26 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 



doubts are staled as to the identity of the Egyptian Thoth 

 with Hermes or the GauHsh Mercurius Teutates, and 

 arguing that Taut or Teutates was the Egyptian Hercules, 

 a symbol of the sun. 



In Gloucestershire we find Mythe, Toot or Tute near 

 Tewkesbury and Tetbury. 



Sai'Ji hills, Sern hills, Yai'n hills and Darn-\\\\\s. The 

 British word Sarn means a pavement, and it seems to 

 indicate that there was a Druidical Seat of Judgnient, 

 where such names are found. 



Among the Romans also the places of Judgment were 

 paved. We are told by St. John that Pilate sat down on 

 the Judgment Seat in a place that is called the pavement, 

 but in the Hebrew Gabbatha — Gabbatha means elevated 

 place. 



Near Bushley there is Sarn hill. In Wales there is 

 Sarn Hellen. In Wales Sarn is used for a road — which is 

 a paved way. 



Tan. The origin of this syllable which is sometimes 

 met with in conjunction with some word as Tan-field, 

 Tan-wood. Tan hill is derived from the Celtic god, 

 Tanaris, the god of thunder ; an altar was once dug up in 

 Cheshire with D.O.M. Tanaro on it. The metal tiji, 

 from its brightness, and tinde from its connection with 

 fire, are from the same source. 



FOLK LORE 



It is probable that an ancient belief in fairies has had a 

 considerable influence in forming the names of places and 

 of fields. 



The Ignis Fatims has given rise to many names, for 

 instance Hob, Hoberdy's Lantern, Hobany's Lantern, 

 Jack o' Lantern, Will o' the Wisp. 



As a matter of fact the Ignis Fatuiis is Carburetted 

 Hydrogen, if it is caused by decayed vegetable matter, or 



