luck. It is more lucky
to meet a man than a woman as a first-foot. Every person is advised to
avoid meeting a cat, when going on an important mission. It is also
unlucky to meet a pig; and it is thought prudent to return home when a
hare or a reputed witch crosses the path ere the morning dew
disappears before the sun. A man leading or riding on a mare with
foal, is cautioned against allowing the animal to go in the track of a
wolf; because, if she place a hoof on the spot where that ravenous
beast's foot has been, she will cast her foal.

Time was, in Great Britain as in the East, when almost every one,
whether walking, riding, or sailing in a boat, went with the sun, when
setting out on a journey, or proceeding to sea. The Highlanders of
Scotland invariably went _deiseal_, or to the right, at every meeting
of importance. They went to the right, around the grave, with the
corpse--to the right three times around the consecrated well before
drinking. The company at a marriage went three times round the house
before crossing the threshold. Companies, on taking their seats at
table, were expected to turn to the right. Even at the present day,
the loving-cup and decanters are handed to the right around the social
board. When one lets salt fall on the floor or table, he should not
omit to cast a small quantity of the condiment over his left shoulder.
Beware of passing the salt at table unless it be asked for, and of
placing your fork and knife cross-ways.

When one sneezed, he did not evoke Jupiter to save him, the same as
the people of some other countries did, but he, or some of his
friends present, said _Deiseal_. When an infant was born, the midwife
encircled it three times right about with a burning candle. These
customs were no doubt commenced by the Highlanders in honour of the
sun, which they once worshipped; but in later times people did as
their forefathers and foremothers had done, through a superstitious
belief, thinking that by so doing they would prevent evil
consequences, and secure good fortune.

It is unlucky to leave the print of a caldron in the ashes after
taking the utensil off the fire. If people are wise, they will not
pass over a balance, or take up fire with a sword. To enable a person
to see in the dark, he is recommended to anoint his eyes with a salve
prepared from the right eye of a hedgehog, boiled in oil, and
preserved in a brazen vessel. A blackamoor is an unlucky first-foot.
If the chick