Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 3, 1892.djvu/130

122 more general character. Mr. Moore's little book is valuable because it is the first attempt made during scientific times to gather together the folk-lore of the Isle of Man. The author possesses the first requisite for success in collecting and collating folk-lore—a genuine enthusiasm; and his materials are put together with judgment. In another edition (if, as we may hope, another edition be called for) he should give chapter and verse for his references to printed books, where he only gives us now "Train", "Waldron", etc., and the names and other details of the correspondents and informants to whom he has been indebted for the remaining tales and accounts of customs and superstitions. Mr. Moore's local and personal knowledge might also be made available in other ways. For instance, it would be useful to put on record the name of the lady in whose possession the Cup of Ballafletcher now is, and who was so kind as to allow Mr. Moore to have a photograph of it taken for exhibition at the Congress. Tangible and material proof of the truth of a folk-tale is not to be obtained everywhere. "The Buggane of St. Trinian's," given from Train, is a variant of Mr. Jacobs' tale of "The Sprightly Tailor", related in some respects with even more dramatic force. The introductory remarks on previous collectors and on the costume and mode of life of the inhabitants of the island will be useful to the student.

I have indulged in such a monotone of grumbling at the want of precision on the part of collectors in indicating their authorities that it will be a relief to any readers who have had the patience to follow me thus far, as it certainly is a pleasure to me, to meet at length with a collection really fulfilling scientific requirements in this respect. The Rev. J. MacDougall's Folk and Hero Tales, ten in number, were all obtained from one man, Alexander Cameron, "a native of Ardnamurchan, who was then roadman between Duror and Ballachulish". But, not satisfied with hearing them from him, Mr. MacDougall went further. He inquired the names of the persons from whom