CURIOUS ITEMS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2325, 4 June 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

CURIOUS ITEMS.

! ''■■ ""WHITE SPOTS ON THE NAIL. , . TitiSßß are 1 several superstitious fancies regarding the small white spots that at times appear on the thuinb and' finger nails, and which ; arc caused by a' slight iiijury to the fingur above ; the ! nail roof. Of-these spo'ts/beninning from the thumb, you may read " a friend',-a present; a foe, a. Tetter to come, a journey to goi" That is r to say, a -white spot' on the thumb means a friend, and so on. Another superstition tells us that all spots are presents to somoj' but A present on. the thuinb is sure to come, A present on the finger is sure to linger. ROPKIISTIi'IOSS ABOBT SHOKS. Amoiig many other superstitions anent shoes, the following arc given a fair amount of credence :— 'Nip'at the toe, have to see woe ; "Wear at the/side, have to be.a bride ; Wear at the ball, have to spend all ; Wear at the heelj have to• save a deal. But the most unique is one that tells how, "if a young lady is desirous of dreaming about her absent lover, it is only necessary to go through this formula: — ' Hoping this night,my : true love to see, : I place my shoes in the form of aT. , 'VAMOUS SPENDTIIRTI'TS. A history of the spendthrifts of ancient Rome, would-fill a volume of good size and unique charm. Apicius, Crasses, Probus", Nero,- Vitellius, and Caligula all squandered vastsnms on the most trifling objects. Apiuius spent four million dollars on his palate, cast up his accounts, and, "discovering that he had only four hundred thousand dollars left, immediately hanged himself to avoid the privations of threatening poverty. Elagabalus regaled the attendants of his palace on the brains of pheasants, the tongues of thrushes, and the eggs of partridges. At his own meals the peas were with grains of gold, pearls were scattered hi dishes of rice, and the costliest amber was used to render palatable a dish of beans. Crassus made a great feast for the populace during his candidacy for the office of consul, at which 10,000 tables were heaped with luxuries. Even this was surpassed by Cwaarj who, at the funeral feast on the occasion of his daugh-ter-'sideatli, spread 22,000 tables, accommodating three guests at each. Tiberius, like' Cleopatra, gulped down precious stones -mixed (after being crushed) in wine, and he heaped the plates of favour- , itc guests with gold and jewels, which they carried away.