58 
to whose learned labours the ancient literature of Ireland is more in- 
debted than to those of any other writer, observes, that “this map 
is not so accurate as Ptolemy’s, but it is very valuable as an evi- 
dence of Roman ideas of Ireland in the 5th century. It also as- 
certains the fact, that the people called Scots and Attacots * were 
then known to the Romans as inhabiting the interior regions of that 
island.”’+ As this interesting piece of antiquity seems to have es- 
caped the observation of modern historians and statistical des- 
cribers, an accurate copy is herewith given; which, with the assis- 
tance of Ptolemy, and the remains of the native writers whenever 
they shall be rendered accessible to the public, will be found useful 
in elucidating our ancient topography, and reconciling many ap- 
parent inconsistencies in our national history. Another, and no in- 
considerable benefit which may be expected to result from these aids, 
is that of exposing the absurdities of some late system-makers ; who, 
though little acquainted with the annals, and not at all with the lan- 
guage of the country, have obtruded their reveries on the world as 
genuine facts, thus adding no small degree of additional embar- 
rassment to the investigator of historic truth. 
That surveys of Ireland were made under the native Monarchs, 
before the arrival of the English, appears from some fragments still 
remaining. A passage in one of these surveys, by Fintan, in the 
8th century, seems to indicate a map or pictured representation ; 
but, if such a domestic document ever did exist, it has long since 
disappeared. Fintan’s survey is quoted, as ancient, by the learned 
O’Duvegan in the time of Edward III. It is also mentioned by Sir 
James Ware, who says that it differs from the survey of Ireland 
laid down by Girald. Cambrensis in the reign of Henry II. but 
» Properly Athachtuatha, Vide Dissert. on the History of Ireland. 
+ Cat. Bibl. MSS. Stowensis. 
