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190 revenge themselves for disrespect or injury; and the bellows of potters are allowed one day of rest in the year and have offerings made to them. I do not happen to have direct evidence that there has been an active spirit associated with brooms in Japan, but further indirect evidence to that effect is provided by the information that in China brooms have long been used for divination (as have been wicker trays and some other things], being so held or suspended that they were free to move, and that "sudden swinging or rotating motions … indicated occupation by the spirit"; and, as to certain women, that if they wish to "use the Broom Lady, they wind a petticoat around an old broom for divination; and when the Lady is in it, it can give oracles by upright or prone positions." But even if there be not a spirit especially associated with the broom as an implement and thought to be angered by the inversion, it is probable that any spirit believed to be still resident in the wood of the handle will be regarded as likely to resent it and as in a mood to try to carry the operator's wishes into effect. Furthermore, I think that