PREFACE.
It would be difficult to name any subject so much discussed during the last half century as 'the condition of Ireland.' There was an endless diversity of opinion; but in one thing all writers and speakers agreed: the condition was morbid.

Ireland was always sick, always under medical treatment, always subject to enquiries as to the nature of her maladies, and the remedies likely to effect a cure.

The royal commissions and parliamentary committees that sat upon her case were innumerable, and their reports would fill a library.

Still the nature of the disease, or the complication of diseases, was a mystery.

Sundry 'boons' were prescribed, by way of experiment; but, though recommended as perfect cures, they did the patient no good.