Page:Notes and Queries - Series 10 - Volume 12.djvu/587

 10 s. xii. DEC. is, 1909.] NOTES AND QUERIES.

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as fast and furious as any theological heresy-hunt. Ruskin's papers were denounced in the Press as ' eruptions of windy hysterics,' ' utter imbecility,' 'intolerable twaddle' ; he himself was held up to scorn as a ' whiner and sniveller,' screaming like ' a mad governess,' 'a perfect paragon of blubbering.' Even a cool and detached observer like Philip Gilbert Hamerton was shocked at ' those lament- able sermons appearing in The Cornhill Magazine.'

By other critics the attack was pressed against

the editor and the proprietor of the magazine.

Such blows went home, and after four of the essays had been published, the conductors of the magazine bowed before the storm."

Lady Ritchie closes her congratulatory note with these appropriate words :

"Now that The Cornhill has reached its vigorous fiftieth year, it is impossible for those nearly connected with it not to look back with pride at its faithful career. The words of the Psalmist come to one's mind : * Using no deceit in his tongue, nor doing evil to his neighbour, and disappointing him not, though it were to his hindrance.' Such words most fitly speak of a history which is, happily, not ended."

Mr. Stanley J. Weyman contributes ' James Payn, Editor of The Cornhill: Mr. Arthur C. Benson, writing on ' Essays at Large, 1 touches upon the essayists who have been particularly connected with the pages of The Cornhill. Mr. W. E. Norris treats of Leslie Stephen, who as editor had " the fear of Mrs. Grundy ever before his eyes. 22 Dr. Fitchett relates how he " came to know The Cornhill "- when he was a boy " lying beside a lonely campfire in Queensland, hundreds of miles beyond all settlement." Mr. A. D. Godley has an ' Envoi Poem * ; and it is pleasant to find that the widow of the founder closes the historic record, and refers to the many happy memories which come to her mind " of the hopes and fears of the magazine's young beginnings," of the joy of its early triumphs, and the enthusi- asm of those who launched it on its successful voyage. The memories bring sad thoughts in their train as she realizes " how few of those first friends of the magazine are left to greet it on its Jubilee.' 3 Then Mrs. Smith accords warm thanks and congratulations to all friends :

"Specially I must name the dear friend of many years, Lady Ritchie. Although she cannot look back through so long a vista of time as I can. she can share with me many of the recollections of those early days through which I came to know her and her father Mr. Thackeray, and that is one of the happiest memories of my life."

Mrs. Smith closes by wishing " God speed " to the younger contributors, feeling sure that they will carry on the good traditions of The Cornhill towards a second happy Jubilee.

The number contains a fine unpublished' portrait of Thackeray by Samuel Laurence, in the possession of Mrs. W. Crewdson ; also a facsimile of the letter Thackeray wrote bo George Smith when he finally withdrew from the editorship ; and a portrait of George Smith from the picture by Watts.

JOHN COLLINS FRANCIS. (To be continued.)

ORKNEY FOLK-LORE. TAKING a hint from MB. HEMS' s list of Devonshire superstitions (ante, p. 66), I have collected a number of superstitions which still linger here.

Fishermen's Superstitions. Fishermen count it unlucky

1. To meet a flat-footed person or a woman

or to see any animal crossing one's path when leaving for the fishing.

2. To turn the boat the opposite way to

the course of the sun.

3. To find a fin in one's mittens.

4. To mention " minister ?? or " kirk " by

these terms on board the boat.

5. For any one to throw water on a person

going to the fishing.

6. For any one to look at the bait when it

' has just been gathered.

7. For any one to wish them good luck as

they are putting out.

8. To catch a ling as their first take.

9. To be asked the number of their catch..

10. To go fishing on Christmas Day.

11. For any one to cruise in their boat if:

they are going fishing the same day,

12. To meet a squint-eyed person.

It is lucky to fix the knife in the mast.

Sailors' Superstitions. Sailors count it unlucky

13. To leave port on a Friday.

14. To see a pig on land when about to set-

sail.

15. To whistle on board ship ; it will bring

wind.

16. To fight on board ship ; the ship will

sink within twenty-four hours.

Weather Superstitions.

17. A blue flame in the fire foretells bad

weather.

18. A cock crowing after he has gone to-

roost is a sign of rain : A cock crowing going to bed, He will rise with a watery head.

19. If Saturday is fine, the following week.

will be bad.