He knows, if not courts and princes, at least hotels and railway companies.

He is on terms of easy familiarity with every 'boots' in several counties.

He can calculate to a nicety how long a train is likely to be delayed by a fair 'somewhere along the line.' He is also full of information about local politics.

In Connaught, for instance, an experienced member of the profession will gauge for you the exact strength of the existing League in any district.

He knows what publicans may be regarded as 'priest's men,' and who have leanings towards independence.