The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

COUNTRY FARMERS SOMETIMES USE DIVINING RODS TO LOCATE
UNDERGROUND WATER, SO THEY'LL KNOW WHERE TO DIG A WELL.
THEY TAKE A TWIG, PREFERABLY FROM A CHERRY TREE, HOLD IT
OUT IN FRONT OF THEM, AND START WALKING WITH IT. IT'S
SUPPOSED TO POINT DOWNWARD WHEN THE FARMER REACHES THE
WATER. THEN HE PUTS THE STICK IN HIS MOUTH AND HOLDS IT
OVER THE PLACE WHERE THE WATER IS SUPPOSED TO BE. IT
WILL POINT IN THE DIRECTION THAT THE WATER IS FLOWING.

Where learned: NOT GIVEN

Date learned: 02-13-1972