Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 3, 1892.djvu/558

 550 Correspo7tdence.

CHRISTMAS MUMMERS. To the Editor of FOLK -LORE.

Sir, — About two months ago, I suggested to the Presi- dent of the Folk-lore Society that, in view of the approach- ing Christmastide, a note should be circulated directing the attention of members to the mumming plays which are a feature of the rural celebration of the season in various parts of the country. I suggested that our roll of members probably includes some amateur photographers, who could materially aid the objects of the Society by photographing the mummers in their costumes ; and if there were any- thing striking or characteristic in the action of the piece, that the situation be chosen for the subject of the picture. Where amateur aid was not available, I suggested that the services of a professional photographer might be ob- tained, and I offered to sustain the expense involved, or at least to contribute in a large proportion towards it.

Since then, there has appeared in the Amateur PJioto- grapher for October 28th last a reproduction of a photo- graph which might almost have proceeded from my sugges- tion. It is a photograph of the Horn Dance from Abbots Burnley, a village on the borders of Needwood Forest, about twelve miles from Burton-on-Trent.

Those members who have done me the honour to read my paper on " Folk-Drama", which was printed in FOLK- LORE for September 1891, will know the reasons for which I attach great importance to what is done in these folk-plays, to the action employed, to the characters repre- sented, and to costume. The words of many versions have been recorded, but generally without any hint of action, gesture, and costume ; and it will be obvious that photography offers just what we want. It is a pleasing instance of the saving quality of science. Education saps and undermines tradition ; but science and scientific means