PREFACE.
This book consists of a series of conversations, descriptions of children's games, and folklore. The original matter is the work of native speakers of Irish.
As Sean-Ċaint na nDéise, published last year, records almost all the peculiarities of grammar and pronunciation which are present in the speech of the authors of Cnó Coilleaḋ Craoḃaiġe, I have felt myself at liberty to return to the literary standard of grammar and spelling. Practically the only exception I have admitted is the rule of the indivisible phrase. This rule is fully explained in the notes. I have reason to believe that it is observed by all native speakers of Irish at the present day.
I desire to acknowledge with gratitude the valuable assistance which I have received from the Reverend Dr. Henebry. The aid which he has so generously given me is very inadequately represented by the notes which bear his initials (De H.) Mr. O'Kiely, Principal, Secondary School, Ring, helped in revising the proofs, and made some useful suggestions.
The Cló-Ċumann have done their work with accuracy and despatch.
MIĊÉAL Ó SÍOṪĊÁIN.