PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. DURING the nine years which have elapsed since the last edition of this work, several statutes have been passed directly or indirectly affecting its subject-matter. The Married Women's Property Act, 1893, has placed married women on the same footing as men as regards testamentary capacity. The Mortmain and Charitable Uses Act, 1891, enables testators to give land to charity and puts an end to the contests which have been so frequent in the past as to what is or is not impure personalty. The Accumulations Act, 1892, imposes a further limit upon accumulation for the purchase of land. The Trust Investment Act, 1889, repealed and re-enacted by the Trustee Act, 1893, shortens the drafting of wills by giving statutory powers of investment. The Trustee Act, 1888, also repealed and reenacted by the Trustee Act, 1893, confers other useful powers upon trustees. As regards decision-the question whether the rule against perpetuities applies to legal remainders has been decided in the affirmative. The law with reference to gifts to illegitimate children remains in an unsatisfactory state. Notwithstanding the frequent protests against the |