[We are indebted to BOSQUECILLIO VIEGO, and other correspondents,
for similar replies.]
_Fernseed_ (Vol. v., p. 172.).--This was considered a charm of the
highest potency. It not only preserved the fortunate possessor against
the malignant influences of demon, witch, and sorcerer, but enabled him
to render himself invisible at pleasure:
"We have the receipt of fern-seed, we walk invisible,"
quoth _honest_ Gadshill (_Henry IV._, Part I. Act II. Sc. 1.). The
difficulty and danger with which it could only be obtained, apparently
tended much to enhance its magical value in the estimation of the
cabalist. It was to be gathered, after solemn fasting, and the
performance of mystic ceremonies now unknown, on Midsummer Eve, at the
very instant in which the Baptist's birth took place. The spiritual
world was arrayed in fierce hostility against the daring gatherer. The
fairies used every effort to preserve it from human possession, with an
inveteracy which showed what high value they put upon it. As to the
danger resulting from their hostility, Richard Bovet, in his
_Pandæmonium_ (p. 217., London, 1684), gives curious evidence:--
"Much discourse hath been about gathering of fern-seed (which is
looked upon as a magical herb) on the night of Midsummer Eve; and
I remember I was told of one who went to gather it, and the
spirits whisk't by his ears like bullets, and sometimes struck his
hat, and other parts of his body; in fine, though he apprehended
he had gotten a quantity of it, and secured it in papers, and a
box besides, when he came home he found all empty. But, most
probable, this appointing of times and hours is of the devil's own
institution, as well as the fast; that having once ensnared people
to an obedience to his rules, he may with more facility oblige
them to stricter vassalage."
The fern-seed charm is amply discussed in Brand's _Popular Antiquities_,
vol. i. p. 314. (Bohn's edition.)