In doing so, I have not disturbed a single incident in the work; and the reader who may have perused the first Edition, if he should ever--as is not unfrequently the case--peruse this second one, will certainly wonder how the additions were made.

That, however, is the secret of the author, with which they have nothing to do but to enjoy the book, if they can enjoy it.
With respect to the O'Reilly name and family, I have consulted my distinguished' friend--and I am proud to call him so--John O'Donovan, Esq., LL.D., M.R.I.A., who, with the greatest kindness, placed the summary of the history of that celebrated family at my disposal.

This learned gentleman is an authority beyond all question.

With respect to Ireland--her language--her old laws--her history--her antiquities--her archaeology--her topography, and the genealogy of her families, he is a perfect miracle, as is his distinguished fellow-laborer in the same field, Eugene Curry.

Two such men--and, including Dr.Petrie, three such men--Ireland never has produced, and never can again--for this simple reason, that they will have left nothing after them for their successors to accomplish.