Learned introduction speculates on origin of myths of primitive races. Compares Gaelic myths with those of other races, especially North American Indians. Contends that the characters in the tales are personifications of natural forces and the elements, and that the tales themselves in their earliest form give man’s primitive ideas of the creation, &c. The volume consists of twenty-four folk-lore stories dealing chiefly with heroes of the Gaelic cycles. Not interesting in themselves, and with much sameness in style, matter, and incident. There is some naturalistic coarseness here and there, and the tone in some places is vulgar. The stories were told to the Author by Kerry, Connemara, and Donegal peasants, whose names are given in a note on p. 549. ⸺ TALES OF THE FAIRIES AND OF THE GHOST WORLD. Pp. ix. + 198. (_Nutt_). 1895. Preface by Alfred Nutt. This collection supplements the two previous collections. It is collected from oral tradition chiefly in S.-W. Munster. Illustrates the present-day belief of the peasantry in ghosts, fairies, &c. There are thirty tales, many of them new. A good number of them are, of course, grotesque and extravagant. They contain nothing objectionable, but obviously are hardly suitable for children. =CURTIS, Robert.= ⸺ THE IRISH POLICE OFFICER. Pp. vii. + 216. (_Ward, Lock_). 1861. Six short stories, reprinted from DUBLIN UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE, entitled “The Identification,” “The Banker of Ballyfree,” “The Reprieve,” “The Two Mullanys,” “M’Cormack’s Grudge,” “How ‘The Chief’ was Robbed.” They deal chiefly with remarkable trials in Ireland. “They are all founded upon facts which occurred within my own personal knowledge; and for the accuracy of which not only I, but others, can vouch.”—(Pref.). Author was Inspector of Police, and published (1869) _The History of the R.I.C._ and _The Trial of Captain Alcohol_. Pp. 48. (_McGlashan & Gill_). 1871. ⸺ RORY OF THE HILLS. Pp. 356. Post 8vo. (_Duffy_). 2_s._ [1870]. Still in print. A faithful and sympathetic picture of the peasant life and manners at the time (early nineteenth century). The Author, a police officer, has drawn on his professional experiences. The tale, founded on fact, is an edifying one despite the unrelieved villainy of Tom Murdock. The influence of religion is felt throughout, especially in the heroic charity of the heroine even towards the murderer of her lover. Peasant speech reproduced to the life. =CURRAN, H. G.= (1800-1876). Natural son of John Philpot Curran, and a barrister. ⸺ CONFESSIONS OF A WHITEFOOT. Pp. 306. (_Bentley_). (Edited by G. C. H., Esq., B.L.). 1844.