Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 24, 1913.djvu/33

 Presidential Address. 2i

series of evolution, rather than a single, definite decision ; still less are such reforms controlled by well-considered hygienic or economical considerations. Hence, in dealing with a question of this kind, our onl)' resource is the com- parative method which postulates the uniformity of psycho- logical processes. While, then, the regional surveys of contemporary savage life possess distinct value, we must not underrate the importance of the stud}' of those societies which possess an historical record.

Next come^ the question of the character of the evidence at present available. Some of it is undoubtedly of the highest value, — surveys of backward races conducted by observers who by long residence among the people have acquired an intimate knowledge of their language, mental characteristics, and institutions, and have been trained in the laws of evidence by the discipline of judicial work. Others of the same class are travellers who possess the tact and sympathy which win the confidence of shy, reticent people, who understand what is worth seeking and how to find it. But such enquirers are in the minority, and a con- siderable part of our older material has been collected by the casual, uninstructed traveller during a scamper over half a continent, subject to constant interruption from the savagery of the people or the difficulties of transport.

As an example of the danger of hasty generalisation, I may quote the experience of Sir A. B. Ellis, one of the most competent students of savage beliefs. He tells us that at an early stage of his enquiries he was struck by the cult of what are popularly known as " fetish " trees. He was informed by English-speaking and Christian natives that " there was a devil in each tree," and that the offerings of eggs, rum, and palm-oil were intended to propitiate this devil. He at first accepted the theory that "it was the spiritualised tree that was worshipped. In this belief I remained for some years, until, having made myself acquainted with the language, and learned more of the