Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 3, 1892.djvu/11

Rh derivative stages, the geographical distribution of the various forms. Finally, there is the arrangement of each item in relationship to all other items—the formation, as I have before now called it, of the ancient mosaics of folk-lore.

With such a museum as this to put before the student-world commentary and discussion could at last be commenced based upon something like a solid foundation, with ample means of checking conclusions and forming theory after theory, theory built upon theory, if need be, because the original foundation is fact.

All this, however, involves and implies that the work of oral collection is one of the most important of our immediate duties. We must get it in hand and waiting for the printer to make it accessible to all. So long ago as 1852 a suggestion was quoted from the Morning Chronicle into the pages of Notes and Queries, founded by our founder, Mr. W. J. Thorns, which is valuable even now:—"Two young Finnish students are wandering through the districts round Tammerfors, for the purpose of collecting and preserving old Finnish folk-tales, legends, songs, rimes, etc. Their names are B. Paldani and O. Palander why do we not follow their example? When will some of our accomplished young scholars wander over the hills and dales of Merry England rescuing from oblivion our rich traditions before they pass for ever from among us? Surely the Society of Antiquaries might arrange similar visits for a similar purpose. There is no want of men able and willing to undertake the task, only the arranging-hand is wanting. In the meantime, let every man do what he can in his own neighbourhood." And the "noter" of this interesting paragraph, Mr. C. D. Lamont of Greenock, expressed his willingness to aid the cause by contributing to its expenses.

At last I can quote this with some satisfaction. I have had it before me for some time, but only now can I say that the "arranging-hand" or hands, the men and women able and willing to undertake the work, and the contribu-