Tips From The Old Country Folk

by Elizabeth Drury

With no Weather Channel, country people of yesteryear had to rely on signs passed down from generation to generation. In this lively little volume, you'll find wisdom from yesterday's families, living off the land and providing for all their own needs. But was their wisdom always wise? The ashes of burned bees sprinkled over shoes is a cure for flat feet. Never change the name of a horse. It's unlucky and it will annoy him. Never a fisherman there would be if fish could hear as well as see Hundreds of interesting, fun tidbits of advice--some even useful--for living the self-sufficient life. We hear what the old country folk have to say about the bullishness of bulls and the sheepishness of sheep and pleasing bees by speaking sweetly and never swearing.

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea how this book ended up in my collection, but I'm glad it did. I learned all kinds interesting tips from back in the day of England's smallholders (though many are probably not recommended anymore ;) ). Everything is covered from livestock tending to mushroom hunting to produce canning. I even came away briefly inspired to try my hand at beekeeping. Then the moment passed.

Best quote from the book came from the section on mushrooms, but it seems like a good principle for life in general, "Don't pick anything that you can't positively identify as being for the good of mankind."

In the end I felt both informed and entertained. I highly recommend this to lovers of old folk tips or British history in general.

[Barbc]

8