Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/271

 Rh was the warning of the death of the girl. The girl died not long after.

It is believed that dogs are gifted with the power of seeing what is to happen. Hence their howling before a death occurs in the vicinity.

When a death takes place, if there is a clock in the house, it is stopped, and looking-glasses and everything in the shape of ornaments are removed from the apartment in which the death occurs and the body is to be laid out. A table and a few chairs are left for the use of those that are to watch the body, for it is never left without one or more watchers. For this purpose several of the neighbours meet nightly. They spend part of the time in reading. Food, as well as whiskey, is served them; but the food is not partaken of in the apartment in which the dead is laid out. When the others retire to another apartment for this purpose, one remains with the dead. Whiskey, however, may be drunk beside the dead body. Lights are burned not only beside it, but in every apartment of the house during the whole of each night till it is buried.

It is accounted very unlucky for a cat to pass between one and a dead body. Cats are, therefore, shut out of the apartment in which the body lies. Some do not allow a cat to remain in the apartment in which one lies dying. On the occasion of the death of the old man spoken of above, another old man from the hills entered, and, seeing a cat lying on the bed beside the dying man, at once ordered the animal to be taken not merely off the bed but out of the room.

It is unlucky to look at a funeral procession through a window, or to stand in the door to do so. One must go right outside. My informant has been reproved by her father for attempting to do so.

At funerals there is a religious service in the house, but none at the grave. There is always a liberal supply of whiskey, and sometimes some indulge rather freely; although at one time, not long ago, the people came to a resolution to dispense with it.

The deceased father's wearing apparel is not distributed to the sons, if he has any, but is given to his brother or brothers. There is a strong feeling against the sons using it.

The same does not hold with regard to the clothing of the deceased mother, for it commonly goes to the daughter or daughters.