A novice might scarcely think of consulting _magazines_ with the view of obtaining genealogical information, and he certainly would not be likely to find what he requires in our popular monthlies; but from certain journals of an earlier date a rich harvest might be reaped. _The Gentleman’s Magazine_ was started in 1731, and, though it was discontinued in its earlier form, for some years up to the last half-century, it will prove a happy hunting-ground for the genealogical student, especially on account of its “obituary” and other announcements. An index to the greater number of its volumes has been published separately, reference being given in it to the volumes supplying the required information under each name. _The London Magazine_ was published from 1732 to 1786, and might be looked up if information is required between these dates. There are, besides these, certain magazines which are devoted wholly or in a great part to genealogical matters, such as _The Genealogist_, _The Ancestor_, which ran for some years, and _Notes and Queries_. These might well be looked up on the chance of their giving information about the object of the search. _The Hibernian Magazine_, an eighteenth-century journal, is especially valuable in the case of Irish families. The announcements of births, deaths, and marriages have been printed separately in two volumes, so _they_ are what should be consulted. CHAPTER IV MISCELLANEOUS MS. DOCUMENTS OF VALUE TO THE SEARCHER We have already considered the subject of Wills and Parish Registers. Besides these, there is a multitude of miscellaneous manuscripts from which genealogical information can be gleaned; but what they are will, in a certain degree, depend on where the pedigree-hunter is searching. If in London, the treasures of the Record Office are at his disposal, which MS. treasures claim a later notice to themselves. The Dublin Record Office, in a lesser degree, will supply many somewhat similar documents, while in Edinburgh he also can effect much. So, in whichever of the British Isles he is located, certain MSS. are at his disposal. To enumerate the most important of these:-- Records of _legal matters_ often throw light on a dark subject. For these, _Chancery Bills_, their _Answers_ and _Exchequer Degrees_, should principally be searched. Indexes to such Bills must first be consulted, then the manuscripts themselves. This will be rather a long task, as such documents are very numerous and often lengthy, but the result can scarcely fail to be beneficial. _Assize Rolls_, which give particulars of cases tried before itinerating judges, may also reveal a good deal. _Deeds_ of various kinds, leases, etc., open up a wide field for the searcher; in fact, more leisure time than is, as a general rule, at most people’s disposal might profitably be employed on the Deeds alone.