Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/107

Rh became peopled. As, in the mean time, Pastor Immer strengthened what I had already heard, namely, that the popular song in which this tradition is especially preserved, and of which I obtained a copy, is founded upon written record, which, in its present form, is certainly not older than the latter half of the sixteenth century, as well as that no other written document on the subject has been discovered, led me to seek for other traces. I therefore inquired after the baptismal and family names prevailing in the district, after peculiar manners, songs, and old usages, especially at marriages and such occasions.

The following is what Pastor Immer told me:

“There is in this district a usage at marriages, which I never met with in any other part of Switzerland, as for instance, at the marriage feast, both the parents and the guests make the bridal pair presents either of cattle or money. The people love music and violent bodily exercises. They are a cheerful, kind and useful people, fearing God, but at the same time believing in the existence of dwarfs and many other spirits of nature, and in conjuration and witchcraft. Above all things they love freedom. They believe firmly and