Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/51

Rh

The adder's skin is believed to have curative properties. If rubbed over the wound made by an adder, no fatality follows.—(Advie.)

.

A hen crowing is a sure omen of the death of one of the household. The saying is:—A whistling maid an a crawing hen Is neither fit for God nor men.—(Advie.)

.

If the corncraik is frequently heard, it is regarded as the sign of a "sappy," i. e. a rainy, year.—(Advie.)

.

When the wild geese are seen making their way towards the North for breeding purposes, it is looked upon as a sign that frost has passed out of the air.—(Advie.)

When they were flying high it was regarded as a token of fair settled weather.—(Keith.)

.

It is unlucky to hear the cuckoo for the first time during the season before partaking of food. It is indicative of misfortune of some kind or other during the year.—(Advie.)

.—(Papilio urticce. Linn.)

This butterfly goes by the name of "cut-throat" in Pitsligo, and surrounding district. It gets this name, because it is believed that it cuts human throats. The fisher boys of Pittulie used to chase it to kill it because of its murderous propensities. (Told by one who has done so.)—(Pittulie.)

If a bird fly across the line there will be luck. It is considered lucky for the fisher to wet his feet.