1922. Reviews. 93 



The Geology of Leinster and Connaught is written by Professor Cole, 

 and that of Ulster and Munster by Professor Swain. Professor Cole 

 needs no introduction as a descriptive writer on geological subjects, and 

 we have every reason to congratulate ourselves that he was prevailed 

 upon to contribute to this series. His method of tracing the gradual 

 steps of geological events which ultimately combined to give us our present 

 scenery is picturesque and instructive. There appears to be a large 

 field of research work still to be covered with regard to soils and minerals 

 and this, together with lack of space, no doubt accounts for the somewhat 

 brief notice given to those two subjects. The descriptive geology of 

 IHster and Munster follows very closely the plan adopted with regard 

 to Leinster and Connaught, and the same remarks apply as to soils and 

 minerals. The illustrations add much charm to these sections. 



The value of including chapters on Antiquities in a book on geography 

 cannot be too highly estimated, and this is especially so when the chapters 

 are written with such a wealth of interesting historical detail as Mr. 

 E. C. R. Armstrong is able to give to these subjects. The photographs 

 of the old abbeys, castles and shrines, and of the various high crosses, 

 weapons and jewellery greatly add to the interest of these pages. 



We are glad that in addition to doing the editorial work, Mr. Fletcher 

 also found time to write an account of the Administration, Industries 

 and Manufactures. Tie brings unrivalled knowledge to bear upon these 

 subjects. It is well to note that these volumes were published at the 

 end of 1 92 1, and since that date many changes have taken place in 

 administration and education, and perhaps greater ones are contemplated, 

 so that much that is written, while invaluable as an historical record 

 of splendid work undertaken and accomplished, is no longer a complete 

 account of the conditions prevailing at the moment. A close reading 

 of the summarised account of industries and manufactures will repay 

 the earnest student. He will gain a comprehensive view of our economic 

 life, a knowledge of which should lead to much speculation and thought 

 as to what is best for our future commercial and industrial activities. 



Dr. Best has rather a thankless task in writing the account of the 

 distinguished men of each province. It is significant that he opens three 

 of his four chapters with the apology " space does not permit." The 

 reader finishes these pages with a feeling of unsatisfied hunger ; he wants 

 more, but the bowl is full to the brim. Therefore we sympathise with 

 Dr. Best, and feel that the inclusion of this section in so limited a form 

 does not add to the strength of the work. 



In commending the series to the general reader and to the student, 

 we do so because we feel that a distinct step forward has been made, 

 that a long felt want has been supplied, and that at the present time 

 the issue of such a work is most opportune. These volumes should be 

 on the book-shelves of every library in Ireland. They would soon need 

 replacing. We understand that a fifth and final volume dealing with 

 Ireland as a whole, by the same writers, is in the press. 



G. T. Clampett. 



