waiting to remove the feathers or dress it, a leg or wing or any meaty part of the chicken was cut off and applied to the sore. The animal heat in the meat was supposed to cure the cancer. (161). 968. Put the inside of a raisin in the ear to stop the earache. (98). 969. To cure a boil, chew "BB" shot. (281a). 970. Dandelions are a good remedy for boils. (294). 971. To treat varicose veins, gather plantain weed, and squeeze the weed very closely between two bricks so that the juice will run out. After completing this process, wrap the leaves of the plant closely around the leg and place a cloth tightly about to hold the leaves in place. (294; 49). 972. Lard is a good remedy for chapped hands. (294; 49). 973. Let a dog lick an open cut and it will heal quickly. (294; 295). 974. To cure a side-ache in the right side, pick up a piece of dry mud, spit on the under side of it, lay it down carefully in the same spot from which you picked it up and in five minutes your side-ache will leave. (17; 292). 975. If you bump your head, rub butter on the injured spot and it will not swell. (Ila). 976. Onion syrup is a good remedy for a cold. It is prepared by Folklore from Iowa 187 boiling over the teakettle equal parts of sliced onions and sugar. The syrup is given to the patient a teaspoonful at a time. (203). 977. The lining of a chicken's gizzard well washed and made into a tea is good for diarrhea. (203). 978. Mullen leaves made into a tea is a good remedy for diarrhea. (203). 979. The housewives of a certain southeastern district in Iowa until recently canned the first snow water of March as a solution to treat sore eyes. (264). 980. If you have hiccoughs, think of the last individual to whom you talked and the hiccoughs will stop. (218). 981. If a person has a sty, call him to you and unknown to him spit into the eye. The sty will be cured. (61a). 982. If you wish to keep from getting the mumps, rub your cheeks on a hog trough. (348; 134). 983. To cure lump-jaw in cattle, use the following remedy. When no one sees you, go into the yard and pick up a stone, but mark the place where the stone lay. Then go to the sick critter and cross with the stone three times. Then go back to the place where the stone first lay, place the stone in the same position, and say nothing. The lump-jaw will disappear. (348). 984. If you have a side-ache, spit under a clod of dirt, cover with the clod, and the side-ache will be gone. (377; 418). 985. To cure a sty, go to an old unkept grave after the sun has set and throw nine peas over your right shoulder; your sty will disappear if you do not speak to anyone that evening. (431). 986. Tie a red string around the neck to stop the nosebleed. (430a). 987. Take a pint of cream, place it in a cloth sack, bury it in the ground until the cream is decayed, dig it up and use it as an ointment to cure skin eruptions. (301). 988. If you wish a disease onto a penny and throw it over your left shoulder, the one who finds the penny will get the disease. (438). 989. Remedy for consumption (years ago called rotting of the lung): Buy a fresh lung of a calf. Put it in a jar and cover it with wine and sugar. Make the jar air-tight and boil till like syrup. Take a spoonful of the syrup every night and get well. (227; 228). 990. To cure toothache, catch a hundred frogs and roast them in the oven. Dry the roasts carefully and make a powder of them. Mix the powder with salt and rub the mixture on the gums. (227; 228). 991. To cure an epileptic fit, go to the graveyard at midnight and find a skull. Scrape the skull into a powder and take some 188 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society of it internally every two hours. (227; 228, who can trace it back to 1799). 992. A remedy for ringworm is to soak a dime in vinegar; then rub the dime on the ringworm. (382). 993. To cure corns on the toes, rub a meat rind on the corns, bury the rind, and when it decays, the corns will leave. (20; 271). 994. To cure ringworm, soak any copper thing in vinegar and rub it on the infection. (404). 995. Rub a gold ring across a sty and it will disappear. (69; 70). 996. If you have a side-ache, pick up a rock, spit on it, and place it again in the same place. The pain will leave. (240). 997. If you have a side-ache, pick up a clod, spit on it and replace it where it was. Stand still a few seconds and the side-ache will be cured. (190; 191; 216). 998. Take the lining of a chicken gizzard. Wash it well and let it dry thoroughly. When anyone is sick, pour boiling water over the dried lining, let it stand a short time; then have the sick person drink the tea. (80). 999. Use onion poultices to cure fever. (262; 261). 1000. If a baby has a sore mouth, hunt for some woman who did not change her name when she married. If she will blow in the baby's face, the mouth will heal. (65; 415). 1001. To help the baby cut teeth, tie assafedita around the baby's neck and it will cut the teeth without pain. (37, who learned it as a boy from the negroes in Florida). 1002. To cure a toothache, bind a mustard poultice on each forewrist where the pulse is felt and the toothache will disappear. (37, who learned it as a boy from the negroes in Florida). 1003. To cure ringworm, wash the face in the warm blood of a black hen. (336; 440). 1004. To cure ringworm, drink tea made from tobacco juice. (336; 440). 1005. To cure ringworm, use a salve made by placing a two-cent copper piece to soak in cream. The soaking process develops a thick green salve. (336; 440). 1006. To cure a felon, put live fish worms on it. (336; 440). 1007. A black silk cord tied around the neck will cure the croup. (336; 335a; Canadian-French). 1008. Place a fresh slice of potato on a new burn. (33). 1009. A worn stocking tied about the throat will cure the croup. (33). 1010. A felt ribbon tied around the throat will prevent goiter. (33). 1011. To break a fever, take some dried elderberry blossoms, steep them to make a tea, and drink it. (453). 1012. Place a slab of beefsteak on a black eye to take out the swelling. (453). 1013. Place a silver knife on a bump to keep it from swelling and discoloring. (453). Folklore from Iowa 189 1014. Three teaspoonfuls of vinegar and the same amount of water, a small amount of sugar, and enough soda to make the mixture foam will settle one's stomach if the foam only is taken. (453). 1015. Put cobwebs on a cut to stop the bleeding. (397; 398). 1016. To cure a snake-bite, kill the snake, cut the body into pieces, and bind it on the wound. The poison will be drawn out. (452). 1017. Tie a red string around the throat to prevent croup. (129; 130). 1018. If you have a fever, tie two bars of soap on the bottoms of your feet at night when you go to bed and the soap will draw out the fever. (129; 131). 1019. Mix clay and vinegar together and put the mixture on a sprain to draw out the soreness. (129; 131). 1020. Place tobacco on a bee sting and it will not swell. (129; 131). 1021. Sweet cream on chapped lips will cure them. (129; 131). 1022. A cream and bread poultice will cure a boil cleanly. (408; Norwegian). 1023. If tobacco which has been chewed or dampened is placed on an infected cut, it will draw out the poison. (225; 226). 1024. To cure a felon on the finger, cut a lemon in half and then hold the finger in it. (225; 226). 1025. Sweet cream will cure sunburn. (225; 226). 1026. To take apple or any kind of stain off the hands, wash them in rhubarb or tomato juice. (225; 226). 1027. A syrup made of brown sugar and the juice of stewed sunflower seeds is a good remedy for the whooping cough. (225; 226). 1028. Place onions in the hot ashes of the stove until they become soft; then strain the juice through a cloth and mix with sugar to make a syrup to cure croup. (225; 226). 1029. Press the nerves under your ears to cure the nosebleed. (225; 226). 1030. A mixture of vinegar and salt water will cure the headache. (225; 226). 1031. A live-forever plant kept in the room will prevent cancer. (111). 1032. The plants, live-forever and sour-dough, fried in butter and mashed to a paste make a good salve for cuts and burns. (111). 1033. Corn-meal poultice will draw out inflammation. (450; 460). 1034. If you wear a piece of birch from a tree tied to a string around your neck, you will be protected from diseases. (31). 1035. Spasm cure for children: Back the child afflicted up to a post and mark the place where the top of his head comes. Bore a hole in the post and cut off a lock of the child's hair and place it in the hole. Then put a tight plug in the hole and saw it 190 0Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society off smoothly until it can hardly be noticed. When the child has grown above the hole, he will have no more spasms. (31; 175). 1036. Cross a bump with a silver spoon and the bump will not discolor. (277). 1037. Injuries received during dog-days in summer are apt to prove fatal. (407; English-Scotch). 1038. To avoid disease, use the left hand to hold the dipper when drinking. (171). 1039. Place onions on the forehead to cure headache. (405; Scotch). 1040. When choking, raise both arms above the head and the choking will stop. (405; Scotch). 1041. The consumption of vinegar is a method of reducing. (407). 1042. To stop hiccoughs, hold the breath while taking seven swallows of water. (407; Scotch). 1043. Draw fire out of a burn by holding it over an open fire. (407). 1044. When a person is coughing or choking, beat him on the back with your fist. (408; Norwegian). 1045. To cure earache, blow tobacco smoke into the ear. (411; early American). 1046. To change a child from left-handedness to right-handedness will make a stammerer of him. (407). 1047. To cure typhoid fever, tie a fish to the sole of each foot with the tails of the fish beneath the patient's toes. (407; Pennsylvania). 1048. When you have hiccoughs, someone is talking about you. Guess who it is and the hiccoughs will stop. (109; 66). 1049. Tie a red yarn string around the neck to stop nosebleed. (409 and 142; both early pioneers in Iowa). 1050. In early Iowa days, a two-year-old child fell into an old fireplace and burnt his face severely. They sent for an old woman in the neighborhood who pow-wowed over the face and it healed quickly without a scar. (409, who said the incident occurred near Livermore). 1051. Wear a silver-composition ring to keep away lumbago. (421). 1052. In earlier days, women, to prevent fainting, carried a little brandy or perfume in a locket pinned to the clothing. (198). 1053. Wear earrings to strengthen the eyesight. (198). 1054. If a man is struck by a snake and later returns and kills the snake, he will not suffer any poisoning from the bite. (50; Norwegian). 1055. To cure pneumonia, slack some lime and make a pack of it by placing it in factory-cloth. Wrap this pack about the patient's torso and the sickness will be broken. (142). 1056. Wear assafedita to keep the itch away. (51, who said that when the itch broke out in a school he attended in Ohio about 85 years ago, the school director ordered all pupils to wear assafedita or remain out of school). Folklore from Iowa 191 1057. Wear assafedita to keep diphtheria away. (183). 1058. Wear assafedita about the neck to cure whooping cough. (429). 1059. Place paper under the upper lip to stop nosebleed. (252). 1060. Place a door key on the back of the neck to stop nosebleed. (252; Norwegian). 1061. To cure lice on live stock, drive the stock into the rain in the early spring. (274). 1062. Smartweed is an excellent lotion or liniment for sprains. (409). 1063. A lotion of boneset weed is good for the ague. (409). 1064. A lotion made from pennyroyal, a weed, is good for any ailment. (409). 1065. Cure deafness by the use of a composition made up of two parts of tincture of lobelia and one part of glycerine. Place a few drops in the ears once a day. (409). 1066. A preventive for bed-wetting is to keep the person from playing with fire. (78; Danish). 1067. Tie a pork rind over the affected part to draw infection from a sore or wound. (90). 1068. To cure boils, apply a plantain leaf poultice. (90). 1069. Use saliva to cure insect bites. (407; Scotch). HOUSEHOLD LORE (DAYS AND SEASONS). 1070. Friday the thirteenth is a poor time to start on a journey. (385; 58). 1071. If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. (385). 1072. The first three days of December rule the winter. (113). 1073. Friday is the fairest or foulest day of the week. (113). 1074. If you see your shadow on February second, it means that more bad winter will follow. (113). 1075. There is always sunshine in one period of the day on Saturday. (113). 1076. Friday's flitting means a short sitting. (88; 389). 1077. If the ground is white at Thanksgiving, it will be black at Christmas. (214; 213). 1078. If on New Year's Eve at midnight you will walk around the house three times and then look in the window, you will see the most important thing that will happen to your family in the following year. (95). 1079. Sew on Sunday and you'll have to rip it all out with your nose when you go to Heaven. (125; 94). 1080. Move on Friday and you will have bad luck. (8; 425). 1081. Friday begun is never done. (8; 339). 1082. The day of the month that it first snows indicates the number of snows during the year. (8; 106). 1083. The way the weather is the first three days of the new year indicates the weather for the first three months. (8; 106). 192 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1084. If you have company on Monday, you will have company every day during the week. (103). 1085. If you sew on Christmas Eve, you will have boils on your fingers all the year round. (279; 278). 1086. If you eat rice on New Year's Day, you will make more money than before. (379; 378). 1087. If there is a green Christmas, there will be a white Easter. (231; 232). 1088. If it rains on Easter Sunday, it will rain every Sunday for seven Sundays except one. (231; 232). 1089. If it rains on Easter Sunday, it will rain for seven consecutive Sundays. (407). 1090. Never start anything on Friday for you won't live to finish it. (132; 133). 1091. Sing on Friday and you'll cry on Sunday. (388; Bohemian). 1092. If it snows on February twenty-fourth, it will freeze for forty nights. (379a; 22). 1093. If the stars shine brightly on Saturday night, it will rain on or before Monday. (456). 1094. Monday weather until noon is weather for all week. (114; 332). 1095. Friday weather is Sunday weather. (114; 332). 1096. The last three days of the month rule the first half of the next month. (114; 332). 1097. Company on Monday is company all week. (114; 332). 1098. Move on Friday, short sit; Move on Saturday, shorter yit (yet). (114). 1099. Never throw anything out of the house on New Year's morning until you have brought something into the house if you wish to be prosperous. (114; 234). 1100. A winter with little snow means a scant crop for the coming year. (419; German). 1101. If a muskrat builds a mound over his house, it will be a hard winter. (419; German). 1102. Never move on Monday if you wish to have good luck. (218). 1103. It is a sign of bad luck to do the family washing between Christmas and New Year's Day. (4; 3). 1104. If the grass grows in January, the summer stands in danger. (189a). 1105. A green Christmas, a fat cemetery. (291; 289). 1106. An accident will happen if you start on a trip on Friday. (426; 427). 1107. It is bad luck to work on Friday. (426; 427). 1108. If the ground-hog sees his shadow, there will be six months of winter. (301). 1109. On New Year's night, if the flame in the lamp burns low in the center of the flame and attempts to loop at the top, there will Folklore from Iowa 193 be a death in the family before the next New Year's night. (170; 169). 1110. If the ground-hog sees his shadow on the second of February, there will be more cold weather. (75). 1111. If you move Monday, you won't stay. (190; 191; 216). 1112. Never start work on Saturday afternoon that cannot be finished that day or it will never be finished. (442; 444). 1113. If it freezes on the night of the tenth of March, it will freeze on forty nights after that because many years ago forty horsemen froze to death on the night of the tenth of March. (442; 444). 1114. Never take down the stove until the first of May or you will suffer. (336; 347). 1115. To wear green on Friday is an invitation to good luck. (453). 1116. Plant a hill or two of potatoes on Good Friday even if you have to dig through frost, and you will have a good potato crop. (372; 373). 1117. A fly in the house at Christmas time is a sign of good luck. (397; 398). 1118. If the first person calling at your home after New Year's is lucky, he will bring good luck; and if he is unlucky, he will bring bad luck. (452). 1119. The first twelve days of January govern the year. (78). 1120. If you tell a dream on Sunday morning before breakfast, it will come true. (420). 1121. If you cut your finger-nails on Sunday, you will have bad luck before the week is over. (420). 1122. Never start a task on Friday that involves the hanging of mirrors. (142). 1123. It is unlucky to do the family washing on Saturday. (142). 1124. Wednesday's weather is Friday's weather. (407). 1125. On New Year's morning, without speaking to anyone, go to the Bible, open it, and point, without looking, to a verse. That verse will govern your life during the year. (420). 1126. Sneeze on Monday, sneeze for danger; Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger; Sneeze on Wednesday, get a letter; Sneeze on Thursday, something better; Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for sorrow; Sneeze on Saturday, sweetheart tomorrow; Sneeze on Sunday, joy all week. (408; Norwegian). 1127. Sneeze on Monday, sneeze for danger; Sneeze on Tuesday, kiss a stranger; Sneeze on Wednesday, get a letter; Sneeze on Thursday, something better; Sneeze on Friday, sneeze for sorrow; Sneeze on Saturday, sweetheart tomorrow; Sneeze on Sunday, the devil will get you next week. (413). 194 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1128. Codfish is served at Christmas. The large flat bone from each fish is saved and later placed on top of the head of a person who makes a wish. Then he bows his head and the bone falls off. If the rough side turns up, the wish is granted; if the smooth side, the wish is denied. The bone is passed around until all have wished. (408; practiced near Roland, a Norwegian community; tradition from Norway). HOUSEHOLD LORE (DREAMS). 1129. It is a bad omen to dream of a cat. (428). 1130. To dream of muddy water denotes trouble. (428). 1131. To dream of a snake that you do not kill is a sign that you have an active enemy. (428). 1132. To dream of a death is the sign of a wedding, and vice-versa. (428). 1133. If you dream about an egg, you will have a quarrel with somebody. (316; 222). 1134. Say to the new moon, "All hail to thee, moon, all hail to thee. I prithee, good moon, declare to me this night who my husband shall be." After that you will dream and in the dream will appear your future husband. (12). 1135. If you dream of a snake, you have an enemy. If in your dream you kill the snake, you'll kill your enemy, or rather you'll become friends with your enemy. (125). 1136. To see a bright flame in a dream is the sign of good news; to see a dull flame is a sign of death. (214; 213). 1137. If you dream that a snake bites you, you are going to have trouble with some friend. (156). 1138. If you dream that you are eating a meal, you will soon be sick. (368). 1139. Friday night's dream, Saturday morning told Will come true before it is nine days old. (8; 425). 1140. Dream of the dead, you'll hear of the living. (8; 211). 1141. Relate a dream before breakfast and it will come true. (8; 166). 1142. Relate a dream before breakfast and it will not come true. (200). 1143. If you dream of muddy water, somebody is saying evil things about you; if you dream of clear water, he is saying nice things about you. (122; 383). 1144. To dream of snakes signifies bad luck. (294). 1145. To dream of a basket indicates bad luck. (294). 1146. If you dream of a fire, sometime in the future you will receive a large sum of money. (294; 49). 1147. If you dream of a tooth, somebody in the family will be seriously ill or a death will occur in the family in a short time. (388; Bohemian). Folklore from Iowa 195 1148. If you dream of a fire, thieves will enter your home soon. (388). 1149. To dream of a death is the sign of a birth. (458). 1150. Dream a thing three times and the dream will come true. (114; 374; German). 1151. To dream about a baby means a quarrel. (434; 248). 1152. Eat salt before going to bed on Hallowe'en night and in your dreams your future husband will bring you a drink. (136). 1153. If you dream that a tooth falls out without any pain, it means that there will be sickness. (137). 1154. If you dream you see a fire but no smoke, you'll get rich; if you dream of smoke but no fire, it means disaster. (137). 1155. To dream of someone is a sign of seeing him. (359; 358). 1156. If you will put a mirror under your pillow and sleep with it there three nights, the dream you dream the third night will come true. (85; 247). 1157. If you dream of fruit out of season, you will have trouble out of reason. (163; 164; 165). 1158. To dream of bugs is a sign of death in the family. (453). 1159. If you dream of flowers, there will be a death soon. (286). 1160. Dream of the dead, hear from the living. (28). 1161. If you move into a new house and put your shoes under the bed at night, whatever you dream about you will surely see come true. (430). 1162. If you dream about a fire, you will get hasty news. (436). 1163. If you dream that you are going to receive a letter, you are going to hear from someone absent. (436). 1164. Dream of cats, trouble ahead. (436; 121). 1165. If one dreams while sleeping for the first time in a new house, the dream will come true. (408; Norwegian). 1166. If you dream of old dilapidated bridges or old houses, you will be sure to have trouble. (421). 1167. To dream of a wedding is the sign of a funeral, and to dream of a funeral is the sign of a wedding. (408; Norwegian). HOUSEHOLD LORE (SPORTS AND GAMES). 1168. Fish bite best when the moon is full. (75). 1169. Can't fish when the wind is in the north. Fish when the wind is in the east as it blows the bait into the fishes' mouths. (142). 1170. When the wind is in the west, the fish bite the best. (267). 1171. When the wind is in the North, The weary fisher goes not forth; When the wind is in the East, 'Tis neither fit for man nor beast; When the wind is in the South, It blows the bait from the fishes' mouth; 196 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society When the wind is in the West, Then 'tis at its very best. (78). 1172. If fish jump out of the water, it is poor fishing weather. (78). 1173. When fishing, spit on the bait and you will have good luck. (407). 1174. To whistle just before a game or contest is a sign of bad luck. (108). 1175. To wear the same suit, hat, or other garment to games throughout a season is a good luck charm. (108). 1176. Many athletes consider it a sign of bad luck to have their uniforms washed or cleaned. (108). 1177. Many athletes will pick up a pebble and toss it away after making a play so they will have good luck on the next attempt. (407). 1178. Some athletes after making a play will pluck a blade of grass and bite it in two believing that the action will insure good luck on the next attempt. (407). 1179. Never fish unless the wind is in the south. (252). HOUSEHOLD LORE (MISCELLANEOUS). 1180. If any piece of bad luck happens twice, it will happen the third time. (385; 208). 1181. If you drop a dish-rag, it is a sign of bad luck. (385; 208). 1182. If you see your shadow behind you when looking ahead, you will have bad luck before the day is over. (266; 116). 1183. Sailors and fishermen always sail to the right first and not to the left when starting a journey. This will bring them good luck. (304). 1184. To break a looking-glass means nine years of bad luck. (428). 1185. If you forget anything when you leave the house and go back to get it, always sit down or you will have bad luck. (241; 249). 1186. To find bubbles on your milk is a sign you will get rich. (83; 84). 1187. If you will throw a horseshoe over your left shoulder, it will bring good luck. (91). 1188. If you open an umbrella in the house, it will rain. (328). 1189. If you go visiting and are on your way home, but discover you have forgotten something and turn around and go back for it, you should sit down and talk a while or you will have bad luck before you reach home. (88; 86). 1190. If you will take a crowbar and hold it in the middle to balance it, then walk around with it in that position, you can witch water. As you walk, if one end of the crowbar tends to point down, it is a sign that there is a water vein below. A well can safely be dug there. (275). Folklore from Iowa 197 1191. If you are going some place to look after some business and the first person you meet is an old lady, turn around and spit three times or you will have bad luck. (236). 1192. If you drop a dish-cloth, it indicates that company dirtier than you are is coming. (32). 1193. If you drop a dish towel, it indicates that company cleaner than you are is coming. (32). 1194. If there are foamy collections on your tea, it is a sign of coming wealth. (64). 1195. If you spill salt, you will have a quarrel unless you burn some salt. (125). 1196. If you start to go somewhere and have to return for something, sit down and make a wish or you will have bad luck. (366; 342). 1197. If you go out of a door and close it, but have to return for something forgotten, make a cross on the door when you go back in or you will have bad luck. (260). 1198. To take a ring off of another person's finger is a sign that there will be a fight. (451). 1199. Don't sweep the floor after supper or you will sweep all the money out. (340). 1200. It is a sign of bad luck to let a bird fly into a church. (16). 1201. See a pin and pick it up, you will have good luck; See a pin and let it lay, you shall have ill luck all day. (60). 1202. You will have bad luck if you pick up a pin with its head toward you. (8; 168). 1203. You will have bad luck if you move a cat or a broom. (8; 168). 1204. It is a sign of bad luck to carry a spade through the house. (8). 1205. It is a sign of bad luck to upset salt. (8). 1206. It is a sign of bad luck to step over a broom-handle. (8). 1207. It means bad luck for a year if you do not kill the first snake you see in the spring for your enemies will torment you. (8). 1208. To find a hair-pin means you will find a new friend. (8; 77). 1209. It is a sign of bad luck to bring an axe into the house. (8). 1210. A rainbow indicates the storm is over. (8). 1211. If a broom falls in front of the door, it is a sign of company. (8; 391). 1212. When a spider comes down in front of you, it is a sign that there is somebody coming dressed in the color of the spider. (8; 230). 1213. If you find any money, it is a sign that you are going to have good luck. (8; 197). 1214. If you put milk or cream in your coffee, it will poison you. (8; 197). 1215. Sweeping after dark will bring sorrow to your heart. (8; 360). 1216. Night air is poisonous and if the windows are raised evil spirits will get in. (8; 360). 198 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1217. If while sweeping you sweep a black mark on the floor, company will come. (8). 1218. If you eat anything in the coal-house, you will have bad luck. (8; 139). 1219. To sweep the room after the sun goes down is a sign that one is sweeping her riches away. (8; 351). 1220. If you find a five leaf clover, you will have bad luck. (8; 54). 1221. If you bring a rake into the house, you will have bad luck. (8; 52). 1222. If you start on a journey and meet a woman on a white horse, it is an omen of bad luck. (122). 1223. Some people cannot wear an opal without having bad luck. (122). 1224. Bad luck always results from dropping a comb. (122). 1225. To leave a book open at night is sure to bring bad luck. (122). 1226. A dropped dish towel signifies disappointment in the future, while a dropped dish-rag means that company is coming. (122). 1227. It brings bad luck to change bedclothes on Sunday. (433; 229). 1228. If you should happen to bring an axe into the house on your shoulder, you should walk out backward to avoid bad luck. (461). 1229. A penny will keep the devil out of your pocketbook. (461). 1230. If you drop a dish-rag and it leaves a mark, you'll have company. (71; 256). 1231. It is a sign of bad luck to spill salt, but if you pick some up and put it on the stove, it will break the spell. (38). 1232. If you leave the cover of the coffee-pot up, it means that you will have company. (98). 1233. If you meet a hearse, bad luck will come to you. (294). 1234. If you spill salt, throw some over your left shoulder and make a wish to avoid bad luck. (294). 1235. If two people from the same family take hold of a door-knob on opposite sides of the door at the same time, there will be a quarrel before the day is over. (17). 1236. If you say something about having good luck, the only way to escape resulting bad luck from this remark is to knock on a piece of wood. (11a; 124). 1237. When dates of ember are high, prices will be high. (231; 232). 1238. If you watch a person starting out on a journey until he is out of sight, you will have bad luck. (320; 317). 1239. Never give anything away for in doing so you give your luck away. (357; 356). 1240. To make vinegar out of cider, say aloud the names of cross women as the process progresses. (448). 1241. When one is churning cream, it often happens that the butter Folklore from Iowa 199 will not break. That is a sign that there are witches in the cream. You must then put a hot horseshoe in the cream and burn the witches. After this process is cared for, the cream will turn to butter with ease. (177). 1242. If two people walk past each other on the same side twice, the one on the outside of the walk will have bad luck. (155). 1243. If you find a horseshoe and throw it with your right hand fifteen feet over your left shoulder, you will have good luck. (155). 1244. Never go back after something when you have started on a journey or you will die before you return. (53). 1245. If the end of a rug is turned up on one side, make a wish, put the rug back into place, and the wish will surely come true. (114; 332). 1246. To obtain good results in baking a cake, beat the batter away from you. (114; 353). 1247. Sing in the bath-tub, cry before you are dressed. (434; 248). 1248. If you find a four leaf clover and throw it over your left shoulder, you will have good luck. (193). 1249. Do not pick up a pin if it is pointing toward you or you will have bad luck. (114). 1250. If the fire murmurs, it means that there will be a quarrel or sickness in the family. (137). 1251. If two people dry their hands on a towel at the same time, the first one who drops the towel will end the friendship between them. (254). 1252. If a person starts to say something and then forgets what he is going to say, it is a lie. (375). 1253. If you burn egg-shells, you will have bad luck. (375). 1254. To avoid bad luck when greasing a wagon, always begin at the front end. (218). 1255. To find a penny is a sign of good luck. (243; 244). 1256. To return borrowed salt signifies trouble. (355; 354). 1257. If the hem of a garment folds up and remains so, it is a sign of good luck. (355). 1258. If you break a mirror, it means seven years of bad luck in your family. (377; 418). 1259. Step on a nail and you will put your father in jail. (376). 1260. If you see a spider on the floor in the morning, it means bad luck. (376). 1261. If you fall upstairs, you will be disappointed before the next day. (301). 1262. If you are starting on a journey and look back, bad luck will befall you during the journey. (301). 1263. Step on a crack and you will break your grandmother's back. (246). 1264. If someone takes your ring off your finger, it means bad luck for him. (246). 14 200 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1265. Laugh today, you'll cry tomorrow. (462). 1266. People used to have buttons on doors for knobs. If a person turned the button forward, the people of the home made the person turn the button back as many times as he had turned it forward; otherwise, bad luck would come to the home. (27; 263). 1267. Plant potatoes with the sprouts up or they won't grow. (370). 1268. The third time is a charm. (370). 1269. A chestnut in your pocket will bring good luck. (305). 1270. It is unlucky to walk under a ladder on Friday the thirteenth. (305). 1271. If the word "sow" is mentioned on board a fishing vessel, there will be no luck that trip out. (392; 297). 1272. As many grains of salt as you spill, you shall some day spill that many tears over your best friend. (170; 169). 1273. To sweep dirt over the door-step will bring misfortune. (170). 1274. A person who burns crumbs will want for them some day. (170). 1275. If salt must be thrown away, throw it on the fire. You are a spendthrift if you throw it away otherwise. (346; 345). 1276. Your beau is coming if in your teacup you find a long tea leaf. If you want him to come, butter the head of the tea leaf and throw it under the table. (447; 446). 1277. The larger the amount of salt you spill, the larger your quarrel with someone will be. (186). 1278. If you go past a graveyard at dusk, ghosts will chase you. (423a). 1279. If you drop a dish-cloth and it spreads out, a man is coming; if it stays gathered up in a ball, a woman is coming. (447; 446). 1280. If you drop a dish-cloth and it spreads out, a lady is coming; if it stays in a ball, a man is coming. (180; 179). 1281. It is a sign of riches when the foam of cocoa comes to the top. (401). 1282. If you sing or whistle in the house, you'll have bad luck. (401). 1283. If you find a horseshoe, spit through it, throw it over your left shoulder and you will have good luck. (401). 1284. To wear a hat or cap in the house is a sign of good luck. (401). 1285. If you drop a piece of bread and butter, butter side down, it means someone is coming hungrier than you are. (190; 191; 216). 1286. A puzzle a day will keep the cobwebs away. (159). 1287. Bad luck will come if a person does not reenter a house through the same door he went out. (336; 440). 1288. To walk under a ladder is a sign of coming misfortune. (453). 1289. To break a mirror means that you will lose your best friend. (453). 1290. It is unlucky to light three cigarettes with one match. (453). 1291. To drop a pair of scissors means a disappointment. (453). Folklore from Iowa 201 1292. To drop one's gloves means a disappointment. (453). 1293. To return into the house after starting somewhere is a sign of misfortune unless you sit down, count ten before venturing forth again. (453). 1294. If you find bubbles floating on your cup of coffee, drink them up and you will be rich. (349). 1295. If your initials spell a word, you will be rich. (452). 1296. Burn a match entirely without breaking it and you will have good luck. (452). 1297. If you carry an odd number of shells when you go hunting, you will always see something to shoot at. (225; 226; English). 1298. If you have the hiccoughs, you will have a midnight visitor. (9; 299). 1299. If you carry a sharp-edged tool into the house, you will be in an accident soon. (31; 313; Irish). 1300. If you borrow salt from a neighbor, you'll fight. (31; 172). 1301. If you drop a dish-rag, a filthy woman is coming. (31; 172). 1302. It is extremely dangerous to go swimming during dog-day period in the summer. (407). 1303. If you come back for something after leaving home, you must come back three times or you'll have an accident. (238). 1304. If you drop the dish-cloth, it is a sign the minister is coming. (238). 1305. If you spill salt on the stove, you must put some in the fire or you'll have a fight. (238). 1306. If a person spills salt, he should sprinkle a pinch of it over his right shoulder so he won't have any bad luck. (162). 1307. Where much dirt accumulates, there will be riches some day. (436). 1308. Walk in muddy water and you'll get bad news. (436). 1309. To open an umbrella in the house is a sign of bad news to come. (436). 1310. It is bad luck to lend a needle. (67). 1311. If you try to memorize something before you go to bed, and place a copy of it under your pillow and sleep with it there, you will not forget what you learned. (233). 1312. It is bad luck to move a broom. (67). 1313. When one turns back for something, he should be sure to take something with him to avoid bad luck. (123). 1314. If you see a ghost and want to shoot him, put a five dollar gold piece on the end of your gun. (233). 1315. See a pin and let it lay, you will probably need a pin some day. (258). 1316. Fairies are always dressed in white; witches in black. (408; Norwegian). 1317. If the rooster sits on the fence before the house and crows, it is a sign of company. (45). 14* 202 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 1318. To obtain the most coffee, roast it when the tide is at its height. (110; 319; Norwegian). 1319. In Norway at Christmas time the people always set out food for the little underground people in whom they believed. As they placed the food, they repeated this rhyme: Nessen med huen rod Skal ogsoa have sin Jule grod. Translated this is: Nessen with cap so red Shall also have his Christmas mush. (110; 319; Norwegian). 1320. To ward off bad luck while saying or doing something, cross the index finger over the pointer. (407). 1321. Step on a crack and break your mother's back. (336). 1322. The gift of a knife or a pair of scissors will sever the friendship of the donor and receiver. (407; Scotch). 1323. If a horse rolls over once, he is worth, or entitled to, one quart of oats; if he rolls over two times, he is worth two quarts, and so on. (201; English). 1324. Cut off the point of a piece of pie with the left hand, make a wish, push the point of pie to one side, and eat the rest of the pie. After that eat the point in one bite and the wish will come true. (336). 1325. If you leave a place and have to return, spit over your left shoulder three times to avoid bad luck. (336). 1326. In earlier days before people moved into a new house, they held a feast and celebration called a "house-warming." Similar proceedings were held for "barn-raisings." These were in a sense good luck procedures. (407). 1327. To open an umbrella in the house is a sign that the young lady doing so will lose her undergarments on the street at an early date. (408; Norwegian). 1328. To make a promise in all sincerity, the person crosses himself and says, "That's true or I hope to die." (407). 1329. In earlier days girls wore dresses with many buttons down the back. Often they counted these buttons to ascertain the type of house each would live in at some future time. As the buttons were counted, these words were spoken, "Big house, little house, pig pen, sty." The last button with its complementary word indicated the type of house to be expected. (336). 1330. Go to bed crying, wake up happy; go to bed happy, wake up crying. (200; Scotch-English). 1331. To wish a family good luck, steal a picture from their house. (198; Norwegian). 1332. If you see a pin lying on the floor, pick it up. The direction it points indicates the direction in which you will take a trip. (109; Norwegian). Folklore from Iowa 203 1333. If you spill salt, you will be angry. (421). 1334. To forget the thread of the conversation indicates that it was a lie. (123). 1335. To find a safety-pin means that you will find a boy friend. (408; Norwegian). 1336. It is lucky to find a horseshoe with the points toward you. (407). 1337. It is a sign of good luck to have a horseshoe nailed above the door. (407). 1338. Never thank anyone for a picture or he will have bad luck. (420). 1339. To find a lost article, spit on the thumb and smack it in the palm of the opposite hand as you say, "Spit, spat, spo, which way did that thing go?" (405). 1340. If one spills salt, there will be trouble in the family unless that person throws some salt over his left shoulder. (268). 1341. Go in one door, through the house, and out another door when calling, without sitting down, and you'll never come back. (268). 1342. Don't give a pocketbook away to anyone without money in it or the receiver will have bad luck. (268). 1343. When leaving a house, never turn back for something without making a wish unless you want some bad luck. (404; Scotch). 1344. When calling, go in one door and out another, and you will bring more company. (404; Scotch). 1345. Drop a dish-rag and someone will come hungrier than you are. (404 and 408; Scotch and Norwegian). 1346. In escorting a lady along the street, a young man who permits the lady to walk on the outside, or next the street, will lose her. (108; Norwegian). 1347. If two people let an obstacle such as a tree or post pass between them, their friendship will be broken. (108; Norwegian). 1348. Take a ripe dandelion and try to blow off all the seeds. If you can blow them all off with one blow, your mother doesn't want you; if you can't, she does. (405). 1349. Blow tobacco smoke on house ferns to make them grow. (405). 1350. "Big house, little house, pig pen, barn, What kind of a place will I live on?" (405). 1351. Save the wish-bone of a fowl and let it dry. Then two people make a wish and pull the wish-bone apart between them. The one who gets the larger part will have his wish granted. (405). TABLE OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION1 PART II 1. Aanold, John; Humboldt. 2. Abel, Reva; Corydon High School. 3. Adair, Mrs. H. M.; Reinbeck. 4. Adair, Maxine; Reinbeck High School. 5. Adams, Horace; Gilmore City. 6. Adams, Mrs. John; Allerton. 7. Adams, Mrs. Lucy; Humboldt. 8. Allerton High School, Allerton. 9. Anderson, Edmund; Riceville High School. 10. Anderson, Evelyn; Waterloo. 11. Anderson, Mrs. T.; Hardy. 11a. Arnold, John; HumboldtHigh School. 12. Ary, Jean; Cherokee Public Schools. 13. Avery, Mrs. H. W.; Reinbeck. 14. Backstrom, Mrs. Anna; Lehigh. 15. Baer, Dorothy; Tipton High School. 16. Bailey, Mary Jean; Belmond Public Schools. 17. Bakke, Esther; Humboldt High School. 18. Bakke, Mrs. M..; Ottosen. 19. Balge, Haruly; Reinbeck High School. 20. Bannister, Allen; Battle Creek High School. 21. Barnes, Elaine; Manning High School. 22. Barrett, Mrs. J. F.; Mount Vernon. 23. Bartholomew, Mrs. Lucy; Humboldt. 24. Battle Creek High School. 25. Beam, Susy; Allerton High School. 26. Bean, Ruth; Reinbeck High School. 27. Becker, Virginia; Maquoketa High School. 28. Beckley, Paul; Sanborn High School. 29. Beckwith, Zeeda; Reinbeck High School. 30. Behn, J. A.; Battle Creek. 31. Belle Plaine High School. 32. Benson, Martha; Cherokee High School. 33. Benson, Seavg; Riceville High School. 34. Benz, Mrs. Carl; Humboldt. 35. Benz, Verna; Humboldt High School. 36. Biderman, Blanche; Mount Vernon High School. 37. Bigger, Dr. L. E.; Mount Vernon. 37a. Bjorholm, Viola; Battle Creek High School. 38. Blomker, Annice; Gilmore City. 39. Booth, Earl; Corydon. 40. Boots, Luella; Monticello High School. 41. Bourne, Jack; Cherokee Schools. 42. Bower, Virginia; ReinbeckHigh School. 43. Bowman, Frances; Humboldt High School. 44. Bowman, Mrs. S. M.; Humboldt. 45. Boyd, Mrs. Otis; Roland. 45a. Bracewell, J. G.; Allerton. 46. Braley, Jane; Cherokee. 1 As indicated in the Introduction, this collection was made in 1931. The addresses given for the Sources in the above table are those given at the time the collection was made. The names of the high schools in which many of the contributors were enrolled at that time are indicated because it is desired that credit be thereby extended to the English Departments of those schools as well as to the students therein for the cooperation and assistance given by them. (f) This symbol following a Source indicates that the person has died since giving the information credited to him. It may be that others than those indicated are now deceased, but the collector has no information to that effect. Folklore from Iowa 205 47. Brandhorst, Louise; Reinbeck High School. 48. Brandsgard, Harold; Humboldt High School. 49. Breed, Harry; Humboldt. 50. Britson, Bert; Roland. 51. Brown, I. W.; Cedar Falls. 52. Brummett, C.; Lineville. 53. Bryant, Elizabeth; Mt. Vernon High School. 54. Buckingham, Mrs. C. I.; Allerton. 55. Bunker, Marilyn; CherokeeHigh School. 56. Burnett, Miss Eva; Allerton. 57. Burton, Edgar; Corydon High School. 58. Butler, Mrs. Martin; Sidney. 59. Caldwell, Mrs. Otis; Corydon. 60. Carstensen, Helene; Gowrie High School. 61. Chalstrom, Helen; Gowrie High School. 61a. Cheeseman, Dorothy; Reinbeck High School. 62. Cheeseman, Ruth; Reinbeck High School. 63. Cherokee Public Schools. 64. Chilson, Bill; Cherokee High School. 65. Christensen, Bernadine; Harlan High School. 66. Christy, Mrs. D. C.; Nevada. 67. Clark, Wilma; Monticello High School. 68. Cleaves, Dr. P. B.; Cherokee. 69. Clover, Gertrude; Tipton High School. 70. Clover, Mrs. O. I.; Tipton. 71. Cody, Buelah; Humboldt High School. 72. Cody, Mrs. W. S.; Humboldt. 73. Coggon High School. 74. College Springs Public Schools. 75. Conway, Virginia; Tipton Public Schools. 76. Cook, Mrs. W. J.; Reinbeck. 77. Coombs, Mrs. J. A.; Allerton. 78. Cordts, Peter; Marshalltown. 79. Core, Elizabeth; Pleasantville. 80. Cox, Miriam; Corydon. 81. Crawford, Mrs. Glen; Humboldt. 82. Crawford, Ronald; Maquoketa High School. 83. Creel, Allen; Cherokee Public Schools. 84. Creel, Mrs. R. E.; Cherokee. 85. Crees, Cordella E.; Reinbeck High School. I 86. Crippen, Mrs. A. R.; Cherokee. 87. Crippen, Mrs. E. E.; Cherokee. 88. Crippen, Mildred; Cherokee High School. 89. Cruikshank, Helen; Humboldt High School. 90. Cunningham, Mrs. Alma; Roland (t). 91. Curran, Bud; Cherokee Schools. 92. Curtis, William; Cherokee Schools. 93. Dahms, Homer; Cherokee High School. 94. Davis, Mrs. B. F.; Washta. 95. Davis, Harriet; Cherokee Schools. 96. Davis, Mrs. Mary; Reinbeck. 97. Dawson, Elta; Cherokee Schools. 98. DeGroote, Marjorie; Humboldt High School. 99. Dethlefs, Elsie; Dysart High School. 100. Dew, George; Reinbeck High School. 101. Dick, Berdette; Sanborn High School. 102. Dick, Margaret; Sanborn High School. 103. Dixon, Vera; Gowrie Public Schools. 104. Dodge, Mrs. Bertha; Dysart. 105. Donnelly, James; Humboldt. 106. Donnelson, Alexander; Lineville. 107. Drost, Gretta; Sanborn High School. 108. Duea, Ben; Valley Junction. 109. Duea, Mrs. Victor; Nevada. 110. Duea, Mrs. Virgil; Roland. 111. Duffy, Geraldine; Riceville High School. 112. Dumphy, Patricia; Humboldt High School. 113. Dyke, Wynafred; Sidney. 114. Dysart High School. 115. Echelberger, Mrs. H.; Humboldt. 116. Edwar, Mrs. A. L.; Sidney. 117. Egger, Ada; Monticello High School. 118. Ehlers, Iva; Dysart. 118a. Ehlers, Maxine; Dysart High School. 119. Eisler, Mrs. Adam; Dakota City. 120. Elson, Lena; Lineville. 121. Enenback, Mrs. H. J.; Sanborn. 122. Ennis, Mary Anne; Humboldt High School. 206 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 123. Erickson, C. A.; Lake City. 124. Ernst, Mrs. J. F.; Humboldt. 125. Ervin, Neva; Cherokee Schools. 126. Eswine, Mrs. C. A.; Humboldt. 127. Ettleman, Mrs. J. R.; Sidney. 128. Ettleman, Marjorie; Sidney Public Schools. 129. Evans, Alice; Riceville High School. 130. Evans, Tom; Riceville. 131. Evans, Mrs. Tom; Riceville. 132. Eversoll, Gordon; Humboldt High School. 133. Eversoll, Mrs. J. L.; Humboldt. 134. Faulkner, Mrs. Walter; Hudson. 135. Fauts, Mrs. Madeline; Rockwell City (t). 136. Fedderson, Pauline; Dysart High School. 137. Fehr, Dorothy; Dysart High School. 138. Fernell, Mrs. George; Allerton. 139. Ferrell, Mrs. Joe; Allerton. 140. Fleming, Mrs. Joe; Humboldt. 141. Fogt, Esther; Reinbeck High School. 142. Ford, Mrs. Curlis; Cedar Falls. 143. Foster, Dorothy; CherokeeHigh School. 144. Friesth, Marie; Humboldt High School. 145. Gange, Harriet; Reinbeck High School. 146. Garber, L. E.; Corydon. 147. Genzen, Arthur; Manning High School. 148. Gliem, Mildred; Dysart High School. 149. Glowe, Philip; Corydon. 150. Gnagy, Lola; Dysart High School. 151. Gonnerman, Lorenna; Dysart. 152. Goodell, Sarah; Humboldt. 153. Goodenow, J. E.; Maquoketa High School. 154. Gorrell, Vivian; HumboldtHigh School. 155. Gough, Vincent; Mt. Vernon High School. 156. Gowrie High School. 157. Grafton, Mrs. A. C.; Sanborn. 158. Greenewald, Lotta; Monticello. 159. Griffith, Leora; Manson. 160. Gruener, Eunice; Dakota City. 161. Gruener, Helen; Dakota City. 162. Guyan, Harry; Monticello High School. 163. Haines, Carlton; Coggon High School. 164. Haines, Mrs. C. E.; Coggon. 165. Haines, Mrs. Ella; Marion. 166. Hall, Miss Libbie; Allerton. 167. Halpin, Mrs. Frances; Cedar Falls. 168. Hamilton, Mrs. W. H.; Allerton. 169. Hansen, Andrew; Battle Creek. 170. Hansen, Beulah; Battle Creek High School. 171. Harrington, Floyd; Marshalltown. 171a. Harris, Mrs. C. C.; Nevada. 172. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Charles; Belle Plaine. 173. Harris, Lowell O.; Nevada. 174. Harris, Mrs. Myrtle; Nevada. 175. Harris, Mrs. Wm.; Belle Plaine. 176. Hartung, Harry B.; Mt. Vernon. 177. Hartung, Milford; Mt. Vernon High School. 178. Hartung, Mrs. Zora; Mt. Vernon. 179. Hass, Mrs. Herman; Tipton. 180. Hass, Opal; Tipton Public Schools. 181. Haviland, Charlena; Humboldt High School. 182. Haviland, Mrs. M. L.; Humboldt. 183. Heiple, Mr.; Old People's Home, Cedar Falls. 184. Hendrickson, Richard; Humboldt High School. 185. Hill, Margaret; Tipton Public Schools. 186. Hill, Mildred; Tipton High School. 187. Hilton, June; Farragut. 188. Hinz, Eldora; Manning High School. 189. Hoemann, Marie; Battle Creek High School. 189a. Hoepner, Grace; Reinbeck. 190. Holder, Harold; Corydon Public Schools. 191. Holder, Mrs. Nellie E.; Corydon. 192. Holst, Helen; Monticello High School. 193. Holtz, Marian and Helen; Dysart High School. 194. Hoodmaker, Irl; Mt. Vernon. 195. Hoodmaker, Mrs. Irl; Mt. Vernon. 196. Hook, Grant; Allerton. 197. Hook, Mrs. Hiram; Allerton. 198. Howen, Mrs. Malinda (Duea); Roland. 199. Howen, Odne; Roland. 200. Hughes, Mrs. Clella; Ottosen. Folklore from Iowa 207 201. Hughes, D. Paul; Ottosen. 202. Huilman, Gertrude; Maquoketa High School. 203. Humboldt High School. 204. Hyde, Mrs. N. T.; Reinbeck. 205. Hysell, Mrs. J. B.; Allerton. 206. Imhoff, Mrs. Sarah; West Bend. 207. Inman, Robert; Sanborn High School. 208. Jackson, Mrs. L. H.; Sidney. 209. Jensen, Myra; Morrison. 210. Johanson, Olive; Badger. 211. Johnson, Mrs. C. G.; Allerton. 212. Johnson, Frances; Hardy. 213. Johnson, Mrs. Fred; Cherokee. 214. Johnson, Freda; Cherokee Public Schools. 215. Johnson, Mrs. Lena; Humboldt. 216. Johnson, Mrs. Swan; Shannon City. 217. Jorgenson, Mrs. Fread; Sidney. 218. Jurgens, Marvin; Dysart High School. 219. Kahn, Hazel; Dysart High School. 220. Keeler, Frances; Mt. Vernon High School. 221. Keller, Robert; Humboldt High School. 222. Keller, Mrs. W. E.; Cherokee. 223. Kelley, Fern; Sanborn High School. 224. Kersten, Mrs. Geo.; Dysart. 225. Kesten, Lillian; Riceville High School. 226. Kesten, Mrs. Nellie; Riceville. 227. Kimm, Charlotte; Blairstown High School. 228. Kimm, Mrs. Elizabeth; Blairstown. 229. Kinney, Mrs. Bridgid; Humboldt. 230. Kinnily, Mrs. Corrie; Corydon. 231. Kirchkoff, Arthur; Humboldt High School. 232. Kirchkoff, Mrs. Otto; Humboldt. 233. Kleinjar, Catherine; Sanborn High School. 234. Klemme, Mrs. Jessie; Dysart. 235. Klimo, Vernon; Mt. Vernon High School. 236. Klingborg, Edith; Cherokee High School. 237. Knouf, Miss; Cedar Rapids. 238. Kuhns, Eloise; Monticello High School. 239. Kunert, Lillian; HumboldtHigh School. 240. Lamp, Vera; Tipton Hig School. 241. Lanxon, June; Cherokee High School. 242. La Porte, Omer; Sidney Public Schools. 243. Larsen, Oda; Reinbeck High School. 244. Larsen, Sophus; Reinbeck. 245. Larson, Herbert; Cherokee Public Schools. 246. Lauterback, Anna Marie; Reinbeck High School. 246a. Lauterback, Helen; Reinbeck High School. 247. Layman, Mrs. Edith; Newell. 248. Ledvina, Mrs. Jos.; Dysart. 249. Lee, Mrs. C. L.; Ida Grove. 250. Lesher, Mrs. Sarah; Odebolt. 251. Lewison, Mrs. Irene; Graettinger. 252. Lewison, Theodore; Graettinger. 253. Lieuwen, Ione; Humboldt High School. 254. Lindeman, Velma; Dysart High School. 255. Linley, Kathryn; Coggon High School. 256. Little, Mrs. R. J.; Humboldt. 257. Lohor, Dale; Corydon. 258. Loomis, Geneva; Monticello High School. 259. Lorenz, Noel; Reinbeck High School. 260. Loucks, Evelyn; Cherokee High School. 261. Loughman, Mrs. C. H.; Corydon. 262. Loughman, Dorothy; Corydon High School. 263. Lovell, Leona; Reinbeck High School. 264. Lowe, William; Mt. Vernon High School. 265. Lyons, Mrs. C. O.; Sidney. 266. Lyons, Hazel; Sidney Public Schools. 267. McClure, C. W.; Eldora and Cedar Falls (1). 268. McCrary, Mrs. Mary; Cedar Falls. 269. McCrary, Ruby; Cedar Falls. 270. McCullough, Mrs. P. A.; Allerton. 271. McDanniel, Mrs. Elizabeth; Battle Creek. 272. McGrew, 0. H.; Belle Plaine. 273. McKeeman, Icy; Allerton. 208 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 274. McLaren, Miss Belle; Lake Park. 275. McManus, O. C.; Cherokee. 276. McMillin, Harve; Belle Plaine. 277. McNeil, Bessie; Sanborn High School. 278. Madson, Mrs. Mike; Rutland. 279. Madson, Ruby; Humboldt High School. 280. Manning High School. 281. Maquoketa High School. 281a. Martin, Billie; Bradgate. 282. Martin, Pearl; Riceville High School. 283. Mason, Marguerite; Reinbeck High School. 284. Mathesen, Henry; Roland. 285. Mathison, Earl; Mt. Vernon. 286. Meier, Virginia; Monticello High School. 287. Meigh, Mrs. M. M.; Allerton. 288. Merritt, Mrs. Mary; Norway. 289. Miller, Henry; Reinbeck. 290. Miller, Mildred; Corydon High School. 291. Miller, Raymond; Reinbeck High School. 292. Minard, Mrs. A. E.; Ottosen. 293. Moehelein, Helen; Reinbeck High School. 294. Molander, Minetta; Humboldt High School. 295. Molander, Mrs. Wallace; Humboldt. 296. Monticello High School. 297. Morrice, Robert; Battle Creek. 298. Morrison, Mrs. L. C.; Humboldt. 299. Morrow, Lillian; Waterloo. 300. Mortenson, Mrs. A.; Battle Creek. 301. Moser, Edna; Reinbeck High School. 302. Mount Vernon High School. 303. Mumper, Lois; Gowrie High School. 304. Murchison, Barbara; Sidney Public Schools. 305. Musfeldt, Edward; Manning High School. 306. Myers, Mrs. Verde; Allerton. 307. Naylor, Carol; Monticello High School. 308. Niedert, Mrs. Chas.; Riceville. 309. Noonan, Mary Jane; Cherokee Public Schools. 310. Nowling, Mrs. James; Battle Creek. 311. Nye, Mrs. George; Allerton. 312. Nyguard, Bernie; Story City. 313. O'Brien, Mrs. T. J.; Belle Plaine. 314. Odgaard, Arthur; Rutland. 315. O'Donnell, Arlene; Livermore. 316. Olsen, Anita; Cherokee Public Schools. 317. Olson, Mrs. C. G.; Humboldt. 318. Olson, Isla Mae; Reinbeck High School. 319. Olson, Mrs. Margaret; Thor. 320. Olson, Thelma; Humboldt High School. 321. O'Neil, Mrs. James; Ryan. 322. O'Neil, Mrs. P.; Humboldt. 323. Otte, Mrs. Bernice; Sidney. 324. Otte, Max; Sidney Public Schools. 325. Owen, Melvin; Tipton Public Schools. 326. Peterson, Jack; Sanborn High School. 327. Petrick, Maude; Sanborn High School. 328. Phelan, Evelyn; Cherokee Public Schools. 329. Phelps, Loren; Dakota City. 330. Pieper, Harmaline; Mt. Vernon High School. 331. Pierson, Maxine; Sidney. 332. Pippert, Mrs. Ben; Dysart. 333. Pippinger, Marjorie; Sanborn High School. 334. Plaehn, Marlys; Reinbeck High School. 335. Plaehn, Mrs. Peter; Reinbeck. 335a. Poquet, H. C.; Osceola. 336. Poquet, Miss LeVon; Osceola. 337. Poquet, Mrs. Margaret; Osceola. 338. Porter, Charlotte; Reinbeck High School. 339. Potter, Mrs. P. W.; Allerton. 340. Powell, Isabel; Cherokee Schools. 341. Powers, Donna C.; Sanborn High School. 342. Procter, Miss; Cherokee. 343. Reasoner, Arlene; Humboldt High School. 344. Redmond, Vernice; Hopkinton. 345. Reed, Mrs. J. W.; Tipton. 346. Reed, Watford; Tipton High School. 347. Reese, Genevieve; Pleasantville. 348. Reinbeck High School. 349. Riceville High School. 350. Richards, Marie; TiptonSchools. 351. Richardson, Mrs. Addie; Allerton. Folklore from Iowa 209 352. Richmond, Mrs. Hattie Munn; Grundy Center. 353. Ringle, Mrs. Julia; Dysart. 354. Ritchey, Mrs. E.; Reinbeck. 355. Ritchey, Harvey; Reinbeck High School. 356. Ritter, Mrs. C. G.; Humboldt. 357. Ritter, Edna; Humboldt High School. 358. Robinson, Mrs. L. V.; Reinbeck. 359. Robinson, Margaret V.; Reinbeck High School. 360. Rockhold, Cora; Lineville. 361. Rockholz, Mrs. W. P.; Tipton. 362. Rolland, Mrs. Archie; Bode. 363. Ross, Mrs. John; Maquoketa. 364. Rowe, Doris; Humboldt High School. 365. Ryan, Burwell; Corydon High School. 366. Ryan, Maxine; Cherokee High School. 367. Sanborn High School. 368. Sandgren, Gladys; Gowrie High School. 369. Saul, John; Reinbeck High School. 370. Savage, Eleanor M.; Coggon High School. 371. Sayers, Velma; Humboldt High School. 372. Schempp, Donald L.; Riceville High School. 373. Schempp, Mr. and Mrs. W. C.; Riceville. 374. Schlapkohl, Helen; Dysart. 375. Schmidt, Blanche; Dysart High School. 376. Schmidt, Frances; Reinbeck High School. 377. Schneecloth, Lucille; Reinbeck High School. 378. Schultz, Ben; Humboldt. 379. Schultz, Ralph; Humboldt High School. 379a. Scobey, Warren; Mt. Vernon. 380. Seeback, Mrs. J.; Dysart. 381. Seeber, Charles; Mount Vernon. 382. Sellman, Opal; Battle Creek High School. [boldt. 383. Sheker, Mrs. Clarence; Hum384. Shove, Bobbie; Cherokee Schools. 385. Sidney Public Schools. 386. Simmons, Mrs. Doris; Spencer. 387. Skekey, Florence; Humboldt High School. 388. Slach, Lorena; Mt. Vernon High School. 389. Slater, Mrs. G. S.; Cherokee. 390. Sloth, Elvin; Reinbeck High School. 391. Smith, 01; Allerton. 392. Smith, Robert and Hansen; Battle Creek High School. 393. Snitkey, Mrs. H. C.; Humboldt. 394. Snitkey, Henry; Humboldt High School. 395. Soppeland, Kathryn; Humboldt High School. 396. Spence, J. M.; Cherokee. 397. Stale, Dorothy; Riceville High School. 398. Stale, Mrs. L. D.; Riceville. 399. Steffen, Mrs. K.; Reinbeck. 400. Steven, Mrs. Ella; Allerton. 401. Stoltenberg, Glen; Tipton Public Schools. 402. Stoneking, Mrs. Fred; Mount Vernon. 403. Stoner, Helen; Dysart. 404. Stout, Mrs. Anna; Cedar Falls. 405. Stout, Bernice; Cedar Falls. 406. Stout, Donald W.; Cedar Falls. 407. Stout, Earl J.; Cedar Falls. 408. Stout, Mrs. Fae; Cedar Falls. 409. Stout, J. M.; Spencer (F). 410. Stout, Minard W.; Fort Dodge. 411. Stout, Wm. L.; Cedar Falls. 412. Strachan, Margaret; Humboldt High School. 413. Sumner, Mrs. M. N.; Spencer. 414. Sweeney, Mrs.Thos.; Humboldt. 415. Taylor, Lieutellas; Harlan. 416. Terwilliger, Beulah; Humboldt High School. 417. Thede, Mrs. Ferdinand; Reinbeck. 418. Thede, Mrs. Fred; Reinbeck. 419. Thierer, Mae; Dysart High School. 420. Thompson, J. J.; Roland. 421. Thompson, Mrs. J. J.; Roland. 422. Thornell, John; Sidney Schools. 423. Tillotson, Arthur; Battle Creek High School. 423a. Tipton Schools; Tipton. 424. Travis, Laurence; Mt. Vernon High School. 425. Trotter, Mrs. P. W.; Allerton. 426. Tschirgi, Donald; Reinbeck High School. 427. Tschirgi, Mrs. E.; Reinbeck. 428. Twelfth Grade, Cherokee High School. 429. Vance, Jimmy; West Bend. 430. Verhoef, Mrs. Walter H.; Sanborn. 210 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 430a. Vittum, Ruth; Reinbeck. 431. Voege, Bernice; Reinbeck High School. 432. Vogel, Dorothy; Sanborn High School. 433. Vonderhaar, Mildred; Humboldt High School. 434. Wacha, Alma; Dysart High School. 435. Warren, Mrs. John; Allerton. 436. Washburn, Virginia; Sanborn High School. 437. Weiland, Lucille; Monticello High School. 438. Weirup, Irma; Maquoketa High School. 439. Wells, Art; Riceville. 440. West, Bertha; Mount Vernon. 441. West, Mrs. Eva; Mount Vernon. 442. West, Sheldon; Corydon Schools. 443. West, Stephan; Mount Vernon High School. 444. West, Thomas; Corydon. 445. White, Dorothy; Riceville High School. 446. Whitney, Mrs. L. F.; Tipton. 447. Whitney, Mary Jane; Tipton Schools. 448. Wickham, Vera; Mount Vernon High School. 449. Wiese, H. F.; Grundy Center. 450. Wilkes, Leona; Riceville High School. 451. Willebrandt, Marjorie; Cherokee Schools. 452. Willis, Florence; Riceville High School. School.] 453. Wilson, Elma; Riceville High 454. Witt, Mrs. Albert; Reinbeck. 455. Woertink, Mrs. John; Sanborn. 456. Wolrab, Milo; Mt. Vernon High School. 457. Woolis, Mrs. Laura; Corydon. 458. Worrell, Loretta; Mount Vernon High School. 459. Wright, Henry; Mount Vernon. 460. Yager, Mrs. O. P.; Riceville. 461. Yocum, Lila; Humboldt High School. 462. Yohn, Mildred; Reinbeck. 463. Zirkelbach, Amy; Monticello High School. INDEX PART I After the Ball 62 Banks of Sweet Dundee, The 44 Barbary Allen 8 Billy Boy 24 Bird in a Gilded Cage, A 70 Black Duck, The 42 Blind Boy, The 138 Blind Girl, The 79 Blow, Boys, Blow 27 Break the News to Mother 113 Butcher Boy, The 37 Calomel 100 'Captain Jinks 23 Charles Guitteau 110 Clara Noland's Ball 140 Comical Ditty, A 96 Common Bill 90 Constitution and the Guerriere, The 97 Corporal Schnapps 118 Creole Girl, The 90 Down at the Water Tank 113 Down in the Coal Mines 97 Down Went Dan McGinty 102 Drunkard's Lone Child, The, (A) 122 Drunkard's Lone Child, The, (B) 123 Dunderbeck 135 Dying Cowboy, The 103 Early Iowa School Songs 127 Farmer's Boy, The 27 Frog and the Mouse, The 30 Frog in the Well, The 31 Girl I Left Behind Me, The 48 Give Me Three Grains of Corn 22 Grandfather's Clock 94 Gypsy Laddie, The 11 Gypsy's Warning (and Answer), The 76 Hawthorne Tree, The 69 Hello, Central, Give Me Heaven 56 Hot Time in the Old Town 99 I'll Eat When I'm Hungry 140 I'm Going to Fight mit Siegel 100 In the Baggage Coach Ahead 59 Irish Barber 134 Irish Jubilee, The 101 I Saw Esau Kissing Kate 88 James Harris 11 Jealous Lover, The 50 Jemmy and Nancy 15 Jesse James 109 Johnny Sands 65 John Peel 21 Just as the Sun Went Down 119 Just Tell Them That You Saw Me 63 Kitty Wells 80 Lady Elgin, The 62 Lady LeRoy 32 Letter Edged in Black, The 74 Letter That Never Came, The 64 Little Black Mustache, The 85 Little Brown Jug, The 124 Little Johnnie Green 21 Little Mohea, The 33 Lord Thomas and Fair Eleanor 5 McAfee's Confession 107 Man Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn, The 91 Married Woman's Lament, A 92 Mary of the Wild Moor 28 Meet Me By the Moonlight Alone 87 Mermaid, The 14 Mistletoe Bough, The 45 Mush, Mush, Mush 136 New Bully, The 112 Newsboy, The 126 Newsboy on the Train, The 138 Nobody's Darling 73 Nursery Rhyme 133 Old Man Who Came Over the Moor, The 30 Old Uncle Ned 116 On a Cold December Night 126 On Eli's Sunny Hill 125 0, No, John 44 Orphan Girl, The 61 Our Goodman 13 Paper of Pins, A 42 Polly Oliver 22 Poor Little Joe 64 Poor Liza Jane 87 Pretty Sarah 106 Prisoner's Song, The 49 Put Me In My Little Bed 53 Red River Valley 74 212 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Rosewood Casket 83 Rosie Nell 75 School Songs, Early Iowa 127 Silk Merchant's Daughter, The 21 Soldier's Poor Little Boy, The 117 Sorrow of Marriage, The 93 Spanish Cavalier, The 98 Sweet Betsy from Pike 106 Texas Rangers, The 106 Three Ravens, The 2 Train That Never Returned, The 72 Twa Sisters, The 1 Two Little Girls in Blue 57 Van Dieman's Land 21 Vilikins and his Dinah 54 Wagoner's Lad, The 49 Waters of Blue Juniata 121 We Are Coming, Sister Mary 68 Where Did You Get That Hat? 133 Why Did They Dig Ma's Grave So Deep? 94 William and Nancy 47 Young Charlotte 51 INDEX PART II Accident 356, 399, 1106, 1299, 1303. Aching 446. Action 1178. Afternoon 573, 642, 1112. Ague 1063. Aid, medical 967. Ailment 940, 1064. Air 476, 595, 684, 1216. Air-tight 989. Alphabet 102, 317, 390. Alum 921, 959. Ambition 125. Amount 1014, 1277. Angels, omens of 5, 6. Anger 285, 1333. Angleworms 895. Animal 318, 591, 602, 609, 967. Ankle 901. Answer 326. Ant 460, 464, 621, 693. Apple, omens from 58, 62, 69, 89, 101, 137, 638, 734, 770, 816, 893, 925, 1026. Applications 709. Apron 345. Arm 241, 255, 706, 1040. Article 1339. Ashes 269, 1028. Assafetida 832, 858, 1001, 1056 -1058. Athlete 1176-1178. Attempt 1177, 1178. Autumn 181, 209, 591, 601, 602, 612, 659. Axe 151, 1209, 1228. Axle-grease 267. Babies 5-8, 12, 14-16, 18, 21, 23-33, 35, 38, 318, 392, 404, 405, 1000, 1001, 1151. Bachelor 98. Back 134, 144, 145, 397, 399, 414, 422, 424, 447, 506, 649, 671, 871, 880, 1035, 1044, 1060, 1263, 1303, 1321, 1329, 1341. Bacon 712, 736, 750, 787, 797, 812, 875, 963. Bad man 417.' Bag 778, 832, 852, 858, 863. Bait 622, 1169, 1171, 1173. Bake 122, 651, 1246. Ball 1279, 1280. Banker 103. Baptism 2, 18. Bar 1018. Barn 1350. Barn-raising 1326. Basket 1145. Bastings 354. Bat 208, 222. Bath-tub 1247. Batter 1246. Beans 654, 725, 730, 731, 740, 765, 776, 778, 799, 808, 819. Beans, navy 716. Beard 283. Beast 1171. Beau, see sweetheart. Beautiful 304. Bed 44, 49, 96, 210, 314, 324, 327, 355, 390, 391, 400, 416, 417, 502, 549, 635, 824, 864, 867b, 903, 1018, 1152, 1161, 1311, 1330. Bedding 1227. Bedroom 231. Bed-wetting 1066. Bee 606, 889, 943, 1020. Beefsteak 1012. Beer 311. Bee sting 936. Belly 546, 646. Berries, bitter-sweet 926. Bible 1125. Birch 1034. Bird 152, 158, 174, 180, 196, 232, 298, 462, 605, 633, 700, 701, 1200. Birth 1-38, 375, 1149. Birthday 43, 267. Birthday cake 85. Bit 799. Bite 282, 1054, 1069, 1137, 1168, 1170, 1178, 1324. Black 144, 145, 205, 613, 688, 689, 702, 711, 746, 781, 827, 951, 1003, 1007, 1012, 1077, 1217, 1316. Blade 1178. Bleeding, as a folk-remedy 657, 727, 751, 765, 770, 794, 803, 1015. Blister 279, 280, 899. Blood 711, 794, 803, 917, 923, 1003. Bloom 154, 175, 181, 209, 352, 647, 659. Blossoms 1011. 214 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Blowing 85, 1348, 1349. Blue 144, 145. Blue-flags 352. Blue-jay 678. Board 1271. Boat 191, 579. Bodies, heavenly, omens from 548 -588. Body 191, 289, 1016. Body, the human, care of and various beliefs concerning 234 -328, 446, 880, 951. Boil, a disability, cause of 1085. Boil, a disability, cure for 909, 938, 950, 956, 965, 969, 970, 1022, 1068. Boiling 53, 80, 989, 998. Bone 500, 524, 722, 733, 762. Boneset 1063. Book 1225. Boots 946, 953. Borrow 183, 1256, 1300. Bottle 926, 927. Bottom 769, 1018. Bouquet 133. Box-elder 603, 653. Boy 56, 57, 319, 366, 1335. Branch 455. Brandy 1052. Brave, Indian 681. Bread 108, 127, 195, 360, 373, 380, 651, 956, 1022, 1285. Breakfast 44, 46, 51, 361, 665, 1120, 1141, 1142. Breaking articles or objects 162, 212, 350, 709, 765, 823, 1184, 1241, 1289, 1321. Breast 8, 627. Breast-bone 512. Breath 810, 949, 960, 1042. Brick 712, 971. Bridal cake, see wedding cake. Bride 75, 76, 79, 111, 115, 116, 126, 132, 133, 139, 140, 142, 144, 145. Bridegroom 75, 116, 142. Bridesmaid 79. Bridge 1166. Broom 82, 129, 190, 394, 401, 407, 411,412,418, 724, 1203, 1211, 1312. Broom-handle 1206. Broom-straw 724. Brother 123, 215. Brown 144, 145, 833, 929, 932, 1027. Bruise, remedy for 918. Bubbles 1186, 1294. Bucket 838. Buckeye 883. Bud 513. Bug 1158. Building 514, 543. Bump 1013, 1036. Burial, see Dead, customs concerning and Death, various beliefs concerning. Burn, cure for a 910, 941, 1008, 1032, 1043, 1050. Burning 75, 202, 260, 276, 278, 307, 505, 651, 732, 737, 745, 767, 780, 1109, 1195, 1241, 1253, 1274, 1296. Bury 710, 712, 713, 718, 721, 724, 725, 734, 735, 738, 739, 741 -743, 746, 747, 750, 752, 758, 762, 763, 765-767, 770, 773, 779, 781, 782, 787, 788, 794, 799-801, 804, 806, 809, 813, 814, 816, 821, 901, 987, 993. Bush 527. Bush, snowball 209. Business 134, 303, 1191. Butter 127, 267, 270, 862, 865, 879, 975, 1032, 1241, 1285. Button 102, 134, 1266, 1329. Buy 190. Cabbage 318, 634. Cake 380, 1246. Calf 685, 989. Calling 369, 1341, 1344. Camphor 845, 858. Can 895. Cancer 967, 1031. Candle 78, 85. Canker 280. Cap 1284, 1319. Carbolic acid 937. Carbuncle 956. Carrot 274. Casket, see coffin. Castor-oil 822. Cat 120, 160, 205, 487,538, 540, 542, 593, 594, 613, 615, 624, 626, 631, 632, 648, 677, 686, 688, 689, 698, 699, 702, 703, 706, 746, 779, 951, 1129, 1164, 1203. Catarrh, cure for 915. Catch 133, 417, 592, 676, 681, 933, 990. Catnip tea 25. Cattle 983, 1061. Cavity 313. Cease 172. Ceiling 210. Celebration 1326. Cellar 78. Cemetery 164, 173, 199, 200, 655, 779, 991, 1105, 1278. Cent, see penny. Center 406, 1109. Ceremony 133. Chair, omens concerning 92, 389, Folklore from Iowa 215 393, 396, 397, 399, 403, 406, 408, 413, 414, 420. Chair, rocking, omens from 392, 395, 398, 409, 419. Chalk 756, 769, 792. Change 138, 340, 351, 457, 463, 478, 577, 770, 1000, 1046, 1227. Charm 617, 655, 1268. Cheek 101, 274, 982. Cherry 175. Chest 824, 829, 833, 835, 845, 847, 850, 852, 860, 863, 872, 876, 880. Chestnut 888, 1269. Chewing 960, 969, 1023. Chickens 439, 456, 465, 498, 514, 523, 532, 627, 967, 977, 998. Chief 103, 134, 681. Child 2, 4, 10, 11, 13, 20, 37, 137, 215, 1035, 1046, 1050. Childbirth, see birth. Childhood 39-52. Chimney 53, 179, 208, 476. Chin 270. Choking, cure for 1040, 1044. Christening, see baptism. Christmas, omens from 201, 229, 1077, 1085, 1087, 1103, 1105, 1117, 1128, 1319. Church 126, 142, 1200. Churning 1241. Cider 1240. Cigar 220. Cigarette 1290. Circle 479, 599. Clay 351, 1019. Clean 239. Clear 477, 547, 583, 1143. Clear off 423, 450, 483. Clock 161, 177, 182, 214. Clod 902, 984, 997. Cloth 739, 771, 850, 876, 971, 987, 1028, 1055. Clothing 334, 343, 353, 355, 356, 1052. Cloud 428, 468, 492, 493, 504, 506 -508, 530. Clover, four leaf as charm 596, 618, 1248; five leaf, omen concerning 1220. Coal-house 1218. Coal-oil, see kerosene. Coals, live 928. Coat 591. Cobweb 545, 1015, 1286. Cocoa 1281. Codfish 1128. Coffee 67, 960, 1214, 1294, 1318. Coffee-pot 1232. Coffin 194, 203. 15 Coin 709 a, 768. Cold 292, 444, 465, 519, 923, 1110. Colds, cures for 824-831, 833-849, 851-857, 859-881, 976. Colds, preventives of 832, 850, 858. Colic, cause of 404; cure for 25. Collection 1194. Color 60, 1212. Comb 295, 305, 1224. Combination 836. Combings 298. Company 284, 288, 293, 362, 397, 399, 412, 414, 610, 611, 645, 672, 675, 699, 703, 1084, 1097, 1192, 1193, 1211, 1217, 1226, 1230,1232, 1317, 1344. Composition 1065. Concoction 895. Confinement 3, 9. Confirmation 39. Consumption, see tuberculosis. Contest 1174. Contraries, various beliefs in 16, 22, 23, 44, 46, 51, 52, 128. Conversation 1334. Cooking 564. Copper 994, 1005. Copy 1311. Cord, see string. Corn 446, 495, 557, 590, 664, 749, 751, 784, 795, 800, 805, 960, 961, 993. Corner 120, 357, 379, 410. Corn-meal 1033. Corn-whiskey 837. Corpse 741. Cot 402. Cough 826, 836, 865, 879, 962, 1044. Counting, omens from 70, 83, 134, 167, 571, 656, 774, 781, 805, 1293, 1329. Couple 335, 694. Courtship, omens concerning 53 -105. Cover 1232. Cow 253, 629, 650, 658, 673, 679, 791. Cowlick 316. Crack 1263, 1321. Cradle 404. Cramps 903. Crash 172. Crawling 47. Cream 101, 965, 987, 1005, 1021, 1022, 1025, 1214, 1241. Cream of tartar 923, 954. Cricket 353, 623. Critter, see cattle. Croaking 454. Crop 495, 569, 664, 1100, 1116. 216 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Cross 150, 156, 301, 327, 765, 1036, 1197, 1240, 1320, 1328. Crossroads 595, 765. Croup 928, 959, 966, 1007, 1009, 1017, 1028. Crow, omens from a 211, 668. Crowbar 1190. Crowing 187, 191, 193, 426, 441, 442, 474, 536, 610, 611, 614, 635, 645, 665, 675, 1317. Crumbs 1274. Crust 271. Crying 8, 44, 46, 51, 52, 359, 361, 1091, 1247, 1265, 1330. Cucumbers 654, 914. Cup 67, 369, 954, 962, 1294. Cures, various 25, 897-1069. Curly 271. Cut 139, 237, 238, 308, 309, 312, 337, 339, 346, 373, 573, 653, 718, 725, 734, 755, 763, 770, 788, 791, 816, 944, 973, 1001, 1015, 1016, 1023, 1024, 1032, 1035, 1121, 1324. Daisy 100, 103. Dandelion 270, 970, 1348. Danger 535, 560, 597, 1104, 1126, 1127, 1302. Danish, omen from the 351. Dark 233, 295, 305, 439, 548, 584, 585, 653, 692, 1215. Date (appointment) 71. Date (time) 247, 573, 1327. Dates of ember 1237. Daughter 17, 110. Day 60, 123, 160, 268, 277, 303, 304, 312, 322, 324, 358, 412, 420, 424, 437, 440, 449-451, 488, 490, 496, 498, 503, 521, 525, 545, 563, 578, 580, 583, 598, 640, 641, 686, 718, 719, 759, 782, 792, 810, 868, 924, 967, 1050, 1065, 1072, 1075, 1082-1084,1096,1112,1119,1139, 1182, 1235, 1261, 1286, 1326, 1329. Days of week, omens concerning, Monday 4, 42, 136, 308, 325, 428, 437,440, 508, 530, 630, 1084, 1093, 1094, 1097, 1111, 1126, 1127; Tuesday 4, 136, 325, 1126, 1127; Wednesday 4, 136, 325, 504, 1124, 1126, 1127; Thursday 4, 136, 325, 1126, 1127; Friday 4, 36, 136, 303, 325, 339, 344, 428, 508, 509, 530, 1070, 1073, 1076, 1080, 1081, 1090, 1091, 1095, 1098, 1106, 1107, 1115, 1116, 1122, 1124, 1126, 1127, 1139, 1270; Saturday 4, 136, 325, 337, 338, 346, 1075, 1093, 1098, 1112, 1123, 1126, 1127, 1139; Sunday 4, 177, 237, 308, 312, 325, 438, 504, 672, 1079, 1088, 1089, 1091, 1095, 1120, 1121, 1126, 1127, 1227. Days of week, rhymes concerning 136, 325, 1081, 1098, 1126, 1127, 1139. Dead, customs concerning 161, 214, 779. Deafness 1065. Death, various beliefs and omens concerning 2, 5, 19, 22, 23, 35, 128, 145-233, 283, 398, 403, 405, 417, 571, 634, 656, 679, 684, 705, 707, 1109, 1113, 1132, 1136, 1140, 1147, 1149, 1158-1160, 1244, 1328. Death-knell 218. Decaying, see rotting. Desk 269. Destination 303, 595. Devil 1127, 1229. Dew 467. Diarrhea 977, 978. Difficulties 917. Dinme 992. Dinner 46, 177, 377, 386. Diphtheria 1057. Dipper 520, 521, 588, 1038. Direction 521, 595, 600, 686, 703, 1332. Dirt 499, 984, 1273, 1307. Disappointment 381, 401, 415, 669, 1226, 1261, 1291, 1292. Disaster 1154. Dish-cloth (towel) 745, 1192, 1193, 1226, 1279, 1280, 1304. Dish-rag 709b, 717, 735, 737, 748, 786, 804, 806, 821, 1181, 1226, 1230, 1301, 1345. Dish-water 53, 80, 662. Dissolving 94. Distance 478, 717. District 979. Divination, ability to make a 37. Doctor 134. Dog 168, 176, 207, 213, 225, 231, 253, 470, 531, 625, 632, 684, 890, 973. Dog-days 1037, 1302. Dollars 682, 683, 1314. Donor 1322. Door 55, 57, 58, 81, 109, 110, 126, 611, 636, 645, 675, 1060, 1197, 1211, 1235, 1266, 1287, 1337, 1341, 1344. Door-knob 1235. Door-step 303, 1273. Doorway 412. Dove 171. Draft 535. Folklore from Iowa 217 Dreams, rhymes about 1157. Dreams, various beliefs concerning 22, 61, 63, 128, 159, 249, 1120, 1129-1167. Dress 102, 134, 144, 145, 331, 332, 337, 349, 350, 354, 1247, 1329. Dress, articles of, omens concerning 329-356. Drinking 94, 538, 942, 949, 1004, 1011, 1038, 1152, 1294. Drop 198, 376, 378, 401, 418, 794, 861, 1065, 1181, 1192, 1224, 1226, 1251, 1279, 1280, 1285, 1291, 1292, 1301, 1304, 1345. Drown 191. Dry 101, 673, 755, 851, 885, 953, 974, 990, 998, 1251, 1351. Dusk 1278. Dust 119. "Dutchman's britches" 423. Dwelling 469. Dyspepsia, nervous 925. Ear 218, 257, 259, 260, 297, 307, 540, 590, 927, 968, 1029, 1045, 1065. Earache, cure for 921, 927, 928, 968, 1045. Earrings 1053. East 332, 526, 630, 1169, 1171. Easter 438, 519, 1087-1089. Eat 177, 239, 271, 274, 276, 278, 304, 353, 470, 475, 625, 626, 637, 751, 795, 816, 827, 881, 909, 922, 923, 947, 1086, 1138, 1152, 1218, 1324. Eaves 770, 783, 804, 811, 812, 817, 821. Eaves-spout 803, 809. Egg 523, 608, 630, 665, 695, 1133. Egg-shell 950, 1253. Egg-white 941. Elderberry 826, 1011. Eleven 434, 477, 608. Emotion 291. End 186, 284-288, 520, 523, 1245, 1251, 1254, 1314. Enemy 1131, 1135, 1207. Engagement 59, 105. Entering 109, 180. Epileptic 991. Eruption 987. Evening 45, 486, 502, 570, 628, 985. Evil 306, 1216. Eye 252, 808, 919, 979, 981, 1012. Eyebrow 301. Eyes, cross, cause of 38. Eyesight 1053. Face 37, 68, 196, 305, 306, 487, 540, 554, 905, 1000, 1003, 1050. Factory-cloth 1055. Faint 1052. 15* I Fair 442, 458, 460, 461. Fairy 1316. Falling 165, 224, 226, 228, 552, 566, 568, 574, 649, 783. Family, omens concerning 76, 81, 130, 147, 152-154, 159, 161-163, 165, 166, 175, 176, 180, 182-184, 190, 193-195, 198, 203, 205, 208, 210-213, 217-219, 221, 223, 226-229, 231, 232, 267, 319, 370, 375, 377, 388, 392, 398, 403, 634, 682, 1078, 1103, 1123, 1147, 1158, 1235, 1250, 1258, 1331, 1340. Fat 738, 847, 848, 875, 906, 924, 927, 948, 957, 1105. Fate 277. Father 1259. Feast 1326. Feather 456, 549, 595, 967. Feeding 791. Feet, see foot. Follow, see sweetheart. Felon 1006, 1024. Felt 1010. Fence 528, 639, 646, 895, 1317. Fern 1349. Fertilizer 585. Fever 279, 657, 964, 999, 1011, 1018, 1047. Fiber 598. Field 448, 602, 766. Fifteen 1243. Fight 144, 384, 1198, 1300, 1305. Finding, omens concerning 71, 722, 723, 1208, 1213, 1220, 1243, 1255, 1276, 1283, 1335, 1336, 1339. Finger 244-246, 275, 687, 952, 1024, 1085, 1121, 1198, 1264, 1320. Finger-nails 29, 237, 268, 308, 312, 1121. Fire 106, 487, 533, 684, 838, 1043, 1066, 1146, 1148, 1154, 1162, 1250, 1275, 1305. Fireplace 1050. First 73, 74, 81. Fish 109, 622, 637, 666, 695, 1006, 1047, 1168-1173, 1179. Fisherman 1171, 1183. Fist 687, 1044. Fit 991. Five 753, 793, 974, 1314. Flame 1109, 1136. Flannel 831, 850, 852. [1128. "Flat-bone," omen concerning 109, Flavor 939. Flitting 1076. Flock 462. Floor 150, 198, 226, 324, 411, 1199, 1217, 1260, 1332. 218 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Flour 947. Flower 181, 202, 203, 226, 647, 1159. Flutter 196. Fly 130, 153, 158, 174, 208, 222, 227, 445, 605, 668, 682, 1117, 1200. Fly, Mormon 695. Foam 1014, 1194, 1281. Fog 458, 518. Fold 332, 347, 1257. Foliage 604. Folk, little 911. Follow 186. Food, beliefs related to 13, 360, 362, 1319. Fool 286. Foot 7, 60, 64, 110, 126, 303, 390, 489, 505, 655, 692, 830, 864, 868, 877, 900, 1018; 1047, 1243. Forehead 240, 254, 1039. Foreign 315. Forerunner 324. Forgetfulness 275. Forgetting 206, 1185, 1189, 1197, 1252, 1311, 1334. Fork 76, 88, 91, 363-368, 376, 388, 427. Fortune 240. Forty 1092, 1113. Four 816. Fowl, omen from 55, 512, 772, 1351. Freckles 905. Friend 235, 264, 310, 376, 709a, 721, 1135, 1137, 1208, 1251, 1272, 1289, 1322, 1335, 1347. Fright, results of 10, 290, 597. Frog 422, 454, 469, 519, 529, 933, 990. Front 410, 1211, 1212, 1254. Frost 432, 513, 518, 567, 612, 1116. Fruit 154, 181, 1157. Fry 101. Funeral 164, 166, 167, 173, 194, 199, 204, 221, 226, 1167. Fur 591. Furniture, omens from 389-420. Future 1146, 1152, 1226, 1329. Gallon 962. Games 1174-1178. Garden 634. Gargle 843, 851, 856. Garment 336, 340, 342, 346-348, 1175, 1257. Gate 764. Gentleman, see man. Gesture 719. Ghost 655, 1278, 1314. Gift 1322. Ginger 853. Girl 1, 55-57, 63, 94, 96, 100-103, 120, 134, 319, 332, 357, 366, 367, 1329. Gizzard 977, 998. Glass 482, 485, 856, 897, 939. Glove 1292. Glycerine 921, 1065. Go 145, 159, 325, 575, 1189, 1191, 1196, 1197, 1278, 1330, 1341. Goiter 1010. Gold 250, 313, 995, 1314. Good Friday 1116. Goose 515. Goose-grease 825. Gophers 499. Grain 749, 795, 803, 805, 1272. Grand-daddy-long-legs 708. Grandfather 807. Grandmother 1263. Grass 470, 625, 626, 809, 1104, 1178. Grasshopper 643, 714. Grave 147, 155, 169, 189, 197, 217, 228, 692, 985. Graveyard, see cemetery. Gray 144, 145, 486, 502, 525. Grease 933, 1254. Green 144, 145, 757, 907, 910, 1005, 1087, 1105, 1115. Groom, see bridegroom. Ground 206, 217, 272, 441, 442, 458, 460, 461, 473, 478, 516, 539, 548, 585, 628, 684, 704, 781, 798, 1077. Ground-hog 1108, 1110. Growth, causes of or deterrents to 47, 50, 238, 250, 283, 311, 586, 587, 589, 1267, 1349. Guest 139, 140, 611. Gums 313, 990. Gun 1314. Gunpowder 934. Hailstorm 427. Hair 60, 234, 238, 240, 241, 271, 276, 283, 289-291, 295, 298, 305, 309, 311, 660, 857, 871, 945, 1035. Hair-pin 71, 235, 1208. Hallowe'en 68, 69, 1152. Handing 142. Handkerchief 121, 819. Handle 521. Hands 39, 62, 113, 239, 261, 262, 265, 292-294, 317, 326, 379, 603, 728, 741, 743, 753, 776, 777, 781, 802, 900, 905, 952, 972, 1026, 1038, 1243, 1251, 1324, 1339. Hang 110, 466, 783, 1122. Happy 115, 124, 125, 141, 144, 252, 1330. Harvest 766. Hat 230, 898, 1175, 1284. Head, beliefs concerning 30, 31, 39, Folklore from Iowa 219 230, 318, 332, 336, 391, 486, 634, 640, 682, 906, 915, 961, 975, 1035, 1040, 1128, 1202. Headache 298, 906, 913, 924, 1030, 1039. Health, condition of 20, 21, 325. Hearing 172, 177, 182, 204, 421, 680. Hearse 1233. Heart 292, 318, 1215. Heat 967. Heaven 2, 510, 552, 1079. Heavenly Bodies and Effects, omens from 548-588. Heifer 685. Heir 240. Hem 331, 347, 1257. Hen 153, 193, 608, 614, 630, 711, 927, 1003. Hiccoughs 949, 952, 980, 1042, 1048, 1298. High 465. Hill 1116. Hill, ant, see ant. Hip 318. Hocus-pocus 719. Hog 455, 517, 524, 558, 662, 671, 751, 904, 982, 1108, 1110. Holder 381. Hole 1035. Holes, ant 460. Home 110, 141, 172, 188, 251, 315, 395, 708, 765, 1118, 1148, 1189, 1266, 1303. Honey 827, 839, 846, 867a, 870, 959. Hoot 178, 179, 707. Hoot-owl 680. Horse 159, 457, 620, 631, 657, 660, 669, 683, 687, 694, 697, 1222, 1323. Horseback 670. Horse-collar 27. Horsehair 619. Horsemen 1113. Horseshoe, omen from 81, 1187, 1241, 1243, 1283, 1336, 1337. Hot 291, 820, 835-837, 843, 853, 854, 864, 867, 918, 929, 946, 953, 1028, 1241. Hour 429, 479, 493, 496, 649, 991. House 151, 155, 157, 163, 171, 174, 180, 184, 208, 211, 213, 216, 217, 344, 353, 376, 390, 394, 584, 615, 678, 770, 811, 1078, 1099, 1101, 1117, 1161, 1165, 1166, 1185, 1188, 1204, 1209, 1221, 1228, 1282, 1284, 1287, 1293, 1299, 1309, 1317, 1326, 1327, 1331, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1350. Household, see family. Household lore 1070-1351. Housekeeper 418. House-warming 1326. Housewife 979. Howl 176, 185, 207, 213, 225, 231. Hunting 191, 823, 1297. Husband, omen concerning 54, 55, 58, 60-63, 92, 102, 106, 134, 141 565, 1134, 1152. Index 1320. Indian 466, 468, 681. Indigestion, cure for 924. Infancy, omens 1-38. Infection, cure for 935, 937, 994, 1033, 1067. Initials 62, 89, 1295. Injury 318, 1037. Insanity, causes 21. Insect 1069. Inside 950, 968. Intelligence 254, 273. Invitation 1115. Iowa 979, 1050. Itch, various beliefs concerning 252, 257, 258, 261-264, 272, 284-288, 293, 294, 296, 299, 310, 315, 908, 916, 1056. Jacket 880. Jail 1259. Jar 989. Journey 186, 236, 247, 255, 670, 1070, 1183, 1222, 1238, 1244, 1262. Joy 1126. Juice 755, 815, 928, 971, 1026-1028. Jump 120. June 573. Kernel 784. Kerosene 845, 851, 861, 867b, 900, 958. Key 1060. Kidney 942. Kill 353, 422, 425, 453, 546, 573, 594, 629, 631, 639, 641, 646, 650, 651, 653, 658, 663, 667, 673, 692, 698, 711, 746, 927, 967, 1016, 1054, 1131, 1135, 1207. Kisses 45, 279, 286. Kissing, omens from 72, 95, 101, 246, 277, 332, 1126, 1127. Knee 664. Knife 76, 88, 91, 363-368, 374, 376, 388, 427, 1013, 1322. Knob 1266. Knot 721, 732, 743, 794. Ladder 50, 1270, 1288. Lady 133, 364, 1191, 1280, 1327, 1346. Lamb 1071. Lamp 75, 223, 1109. Land 315. Lap 706. 220 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Lard 835, 845, 872, 916, 933, 934, 966, 972. Laugh 1265. Laundry 201, 229, 1103, 1123, 1176. Lawyer 134. Layette 12. Lazy 125. Leaf 181, 481, 527, 590, 596, 799, 866, 910; grape 898; mullen 978; peach 915; plantain 598, 971, 1068; poplar 962; tea 369, 1276. Leather 953. Leave 161, 164, 178, 188, 251, 1225, 1230, 1232, 1303, 1325, 1343. Left, see right and left. Leg 241, 396, 406, 690, 967, 971. Leghorn 465. Lemon 1024. Length 247, 369. Lent 131. Letter (alphabet) 89, 138, 317, 390. Letter (correspondence) 287, 294, 378, 1126, 1127, 1163. Lice 1061. Lid, stove 769. Lie (falsehood) 242, 260, 268, 280 -282, 598, 1252, 1334. Life 593, 1125. Light 219, 220, 548, 554, 561, 569, 585, 606, 666, 759, 821, 1290. Lightning 484, 511, 535, 549, 550. Lime 1055. Liniment 1062. Lining 977, 998. Lion 1071. Lip 279, 1021, 1059. Liquid 823, 962. Live 131, 337, 341, 348, 592, 1006, 1090, 1140, 1160, 1350. Live-forever plant 935, 1031, 1032. Loaf 195. Lock ]035. Locket 1052. Locust 459, 612. Log 748. Longevity, beliefs concerning 19, 23, 29-31. Looking 96, 166, 213, 765, 768, 772, 777, 789. Loop 818. Loose 601. Lore, household 1070-1351. Lotion 1062-1064. Love, omens concerning 53-105, 638. Luck, bad, omens of 24, 29, 48, 49, 84, 105, 118, 123, 136, 140-142, 161, 169, 197, 214, 237, 265, 267, 295, 323, 328, 329, 334, 338, 345, 355, 356, 361, 372, 373, 383, 385, 387, 389, 394, 396, 402, 406, 408, 409, 416, 562, 572, 574, 581, 594, 605, 607, 613, 623, 624, 632, 641, 659, 666-668, 674, 679, 680, 688, 689, 693, 698, 701, 702, 1080, 1103,1107,1114, 1118, 1121, 1123, 1144, 1145,1174,1176,1180-1182, 1184, 1185, 1189, 1191, 1196, 1197, 1200-1207, 1209, 1218, 1220 -1225,1227, 1228,1231,1233,1234, 1236,1238,1239,1242,1249,1253, 1258,1260,1262,1264,1266,1270, 1271,1282,1287,1290,1306,1310, 1312,1313,1320,1325,1338,1342, 1343. Luck, good, omens of 27, 39, 111, 114, 116, 126, 136, 141, 243, 269, 302, 303, 317, 322, 323, 330, 334, 335, 347, 555, 596, 608, 615, 617, 618, 636, 642, 644, 648, 670, 674, 677, 689-692, 702, 1102, 1115, 1117,1118,1173,1175,1177, 1178, 1187,1201,1213,1236, 1243, 1246, 1248, 1254, 1255, 1257, 1269, 1283, 1284, 1296, 1326, 1331, 1336, 1337. Lumbago 1051. Lump-jaw 983. Lung 989. Lye 796, 905. Lynx 185. Man 54, 55, 58, 60, 70, 74, 78, 95, 103, 109, 110, 134, 220, 289, 363 -368, 670, 1054, 1171, 1279, 1280, 1346. Maple 481. Mark 769, 1217, 1230. Marriage, omens concerning 56, 57, 60, 64, 68-70, 73, 74, 78, 85-88, 90, 91, 93, 95, 103, 106-145, 329, 370, 377, 379, 380, 388, 393, 413, 1000, 1132, 1167. Marriage, rhymes concerning 60, 117, 131, 134, 136, 138, 144, 145. Mashing 765. Match 97, 99, 220, 759, 780, 1290, 1296. Meal 73, 1138; also see breakfast, dinner, supper. Mean 160. Measles 930. Measure 155. Meat 558, 564, 738, 742, 747, 783, 848, 906, 948. Medicine 897. Mend 342. Merchant 103, 134. Metal 482. Method 1041. Folklore from Iowa 221 Mice 400, 651. Middle 400, 952, 1190. Midnight 426, 536, 655, 692, 746, 779, 991, 1078, 1298. Midwinter 444. Mild 601. Mile 421. Milk 551, 637, 685, 854, 956, 961, 1186, 1214; bloody, various beliefs concerning 629, 650, 658. Milkweed 709, 823, 961. Mind 321. Minister 39, 1304. Minute 753, 793, 904, 974. Mirror 20, 21, 24, 33, 35, 38, 68, 78, 162, 166, 170, 212, 214, 306, 1122, 1156, 1184, 1258, 1289. Misfortune 1273, 1288, 1293. Mist 553. Mitten, woolen 817. Mixture 862, 865, 869, 879, 934, 954, 959, 962, 990, 1014, 1019, 1030. Moan 168. Moisture 482, 953. Molasses 836, 842, 922. Mole 256. Money 141, 256, 262, 263, 310, 314, 559, 563, 566, 568, 1086, 1146, 1199, 1342. Months, omens concerning, January 1, 141, 518, 1104, 1119; February 1, 141, 1074, 1092, 1110; March 1, 141, 979, 1071, 1113; April 1, 141; May 1,141, 190, 351, 518, 1114; June 1, 141, 654; July 1, 141, 664; August 1, 141, 653; September 1, 141; October 1, 141; November 1, 141; December 1, 141, 1072. Months, various beliefs concerning 173, 777, 1082, 1083, 1096, 1108. Moon, new, omens from 121, 555, 556, 562, 572, 576, 578, 579, 581, 777, 1134. Moon, new, rhymes about 60, 565. Moon, various beliefs about 90, 238, 447, 449, 466, 479, 522, 548, 554, 557, 558, 565, 567, 569, 573, 575, 577, 584, 585-587, 653, 666, 692, 770, 821, 1168. Moonlight 810, 813. Morning 107, 192, 210, 314, 322, 327, 467, 471, 472, 486, 493, 507, 566, 628, 630, 641, 665, 672, 674, 890, 892, 954, 1099, 1120, 1125, 1139, 1260. Moss 600. Mother 3, 8, 9, 13, 745, 786, 1321, 1348. Mound 464, 1101. Mourning 230. Mouse, see mice. Mouth 519, 622, 1000, 1169, 1171. Moving 1098, 1102, 1111, 1161, 1203, 1326. Mucilage 944. Mud 936, 974, 1130, 1143, 1308. Mullen 851, 978. Mumps 982. Mush 1319. Muskrat 1101. Mustard 1002. Mutton 926. Nail 963, 1259. Names 17, 89, 102, 138, 215, 1000, 1240. Neck 256, 657, 828, 831, 832, 849, 858, 868, 871, 878, 894, 986, 1001, 1007, 1034, 1049,1058, 1060. Needle 244, 350, 727, 820, 1310. Negro 655. Neighbor 821, 1300. Neighborhood 207, 1050. Nerves 1029. Nessen 1319. Nest 298. News 259, 307, 325, 678, 700, 1136, 1162, 1308, 1309. New Year's Day, omens concerning 201, 229, 1078, 1086, 1099, 1103, 1109, 1118, 1125. Night 44, 63, 70, 96, 139, 178, 187, 207, 219, 224, 225, 311, 359, 428, 430, 450, 471, 472, 474, 501, 506 -509, 529, 530, 571, 580, 588, 674, 679, 755, 777, 807, 813, 819, 867b, 868, 903, 953, 963, 989, 1018, 1092, 1093, 1109, 1113, 1134, 1139,1152,1156,1161, 1216,1225. Nine 63, 70, 187, 304, 593, 636, 985, 1139, 1184. Noon 443, 496, 1094. North 462, 600, 1169, 1171. Norway 1319. Nose 41, 248, 267, 273, 284-288, 296, 299, 319, 684, 1079. Nosebleed, remedy for 320, 986, 1029, 1049, 1059, 1060. Notch 718. Number 69, 85, 137, 226, 268, 598, 774, 781, 1082, 1297. Nutshell 894. Oak 590, 802. Oats 495, 766, 953, 1323. Object 606. 222 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Obstacle 1347. Ocean 301, 522. Odd 140, 1297. Oil, castor 822; clove 920; olive 924; skunk 824, 825, 869, 912. Ointment 895. Old maid 80, 82, 96, 98, 357. "Old Man" 866. One 954, 988, 1075, 1088, 1114, 1219, 1242, 1251, 1290, 1313, 1323, 1324, 1341, 1348. Onion 436, 748, 758, 782, 788, 829, 830, 834, 852, 860, 863, 870, 872, 904, 928, 976, 999, 1028, 1039. Opal 59, 1223. Outhouse 475. Outside 400, 482, 1242, 1346. Oven 877, 990. Owl 148, 149, 178, 179, 680, 707. Owner 685. Pain 910, 1001, 1153. Paint 592. Pair 382, 1291, 1322. Palate 857. Palm 262, 293, 317, 687, 1339. Pan 266. Paper 833, 929, 932, 944, 1059. Parallel 478. Parent 251. Paring, see peeling. Part 318, 341, 446, 734, 758, 765, 791, 865, 946, 951, 967, 976, 1065, 1067, 1351. Party 348. Passing 73, 110. Paste 827, 1032. Path 644, 648, 668, 677, 688, 716. Patient 1047, 1055. Paws 540, 617. Pea 754, 757, 775, 985; pea pod 636. Peach 101. Pearl 145. Pearls 59, 94. Pebble, see rock. Peck 192, 232, 256. Peddler 719. Phlegm 928. Photograph, omen concerning 28. Piano 550. Picking 751. Picking up 60, 983. Pickle 65. Picture 165, 1331, 1338. Pie 1324. Piece 139, 736, 750, 755, 756, 769, 771, 797, 809, 811, 812, 816, 944, 948, 974, 1005, 1016, 1034, 1180, 1236, 1314, 1324. Pig, see hog. Pigeon 130, 219, 227. Pig pen 1329, 1350. Piles 499. Pillow 61, 139, 314, 1156, 1311. Pimple 242. Pin 244, 801, 849, 1201, 1202, 1249, 1315, 1332, 1335. Pinch 1306. Pink 144, 145. Pint 962, 987. Pioneer 967. Pitcher 326. Place 250, 314, 374, 388, 394, 402, 616, 702, 704, 721, 757, 760, 771, 793, 896,983,996, 1035, 1191, 1245, 1325, 1350. Placing, omens concerning 61, 76, 81, 88, 91, 109, 120, 139, 191, 195, 230, 270, 322, 326, 375, 383, 384, 390, 399, 405, 414, 427, 660, 697, 736, 776, 778, 803, 809, 811, 815, 818, 829, 833, 852, 860, 863, 872, 927, 932, 935, 950, 965, 971, 987, 996, 997, 1005, 1008, 1012, 1013, 1020, 1023, 1028, 1039, 1055, 1059, 1060, 1065, 1128, 1311. Plant 103, 318, 548, 557, 561, 569, 586, 589, 590, 628, 654, 704, 866, 935, 971, 1032, 1116, 1267. Plantain 598, 971, 1068. Plate 88, 98, 380, 383, 384. Play 1177, 1178. Pleasure 255. Plenty 239. Pluck 100. Plug 1035. Pneumonia 872, 880, 1055. Pocket 655, 756, 883, 886, 888, 931, 1269. Pocketbook 1229, 1342. Point 447, 595, 661, 704, 1125, 1190, 1249, 1324, 1332, 1336. Pointer 1320. Poison 637, 638, 661, 914, 948, 963, 1016, 1023, 1054, 1214, 1216. Porch 152. Peeling 58, 62, 69, 89. Penny 768, 814, 988, 1005, 1229, 1255. Pennyroyal 1064. People 327, 377, 400, 427, 1319,1326, 1347, 1351. Pepper 853, 854, 873, 879; cayenne 846; red 848. Peppermint 939. Perfume 1052. Period 579, 1075, 1302. Petal 100, 103. Folklore from Iowa 223 Pork 773, 878, 957, 1067. Post 686, 1035, 1347. Potato 206, 561, 710, 744, 752, 755, 763, 789, 811, 886, 931, 941, 1008, 1116, 1267. Poultice 860, 935, 956, 999, 1002, 1022, 1033, 1068. Powder 990, 991. Powderhorn 466. Pow-wow 719, 724, 1050. Pregnancy, beliefs concerning 10, 13. Preparation 946. Preventives 897, 898, 903, 914, 923, 931, 932, 936, 937, 945, 946, 949, 954, 955, 975, 1001, 1010, 1013, 1026, 1031, 1034, 1051-1054, 1056-1058, 1066. Price 1237. Privy 475. Process 971, 1005, 1240, 1241. Promise 1328. Prongs 603. Prosperity 141, 575, 1099. Pullets 630. Pulling 92, 253, 660, 871, 1351. Pulse 1002. Punishment 42. Puzzle 1286. Quarrel 144, 266, 382, 411, 1133, 1151, 1195, 1235, 1250, 1277. Quart 1323. Queen 144. Question 326. Quill 595. Quilt 120. Rabbit 304, 617, 644, 655, 676, 690-692. Rabbit's foot 110. Rag 767, 804, 806, 905. Rail, railroad 74. Rain 31, 115, 132, 147, 194, 421, 422, 428, 432-434, 437, 438, 440, 445, 446, 450-456, 458, 467-470, 474, 475, 477, 480-482, 486, 487, 489, 490, 492, 493, 496-499,503 -511,514-517,524,527-533,536 -538, 540, 542-546, 578, 579, 588, 626, 627, 646, 649, 671, 764, 1061, 1088, 1089, 1093, 1188. Rain-bird 480. Rainbow 471, 483, 1210. Raindrop 228, 764. Rain-water 697. Raise 186. Raisin 938, 968. Rake 1221. Rat 400, 592. Raw 773, 931, 941. Reason 647, 1157. Receiver 1322, 1342. Red 144, 145, 291, 472, 486, 488, 501, 502, 592, 831, 850, 986, 1017, 1049, 1319. Reducing 1041. Remedy 823, 826, 835, 841, 844, 854, 859, 861, 866, 867, 900, 917, 921, 925, 947, 964, 967, 970, 972, 976, 978, 983, 989, 992, 1027. Remove 124. Repent 131. Resin 946. Rest 325, 1324. Rheumatism 885; amulets to prevent 884, 886-888, 894. Rheumatism, cures for 882, 883, 889-891, 893, 895. Rheumatism, preventives of 892, 896. Rhubarb 815, 1026. Rhymes, miscellaneous 1259, 1263, 1315, 1319, 1321, 1329, 1339. Rib 598. Ribbon 1010. Rice 114, 1086. Rich 135, 241, 316, 342, 380, 1154, 1186, 1219, 1281, 1294, 1295, 1307. Right and/or left 236, 252, 258 -261, 263, 264, 272, 294, 303, 307, 310, 315, 319, 322-324, 555, 562, 572, 617, 691, 692, 717, 744, 768, 770, 772, 780, 784, 789, 868, 985, 988, 1038, 1046, 1183, 1187, 1234, 1243, 1248, 1283, 1306, 1324, 1325, 1340. Rind, meat 747, 783, 993, 1067. Ring 84, 122, 449, 491, 522, 523, 582, 887, 995, 1051, 1198,1264; engagement 59, 105; wedding 118, 124. Ringing 259, 297, 307. Ringlet 30. Ringworm 907, 934, 992, 994, 1003-1005. Rip 1079. Ripe 1348. River 819. Road 199, 529, 722, 765, 778, 905. Roast 990. Robin 516, 676. Rock 730, 736, 806, 818, 983, 996. Roof 192. Room 75, 92, 109, 148, 180, 406, 632, 1031, 1219. Rooster 187, 191, 426, 441, 442, 474, 536, 544, 610, 611, 635, 645, 665, 672, 675, 795, 1317. Rotting 710, 712, 725, 730, 731, 734,,738, 741-744, 749, 752, 762, 763, 771-773, 787, 788, 793, 799, 800, 224 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society 803, 804, 806, 811, 812, 816-818, 821, 989, 993. Row 191, 206. Rubbing 709, 710, 712, 717, 720, 722, 724, 725, 728-731, 733, 734, 736, 740-742, 744, 747-752, 754-758, 761-763, 766, 770, 773, 775, 776, 778, 779, 782, 783, 785, 787-792, 795-797, 799-801, 804-806, 808, 812, 814, 816, 817, 822-825, 845, 847, 872, 880, 900, 904, 905, 975, 982, 990, 992-995. Rug 1245. Rusty 801, 963. Sack 716, 717, 740, 778, 872, 987. Safety-pin 1335. Sailor 471, 472, 501, 510, 1183. Saliva 1069. Salt 183, 234, 676, 727, 843, 846, 873, 878, 881, 918, 919, 945, 957, 990, 1030, 1152, 1195, 1205, 1234, 1256, 1272, 1275, 1277, 1300, 1305, 1306, 1333, 1340. Salve 926, 1005, 1032. Satan 325. Saving 111, 243, 1351. Saying 351. Scar 1050. Scare 120. Scarlet fever, see fever. Scissors 198, 1291, 1322. Scratch 247, 255. Season 175, 466, 512, 647, 954, 1157, 1175. Second 997. Secretion 709. Seed 83, 137, 587, 589, 634, 942, 1027, 1348. Seeing 74, 77, 78, 423, 555, 562, 563, 565, 566, 572, 576, 613, 641, 649, 674, 687, 757, 772, 1110, 1136, 1155, 1182, 1297, 1315, 1332. Seek 325. Selling 801. Seven 34, 63, 212, 393, 434, 438, 477, 578, 594, 688, 782, 1042, 1088, 1089, 1258. Severe 601. Sewing 341, 344, 348, 350, 1079, 1085. Shadow 141, 1074, 1110, 1182. Shake 113, 120, 261, 263, 310, 379. Shame 305, 308, 312. Shape 554. Shark 186, 705. Shell 1297. Shine 115. Shingle 584, 951. Ship 186, 705. Shoe 116, 236, 322, 325, 333, 335, 382, 390, 618, 785, 946, 1161. Shoestring 104. Shooting 1297, 1314. Shot, "BB" 969. Shoulder 62, 68, 69, 89, 90, 555, 562, 717, 744, 757, 768, 770, 772, 780, 784, 789, 823, 985, 1228, 1234, 1283, 1306, 1325, 1340. Shovel 155, 163. Shuck 601. Sickness, various beliefs about 152, 172, 176, 216, 249, 410, 419, 632, 931, 998, 1055, 1138, 1147, 1153, 1250. Side-ache 902, 974, 984, 996, 997. Side, right or wrong 327, 334, 336, 340, 356, 600, 788, 849, 855, 974. Sight 559, 563, 566, 1238. Silk 121, 760, 1007. Silverware 377, 1013, 1036, 1051. Singing, beliefs concerning 44, 46, 48, 49, 52, 152, 278, 359, 361, 371, 372, 416, 417, 612, 1091, 1247, 1282. Sink 145. Sister 123, 215. Sitting 87, 148, 357, 389, 408-410, 415, 560, 700, 810, 1076, 1098, 1293, 1317, 1341. Six 1108. Size 369, 590. Skin 436, 922, 950, 951, 987. Skull 991. Skunk 847, 912. Sky 159, 423, 429, 430, 463, 472, 539, 559. Slab 1012. Sleep, omens concerning 5, 6, 390, 400, 554, 1165. Sleep, various beliefs about 52, 326, 549, 807, 890, 896, 1311. Slice 373, 848, 878, 1008. Slipper 400, 903. Smallpox 912. Smartweed 720, 840, 1062. Smoke 99, 473, 476, 478, 851, 915, 1045, 1154, 1349. Snail 723. Snake 344, 424, 425, 469, 528, 546, 597, 619, 639, 646, 649, 652, 660, 661, 663, 697, 1016, 1054, 1131, 1135, 1137, 1144, 1207; hoop snake 696. Sneeze 302, 1126, 1127. Snow 112, 465, 979, 1082, 1092, 1100. Snowball 209. Soap 662, 796, 1018. Socket 250. Folklore from Iowa 225 Soda 842, 844, 856, 943, 1014. Sole 785, 830, 855, 903, 946, 1047. Solution 856, 945, 979. Son 17, 34. Soot 533. Sore 281, 899, 904, 919, 933, 935, 963, 965, 979, 1000, 1067. Soreness 841, 857, 1019. Sorghum 859, 862, 954, 964. Sorrow 59, 115, 252, 1126, 1127, 1215. Soul 552. Sour 551, 770, 965. Sour-dough 1032. South 462, 622, 633, 1171, 1179. Southeast 979. Southwest 547. Sow 1271. Space 423. Spade 155, 1204. Spasm 1035. Speaking 282. Speed 188. Spell 1231, 1295. Spendthrift 1275. Spider 210, 453, 541, 641, 642, 667, 674, 894, 1212, 1260. Spilling 1231. Spirit 145, 214, 306, 1216. Spit 807, 902, 974, 981, 984, 996, 997, 1173, 1191, 1283, 1325, 1339. Spoon 363, 365-367, 370, 375, 378, 1036. Spoonful 989. Sports 1168-1173, 1179. Spot 268, 855, 974, 975. Spouse, see husband. Sprain, cure for 901, 918, 929, 1019, 1062. Spring 954, 955, 1061, 1207. Sprouts 1267. Squall 205. Squirrel 590. Stable 371. Stain 1026. Stalk 557, 823. Stammering, causes of 7, 1046. Standing 86, 184, 197, 645, 838, 997. Star 63, 146, 224, 449, 552, 568, 571, 574, 1093. Stars, wishing on 40, 45, 559, 563, 566, 570. Start 155. Stealing 745, 787, 804, 812, 821, 1331. Stepmother 108, 127. Stepping 82, 129, 189, 300, 411,418, 621, 658, 693, 1206, 1259, 1263, 1321. Stick 156, 198, 313, 517, 603, 718. Sting 943, 1020. Stink 144. Stock, live 457, 1061. Stocking 828, 849, 868, 892, 1009. Stomach 186, 897, 911, 932, 947, 1014. Stomach-ache 939. Stone, see rock. Stop 161, 173, 214, 221, 297, 320, 949, 968, 980, 986, 1015, 1040, 1042, 1048, 1049, 1059, 1060. Stork 14. Storm 426, 427, 435, 443, 449, 484, 485, 497, 500, 520, 522, 523, 526, 550, 560, 582, 609, 639, 1210. Stove 533, 769, 877, 1028, 1114, 1231, 1305. Stranger 263, 369, 728, 729, 1126, 1127. Straw pile 15. Stray 144. Street 345, 805, 905, 1327, 1346. Strike 97, 177, 777. String 275, 309, 713, 721, 726, 732, 743, 781, 790, 793, 794, 798, 813, 818, 986, 1007, 1017, 1034, 1049. Stubbing 72, 77, 95, 277, 300. Stumble 323. Stump 655, 802. Sty 981, 985, 995, 1329. Sugar, omens concerning 66, 861, 865, 867, 867b, 869, 879, 962, 976, 989, 1014, 1027, 1028. Suit 338, 1175. Sulphur 859, 908, 916, 922, 923, 964. Sum 1146. Summer 1037, 1104, 1302. Sun 115, 428, 433, 435, 452, 490 -493, 497, 504, 507-510, 525, 530, 534, 582, 583, 899, 985, 1219. Sunburn 1025. Sun dog 431, 463. Sundown 425, 546. Sunflower 103, 1027. Sunrise 663. Sunset 488, 782. Sunshine 141, 503, 1075. Sunstroke 898. Supper 51, 361, 1199. Surface 478. Swallows 949, 1042; chimney 537, 543. Sweeping 64, 119, 233, 393, 407, 408, 413, 1199, 1215, 1217, 1219, 1273. Sweetheart, omens concerning 53, 72, 77, 99, 100, 104, 145, 277, 279, 350, 1126, 1127, 1276. Swelling 936, 975, 1012, 1013, 1020. 226 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Swimming 1302. Syrup 826, 834, 976, 989, 1027, 1028. Table 48, 76, 86, 87, 223, 239, 357-388, 405, 410, 415, 417, 541, 1276. Tablespoonful 867b, 924, 962. Tail 425, 544, 660, 661, 663, 676, 686, 697, 703, 779, 1047. Tailor 103. Take off 105, 169, 1198, 1264. Talking 257, 258, 299, 326, 349, 980, 1048. Tallow 926, 946. Tar 867a, 880. Task 676, 1122. Tea 369, 866, 1194; burdock 917; camile 940; catnip 911, 913; elderberry 1011; flaxseed 942, 956; gizzard 977, 998; mullen leaf 978; oat 930; pepper 874; sage 864; sassafras 955; smartweed 840; tobacco juice 1004. Teacup 1276. Teakettle 976. Tea leaf 369, 1276. Tear 111. Tears 59, 1272. Teaspoonful 856, 954, 976, 1014. Teeth, see tooth. Telegram 142. Telephone 320. Temper 248, 291. Temperature 836. Ten 949, 1113, 1293. Thanksgiving, omen concerning 1077. Thick 965. Thief 32, 103, 134, 1148. Thinking 104, 297, 321, 331, 333. Thirteen 383, 386, 387, 608, 1070, 1270. Thirty-five 904. Thread 156, 760, 1334. Three 74, 75, 79, 139, 178, 187, 191, 220, 223, 302, 332, 350, 399, 400, 412, 440, 451, 503, 545, 559, 645, 648, 729, 777, 782, 792, 799, 803, 867b, 924, 983, 1014, 1072, 1078, 1083, 1096, 1150, 1156, 1180, 1191, 1268, 1303, 1325. Threshold 233. Throat 824, 828, 831, 835, 843, 845, 847, 851, 855-857, 861, 868, 873, 878, 928, 1009, 1010, 1017. Throes 424. Throwing 62, 69, 89, 114, 253, 335, 499, 572, 595, 716, 720, 722, 723, 733, 740, 744, 751, 754, 757, 768, 770, 772, 775, 780, 782, 784, 786, 789, 790, 795, 797, 808, 816, 819, 823, 985, 988, 1099, 1187, 1234, 1243, 1248, 1275, 1283, 1340. Thumb 72, 95, 246, 255, 277, 1339. Thunder 434, 444, 513, 550, 551, 616. Ticking 172, 182. Tickling 7. Tide 1318. Tie, neck 60. Tight 601, 793. Time 587, 590, 633, 645, 729, 764, 766,774,777,792,998,1070, 1078, 1117,1147,1150,1165,1180,1191, 1251, 1268, 1303, 1323, 1325, 1329. Tincture of lobelia 1065. Tingling 218. Tin pan 606. Tip 759. Toad 469, 629, 650, 658, 673, 715. Toast 276. Tobacco 1020, 1023, 1045, 1349; tobacco juice 643, 1004. Today 1265. Toe 72, 77, 95, 277, 300, 407, 446, 993, 1047. Tomato 638, 1026. Tomorrow 452, 488, 525, 1126, 1127, 1265. Tongue 242, 250, 280, 281, 313. Tonic 954, 955. Tonsilitis 859. Tool 1299. Tooth 243, 249-251, 253, 313, 314, 1001, 1147, 1153. Toothache 920, 990, 1002. Toothpick 150, 381. Top 585, 709, 759, 857, 1035, 1109, 1128, 1281. Torso 1055. Towel 265, 1251. Town 144, 145. Train 421. Travel 315, 599. Traveller 486, 502. Tree 154, 175, 181, 185, 465, 511, 513, 514, 527, 576, 600, 604, 653, 659, 696, 1034, 1347. Trip 669, 1106, 1271, 1332. Trouble 576, 614, 647, 911, 942, 1130, 1137, 1157, 1164, 1166, 1256, 1340. Trough 982. True 144, 244, 300, 332, 336, 390, 570, 620, 652, 694, 1120, 1139, 1141, 1142, 1150, 1156, 1161, 1165, 1245, 1324, 1328. Truth 100. Try 171, 211, 1348. Tuberculosis 662, 989. Turkey 465, 640. Folklore from Iowa 227 Turning around, omens concerning 77, 332, 481, 527, 613, 717, 765, 772, 784, 786, 823, 902, 961, 1185, 1189, 1191, 1197, 1228, 1244, 1262, 1293, 1303, 1313, 1325, 1343. Turnip 839. Turpentine 835, 841, 845, 849, 891. Turtle 616. Twelve 1119. Twenty-four 649. Two 76, 156, 171, 244, 265, 266, 316, 377, 620, 687, 734, 758, 791, 796, 809, 811, 816, 946, 991, 1005, 1018, 1050, 1065, 1074, 1110, 1178, 1180, 1235, 1242, 1251, 1323, 1347, 1351. Tying 120, 275, 309, 713, 726, 732, 734, 743, 760, 781, 788, 793, 794, 798, 805, 811, 813, 818, 819, 828, 830-832, 986, 1001, 1007, 1009, 1010, 1017, 1018, 1034, 1047, 1049, 1067. Typhoid fever, see fever. Umbrella 157, 184, 1188, 1309, 1327. Underground 1319. Underwear 351, 352, 1327. Uniform 1176. Untie 104, 333. Upset 579, 947, 1205. Upstairs 1261. Vegetable 628. Veil 37, 111. Veins 1190; varicose 971. Verse 1125. Vessel, fishing 1271. View 581. Vine 206, 561. Vinegar 836, 846, 865, 873, 879, 918, 929, 992, 994, 1014, 1019, 1030, 1041, 1240. Visit 188, 1189. Visitor 296, 1298. Vomit 897. Wagon 1254. Walk 716, 1242. Walking 50, 74, 119, 188, 253, 272, 603, 648, 717, 760, 765, 1078, 1190, 1228, 1242, 1270, 1288, 1308, 1346. Wall 165, 170, 172, 182, 214, 400. Walnut 827, 907. Warm 292, 326, 792, 877, 919, 1003. Warts, causes of 643, 715. Warts, cures for 709- 714, 716-823. Wash 234, 266, 311, 540, 699, 802, 998, 1003, 1026. Washing, see laundry. Water 186, 191, 234, 326, 433, 538, 619, 655, 660, 685, 753, 771, 783, 802, 843, 844, 856, 864, 867, 876, 905, 908, 914, 919, 923, 939, 945, 947, 949, 962, 979, 998, 1014, 1042, 1130, 1143, 1172, 1190, 1308. Water willow 704. Way 486, 502, 595, 640, 704, 708, 1083, 1189, 1339. Wealth 90, 112, 325, 420, 559, 1194. Wear 117, 134, 135, 330, 337, 341, 345, 348, 352, 1051, 1053, 1056 -1058, 1175, 1223, 1284. Weasel 681. Weather 421-547, 577, 579, 625, 885, 1083, 1094, 1095, 1110, 1124, 1172. Weather, rhymes concerning 434, 471, 472, 477, 486, 501, 502, 525, 539. Web 667. Wed, see marriage. Wedding cake, omens concerning 61, 122, 139. Wedding clothes 135, 329, 330. Wedding day, omens concerning 112, 117, 132. Wedding dinner 140. Weeds 531, 573, 587, 720, 823, 961, 971, 1063, 1064. Week 63, 101, 177, 325, 437, 440, 519, 612, 779, 792, 796, 1073, 1084, 1094, 1097, 1121, 1126, 1127. Week-end 305. Weep 132. Well 603, 731, 749, 754, 775. West 391, 493, 506, 622, 1170, 1171. Wheat 803. Whippoorwill 216. Whirl 145. Whirlwind 448, 534. Whiskey 867. Whispering 570. Whistling 51, 385, 421, 1174, 1282. White 130, 144, 145, 159, 171, 201, 268, 290, 620, 677, 681, 687, 689, 694, 702, 760, 802, 1077, 1087, 1222. Whooping cough 962, 1027, 1058. Wife 61, 62, 92, 107, 141. Wind 521, 526, 527, 547, 622, 630, 640, 686, 1169-1171, 1179. Window 27, 32, 153, 158, 205, 211, 219, 227, 231, 232, 484, 560, 700, 1078, 1216. Window ledge 148, 219. Wine 989. Wing 515, 967. Winter 352, 430, 436, 465, 491, 591, 601, 602, 604, 682, 1072, 1074, 1100, 1101, 1108. Wire, copper 884; fence 895. 228 Memoirs of the American Folk-Lore Society Wish-bone, omens from 54-57, 772, 1351. Wishes 40, 45, 55, 144, 145, 244-246, 300, 332, 336, 356, 390, 400, 570, 620, 652, 687, 694, 770, 1128, 1196, 1234, 1245, 1324, 1331, 1343, 1351. Witch 603, 1190, 1241, 1316. Woe 325. Woman, beliefs concerning 3, 10, 11, 64, 107, 117, 330, 345, 351, 363 -368, 1000, 1050, 1052, 1222, 1240, 1279, 1301. Wood 542, 607, 928, 1236. Woodpecker 192. Wool 309, 882. Word 1271, 1295, 1329. Work 217, 1107, 1112. World 553. Worm 41, 343, 656, 1006. Wound 937, 948, 957, 958, 1016, 1067. Wrist 884, 1002. Yard 983. Yarn 1049. Year 64, 69, 85, 102, 121, 133, 147, 151, 154, 159, 163, 166, 167, 175, 184, 194, 209, 212, 217, 220, 228, 267, 346, 374, 379, 386, 393, 405, 413, 575, 594, 634, 688, 1050, 1078, 1082, 1083, 1085, 1100, 1113, 1119, 1125, 1184, 1207, 1258. Yeast 909. Yellow 145, 270, 501, 799. Zodiac 318. MEMOIRS OF THE AMERICAN FOLK-LORE SOCIETY. I. Folk Tales of Angola, by HELI CHATELAIN. 1894. 315 pp. $ 3.50. II. Louisiana Folk Tales, by ALCEE FORTIER. 1895. 122 pp. $ 3.50. III. Bahama Songs and Stories, by CHARLES L. EDWARDS. 1895. 111 pp. $ 3.50. IV. Current Superstitions, from the Oral Tradidition of Englishspeaking Folk, by FANNY D. BERGEN. 1896. 161 pp. $ 3.50. V. Navaho Legends, by WASHINGTON MATTHEWS. 1897. 299 pp. $ 5.00. VI. Traditions of the Thompson River Indians of British Columbia, by JAMES TEIT. 1898. 137 pp. $ 3.50. VII. Animal and Plant Lore, by FANNY D. BERGEN. 1899. 180pp. $ 3.50. VIII. Traditions of the Skidi Pawnee, by GEORGE A. DORSEY. 1904. 366 pp. $ 6.00 IX. Los Pastores. A Mexican Miracle Play, by M. R. COLE. 1907. 234 pp. $ 4.00. X. Spanish American Folk Songs, by ELEANOR HAGUE. 1917. 111 pp. $ 3.50. XI. Folk Tales of Salishan and Sahaptin Tribes, by J. A. TEIT, M. K. GOULD, L. FARRAND, and H. J. SPINDEN. 1917. 201 pp. $ 3.50. XII. Filipino Popular Tales, collected and edited, with comparative notes, by DEAN S. FANSLER. 1921. 473 pp. $ 5.00. XIII. The Folk Tales of Andros Island, Bahamas, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1918. 170 pp. $ 3.50. XIV. Index to the Journal of AmericanFolk-Lore. 1930. $ 3.50. XV. Folk-Lore from the Cape Verde Islands, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1924. 640 pp. In two parts, each $ 3.50. XVI. Folk Tales of the Sea Islands, South Carolina, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1923. 218 pp. $ 3.50. XVII. Jamaica Anansi Stories, by MARTHA WARREN BECKWITH. 1924. 295 pp. $ 3.50. XVIII. Folk-Lore of Maryland, by A. W. WHITNEY and C. C. BULLOCK. 1927. 238 pp. $ 3.50. XIX. Tewa Tales, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1927. 304 pp. $ 3.50. XX. Lamba Folk-Lore, by C. M. DOKE. 1927. 570 pp. $ 5.00. XXI. Jamaican Folk-Lore, collected by MARTHA WARREN BECKWITH, with music recorded in the field by HELEN H. ROBERTS. 1929. 347 pp. Illustrated. $ 5.00. XXII. Kiowa Tales, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1929. 152 pp. $ 3.50. XXIII. Folk-Lore from the Dominican Republic, by MANUEL J. ANDRADE. 1931. 432 pp. $ 5.00. XXIV. Folk-Lore from Nova Scotia, collected by ARTHUR HUFF FAUSET. 1931. 204 pp. $ 3.50. XXV. Bella Bella Tales, by FRANZ BOAS. 1932. 178 pp. $ 3.50. XXVI. Folk Tales of the Antilles, French and English, Part I, by ELSIE CLEWS PARSONS. 1933. 521 pp. $ 5.00. XXVII. Folk Tales of the Coast Salish, by THELMA ADAMSON. 1934. 430 pp. $ 3.50. XXVIII. Kwakiutl Culture as reflected in Mythology, by FRANZ BOAS. 1935. 190 pp. $ 3.50. XXIX. Folk-Lore from Iowa, by CARL J. STOUT. 1936. 228 pp, $ 3.50. THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN GRADUATE LIBRARY DATE DUE.r He- _ v o s FFBI P 934 Form 9584 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 3 9015 00514 5258