PREFACE

TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

THE method of the author has been followed in this edition, except that the cases, which were formerly classified under some twenty-seven headings, are now given in order of date. This change has been made after careful consideration, and in deference to opinions entitled to great respect. To obviate difficulties which might otherwise arise, the Index has been elaborated, and an additional Table of Cases, grouped according to subjectmatter, has been prepared. All English decisions of any importance given in the last nine years have been incorporated, together with a selection of Scotch and Irish The latter, reported for the most part in the abbreviated form of head-notes,

cases.