Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/403

 Local Meetings and Other Notices. 71

There are five gods who are forefathers of the emperors, whose names by interpretation signify the Rich Rice Ear God, the Pestle God, the Fire God, the Not-yet-thatched God, the Jinimy God, who was the first Mikado, said to have reigned 2559 years ago.

The stories of these gods and goddesses resemble in great part the Greek myths, both in their close portrayal of human life and in the nature of the superhuman feats they accomplish.

The effect of such a presentation as that of Mrs. Sugimoto could not but be to create a broader judgment of human affairs, and to enforce a percep- tion of the common end and purpose of the religions of humanity.

January 10, 1900. The Cincinnati Branch assembled at the rooms of the Woman's Club. The meeting, which was open to visitors, was well attended. After the business session had been concluded, the President introduced the speaker of the evening, Miss Alice C. Fletcher, of Washing- ton, whose subject was " The Relation between Indian Story and Song." The musical illustrations of each emotion and sentiment were played on the piano by Mrs. Edwards. Miss Fletcher showed how the ear of the people corresponds to the complex harmony of overtones when they sing in unison, and explained that worship and rehearsal of heroic or pathetic events by accurately reproduced story and song, often handed down from generation to generation, permeate their life, speech, and custom. It was shown that they sing on the hunt, when in danger, when seeking healing herbs, and when planting. The permanence of the songs is proved by comparing records taken at long intervals. Each type of song was illustrated, with the assistance of Mrs. Edwards ; namely, songs of heroes, of tribal prayer, of the maturing child, of women on behalf of the fighting warriors, and descrip- tive of events.

C. W. Ha/in, Secretary pro tem.

American Association for the Advancement of Science, Section H, Anthropology. — The forty-ninth meeting of this association will be held in New York, N. Y., June 25-30, 1900. Mr. Amos W. Butler will preside over the section of Anthropology. Titles of papers should be sent to the secretary of the section, Mr. Frank Russell, Cambridge, Mass., at an early date, in order that they may be included in the provisional programme to be issued in May.

American Folk-Lore Society. — An opportunity will be given to mem- bers to present papers in joint session with Section H, A. A. A. S. Titles of papers may be sent to the Permanent Secretary, W. W. Newell, Cam- bridge, Mass.

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