INTRODUCTION. 
In preparing this branch of the Survey for publication various sources of infor¬ 
mation have been requisite, and I have been permitted to engage the services of 
those whose researches have qualified them to write particular parts with advan¬ 
tage. Mr. George Petrie, whose abilities have rendered his name eminent 
among artists, has long devoted a large portion of his time to the examination 
and study of the history and antiquities of his country. In the present work 
the value of his services has been greatly enhanced by a combination of his 
knowledge and talent with the critical knowledge possessed by Mr. John 
O’Donovan of the ancient Irish language. By this combination every ancient 
Irish authority or manuscript within our reach has been searched for informa¬ 
tion, with the previous knowledge necessary for its elucidation. And the con¬ 
tinuance of researches thus judiciously directed cannot fail to throw new light 
on Irish history and antiquities. 
The Natural History and Productive Economy which is so dependent on it, 
and intimately connected with it, have been drawn up by Captain Portlock from 
observations made by himself, and under his direction, in the parish of Temple- 
more. In that parish he derived but little assistance from the previous re¬ 
searches of the surveying officers, in consequence of its linear survey having 
been executed at the commencement of the survey before the officers had ac¬ 
quired experience in the general nature of the work. 
Lieutenant Dawson, who directs the delineation of hills for the maps, 
has, both by himself and his assistants, contributed valuable information in every 
branch. 
A 
