_Superstitions of the Midland Counties._--It is believed a sign of "bad
luck" to meet a white horse, unless the person _spits_ at it, which
action is said to avert the ill consequences of the recontre.
A rainy Friday is believed to be followed as a natural and invariable
consequence, by a wet Sunday; but I am not aware that the contrary is
believed, viz., that fine Friday produces a fine Sunday.
If the fire burns brightly when a person has poked or stirred it up, it
is a sign that the _absent_ lover, wife, or husband (as the case may be)
is in good spirits, and in good humour.
The itching of the right hand palm is said to portend the reception of a
gift; which is rendered more certain if the advice in this distich be
followed:--
"Rub it 'gainst wood,
'Tis sure to come good."
Persons with much hair or down upon their arms and hands, will at some
future period enjoy great wealth; or as the common expression has it,
"are born to be rich."