EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION,
rXlHE Manx Grammar, like the language itself, was fast
hastening to decay. The original and only edition had
become extremely scarce; insomuch that a copy could with
difficulty be found from which to re-edit the work. At this
crisis The Manx Society opportunely intervened for its preserva-
tion. The Society was formed in 1858, " for the publication of
National Documents of the Isle of Man.^^ Among the first
works to which it turned its attention was Dr. Kelly's Manx
Grammar, which it deemed deserving of a place among its early
publications. In the restoration of this book, the Society
acknowledges its obligations to a lady, awarmfriend of the Island
and a relative of the deceased author, for the generous donation
of half the cost of the impression.
Besides the Grammar, Dr. Kelly had prepared two works of
great labour, and, in a philological point of view, great value, —
a Manx and English Dictionary, and a Triglot Dictionary of
Manx, Gaelic, and Irish, based upon English. These works are
still lying in manuscript, but complete, and ready for the press.