The charms by crystals are of great antiquity in Ireland—a mode of
divination, no doubt, brought from the East by the early wandering
tribes. Many of these stones have been found throughout the country,
and are held in great veneration. They are generally globular, and
appear to have been originally set in royal sceptres or sacred shrines.
A very ancient crystal globe of this kind, with miraculous curative
powers, is still to be seen at Currahmore, the seat of the Marquis of
Waterford, and it is believed to have been brought from the Holy Land
by one of the Le Poers, who had it as a gift from Godfrey de Bouillon.
The ball is of rock crystal, a little larger than an orange, and is
circled round the middle by a silver band. It is still constantly
borrowed by the people to effect cures upon cattle suffering from
murrain or other distempers. This is done by placing the ball in a
running stream, through which the cattle are driven backwards and
forwards many times.
The peasants affirm that the charm never fails in success, and the
belief in its miraculous powers is so widespread that people from the
most distant parts of Ireland send to Currahmore to borrow it. Even to
this day the faith in its magic power continues unabated, and requests
for the loan come from every quarter. The Marquis of Waterford leaves
it in the care of his steward, and it is freely lent to all comers; but
to the credit of the people it may be noted, that the magic crystal is
always brought back to Currahmore with the most scrupulous care.[9]
[9] Extract from a letter by the Marchioness of Waterford, on the
Currahmore Crystal.