Necessarily such a book is, to some extent, a compilation; but it is hoped that, in grouping of facts, and in directing the reader's mind to just conceptions and conclusions, this manual may be found to be something more than a mere collection of details.

With a few exceptions, the Illustrations have been engraved from pencil sketches, the majority of them original, and others taken from sources which are acknowledged; and the author takes this opportunity of thanking the Engraver, Mr. Stephen Miller, of Glasgow, for the care which he has bestowed on them.

J. C.

Galw4y, Oct., 1873.