Now to the point. The subject to which I am about to call your attention--that of finding water by means of the "divining rod"--is one of those which in modern times is classed among mere superstitions, and as such unworthy of serious consideration by sensible people. I think I have it in my power to demonstrate to you, principally from my own personal experiences--the relation of which I beg you to accept as strictly accurate--that this is an error on the part of the over-wise skeptics of our progressive epoch. Worcester's dictionary gives the following definition of the "divining rod:--A forked branch, usually of hazel, said to be useful to discern mines and water." "Witch-hazel--a tall shrub of eastern North America, remarkable for blossoming late in the autumn." Another authority gives the following: "Divining rod--A hazel twig cut in the form of a Y, by the aid of which certain persons (meaning, of course, sorcerers like myself,) called '_scientific_,' pretend to be able to discover water or mineral veins. The rod is held in a peculiar manner, and the 'dowsers' walk backward and forward over the ground to be tried. As soon as he crosses or approaches a metallic vein or aqueous spring the twig turns toward it with a slow, rotary motion. This superstition has not yet died out, and 'dowsers' are yet common in remote parts of England, France and Germany." Now, one can easily see that this writer is one of those who apologize for seeming to believe a thing of the kind by calling it "a superstition not yet died out." Here is another definition: "Divining rod--A forked branch, usually of hazel, by which it has been pretended that minerals and water may be discovered in the earth. The rod, if slowly carried along in suspension, dipping and pointing downwards, it is affirmed when brought over the spot, where the concealed mine or spring is situated." The form, the material and the mode of using the divining rod of the modern miners and water finders seem to be superstitions of comparative recent introduction. Many persons with some pretensions to science have been believers in the powers ascribed to the "divining rod." Here we have another case of the apologetic historian. He dared not say that he believed it, even though he had seen it. Why? Simply because there was no scientific fact or theory upon which he could base his belief--so he was afraid even to say what he believed, lest people who read his encyclopedia might say he was visionary.