Mickleham, June 12.
[Footnote 2: Storia di Vari Costumi, t. ii. p. 221.]
_"Trash" or "Skriker."_--Many hundreds of persons there are in these
districts who place implicit credence in the reality of the appearance of a
death sign, locally termed _trash_ or _skriker_. It has the appearance of a
large black dog, with long shaggy hair, and, as the natives express it,
"eyes as big as saucers." The first name is given to it form the peculiar
noise made by its feet when passing along, resembling that of a heavy shoe
in a miry road. The second appellation is in allusion to the sound of its
voice when _heard_ by those parties who are unable to _see_ the appearance
itself. According to the statements of parties who have seen the _trash_
frequently, it makes its appearance to some member of that family from
which death will shortly select his victim; and, at other times, to some
very intimate acquaintance. Should any one be so courageous as to follow
the appearance, it usually makes its retreat with its eyes _fronting_ {53}
the pursuer, and either sinks into the earth with a _strange noise_, or is
lost upon the slightest momentary inattention. Many have attempted to
strike it with any weapon they had at hand; but although the appearance
stood its ground, no _material_ substance could ever be detected. It may be
added that "trash" does not confine itself to churchyards, though
frequently seen in such localities.