Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/89

Rh Whether we differ or not from Mr. Lang's conclusions, and his method of workmanship, it is only right to note that these features of his book render it one of the most important contributions to the history of prehistoric man which has recently been published.

But on the whole we neither differ from Mr. Lang in his general conclusions, nor in his method of workmanship.

Here and there it is probable that Mr. Lang may not have pushed his evidence to its legitimate end: here and there we should have wished for some more detail which was available for his use, but a very careful examination of the whole book compels us to admit that the position he takes up is impregnable. He disclaims the intention of attempting, or of having obtained, a "key to all mythologies"; but there is little doubt that a very great deal has been done towards this end. There are facts of human history which would account for the remarkable parallel between the most widely distributed races in matters of mythology and religion; and by the critical examination of ritual and its survival in folk-lore Mr. Lang has gone a long way towards discovering what these facts might be. If he declines, doubtless for good reasons enough, to go further than the immediate conclusions to be drawn from his evidence, it is no reason why other scholars should not take up the work where Mr. Lang leaves off. Herein, indeed, lies the true strength of Mr. Lang's system. He will not go beyond the line he has set himself for a boundary, and consequently within this line he is absolutely sure of all his steps. The student will at once see what a gain this is to the science, and we cannot express our opinion in better terms than to recommend this book as a model to the coming generation of folk-lore and anthropological workers. If every one would take up a definite piece of work, perfect that, and then let us register his results, we should rapidly progress in knowledge. System in mapping out the true course of study and research is as essential as it is in arranging the details.

It is unnecessary in these pages to explain what Mr, Lang's method is. Most of our readers will remember his statement of it in Custom and Myth, and the book before us is practically the carrying out of it on an extended plan. He notes that in the myth, ritual, and religion of advanced societies there are observances and beliefs which