Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/275

Rh "The Horton 'Guytrash' was another boggard in our young days, and generally took the form of a 'great black dog' with horrid eyes. Horton Lane, Legrams Lane, and Bowling Lane—now Manchester Road—seemed to be particularly chosen as favourable places for its ramblings, and many are the tales told of this Guytrash being seen here. The late Edmund Riley, of Horton Green, used to tell the story of a well-known and staunch Independent of the old school, who resided at Horton, and was going home one night, about the 'witching hour,' when, as he was passing the gates of Horton Hall, he was startled in his meditations by something jumping at his heels. He looked round, and, sure enough, there was the 'great black dog.' He made his way home as fast as he could, and when he got there either fainted or was near doing so. The next morning he was told that Mr. Sharp, who inhabited Horton Hall, had died just about the time he was passing and saw the 'Guytrash.' In its ramblings the 'Guytrash' was said to go about with chains rattling round it, and sometimes without; but as it has never been heard of since the town was incorporated it is supposed to have become jealous of the policemen, and so has left the neighbourhood for ever" (p. 172).

Bottesford Manor, Brigg, March 25, 1886.

We have here two instalments of what bids fair to prove a most useful as well as highly entertaining collection of Hindú folk-tales, which the Pandit Natêsa Sâstrî has been contributing to the Indian Antiquary during the past few years. A goodly portion of both the