saying, "I rake this rick in the name of the devil," and at the ninth time the spirit of the future partner will come and take the rake from the hands of the operator.
At the gatherings on Holly-eve, one of the company used to cover himself with a white sheet, and run through the house holding a plate with a little lighted whiskey on it. The light from this on the sheet has a most deathlike appearance.
On this night, if the ashes of the fire are raked smooth, tracks thereon will be found next morning. If the toes face into the hearth, a stranger will come to the house before that day twelvemonth; if the toes face out, someone will leave; but if the track of a coffin is seen, then a member of the house will die within the year.
There is a common saying that the devil has the haws and blackberries destroyed after Hollandtide.
26th December (St. Stephen's Day).—On this day a wren is killed, and carried by the boys, called wren-boys, with a bush covered with coloured ribbons, etc., singing:—
"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds.
On St. Stephen's Day he was caught in the furze;
Although he is little, his family's great,
So rise up, mistress, and give us a treat."
The well-known story is told of the wren hiding on the eagle's back, and flying over his head as he proclaimed himself king of the birds, saying, "No, but I am the king!" Whereon the eagle gave him a blow with his wing, and knocked him down into a furze-bush, and this is the reason why the wren can never do more than flit from bush to bush.
MISCELLANEA.
Magpies.—
"One, two, or three magpies' roar,
Outside the door,
Brings money."
