The descendants of the Acadians in Southwestern Louisiana are becoming more and more like their "American" neighbors. The lingering strain of their culture is found mainly in existing folklore. Among the older people, it is relatively easy to find many who still practice time-honored home remedies. Herbs, goose fat, sheep's tallow, the blood of a black hen, and countless other items are used to make concoctions to cure or alleviate anything from snake bite to sunstroke. The collector of folk beliefs must be able to speak the local French in order to get not only the actual remedy but also a true sense of the deep faith these people have in the practice of these remedies.
