Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/80

 Journal of American Folk- Lore.

lain ; Secretary, Miss Helen Leah Reed ; Executive Committee, Dr. Emily F. Pope, Dr. Sarah E. Palmer, Mrs. G. W. Vaillant, Mrs. E. F. Fenollosa, Mr. A. K. Tisdale, Mr. Ashton Willard.

After the Treasurer and Secretary had presented their reports, the paper of the evening was given by Prof. D. G. Lyon, of Cambridge, the subject being connected with Babylonian mythology. Professor Lyon illustrated his paper with fine stereopticon views. This was the last meeting of the season.

November.— The regular meeting was held on Friday, November 18, at the residence of Mrs. G. W. Vaillant, 165 Commonwealth Ave. In the absence of Prof. Putnam, Mr. Russell presided. Mr. W. W. Newell was the speaker of the evening, and took for his subject " Fairy Tales in General," as an introduction to the programme of the winter, which is to consist of a study of the myths of various lands.

December.— The regular meeting was held Friday, December 16, at the residence of Dr. G. G. Englemann, 336 Beacon St. In the absence of Professor Putnam, Mr. Russell presided, and two short papers were given, the first by Mr. R. B. Dixon, of the Peabody Museum, who gave an interesting account of the myths and superstitions of the Australians. The second was by Dr. A. G. Mayer, of the Zoological Museum, and consisted of an informal though entertaining talk on the customs of the Australians, illustrated by blackboard drawings and by photographs. Dr. Mayer was a member of Prof. Alex. Agassiz's expedition to Australia a few years ago.

January.— The regular meeting was held Friday, January 20, at the residence of Miss M. A. Mixter, 219 Beacon St., Mr. W. W. Newell presiding. The speaker of the evening was Prof. A. R. Marsh, of the Department of Comparative Literature, Harvard University, who spoke on " The Development of Epic Poetry."

Professor Marsh described the way in which the study of literature of late years has been growing more scientific, there being a tendency to dwell less on the aesthetic side of a great poem than to ask "What is the character of the theme?" After describing the different kinds of Epics, he showed that the student of Epic Poetry is often brought into close contact with primitive culture.

February.— The regular meeting was held Friday, February 17, at the Charlesgate. Prof. F. W. Putnam presided, and gave an interesting account of recent developments in American archaeology, and especially of what the Jesup expeditions propose to accomplish.

The speaker of the evening was Mr. W. H. Schofield, of Harvard University, who had for his subject " Old Norse Mythology." He gave a vivid rendering of many of the old myths, together with a few suggestions as to their origin and interpretation.

Helen Leah Reed, Secretary.