efficacy. The measuring is performed twice--in the
first instance, to show that its sutures are separated
by disease, or to speak more plainly, that the bones
of the head are absolutely opened, and that as a
natural consequence the head must be much larger than
when the patient is in a state of health. The
circumference of the first admeasurement is marked upon
a ribbon, after which she repeats the charm that is to
remove the headache, and measures the cranium again, in
order to show, by a comparison of the two ribbons,
that the sutures have been closed, the charm successful,
and the headache immediately removed. It is
impossible to say how the discrepancy in the
measurement is brought about; but be that as it may,
the writer of this has frequently seen the operation
performed in such a way as to defy the most
scrutinizing eye to detect any appearance of imposture,
and he is convinced that in the majority of cases there
is not the slightest imposture intended. The operator
is in truth a dupe to a strong and delusive
enthusiasm."

This melancholy picture was too much for the tenderness of the mother;
she sat down beside the bed, rested her face on her open hand, and wept
in subdued but bitter grief. At this moment his father, who probably
suspected the cause of her absence, came in and perceived her distress.

"Vara," said he, in Irish also, "is my darlin' son asleep?"

She looked up, with streaming eyes, as he spoke, and replied to him in a