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Family History is, both in the Histories and in the supplementary genealogical volumes of chart Pedigrees, dealt with by genealogical experts and in the modern spirit. Every effort is made to secure accuracy of statement, and to avoid the insertion of those legendary pedigrees which have in the past brought discredit on the subject. It has been pointed out by the late Bishop of Oxford, a great master of historical research, that ' the expansion and extension of genealogical study is a very remarkable feature of our own times,' that ' it is an increasing pursuit both in America and in England,' and that it can render the historian most useful service.

In addition to a general map in several sections, each History contains Geological, Orographical, Botanical, Archaeological, and Domesday maps ; also maps illustrating the articles on Ecclesiastical and Political Histories and the sections dealing with Topography. The Series contains many hundreds of maps in all.

A special feature in connexion with the Architecture is a series of ground plans, many of them coloured, showing the architectural history of castles, cathedrals, abbeys, and other monastic foundations. In order to secure the greatest possible accuracy, the descriptions of the Architecture, ecclesiastical, military, and domestic are under the supervision of Mr. C. R. PEERS, M.A., F.S.A., and a committee has been formed of the following students of architectural history who are referred to as may be required concerning this department of the work:—

J. BILSON, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. R. BLOMFIELD, M.A., F.S.A., A.R.A. HAROLD BRAKSPEAR, F.S.A., A.R.I.B.A. PROF. BALDWIN BROWN, M.A. ARTHUR S. FLOWER, F.S.A., A.R.I.B.A. GEORGE E. Fox, M.A., F.S.A. J. A. GOTCH, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A.

W. H. ST. JOHN HOPE, M.A. W. H. KNOWLES, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. J. T. MICKLETHWAITE, F.S.A. ROLAND PAUL, F.S.A. J. HORACE ROUND, M.A., LL.D. PERCY G. STONE, F.S.A., F.R.I.B.A. THACKERAY TURNER

The genealogical volumes contain the family history and detailed genealogies of such houses as had at the end of the nineteenth century seats and landed estates, having enjoyed the like in the male line since 1760, the first year of George III., together with an introductory section dealing with other principal families in each county.