Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 11, 1900.djvu/53



Council have to report a year of quiet work. The number of members on the Society's roll, however, is unfortunately less by 3 than it was a year ago, the total being now 386, as against 389 at the beginning of the year 1899.

Among the losses by death, the Council regret to record those of Professor Brinton and the Rev. Elias Owen. The latter was an enthusiastic collector of Welsh folklore, and to his inquiries we owe the preservation of many a valuable relic otherwise too certain to have been lost. Dr. Brinton's name is familiar to all anthropologists as one of the most eminent of American men of science. For many years he had devoted himself especially to the study of the American race. His knowledge of the aboriginal languages was extraordinary; and among his many important works not the least was the publication of series of texts from rare, if not unique, MSS. His various writings on the mythology and beliefs of America and kindred subjects form a monument of learning and of lucid exposition. He was one of the founders of the American Folklore Society, and very early in its history he filled the office of President. As investigator and thinker his fame is assured, and his influence will long be felt in the study of savage races.

The financial position of the Society continues to be satisfactory, and due provision has been made for the extra volume for 1899.