Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/375

Rh at Christmas north and east of it, and at May south and west of it. Now this folk-lore boundary corresponds almost exactly with the dialectic boundary, as shewn by Miss Jackson's Shropshire Word Book, and it very fairly coincides with the diocesan boundaries. These two perfectly independent lines of research, dialect and folk-lore, combine to confirm Miss Burne's acute historical conclusions that Shropshire was invaded from two opposite quarters, north-east Shropshire being peopled by Mercians, and south and west Shropshire by West Saxons. If such interesting results as these can be gained by this process of noting where certain customs do not obtain, as compared with where they are generally current, it is for the first time established that folk-lore must be more systematically and locally studied than heretofore. And it enables us to see that those who contend that it is of no use repeating an account of a custom because it is known elsewhere are not correct. In the infancy of all sciences we scarcely know what is wanted; but Miss Burne has gone far to establish the value of the study of folk-lore as an adjunct to history, and we congratulate her upon being the first to grapple with a subject in such a manner as must to some extent revolutionize subsequent study and research.

Miss Burne has not attempted to step beyond the domain of English folk-lore into the dangerous but most fascinating paths of comparative folk-lore; but there exists throughout her work ample material for such an undertaking; and any one having the skill and knowledge to carry it out properly would be amply rewarded. But they must be careful in their work, for Miss Burne's own labours constitute a standing protest against any loose and slipshod method of handling folk-lore in the future.

Few books have had greater influence upon the study of customs than the late Mr. McLennan's Primitive Marriage, and at this period, when his brother has just edited one portion of his literary remains in