Bkowne — Ethnography of the Mullet, Inkhkea, ^ Portacloy. 615 



mentions that at one time the people of Inishkea were much noted 

 for it, and that the fate of the two men, who some time in the last 

 century ruined themselves in a lawsuit about a sheep, became ]irover- 

 bial, and litigants were warned to remember the fate of " Malley and 

 Malone." C. 0.^ also refers to this peculiarity, which nowadays seems 

 to be more characteristic of the mainland people than the islanders. 



In the course of the cases arising from this tendency, many curious 

 examples of ingenious cross-swearing occur. Intoxication is rather 

 prevalent on fair days and holidays, and at weddings and other 

 festive occasions, but at ordinary times there is not much of it 

 among the country people. They appear to be conscientious in their 

 religious observances, and depend much on the guidance and advice 

 of their clergy. 



As will be judged from the extent and variety of their folk-lore, 

 they have a great love for the supernatural and mystical. 



As regards morals, though illegitimacy is by no means unknown, 

 yet, when the size of the population is taken into account, it is 

 so rare as to be very creditable to the moral tone of the people.^ 



A stand-up fight rarely occurs when men quarrel, there may be 

 one or two blows struck, or stone-throwing may be indulged in, but 

 disputes do not usually get beyond cursing and vituperation. 



As parents they are affectionate, but careless and unequal in their 

 treatment of their children, at one time over indulging them, and at 

 another punishing severely for a slight fault. 



With regard to industry, but little can be said in their favour, 

 though energetic by starts, during which they are capable of a great 

 deal of work, accounts agree in stating that they dislike steady 

 occupation, and are indolent. It should be remembered, however, 

 that there has hitherto been but little inducement to them to cultivate 

 steady industry. The women seem always to have plenty of work 

 on hand, and to do it. 



In this district, as in many others, the people are not very careful 

 in their re-payment of debts, and shopkeepers do not now give credit 

 to the same extent as formerly. As to rent and cess, to the payment 

 of these, too, a strong aversion is often manifested. 



Many of their habits are not over cleanly, though this is largely 

 due to the wretched nature of their houses, and a strict regard for 

 truth is not a prominent part of their character. 



1 " Sketches in Ems and Tyrawley." 



'^ The total number of cases which occurred between the years 1884 and 1893 

 was 18. 



