2 files changed, 14 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/doc/lispref/ChangeLog b/doc/lispref/ChangeLog
index 883eaf13356..1365e016cca 100644
--- a/doc/lispref/ChangeLog
+++ b/doc/lispref/ChangeLog
@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+2012-01-06  Chong Yidong  <cyd@gnu.org>
+
+        * variables.texi (Directory Local Variables): Document
+        hack-dir-local-variables-non-file-buffer.
+
 2012-01-06  Glenn Morris  <rgm@gnu.org>
 
         * maps.texi (Standard Keymaps): Refer to Info-edit by name
diff --git a/doc/lispref/variables.texi b/doc/lispref/variables.texi
index 243da9f373d..5bc9c1157e2 100644
--- a/doc/lispref/variables.texi
+++ b/doc/lispref/variables.texi
@@ -1829,6 +1829,15 @@ function works by calling @code{dir-locals-set-class-variables} and
 @code{dir-locals-set-directory-class}, described below.
 @end defun
 
+@defun hack-dir-local-variables-non-file-buffer
+This function looks for directory-local variables, and immediately
+applies them in the current buffer.  It is intended to be called in
+the mode commands for non-file buffers, such as Dired buffers, to let
+them obey directory-local variable settings.  For non-file buffers,
+Emacs looks for directory-local variables in @code{default-directory}
+and its parent directories.
+@end defun
+
 @defun dir-locals-set-class-variables class variables
 This function defines a set of variable settings for the named
 @var{class}, which is a symbol.  You can later assign the class to one