Superstition in Strathbogie.
Last week some strange proceedings took place not far from the capital of Strathbogie. At Newtongarry, parish of Drumblade, an old man was lying ill, and rapidly drawing near his end, when some strange manifestations presented themselves.
Plates left the vessel-board of their own accord, and sprang to the table. Two women were entering by the door when the window flew out – both glass and framework being driven into shivers. A neighbour went to pay a visit to the dying man, and beheld the washing-tub dancing on the floor!
The minister hearing of the extraordinary proceedings, called upon his sick parishioner; but just as he entered the door a stone bowl came straight to his head. his reverence was discreet enough to “jouk an’ lat the jug gae bye,” else it would have cracked his cranium. Other missiles following, the minister left the haunted house, little wiser as to the cause, though he saw the effect of the phenomena.
Matters were even worse in the byre. For two days nobody dare approach the cows to milk them; and when two stalwart fellows braved all danger to relieve the poor animals, they found them with their tails tied to the couples.
The above are only a few of the capers cut by some modern witch or warlock, and they are vouched for by more than one reliable informant. The old man has died, and the manifestations have ceased.
Fifeshire Journal, 31st March 1870.