Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/281

Rh rings, beads, a saucepan and some clothing being buried with the woman; a bow and quiver, an eating and a drinking cup, tobacco, a pipe, a knife with the men; and playthings with the children. These things are always broken before being put into the grave, and it is noticeable that they are not usually the best the deceased had during life. Everything is then closely covered with mats; pieces of wood are placed so as to form a kind of roof, and on this the earth is piled. A pole is generally stuck at the foot of the grave to mark the spot. No prayers are offered up during burial. The mourners then return to the hut, where the men pray, make inao, i. e. sacred symbols, eat, drink, and get drunk. The dead body is never allowed to remain in the house longer than one day; and once the funeral is over, the name of the departed is never mentioned.

Danes' Blood—Medgelly's Cow.—The following passages from the third volume of The Family Memoirs of Rev. William Stukeley, M.D., a work just issued by the Surtees Society, are worth a place in the Folk-Lore Journal:—

Ryhall, Rutlandshire.—"Here abouts grows much elrilus, or wildelder, fancyed to spring from the Danes' blood."—1736.—(p. 169.)

Cherbury, Shropshire.—"A proverb in this country, 'Medgelly's cow, for one that gives a deal of milk.' The report of this temple is that a cow in this place gave milk to all the honest and good folks of the neighbourhood; but one of evil life milked her into a sieve, whereupon the cow disappeared and never came more."—1753.—(p. 179.)

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Halibut.—What is the connection between the Jews and a halibut?

The Dublin fishmongers say that when they have one for sale the Jews rush to buy pieces of it; but all try to get the head if possible.

An amusing story used to be told by an old Bristol gentleman, for a long time living in Dublin, who was rather fond of abusing the "Hirish" because they could not pronounce their words correctly.

"Hi was going up Baggot Street, and a 'orrid woman came running