, formerly Vicar of Pentrefoelas, but now of Bodelwyddan, near Rhyl,
also supplied much interesting information of the people's doings in
former days, and I may state that this gentleman is also acquainted with
Welsh literature to an extent seldom to be met with in the person of an
isolated Welsh parson far removed from books and libraries. To him I am
indebted for the perusal of many MSS. To the Rev. David James, formerly
Rector of Garthbeibio, now of Pennant, and to his predecessor the Rev. W.
E. Jones, Bylchau; the late Rev. Ellis Roberts (Elis Wyn o Wyrfai); the
Rev. M. Hughes, Derwen; the Rev. W. J. Williams, Llanfihangel-Glyn-Myfyr,
and in a great degree to his aged friend, the Rev. E. Evans,
Llanfihangel, near Llanfyllin, whose conversation in and love of Welsh
literature of all kinds, including old Welsh Almanacks, was almost
without limit, and whose knowledge and thorough sympathy with his
countrymen made his company most enjoyable. To him and to all these
gentlemen above named, and to others, whose names appear in the body of
this work, the writer is greatly indebted, and he tenders his best thanks
to them all.

The many books from which quotations are made are all mentioned in
connection with the information extracted from their pages.

Welsh Folk-lore is almost inexhaustible, and in these pages the writer
treats of only one branch of popular superstitions. Ancient customs are
herein only incidentally referred to, but they are very interesting, and
worthy of a full description. Superstitions associated with particular
days and seasons are also omitted. Weather signs are passed over, Holy
wells around which cluster superstitions of bye-gone days form no part of
this essay. But on all these, and other branches of Folk-lore, the
author has collected much information from the aged Welsh peasant, and
possibly some day in the uncertain future he may publish a continuation
of the present volume.

He has already all but finished a volume on the Holy Wells of North
Wales, and this he hopes to publish at no very distance period.

The author has endeavoured in all instances to give the names of his
informants, but often and again, when pencil and paper were produced, he
was requested not to mention in print the name of the person who was
speaking to him. This request was made, not because the information was
incorrect, but from false delicacy; still, in every instance, the writer
respected this request. He,