This is not an account of Albanian folklore, but a translation of a dozen märchen and a few riddles, superstitions, and songs. The original text of the tales was published more than three years ago. They were obtained by Dr. Pedersen from an Albanian cattle-dealer, who had had frequent opportunities of hearing tales in the course of his business, "for every herdsmen knows some tale." Besides that, the cattle-dealer was thrown into prison some time ago on a charge of manslaughter, and there too he had opportunities of hearing tales. He seems to have been, as Dr. Pedersen says, an excellent tale-teller, for the tales are all well told. Among them may be noted good versions of the story known to English readers as "Hudden and Dudden," of the Arabian Nights' story of "The Language of Animals," and of "Cinderella."
The section of superstitions is interesting. It also includes a few tales. One curious superstition is mentioned, namely, that a woman when she eats must wear her headkerchief, otherwise her husband will die, the only way to prevent such a catastrophe being to put some of the bread-crumbs on her head. What is the meaning of this?
The songs include a touching lament of a childless widow, and an Albanian "Marseillaise," obviously modern.
This book is neither meteorology nor folklore. Mr. Inwards is a distinguished meteorologist, and might have written a valuable scientific book on a subject which necessarily interests every one in the British Isles. Or he might have written a scientific book on the folklore of the weather. He has done neither. He has
