TRANSACTIONS OF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. NEW SERIES-VOLUME IV. SESSION 1863 64. LIVERPOOL: ADAM HOLDEN, 48, CHURCH STREFT. This Volume has been edited by the Assistant Secretary, under the direction of the Council. The Writers of Papers, however, are alone responsible for the facts and opinions contained in their respective communications. EXPLANATORY NOTE The seven illustrations of Mr. Jeffery's Paper are the gift of that gentleman; the two maps illustrating the Researches of the Dutch Ladies (from originals prepared under the supervision of Mr. Towson at Mr. Tinne's expense, have been lithographed and printed at the cost of the Society; as have been plates X ar i XI, from drawings prepared by Mr. Newton COUNCIL AND OFFICERS FOR 1863-4. President. Right Hon. W. E. GLADSTONE, M.P., Chancellor of the Exchequer. A. CRAIG GIBSON, F.S.A., Stonesfield, Bebington, Birkenhead. Curator. H. ECROYD SMITH Esq., Aldboro' House, Egremont, Birkenhead. Treasurer. W. BURKE Esq., 17, Bagot Street, Smithdown Road, Liverpool. Hon. Secretary. Rev. A. HUME, D.C.L., LL.D., 24, Clarence Street, Everton, Liverpool. Assistant Secretary. J. H. GENN Esq., 37, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool. CONTENTS. [Papers marked this are ilustrated.) PAGE On the English Poor-Laws, with some Suggestions for their Amendment. By William Rees Esq, District Auditor...... 31 Shakspeare; an Oration delivered at the Soiree held on the 20th April, 1864, in Celebration of the Shakspeare Tercen- tenary. By the Rev. A. Hume, LL.D., Hon Secretary...... *Geographical Notes of Expeditions in Central Africa, by Three |