94 Collecta7iea.
religion was nature-worship, symbolised by trees, fire, and serpents. Within the puszcza (virgin forest) the Znicz,^ or inex- tinguishable fire, was tended by virgins, and it was there also that the high priest, Krive Kriveyto (the judge-of-judges ), used to worship, and under him seventeen different orders of priests.
Trees are even now held in mysterious reverence by the peasants, and in going from cottage to cottage an earthen saucer of milk may stiil occasionally be seen on the door-step, which the owner says has been put there for the snake® who will bring bad luck if he is not fed, for it is believed that these snakes are descended from some ancient and once sacred breed.
The people retain many ancient beliefs and practices. In the marshes dwells a spirit called Dziadika Baiotny (" Uncle of the marsh"), who either assists the hunter in the pursuit of his quarry, or, if evilly inclined, leads him to the deepest parts of the marsh, where he will lose his way, even in the places he knows best. The lucky poacher is always supposed to be helped by the "Uncle," but, if asked whether it be true, he always denies it emphatically.
The Dziadika Lesny ("Uncle of the Forest") behaves similarly to those who are in pursuit of elk, stags, or other forest creatures. There are werwolves who devour children, and special spirits, believed to have the semblance of alder trunks, who have power over horses. A horse that is a favourite with them is in good condition, and works well, because they feed him and groom him in the night. Other horses, however, that are ill groomed and cannot work, have been ridden all night by these spirits. In many stables may be seen a dead magpie hung from the ceiling by the beak, as a charm to prevent any mishap befalling from the spirit.
In certain remote villages, on Midsummer day, the young men make fires in the open, through which it is their practice to jump. On Midsummer night also it is possible to find the "blossom" of a fern, which glows in the dark like a jewel, and which brings the finder his heart's desire ; but its quest is fraught with great danger.
- At \ilna in the cathedral lies the stone on which the Znics was kept
burning, and outside stands the tower from which the Krive Kriveyto used to address the people.
' The common green water-snake.
