230 WOLF 



of their transformation into human beings, or vice versa, in the 

 Middle Ages assumed a peculiarly ghastly shape ; such tales are 

 very widely spread. Bean a theid na con (conoel) riochd — A 

 woman that goes into a (dog) wolf shape (^Rev. Celt.). A 

 number of wolves together is usually called a "pack" or "rout," 

 and the young, whelps or cubs. 



Cameron, in his work on the Gaelic names of plants, etc., says 

 Monkshood or Wolf's-bane in Gaelic is "Fuath mhadaidh," the 

 wolfs aversion, while the plant Wolfs-foot is literally " Faol-chois." 

 We have in Welsh " Bleiddag," Monkshood, from Bleidd^ a wolf, 

 and tag, choke. 



Though wolves were so plentiful of old, proverbial sayings 

 thereanent are almost non-existent. 



Ma bhristeas bun-feann, bidh fios aig do cheann. 



If the tail breaks, your head will know. (See note by 

 Nicolson hereto.) This is said in regard to a wild boar 

 or sow also. 

 Mir am bial na beiste. 



A bite for the monster's mouth, i.e., what the traveller 

 stopped the wolves with. 

 Nuair a theid thu air cheilidh air madadh — allaidh, thoir do 

 chu leat. 



When you go a- visiting the wolf, take your dog with you. 



