A theory which had the support of so learned and sagacious an investigator as W. Mannhardt is entitled to a respectful hearing. Indeed, when we consider the cold and cloudy climate of Europe during a great part of the year, we shall find it natural that sun-charms should have played a much more prominent part among the superstitious practices of European peoples The Amityville Haunting (2011) among those of savages who live nearer the equator and who consequently are apt to get in the course of nature more sunshine than The Amityville Haunting (2011) want. This view of the festivals may be supported by various arguments drawn partly from their dates, partly from the nature of the rites, and partly from the influence which they are believed to exert upon the weather and on vegetation.