most diabolical and blasphemous nature. A contemporary writer observes,
that there is not the least doubt but that the witches of the olden time
observed all the formalities of these ridiculous and disgusting
ceremonies to the very letter. In later times, however, though the
formalities were quite simple, yet the hag of the sixteenth century
exercised her vocation with all its ancient potency.

The broomstick has been the theme of many a story connected with this
subject:--

As men in sleep, though motionless they lie,
Fledged by a dream, believe they mount and fly;
So witches some enchanted wand bestride
And think they through the airy regions ride.

But the reason of its possessing such extensive powers of locomotion, or
rather aërostation, is not generally understood. The witches either
steal or dig dead children out of their graves, which are then seethed
in a cauldron, and the ointment and liquid so produced, enables them,
"observing certain ceremonies, to immediately become a master, or rather
a mistresse, in the practise or faculty" of flying in the air:--

High in, air, amid the rising storm
----wrapt in midnight
Her doubtful form appears and fades!
Her spirits are abroad! they do her bidding!
Hark to that shriek!

In addition to the above, they possessed another very useful faculty,
for the transfer of the patent of which, I doubt not scores of