Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 13, 1902.djvu/360

340 Mr. Andrew Lang read a paper entitled "Exogamy and the Australian System" [see p. 398]; and a discussion followed, in which the Chairman, Mr. Hartland, Mr. Gomme, the Rev. G. A. Simcox, and Mr. Snow took part. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Rector of Exeter College, and many other Oxford dignitaries were present at the Meeting.

THE MODERN COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF AN ANCIENT SUPERSTITION.

By E. Lovett.

Read at Meeting of 20th June, 1902.

years ago, whilst preparing a paper upon the evolution of coinage and prehistoric trading, I considered that the subject would not be complete without a reference to trade beads. With this end in view I placed myself in communication with some Bohemian manufacturers of these articles, and readily obtained what I required for my purpose. I noticed, however, in going over samples of their glass work, that there were many objects of considerable interest besides beads; and upon further inquiry I learnt that these objects were known as "charms," and that they enjoyed, from a commercial standpoint, the same value and advantages as the beads already referred to.

These specimens were very varied, and in most cases represented objects quite familiar to me. In many instances, however, the colouring was abnormal, and even absurd; but I shall consider this more fully, later on, in describing the specimens upon the table. Meanwhile I