PREAMBLE

AN ESSAY

ON

The Nature and Actions of the subterranean (and, for the most part,) Invisible People, heretofore known by the name of ELVES, FAUNS, and FAIRIES, or similar terms, among the Lowland Scots, as described by those who possess SECOND SIGHT; and now, to encourage further investigation, collected and compared by a circumspect researcher residing among the Irish-Scots in Scotland.

CHAPTER 1. THE SUBTERRANEAN INHABITANTS

These Siths, or FAIRIES, are called Sleagh Maith, or the Good People, apparently to ward off the power of their evil intentions (for the Irish usually bless everything they fear might harm them). They are said to be of a middle nature between Man and Angel, much like the Demons original: "Daemons"; referring to the classical Greek concept of "daimons" or guiding spirits rather than modern evil demons were believed to be in ancient times. They are composed of intelligent, fluid Spirits and light, changing Bodies (like those called Astral), somewhat like the nature of a condensed Cloud, and are best seen in the Twilight.

These bodies are so malleable by the subtlety of the spirits that inhabit them that they can make them appear or disappear at will. Some have bodies or vehicles so spongy, thin, and delicate that they are nourished merely by drinking certain fine, spirited liquors that seem like pure Air and oil. Others speak more crudely of the foyson term: "foyson" (foison) refers to the essence, strength, or productive juice of a substance, particularly grain or substance of corn and liquors, or of the grain itself growing on the surface of the earth, which these fairies steal—partly invisibly, and partly by devouring the grain like crows and mice do. Because of this, even in this current age, they are sometimes heard baking bread, striking hammers, and performing similar tasks inside the small mounds they most frequent. In ancient times, before the Gospel dispelled paganism—and still in some uncivilized places today—some of them enter houses when everyone is asleep and set the kitchens in order, cleaning all the vessels. These creatures are known by the name of brownies.

When we have abundance, they have scarcity in their homes, and vice versa (because they are capable of capturing as much prey everywhere as they wish). These thefts, however, often result in significant losses of grain, which then does not "bleed" as well (as they call it) or turn out as plentiful as the owner expected.