Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/278

270 customs of Sicily. What particularly strikes the reader is the persistence with which the practice of dirge-singing was preserved in the teeth of a thousand years of opposition: the earliest Christian authorities tried to put it down, then the Muhammedan conquerors, then nearly all the different rulers of the island; but it survived to within the memory of living men, and, indeed, it is thought even now to be not entirely extinct. As is well known, over on the Calabrian mainland it is in full vigour, and it lingers here and there in several parts of Italy. Etymologists are not agreed on the meaning of the word Reputatrice: some seeing in it an allusion to the office of the dirge-singer which is to spread the fame or reputation of the deceased, others deriving it from repeat: one who repeats the tale of the dead man's virtues. Dr. Salomone-Marino remarks that his professional duties leave him little time for the pursuit of his favourite researches, but the success with which these have been attended (not only on the little work before us, but also in many other valuable contributions to the storage of Sicilian traditional matter from the same pen) suggests the question. Why do not physicians more commonly take up Folk-lore as an occupation for their leisure moments? Without going far outside the natural field of their labour, they might render—especially in the country—essential services to the cause.

We gladly welcome this addition to our stock of proverb literature. It is an English translation from original sources, and Mr. Grey has added to its value by giving notes explaining and illustrating the points in the text, and particularly we would draw attention to the many useful parallels which are supplied.

We are glad to notice that a second edition of Mr. Theal's book has