Stories of this kind, however, are the exception, legendary lore generally regarding the lightning as a benefactor rather than a destroyer.

"The lightning-flash," to quote Mr.Baring-Gould's words, "reaches the barren, dead, and thirsty land; forth gush the waters of heaven, and the parched vegetation bursts once more into the vigour of life restored after suspended animation." That this is the case we have ample proof in the myths relating to plants, in many of which the life-giving properties of the lightning are clearly depicted.

Hence, also, the extraordinary healing properties which are ascribed to the various lightning plants.

Ash rods, for instance, are still used in many parts of England for the cure of diseased sheep, cows, and horses, and in Cornwall, as a remedy for hernia, children are passed through holes in ash trees.

The mistletoe has the reputation of being an antidote for poisons and a specific against epilepsy.