of St. John (7th July, according to the Greek calendar). The dark green and violet colours are made from the rind of the seeds of Helianthus annus and the berries of Sambucus nigra and the bark of the alder-tree. While making these colours and drawing the designs, a great many rules and rites have to be observed, in order that these pisanki (from pisac, "write," because they are "written" with wax by means of a pencil[1]) may be with- out any witchcraft. As was before noticed, pagan tradi- tions and customs have become closely connected with forms of divine service since the Huculs have been shut off from the world in their mountains ; but there is small doubt that since they have been "discovered" many of their original customs and traditions will alter.
Were it possible to have a German, French or English translation of Huculszczyzna, it would doubtless be warmly welcomed by all lovers of folklore.
The objects figured in the plates are from the collection of Professor Szuchiewicz, and were all exhibited by me at the Society's meeting on January i8th.
PLATE V.
I. Specimen of wood carving.
2 and 3. Necklaces worn by girls.
4 and 5. Necklaces worn by women.
6 and 8. Buckles worn at the neck.
7. Carved box inlaid with brass.
- ↑ The egg-pencil is made of a small piece of stick, four or five inches long, with a tiny brass tube thrust transversely through it at one end. A bit of wire is fitted into the tube, and projecting at one end makes a fine, hard, yet elastic point, with which firm and decided lines can be drawn in wax on the eggs.
