The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MARKET DAY IN KERRY

AT THE MARKET IN KERRY, WHEN TWO FARMERS EXCHANGE BUSINESS
THEY BARGAIN A LOT. THE FARMER WHO IS BUYING THE CATTLE TENDS
TO FIND ALL KINDS OF FAULTS WITH THE CATTLE. THE GAME IS TO FIND
WEAKNESSES IN THE OTHER MAN'S CRAFT IN RAISING CATTLE.
THE MORE "BITING" THE FARMER IS THE BETTER CATTLE_MAN HE IS.
WHEN ALL THE INSULTS ARE OVER AND THE OWNER OF THE CATTLE KNOWS
THAT "HIS MAN" IS INTERESTED,
HE GETS REALLY TOUGH AS REGARDS PRICES.
HE NEVER LOOKS AT THE BUYER IN THE FACE, BUT AWAY FROM HIM AND
SOME OTHER INTERESTING THINGS THAT HE IMAGINES HE SEES.
THE LESS HE LOOKS AT THE BUYER, THE MORE ANXIOUS HE IS TO SELL, AND
THE BUYER KNOWS THIS. BARGAINING CAN GO ON FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS.
WHEN THE DEAL IS CLOSED AND THE MONEY IS PAID, THE SELLER ALWAYS
GIVES BACK A LITTLE PER CENT OF THE PRICE FOR GOOD LUCK AND
FRIENDSHIP. THEN BOTH MEN GO INTO A PUB FOR A COUPLE OF DRINKS AND
A MAN_TO_MAN CHAT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GOOD LUCK, FRIENDSHIP BUSINESS ; IRELAND

Date learned: 11-00-1970

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