Page:Mion-Chaint - Ua Laoghaire (1899).djvu/54

 the particle and that others did not. The truth is that none of them take it when used as independent substantives, and that they all take it when used as counters. I have heard used as a counter. It means the last individual of the hundred, whereas means the whole hundred individuals.

The third shape of the idea is that of a counter in the form of an adjective, i.e., "one horse." "two horses," "three horses." etc. In this method of Irish counting the first number is never used at all. We never say in Irish "one horse." We always say,, , etc.: , etc.

Sometimes, in Irish counting, the individuals are kept so distinct as never to constitute a plural. = one horse.

= two horses.

= three horses.

= four horses. etc.

, and prefer the plural.

Thus the mystery of is easily seen through.

In the case of verbal nouns even, and take the singular. = seven thrashings.

= eight thrashings.

= nine thrashings.

= ten thrashings

= five boilings.

= three dryings.

= two squeezings.

= (one) rubbing.