38 



classes, and tjieir theory might be pursued much farther than has 

 been done. — Interjections, — On these more explanation would b^ 

 desirable. Taking his Grammar, however, altogether, it is, as 

 a practical one, preferable to Vallancey's, though the latter is 

 superior in point of Theory and Investigation. To him the Doctor 

 and other subsequent grammarians are much indebted, particularly 

 on the irregular verbs. — Syntax. — On concord and government he 

 has bestowed much pains, and has been successful in the elucidation 

 of Syntax by rules and examples. On these points, he is superior 

 to any of his predecessors. The second and third parts of the 

 Grammar contain Dialogues which are well chosen, and notes which 

 are useful. Extracts from Irish Books and Manuscripts in the ori- 

 ginal character, with English translations are given, and finishes 

 with a display of manuscript contractions and Ogham explanations^. 

 In the latter Vallancey is far superior. 



It may be inferred from the system of this Grammar, that the 

 author supposes the learner to be previously acquainted with the 

 terms of the art in some other language. This caused him to 

 omit the definitions of the grammatical terms of our language, 

 which may be considered a defect, as the latter vary, in many 

 instances, from those peculiar to other languages. The Syntax 

 i§ the most valuable part of this work. Etymolc^y is also well 

 explained, but on Orthography he is not to be followed. The 

 language is well adapted to the subject. 



4 Doctor Neilson long resided as a classical teacher in Dundalk, 

 He is known as the author of introductory books in the Greek Ian* 

 guage. His knowledge of the Irish procured him a kind of lecture- 

 ship in that town, in consequence of which he delivered occasional 

 moral discourses or sermons in that Language. — He was afterwards 

 chosen classical teacher of the Belfast Academical Irish Institution, 



