Having thus gone through what seem to be the most probable wills for his purpose, the pedigree-hunter may profitably wend his way to a large library, and consult printed authorities before he studies others in manuscript. There is no royal law about this, however; much will depend on where he lives and what he is looking for, and, possibly, he may elect to go daily from manuscripts to printed collections, and _vice versa_. But this chapter will be devoted to information as to the probably most useful printed books to consult. There are many others which might also prove valuable, and a detailed list of these will be found further on. Assuming that the searcher, as suggested, has in the early part of his quest looked up Peerages, books of Family History, etc., he may now proceed to other volumes; but the Family Histories and Peerages should always be accessible, for he will often need to refer to them again as new names crop up. Perhaps he might first consult Marshall’s _Genealogists’ Guide_, which will give him directions (under the names of different families) where he can obtain information about such. Indeed, the number of printed books which _might_ help form no mean array. To name some of the most valuable of these:-- The _Reports of the Deputy-Keeper_ are issued periodically, and may prove a great assistance to the searcher. He should consult any volumes which look promising, and he can judge of this from the indexes connected with them. The Deputy-Keeper of the Rolls in Ireland also issues _Reports_, the information in which may be invaluable when Irish families are the objects of a search. Then, if looking “far back into other years,” at least, into somewhat distant centuries, there are the _Calendars of State Papers_, with their different series, which may reveal a good deal and are most interesting reading on certain points. All have good indexes, by means of which the name required can readily be traced. The printed volumes of _The Historical Manuscripts’ Commission_ are mines of information as regards many subjects; but, of course, every one cannot expect his ancestor to be mentioned there. Foster’s _Collectanea_--“An index to the pedigrees in the _Herald’s Visitation_ and other MSS.,” these “other” also being most valuable--is an important and yet disappointing book. If the required name happens to begin with an A, Foster may prove a veritable treasure-trove of information; but if the initial of the patronymic comes much farther on in the alphabet--alas! Foster is of no use; for his information, compiled in the most learned manner from a variety of MSS. and other sources, was to be given alphabetically under every different surname, but this proved to be a colossal task--too colossal probably. At any rate, the work has stopped short in the middle of the B’s.