_Michaelmas Goose--St. Martin's Cock._--In the county of Kilkenny, and
indeed all through the S.E. counties of Ireland, the "Michaelmas Goose"
is still had in honour. "St. Martin's Bird" (see p. 230. _ante_) is,
however, the cock, whose _blood is shed_ in honour of that saint at
Martinmas, Nov. 11. The same superstition does not apply, that I am
aware of, to the Michaelmas Goose, which is merely looked on as a dish
customary on that day, with such as can afford it, and always
accompanied by a _melange_ of vegetables (potatos, parsnips, cabbage,
and onions) mashed together, with butter, and forming a dish termed
_Kailcannon_. The idea is far different as to St. Martin's Cock, the
blood of which is always shed _sacrificially_ in honour of the Saint.
Query, 1. The territorial extent of the latter custom? And, 2. What
pagan deity has transferred his honours to St. Martin of Tours.