Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/342

 334 from the top of Skimore, in the county of Leitrira (a distance of about seven miles), by the Giant Fin mac-Coole, the print of whose five fingers they say is to be seen in it.—(Vol. ii. p. 322.)

The most remarkable customs retained among the people are those of repairing to certain wells in the neighbourhood to perform what they call stations on certain days in the year.—{Ibid. p. 325.)

Kilmactige, county Sligo.

"When the parents of a young man think it time for him to take a wife, they consider what young woman in the neighbourhood will be likely to answer the purpose, and, having determined on one, the party goes to make the match, as they term it, which is done by sitting up the whole night talking over the terms, drinking whiskey, and smoking. The match being concluded, the day is appointed for the marriage, at which time the parties assemble at the abode of the woman, when the priest attends, and a plentiful dinner or supper is prepared for the occasion, at which a large number of the friends are entertained, and abundance of whiskey distributed amongst them; this, with the accompaniment of a piper, enables them to pass the night in the utmost festivity. Dancing makes a considerable part of their entertainment, and is considered a necessary accomplishment amongst them. . . . . Singing the old Irish songs makes also a principal part of their entertainment. . . . . Things go on very well in the beginning of the night. As long as the reverend pastor holds the chair he keeps them to regularity and good order, but afterwards the scene shifts, and exhibits a chaos of tumult, vociferation, and drunkenness. Thus two or three nights are spent before the parties disperse.— (Vol. ii. pp. 861-362.)

Another source of idleness amongst them is the constant attend ance given at the wakes and funerals of their neighbours; the neglect of which would be considered a crime of the blackest dye, and an offence not to be forgiven. It is also a custom amongst them that when any person dies in the village all work and labour is totally suspended by all those living in the village or within a short distance of it until after the interment; the intermediate space is usually employed in visiting the house where the corpse is exposed, smoking tobacco, or entertaining themselves with certain plays or tricks, which