Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 6 1888.djvu/92

 84 important work by anthropologists than the collection of such evidence. Mr. Frazer has produced a model for other inquirers. He finds that Totemisra has a religious side and a social side—of course not distinguished bj those who practise the various totemistic rites—and he groups his evidence under these two heads. To the well-known features of totemism, descent from the totem, respect and worship for it, &c., are now added several other particulars which help us to realize that some of the least-explainable of savage rites and customs may be referred to totemism. This is very important. Mr. Frazer neither enlarges upon his theme nor develops any theories, but contents himself with giving facts and ample references to authorities—a piece of work which is as important to all anthropological students as it is evidence of the ungrudging generosity of a true scholar who loves his subject too well not to give it up to the world. Few better specimens of conscientious work have come within our notice, and although, following out the plan of his book, Mr. Frazer does not grapple with the puzzle as to what is the origin of totemism, we shall be much surprised if he has not actually hit upon the solution, and is preparing the result of his examination for publication. Nobody dealing with the various subjects which the history of man in pre-civilized stages presents to the inquirer can do without this book, and the folk-lorist will do well to study it before committing himself to the theories of the mythological school.

It is proposed to form a society in America for the study of Folk-Lore, of which the principal object shall be to establish a Journal of a scientific character, designed:—(1) For the collection of the fast-vanishing remains of Folk-Lore in America, namely,—(a) Relics of old English Folk-Lore (ballads, tales, superstitions, dialect, &c.;) (b) Lore of Negroes in the Southern States of the Union; (c) Lore of the Indian Tribes of North America (myths, tales, &c.); (d) Lore of French Canada, Mexico, &c. (2) For the study of the general subject, and publication of the results of special students in this department. Subscribers will please send their names to the Temporary Secretary, William Wells Newell, 175, Brattle Street, Cambridge, Mass. The name taken will probably be.