458 REPORT— 1897. 



First Foot. 



200. Kirkmaiden. — The fishermen of Drumore do not like a woman to 

 enter their houses as ' first fit ' on the morning of New Year's Day. 



201. It is accounted unlucky to meet a barefooted woman as ' first 

 fit ' when one is going to fish. 



202. My informant saw a fisherman of Portlogan meet his wife one 

 morning as he was setting out for the fishing. He returned to the house 

 and then set out again for his work. 



203. Kells. — A man that lived in the parish of Kells used to say that, 

 if in going to fish he met a certain woman that lived in Dairy, he might 

 as well turn, for he would have no luck that day. My informant knew 

 the man. 



204. Kirkmaiden. — It is accounted unlucky to meet a woman as 'first 

 fit ' when one is going to shoot. It is especially unlucky if she is bare- 

 footed. 



205. Balmaghie. — It is unlucky to meet a woman with flat feet as 

 ' first fit.' 



206. Port Patrick. — It is unlucky to meet as ' first fit ' one with a 

 squint-eye. It increases the unluck if there is red hair. 



207. Laurieston. — A W , an old woman that lived in Lauries- 



ton was reputed a witch. No one liked to meet her as ' first fit.' 



208. Dairy. — A man that lived at the Ford House, Dairy, had the 

 repute of having an ' ill fit.' One day he entered a house in Glenlee as a 

 woman was churning cream. When he left the house she cast some salt 

 into the fire. 



' Can'lesmas Bleeze.' 



209. Laurieston. — The scholars assembled in the schoolroom. The 

 roll was called, and as each one's name was called out, he or she went 

 forward to the teacher's desk and laid down a piece of money. There was 

 a contest between a boy and a girl who was to be king or queen, and the 

 teacher knew beforehand who were to contend for the honour. Their 

 names were called out last. They went to the teacher's desk as the others 

 did and laid down a shilling (about). The one that laid down for the 

 longest time was king or queen as the case might be. Whisky toddy, 

 weak and sweet, was then given to each scholar. Sometimes oranges and 

 other good things were added. Then followed a dance. My informant, 

 when a scholar, used to supply the music from a fiddle, and for years after 

 he left school. Parents, scholars, and friends were at times entertained at 

 a dance in the evening. Next day was generally given as a holiday to 

 the scholars. When the custom fell out of use a present was made to the 

 teacher about Christmas. The custom of making a present at Christmas 

 continues. 



[The Rev. H. M. B. Reid notes upon this : — ' The arrangements were 

 made a few days before February 2 (Candlemas). If February 2 fell on a 

 Sunday, the next day after was kept. In Glenlochar School (Balmaghie) 

 the king and queen were not known beforehand (schoolmaster's widow, 

 aged 79).'] 



210. Balmaclellan. — As each scholar came into the schoolroom he or she 

 went to the teacher's desk, and laid down his or her gift. The scholar's 

 name and the amount of the gift were recorded. When all had brought 

 their gifts, the teacher called out the name of the girl that had given the 



