According to Mr.Ralston, in some places, "the last sheaf of rye is left as a shelter to the _Roggenwolf_ or Rye-wolf during the winter's cold, and in many a summer or autumn festive rite that being is represented by a rustic, who assumes a wolf-like appearance.

The corn spirit was, however, often symbolised under a human form." Indeed, under a variety of forms this animistic conception is found among the lower races, and in certain cases explains the strong prejudice to certain herbs as articles of food.

The Society Islanders ascribed a "varua" or surviving soul to plants, and the negroes of Congo adored a sacred tree called "Mirrone," one being generally planted near the house, as if it were the tutelar god of the dwelling.

It is customary, also, to place calabashes of palm wine at the feet of these trees, in case they should be thirsty.

In modern folk-lore there are many curious survivals of this tree-soul doctrine.