_Obeahism._--In answer to T. H.'s Query regarding Obeahism, though I cannot
answer his question fully, as to its origin, &c., yet I have thought that
what I can communicate may serve to piece out the more valuable information
of your better informed correspondents. I was for a short time in the
island of Jamaica, and from what I could learn there of Obeahism, the power
seemed to be obtained by the Obeah-man or woman, by working upon the fears
of their fellow-negroes, who are notoriously superstitious. The principal
charm seemed to be, a collection of feathers, coffin furniture, and one or
two other things which I have forgotten. A small bundle of this, hung over
the victim's door, or placed in his path, is supposed to have the power of
bringing ill luck to the unfortunate individual. And if any accident, or
loss, or sickness should happen to him about the time, it is immediately
imputed to the dreaded influence of Obeah! But I have heard of cases where
the unfortunate victim has gradually wasted away, and died under this
powerful spell, which, I have been informed by old residents in the island,
is to be attributed to a more natural cause, namely, the influence of
poison. The Obeah-man causes a quantity of _ground glass_ to be mixed with
the food of the person who has incurred his displeasure; and the result is
said to be a slow but sure and wasting death! Perhaps some of your medical
readers can say whether an infusion of _powdered glass_ would have this
effect. I merely relate what I have been told by others.
While speaking of the superstition of the negroes, I may mention a very
curious one, very generally received and universally believed among them,
called the _rolling calf_, which, if you wish, I will give you an account
of in my next.