5 JANUARY 1889, Page 33

Of the publications of the English Dialect Society (Triibner and

Co.) we have received, West Somerset Word-Book, by Frederick Of the publications of the English Dialect Society (Triibner and Co.) we have received, West Somerset Word-Book, by Frederick Thomas Elworthy ; and A Glossary of Words Used in the Neighbour- hood of Sheffield, gathered and edited by Sidney Oldall Addy, M.A. The first of these two is described as a glossary of dialectal and archaic words and phrases used in the West of Somerset and East Devonshire. It extends to nearly nine hundred words, and shows a vast amount of industry and research. Of course, one notices words which are not by any means peculiar to the two counties. " Winding-sheet " for a certain growth on a burning candle is certainly used in many other places. When the Dialect Society has completed its work—and it seems to be going on with a credit- able speed—there will be the task of comparing, and we shall be able to see what words are really peculiar. Mr. Addy prefixes to his Sheffield glossary a very interesting paper on local customs and superstitions.