Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 5 1887.djvu/18

10 the impression that a wave of extraordinary solemnity is passing over the American negroes, and that "profane" songs and dances are getting into bad odour everywhere. In Barbados, on the other hand, it is plain that the African race has not lost its light-heartedness. These negroes are also keen politicians, as may be learnt from the concluding verses of a song dealing with the Federation scheme proposed by a late Governor:—

Much folk-lore might be collected in Barbados. One little trait which came to my knowledge some years ago I will recall here. During a cholera epidemic the negroes started the idea that a small piece of copper worn next to the skin was a certain preventive, and my informant declared that those who were thus protected did actually enjoy a singular immunity.