followed in movement; but it is quite possible that the original
description was more explicit, and it is almost certain that in every
instance a sunwise course would now be followed."

No. 1166.--This appearance is due to the presence of a minute unicellular
plant of a red color, which grows and multiplies with great rapidity on
the surface of bread, starch-paste, and similar substances. So general
was once the belief in its portentous nature that Ehrenberg described it
under the name _Monas Prodigiosa_.

No. 1176.--The non-appearance of _rigor mortis_ as omen of another death
is alluded to in a skeptical way by Sir Thomas Browne in his _Vulgar
Errors_, Book V. chapter xxiii.

No. 1280.[TN-12]--Doubtless this apparently most trivial and meaningless
sign is but one of hundreds of examples of pure symbolism. The custom of
draping the bell or front door-knob with crape when death has come to a
house is suggested by seeing anything hung on the door-knob. It might be
convenient to hang the dish-cloth to dry on the kitchen door-knob, as the
door stands open. The idea of death is suggested, then comes the thought,
"this is like death, hence it may bode death," and so the omen arises.

No. 1204.--See article on "Current Superstitions," _Journal of American
Folk-Lore_, vol. ii No. IV.

No. 1207.--Not infrequently people of education and culture feel that
mourning is significant of further deaths. In popular arguments about the
advisability of wearing mourning it is said that if one begins to wear
it, he will have occasion to continue to do so. It is also claimed that
mourning is directly unhealthful on account of injurious components of
the black dyes used. This delusion no doubt proceeds from observed cases
of ill-health due to the depressing effects of mourning upon the spirits
(and therefore the physical condition) of the wearer.

No. 1237.--See "Current Superstitions," _Journal of American Folk-Lore_,
vol. ii. No. IV.

I chanced to know a few years ago of a family party of educated,
unusually intelligent people, when it happened that the number to dine
was thirteen. One laughingly proposed to sit at a side table and did so.
The dinner table would otherwise have been a bit crowded, the hostess
said as excuse for heeding the evil omen of thirteen at table. I doubt if
one of those present had any real faith in the superstition, and yet I
fancy there was a certain feeling of relief in avoiding the augury
predicted by th