This collection contains correspondence about an object referred to as a “witch twig”, in addition to an essay about the item, and photographs of it. The “witch twig” is from a natural bud that grew in Gallows Hill, Salem, and was sold in London, it has the appearance of witches’ faces growing out of it. The twig was sent to Robert Rantoul, president of the Essex Institute by M. West, who sought more information about the twig. Rantoul appears to have asked multiple people their opinion about the item, their correspondence and conclusion can be found in folder 1. It is possible that the essay in folder 2, is an article by Rantoul, discussed in a January 9, 1903, letter to him from the editor of the Boston Evening Transcript.