1 894-95-] 2I 7 



savages, and how it enters very largely into their religion. 

 Different kinds of savage dances were described, more particu- 

 larly the initiation ceremonies. This led to a description of the 

 bull-rearer, and two specimens of this ancient and sacred 

 instrument were exhibited and swung ; the one was obtained by 

 the lecturer in Torres Straits, the other came from England. 

 Some Papuan death dances ware described, the performers of 

 which are covered with leaves and wear leafy masks. These 

 were followed by representations of the costume of the Irish 

 "straw-boys," and the parallelism between the two was startling. 

 The significance of a certain class of children's games was dealt 

 with, and it was shown that many of these illustrate the 

 customs of our heathen ancestors, some being marriage games, 

 others being funeral ceremonies, others again being remini- 

 scences of well-worship. Some photographs of holy wells and 

 the offerings at them were next shown, and lastly a fairy thorn 

 at Holywood. Professor Haddon emphasised the facts that 

 these were not trivial subjects, and that only by studying the 

 customs of the folk and children's games and the like was it 

 possible to form some idea as to the religious beliefs and 

 practices of our ancestors. He also urged on his hearers to 

 collect and record all such matters. Soon it would be too late, 

 but now and now only was the time to collect. 



The lecture was fully illustrated by a representative series of 

 slides of Irish and foreign subjects, the lantern being worked by 

 R. Welch. W. H. Patterson, M.R.I.A.; Wm. Gray, M.R.I. A.; 

 Richard Patterson, J. P. ; and R. Welch having spoken — the 

 wish being expressed that Professor Haddon would deliver a 

 course of lectures next session under the auspices of the Club — 

 the President conveyed to the lecturer the best thanks of the 

 Club. The following new members were then elected : — Miss 

 M'Cutcheon, B.A. ; J. M'Clelland Martin, W. J. Stewart, and 

 Charles J. Lanyon. 



