Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 2 1884.djvu/200

192 and very shortly after the whole proceeded to the Square. Here also assembled the horses and drays of the railway companies and of different firms in the town, and a procession was made up. The procession proceeded up Pride-hill, along Castle-foregate, through Castle Fields, back up the Gates, and down Pride-hill, Mardol, and Frankwell; and then again back to the centre of the town. In several schools of the town "May Queens" were chosen and adorned with flowers.

The ancient custom of singing an anthem on May morning from the top of Magdalen Tower, Oxford, was observed this year.

Mr. Charles Leland is carrying on his researches into Red Indian folk-lore. He has promised a book on the subject, in which he hopes to establish the influence exercised by early Scandinavian settlers on the traditions of the North American Indian tribes. Mr. Leland intends to pay a visit to England during the summer.

Prof. C. T. Newton commenced on May 2nd, at University College, a course of lectures on Greek myths as illustrated by vases.

English folk-lorists will be glad to learn that Italy now has a Folk-Lore Society. The name chosen is that of "Societá per lo studio delle Tradizioni popolari in Italia," the seat of the Society being Palermo. An annual volume will be published, containing the transactions of the Society, a copy of which will be sent to every member paying five francs per annum; and other publications will appear, bearing on Italian traditions. The Committee consists of nine members, including Dr. Giuseppe Pitrè, whose well known and distinguished name is almost a guarantee for the success of the undertaking.

We are glad to hear that the London Library are collecting all their Folk-lore books into one room.