Page:A genealogical and heraldic dictionary of the peerage and baronetage of the British Empire (IA genealogicalhera00inburk).pdf/9



, the thirty-first edition of my, is respectfully submitted to the public as a further proof of my continued endeavour to keep pace with the kind and favourable reception which attends each appearance of the work. I have again subjected its pages to searching revision and extensive amendment; and I am glad to be able to state that the whole book is kept in type, so that alterations and additions are made at the time their necessity occurs—thus affording greater security for perfect correctness.

I persevere in my views with respect to heraldic accuracy and the better depicting of the arms. Further additions have been made to the mass of armorial ensigns, which, with a view to artistic excellence, have been entirely redrawn and re-engraved, at a great expense. Errors in the arms of peers and baronets are frequent, and, from long erroneous adoption, are not easily detected. Faulty records of armorial ensigns abound; and to avoid these, I have, in every instance, referred to the very highest authorities; but even there, I now and then discover doubts existing. I often find it extremely difficult to come to a completely accurate conclusion; and especially so in the matter of "Supporters." Where, therefore, I do not feel quite sure, I omit the engraving and give only the blazon or written account. On the whole, I trust I am successful in rendering the heraldry of this book far more safe to be relied on than that of any other work, past or present, of a similar description.

The genealogies, too, have been, in many instances, corrected by the researches consequent on the revision of the recently published edition of my ,—a volume all important as a companion of this, illustrative as it is in so especial a degree, of our ancient nobility.

With regard to three or four of the older English Baronetcies, and especially to some of those of Nova Scotia, I cannot but remark that there is much doubt as to whether those dignities still legally exist; but since the bearers of them are publicly, and often officially, recognised as Baronets, I can do no more than set out, in each instance where there is only one claimant, the facts and pedigree given, and leave the matter for refutation, or for further elucidation, as the case may be.

I have to claim kind indulgence on a particular point. The recent election, and change of administration have occurred while this edition was in the press, and it became extremely difficult, and in some instances impossible, to effect the consequent alterations. However, the returns to Parliament, and the new appointments are of such notoriety, that I trust the reader will be able to easily supply the deficiency. All the newly created Peers and Baronets are, nevertheless, duly given.

I should also observe that, in this edition of the, I have again had the assistance of Mr. Serjeant Burke.

With these remarks, I hopefully and gratefully confide this thirty-first edition of my to that kind and friendly public patronage which through so many years has cheered my labours and maintained the prosperity of the work.

Record Tower, Dublin Castle, January 1869.