PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 27 



Phosphorated Hydrogen if caused by decomposing animal 

 matter — by either of these gases coming into contact with 

 the oxygen of the air. 



Hob is from the Gothic word Hoppe, a horse. There 

 are several legends in which fiend-horses play a prominent 

 part, and indeed the undulating movements of the Ignis 

 Fatuus resembles the cantering of a horse, which may 

 have been the reason why the names in question have been 

 given to it. And here we appear to have the true meaning 

 of the word hob-goblin, that is a fiend-horse, which after- 

 wards became a very general name for sprites, in whatever 

 form they might appear. Horsemen who were stationed 

 in particular places to give notice of the approach of the 

 enemy were called '' Hobelers!' 



There is Hob's Hole Coppice in Aston in Blockley. 

 Hob Well in Great Malvern, and Hoberdy Hill in 

 Kempsey. 



Dobbie. The name of this species of fairy, like the words 

 Hobby and Hob, are from the Gothic Hoppe a horse. 

 The word Dobbin is to this day a provincial name for a 

 horse. 



Dobbies were demons who attached themselves to par- 

 ticular farms and houses, like the Brownies in Scotland, 

 and though generally lazy, sometimes assisted with the 

 work, and sometimes played mischievous tricks. 



There is Dobbin's Hill in The Berrow, Dobb's Hill in 

 Eldersfield, and Lower Dobbins in Mathon. 



Puck or Robin Good Fellow was a frolicsome, night- 

 loving rogue. See " Midsummer Nights' Dream." The 

 Irish Puck, or Pooka was a malignant spirit. Hob thrush 

 was a Hob GobHn, called sometimes Robbin Good Fellow. 

 In the North Hob-thrush or rather Hob o' t' hurst was a 

 spirit supposed to haunt woods only. It has been said 

 that the village of Dorsington derives its name from a 

 word very similar to this, meaning a bushy place. 



