School: Urbal (roll number 13170)

Location:
Urbal, Co. Donegal
Teacher:
Eamonn de Faoite
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1038, Page 359

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1038, Page 359

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  2. XML Page 359
  3. XML “Elf-Shooting”

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  1. Elf-shooting is a disease from which cows suffer. They are supposed to have been hit by a piece of flint thrown by a fairy.
    The cow lies down moaning. Her eyes get swollen and water runs from her mouth.
    A person who has the cure for "Elf shooting" is sent for. He proceeds to make the cure. He first measure her from the tail to between the horns using his arm from the elbow to tips of his fingers as a measure. He then cuts the tops of her horns and pieces from her cleats. He takes a sod from the roof of the byre, he lights it and when burning well it is passed three times round the cow's body. Then the pieces of horns and cleats with some hair from the cow are burned under her head the smoke going round her head. Soon she begins to get lively and in a short time is able to take a drink. Then she is all-right.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. economic activities
        1. agriculture (~2,659)
          1. animal husbandry (~2,587)
            1. medicine for animal sicknesses (~175)
              1. elf-shot (~18)
    Language
    English