Hence, the element of truth is easily separated from the element of fiction, and each is available in its measure for historic research.

The most ancient of this class of writings are the Fenian Poems and Tales, ascribed to Finn Mac Cumhaill, to his sons, Oisin and Fergus Finnbheoill (the Eloquent), and to his kinsman, Caeilite.

There are also many tales and poems of more recent date.

Mr.
O'Curry estimates, that if all MSS.

known to be in existence, and composed before the year 1000, were published, they would form at least 8,000 printed pages of the same size as O'Donovan's Annals of the Four Masters.
[Illustration: FROM SCULPTURES AT DEVENISH.] [Illustration: ROUND TOWER OF DYSART, NEAR CROOM, LIMERICK.] FOOTNOTES: [57] _Scota_ .-- The grave is still pointed out in the valley of Gleann Scoithin, county Kerry.
[58] _Taillten_ .-- Now Telltown, county Meath.
[59] _Amhergen_ .-- Annals of the Four Masters, vol.i.p.