Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/370

362 cured the woman, and is said to be that generally in vogue, but is not efficient except the right person does it.

Blowing Horns. Formerly cows' horns were blown at weddings but now they blow bottles. A bottle is prepared as follows: Put about half-an-inch of water in it and clap the bottom of the bottle in the embers of the fire (greeshue), this will cause the bottom to break off cleanly and evenly—a bottle thus treated is more easily blown than a cow's horn.

If a person dreams of a dog, it is a man, or of a cat, a woman; that probably will do him either a harm or some good. A man dreamed that a dog of mine attacked him, and the next day coming back from breakfast he was struck across the head with a stick by a beggar man; he was fully persuaded that the dream foretold the blow.

Fairgorta, Fairgarta, or Hungry grass (Fer, grass, and gorta, hungry). This grass grows in wild desolate places, and any one who chances to put their foot on it is immediately seized with weakness and sleepiness. The following happened, not in this county, but Connemara, co. Galway— Two of us were traversing the hills between Oughterard and the sea; coming home my companion said he felt faint; then he wanted to lie down and go to sleep. The latter I would not allow, and between dragging and carrying him I got him to a cabin at about 9 p.m. He could neither eat nor drink; so I treated him like a tired pointer and forced into his mouth oaten-meal and salt; which brought him to. This man was supposed to have trodden on the Fairgorta; and people found dead in the hills are said to have met with a similar mishap.

Sayings. "He is not right." This is said of any one who can do things out of the common; or a knowing person who can guess at things that an ordinary mortal would never think of.

"He is not all there." Said of an idiot or a fool. Said in contempt of any one who does foolish things.

"That's the element." Intended to indicate that what is going on is above the common; it specially is used when describing good music.