between Norwich and
Yarmouth:--
"Halvergate hares, Reedham rats,
Southwood swine, and Cantley cats;
Acle asses, Moulton mules,
Beighton bears, and Freethorpe fools."
They seem to proceed simply on the alliterative principle mentioned by
J.M.B. (Vol. i., p. 475.) as common to many popular proverbs, &c. Two
others I subjoin from my own recollection, which differ in this
particular:--
"Blickling flats, Aylsham fliers,
Marsham peewits, and Hevingham liars."
These are four villages on the road between Norwich and Cromer. A third
couplet alludes merely to the situation of a group of villages near the
sea-coast,--
"Gimingham, Trimingham, Knapton, and Trunch,
Northrepps and Southrepps, hang all in a bunch."
E.S.T.
_Throwing Salt over the Shoulder_.--This custom I have frequently
observed, of taking a pinch of salt without any remark, and flinging it
over the shoulder. I should be glad to know its origin.
E.S.T.
_Charming for Warts_.--In Vol. i., p. 19., a correspondent asks if the
custom of "charming for warts" prevails in England.
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