_Beetles._—The _Ceardalan_ or dung-beetle is spared by boys when met with, but the _daolag_ or clock is mercilessly killed. The reason assigned is, that when the former met those who came to seize the person of our Saviour, and was asked how long since he had passed, it said, “twenty days ago yesterday” (_fhichead latha gus an dé, chaidh Mac Dhé seachad_), but the latter said, “it was only yesterday” (_an dé, an dé chaidh Mac Dhé seachad_). Hence, when boys hammer the life out of a ‘clock,’ they keep repeating with savage unction, “The day before yesterday, wretch” (_air a bhò ’n dé, bhradag_), or a rhyme: “Remember yesterday, yesterday, Remember yesterday, wretch, Remember yesterday, yesterday, That let not the Son of God pass.” _Emmet (Caora-Chòsag)._—This animal is shaken between the palms of the hand and laid upon the table. It is believed by boys to indicate the weather of the following day, by lighting on its back or belly and the alacrity with which it moves away. _Skip-Jack._—This insect (_Gobhachan_, _i.e._ little smith or _Buail a Chnag_, give a knock), when laid on its back emits a loud crack in springing to its proper position. It is a favourite amusement of boys when they get hold of one to make it go through this performance. In Skye, when watching it preparing to skip, they say, “Strike with your hammer, little smith. Or I will strike your head.”[64] CHAPTER VII. MISCELLANEOUS SUPERSTITIONS. _Gisvagun, Eapagun, Upagun._—Of the same class with magical charms and incantations, that is, of no avail to produce the results with which they are credited, were various minor observances and practices, to which importance was attached as lucky or unlucky, and ominous of, if not conducive to, future good or ill. In some cases these observances became mere customs, followed without heed to their significance or efficacy; and many were known to, and believed in only by, the very superstitious. So far as causing or leading to the result ascribed to them was concerned, they were, ‘like the Sunday plant,’ without good or harm, but a mind swayed by trifling erroneous beliefs of the kind is like a room filled with cobwebs. Superstition shuts out the light, makes the mind unhealthy, and fills it with groundless anxieties.