262 The Powers of Evil in the Outer Hebrides.
There is a little brown bean which they call the " Mary- bean/' and which women still wear round their neck as a charm, which used always to be blessed by the priest.
The cow is a blessed animal. It is not right that she should be struck by the flesh of a sinner, and her last words were : " Do not strike me with your palm." A stick, even a few inches long, is to be used in preference.
There seems to be some half-forgotten mystic use of the rod. In taking cattle to the hills they should be driven with a stick of no value, as it must be thrown after them when they are left. The stem of the docken, which comes naturally into use in Uist where sticks are scarce, is "forbidden." The drovers and crofters are agreed about this, but can give no reason. It is equally " forbidden " for horses.
An old man in Eriskay used to say, on leaving his cattle, after leading them to the hills: "Closed be every hole {i.e. into which they might stumble) clear be each knowe (?>. each knoll, from obstacles over which they might fall) and may the herdship of Columcille ^ be upon you till you come home."
One does not hear of dogs or pigs being blessed, though animals of great value to their owners, perhaps because the demon or evil thing sometimes takes their form, as it does that of the cat or the hare. I never heard but one story of a dog being so utilised, and that was of one belonging to a priest, who was once hearing confessions. Whether the atmosphere was overcharged with piety, or for what reason, does not appear; but the dog, who was lying on the hearth, suddenly started up, saying, " If you liked me before, you never will again," and disappeared in a shower of sparks.
The cock is considered sacred. No one would willingly walk abroad in the night, as night and darkness are per- vaded by evil, but as soon as the cock crows the most timid will venture alone, no matter how dark it may be.
If the cock crows at an unusual hour it is a sign of some ' Saint Coluniba, who is especially in charge of cattle.
