Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review Volumes 32 and 33.djvu/153

Rh banana, or to magic; indeed, magical rites are an assistance to conception. The rites of death and mourning are described, and are interesting, as are also the journey of the soul and the life after death. Death is attributed to evil magic. Certain things beside human beings have souls. In addition there are spirits who often do much harm. They are fought with arms and with light; but it does not appear that they are the objects of any regular worship. Incantations are, however, addressed to them to foster the growth of yams, taro, sweet potatoes and bananas, which are main articles of consumption. There are no gods properly so called. Myths and tales are treated in a short and not very satisfactory chapter. Probably Mr. Jenness had too little time on Goodenough to collect much of this material: it is not to be done in a hurry.

On the whole the impression is left that the people are by no means unattractive—certainly interesting. A number of problems are suggested by the information here supplied. They cannot, however, be solved without much more work. Dr. Rivers' researches suggest the lines of the enquiry and the methods of solution. The population is probably not homogeneous; hence perhaps its progress towards a political structure of society. There is no mention of many phenomena usual in Melanesia. Its history must be studied and an effort made to ascertain specifically whence it came and what are the ingredients that compose it. All this needs careful work and is not to be compressed within the compass of a twelvemonth. Meanwhile a foundation is here laid for the student who may undertake it.

student, who is interested either in the study of mediaeval plays or in the problem of the origins of Greek drama, can afford to neglect the consideration of this interesting book. It