CHAPTER X.

OMENS, CHARMS, AND DIVINATION.

Books published upon these things.--Their injurious tendency.--A sample of their contents.--Practice of boxers.--Whistling in a storm at sea.--Setting hens on an _odd_ number of eggs.--Salutes of an _odd_ number of guns.--Omen concerning the number _thirteen_. --Methods of ascertaining who will be a future husband.--Crossing of knives.--Click of insects.--Advent of comets. 76