Notes on the Folk-Lore of the Northern Counties of England
and the Borders. By William Henderson. (Satchel], Peyton, and Co.)— Thirteen years ago we reviewed at length the first edition of this curious and interesting book. We spoke particularly of the valuable notes of the Rev. S. Baring•Gonld, and of the parallel legends and stories, to our own, found in the records of many nations and from remote times ; and, in a vast number of instances, of their probably common origin. The fresh, interest which Mr. Henderson's book excited in the subject, seems to have enlisted the sympathies and services of many now workers, and so much new matter has, in consequence,. been offered, from widely extended sources, for the author's use, that he is not only enabled to publish a second edition of greatly increased size and value, but to secure for it the influence and patronage of the Folk-Lore Society, which was formed—very much, we gather, by the' efforts of Mr. Hend ersou himself—last year, and which now publishes and issues this goodly volume. We need scarcely say that it is amusing and interesting, as well as curious and instructive. It is enriched not only by the contributions of very numerous collectors, but especially by Mr. Baring•Gould's notes, and by a manuscript—largely revised by Mr. Henderson—of a certain medical student of the name of Wilkie, who collected records and verbal accounts of Customs, legends,. and superstitions, at the desire of Sir Walter Scott, for a work which Scott intended to write, but never• accomplished, on Border folk-lore. This manuscript came into Mr. Henderson's possession, he tells us,. by gift from the Rev. R. 0. Bromfield, of Sprouston. Mr. Henderson has leave, in this new edition, to acknowledge the large share in his• work of Miss Susanna Warren, hitherto only known as " S. W."
Previous page
