FAIRIES, imaginary supernatural beings conceived of as of diminutive size but in human shape, who play a conspicuous part in the traditions of Europe during the Middle Ages, and are animated more or less by a spirit of mischief out of a certain loving regard for, or humorous interest in, the affairs of mankind, whether in the way of thwarting or helping.

FAIRSERVICE, ANDREW, a shrewd gardener in “Rob Roy.”

FAIRY RINGS, circles of seemingly withered grass often seen in lawns and meadows, caused by some fungi below the surface, but popularly ascribed in superstitious times to fairies dancing in a ring.

FAITH, in its proper spiritual sense and meaning is a deep-rooted belief affecting the whole life, that the visible universe in every section of it, particularly here and now, rests on and is the manifestation of an eternal and an unchangeable Unseen Power, whose name is Good, or God.

FAITH, ST., a virgin martyr who, in the 4th century, was tortured on an iron bed and afterwards beheaded.

FAKIR (lit. poor), a member of an order of monkish mendicants in India and adjoining countries who, from presumed religious motives, practise or affect lives of severe self-mortification, but who in many cases cultivate filthiness of person to a disgusting degree.

FALAISE (8), a French town in the dep. of Calvados, 22 m.  SW. of Caen; the birthplace of William the Conqueror.

FALCONER, HUGH, botanist and palaeontologist, born at Forres, Elginshire; studied at Aberdeen and Edinburgh; joined the East India Company’s medical service; made large collections of fossils and plants; became professor of Botany in Calcutta; introduced the tea-plant into India, and discovered the asafoetida plant; died in London (1808-1865).

FALCONER, ION KEITH, missionary and Arabic scholar, the third son of the Earl of Kintore; after passing through Harrow and Cambridge, his ardent temperament carried him into successful evangelistic work in London; was appointed Arabic professor at Cambridge, but his promising career was cut short near Aden while engaged in missionary work; translated the Fables of Bidpai; a noted athlete, and champion cyclist of the world in 1878 (1856-1887).

FALCONER, WILLIAM, poet, born in Edinburgh; a barber’s son; spent most of his life at sea; perished in the wreck of the frigate Aurora, of which he was purser; author of the well-known poem “The Shipwreck” (1732-1769).

FALCONRY, the art and practice of employing trained hawks in the pursuit and capture on the wing of other birds, a sport largely indulged in by the upper classes in early times in Europe.

FALK, ADALBERT, Prussian statesman, born at Metschkau, Silesia; as Minister of Public Worship and Education he was instrumental in passing laws designed to diminish the influence of the clergy in State affairs; retired in 1879; b. 1827.

FALKIRK (20), a town in Stirlingshire, 26 m.  NW. of Edinburgh, noted for its cattle-markets and the iron-works in its neighbourhood; Wallace was defeated here in 1298 by Edward I.