The state of Texas is fortunate in possessing a rich and varied 
folklore. When white settlers from the Old South came in bringing 
their African slaves, they found the Mexicans in possession, and 
before them there were the Indians. These four racial groups 
maintained their separate identities, languages, religions, and 
cultures, making their folkways and folklore distinct and 
characteristic. This volume is composed of materials published 
originally in the first twenty-five volumes of the Texas Folklore 
Society.


" . . . filled with real, field-collected folklore. . . . Most 
of that early folklore had never been in print. . . . at this 
near-century mark we wish to have under one cover the best 
folklore in Texas from the first half of the twentieth 
century." - F. E. Abernethy, the Preface


"Cures: Asthma-Go down to the river and catch a frog. Pry 
open the frog's mouth and blow your breath into it. This must 
be done before daylight in the morning. The frog will die before 
sundown, but the asthma will go into the frog and will never 
bother the sufferer again.


Colds-For colds and croup goat tallow is a good remedy. The 
Indians used a decoction of the leaves of the horehound to cure 
colds. Red chili peppers, swallowed whole like pills.


Among Mexicans susto is a condition brought about by 
shock or fright. Cures: 1. Teas brewed from different leaves 
are given the patient. Sometimes a gold ring, a piece of red 
ribbon, or a clod of clay from the chimney is added to the 
tea. 2. Water sweetened with sugar or water with a little 
vinegar and salt is given to the patient. 3. The patient is 
swept from head to foot while a certain number of credos are 
repeated."




Texas Folklore Society Publications XXVI