Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/344

336 mann has found new matter enough to make his work welcome to every folk-lorist. Of especial interest are the historical traditions of the time when the Slavonic element was predominant, and later when it was struggling for supremacy with the Germanic tribes by which it was surrounded. The struggle of races was complicated, as is so often the case, by one of religions. The Wends were heathen, and it was not until a regular crusade had been preached against them that they submitted to German overship, and formally accepted Christianity. But the mythological beliefs of the district are to this day Slavonic rather than German, as may be seen in the author's account of the beliefs connected with the "Poldsche" and the "Schwerber," folk-personifications of the mid-day heat, and of the early-morning frosts which in the Mark are often felt up to the middle of summer. The work may be cordially recommended in spite of the Author's over-fondness for presenting the traditions he has collected in what he deems an attractive literary form.

In the Calcutta Review for July there was an article on "Folk-lore of the Headless Horseman in Northern India."

The Rev. Elias Owen has issued the prospectus of a book to be published by subscription on the Old Stone Crosses of the Vale of Clwyd and neighbouring Parishes, with some account of the Ancient Manners and Customs and Legendaiy Lore connected with the Churches. The publisher is Mr. Quaritch.

The Folk-Tale Committee will meet during the first week in October, for the purpose of selecting some of the Tabulations of Folk-Tales for printing in the Folk-Lore Journal, and to commence their labours of sorting and examining. Members arc earnestly invited to co-operate with the Committee in this work.

Captain Temple has issued two parts of his valuable Legends of the Panjâb. We shall notice them fully later on.

A curious and interesting article on Thumb-lore appears in the October number of the Antiquary.