Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/205

 Rh QUERIES.

Bughears for frightening Children.—Has any exhaustive collection ever been made of them? Almost every country seems to possess some traditional being,

Spain is peculiarly rich in shadowy personalties whose names are frequently cited in the cradle-songs (nanas). The Coco has long performed this useful office, and is said by a learned writer of the seventeenth century (Covarrubias—Tesoro de la lengua Castellana, &c. Madrid, 1611, s.v. Coco) to have a Hebrew origin. The Bû, the Cancon, and the Duende, are all hobgoblins who assist the Coco in his functions; and even should all those fail to awe the miscreant into good behaviour, there is still the Moor (Moro), the Jews (Judios) and Black hand (Mano negro) to fall back upon.

Garments.—Is it worth while asking why men button their garments to the right, and women to the left?

Le Pigautie, Menton (Alpes-Mari times), France.

NOTICES AND NEWS.

With infinite care, excellent taste, and considerable learning, Mr. Clouston has, by the production of this volume, conferred a boon upon