Robert Craig Maclagan

The Games & Diversions of Argyleshire Robert Craig Maclagan

Publisher Marketing: WHEN the Folk-Lore Society suggested the collecting of county folk-lore, the writer sent a circular August 189 to all clergymen, school-teachers, and some others in Argyle and its attached islands, asking if they would assist. Headings for the various subjects and hints on the best methods of collecting and noting information were given. One of the first answers, on the specimen collecting-sheet sent out, was - In two volumes, by . . . viz., . . . and . . . published by William Paterson, Edinburgh now laterson Conlpanyr, Paternoster ROW, Lolldol. Dr. Rlaclagan will find all that could be collected of any interest in the Superstitions and Folk-Lore of the West Highlands, September I st, Though unsigned, and without locality of origin, this was not encouraging, but all hope of finding something worth recording was not abandoned. That much was yet to be done has been proved by the work of Gregorson Caillpbell of Tirec, and Rlalcolnl RlacPhail of Iiilrnartin. This is a further endeavour in the same direction, and it is hoped, while it is, so far as known, the only collection of nothing but Scottish games, that it may, even if imperfect, form a groundwork for a complete exposition, probably by other observers. No hard and fast line has been drawn, but the contents are simply pastimes found in use in Asgyleshire at the present clay.