book of reference, together with others that should be given in all cases. Thus, he should state the names of all who have furnished the information inserted in the previous columns, adding such statements thereto as may tend to facilitate the testing of information that may have been already obtained, or the procuring of further information that may be required. This column should also contain the names of all solicitors, agents, &c., who may be referred to as possessing intelligence respecting particular properties on the line. In addition, there are various items of information that will be obtained by individuals engaged in preparing these books, in all ways, and from all sources, which should be communicated to the solicitors, and the latter will exercise their judgment and discretion as to the insertion of those points they may deem likely to become of importance in carrying out the work contemplated by the promoters in the best and easiest manner. If the owners or lessees are not resident near their respective spots, especial care should be taken to learn accurately their present residence, as well as their usual place of abode. Where parties are absent from the United Kingdom, equal care should be bestowed in obtaining the names and residences of the agents who represent them, and receive the rents of the property in question. These are some of the most important points to be attended to in filling

up the various books of reference. What has been stated will, to any person of experience and ordinary business qualities, suggest not only the mode of procedure in most cases, but the principle to be attended to, and the practice to be borne in mind. The following additional remarks, however, may further assist such parties in their laborious but important duties.

How to gain the Required Information.

Those who are to prepare the book of reference, having had the plan placed in their possession, will, perhaps, adopt the best course in the very outset of their duties, by obtaining the assistance of some person who has the requisite local knowledge and information to aid them in procuring the several facts necessary to be ascertained and entered in the various columns. Thus, an assistant overseer, a collector of parochial rates, or some one having like means of being intimately acquainted with the inhabitants of the place, should be induced, by being rewarded for the consequent loss of time and absence from accustomed occupations, to accompany them through the parish or township, as the case may be. They will first pass with him over the properties laid down in the plan, and will take from his statements on the subject all the facts required by them. They must then confirm this information by personal interview, if possible, with the occu

pier of each property, and by ascertaining from him if the particulars be correct that have already been furnished to them. Not only must the occupier be questioned as to the several details given under the separate heads and columns, but it will be very desirable that he should accompany the reference taken over the property in his occupation. The utmost care and trouble should be taken in procuring accurate knowledge of the necessary facts, as, when the bill comes before the Committee on Standing Orders, no excuse will be received or allowed for errors or omissions, unless it be shown that an attempt was made to see the occupier, he being of course the best authority whence to obtain the required information. In all instances, the suitors for the bill are compelled to show that they have used their best efforts to supply correct and full intelligence upon each point. It is also desirable that the tenant likewise should be questioned as to whether he holds his land on a lease or not; and further, whether he pays his rent to the lessor named in the lease, or to any other party, and if so, to whom such payment is made by him; and also whether any of his land is extra-parochial. All these points should be carefully inquired into and, if possible, satisfactorily settled.

A regular mode of investigation is very desirable, especially in house property, in which case application should first be made to the occupier

for the name of the lessee, and then to the less for the name of the ground landlord. T Christian names of all parties must be obtained and their addresses placed in the last colum under the head of "observations." The bounda ries of parishes should also be ascertained an clearly defined upon the plan; and it will be th duty of the reference takers to satisfy themselve that those boundaries are accurately laid down In order that this information may be gained inquiry should be made of the occupiers upon the point.

Parish maps, showing each field, with the name of the owner and occupier of the property, may be obtained in many places, and may be thought very good sources of intelligence. But they must not be relied on, as, though they may be in some instances, accurately and carefully prepared, in others they are most defective, and would lead to great and possibly fatal errors if adhered to and regarded as authorities and guides. Though, however, they cannot be turned to this great advantage and service, they may oftentimes be usefully referred to, particularly with respect to the parish boundaries, the caution above given being always remembered, so as to prevent any too much dependence upon what may prove ultimately very doubtful authorities indeed. While those stringent recommendations are enforced, it must be borne in mind, however,

that merely trivial errors will be allowed to be corrected in the committees, and facts surrounded by doubt and difficulty, if they cannot be exactly got at, the errors will not be considered as fatal to the bill. An able counsel will convince a committee that in such trivial errors no intention existed to depart from the Standing Orders of the House.

As to the Modes of Operation.

In the preparation of the book of reference it will be of the utmost consequence that great exertion and expedition be exercised, owing to the delays that are sure to occur from the absence of various persons from whom information must be gained, and also of the surveys and other causes. Much time may in all things be gained by a methodical mode of procedure; and the following hints are given, in the hope that they may aid in the obtaining that desirable course.

It has been found by experience that it is most desirable that the parties taking the reference should station themselves at a principal inn, nearest to the part of the line upon which they are engaged, removing their head-quarters as they proceed along that line. It is important that their temporary abiding place should be known, as the nature of their occupation necessarily will cause a large number of visitors on the various matters connected with their duties.