and by day they are lost, without being stolen?" "The stars." are
quite in the style and spirit of Filipino riddles. Compare "Coarse
rafia cloth outside and white robe inside?" "Manioc root" with the
"Poor outside; rich within," "Langca" of the Ilocano.

The order of presentation of these riddles has been a considerable
problem. To arrange them rigidly in Petsch's order of development
might have been fairly satisfactory but would have rendered the
finding of any desired riddle difficult. We have struck out a
crude arrangement in alphabetical order of the English answers,
with subdivisions under some general headings. The arrangement is
not scientific nor completely developed, but it will perhaps work
fairly well in practice. The original text is first given for riddle
and answer; the English translation of both follows; then are given
such explanation and comment as are necessary. When a riddle occurs
in different languages, the text of the question is given in one,
but the fact of its occurrence in others is indicated.

We are indebted to many for assistance. The list is too long for
individual acknowledgment. To our original Ilocano helpers this little
book is dedicated. To Messrs. George T. Shoens, Francisco A. Santos
(Calumpit), Rufino Santos (Arayat) and Conrado Benitez (Pagsanghan),
we are so deeply indebted that their names must be mentioned. To school
boys in Agoo, San Fernando (Union), Malolos, Manila and Tayug, we owe
many thanks. Would that the publication of this imperfect collection
might lead to their greater interest in a neglected section of their
folklore. Some Malay worker ought to perfect and complete the work
here begun.

This volume is the first number of a series of little books which the