{256} Dr. Reeves supposes these to have been "crustacea:" but their
stinging and clinging prove them surely to have been jelly-fish--
medusae.

{257} I have followed the Latin prose version of it, which M.
Achille Jubinal attributes to the eleventh century. Here and there
I have taken the liberty of using the French prose version, which he
attributes to the latter part of the twelfth. I have often
condensed the story, where it was prolix or repeated itself: but I
have tried to follow faithfully both matter and style, and to give,
word for word, as nearly as I could, any notable passages. Those
who wish to know more of St. Brendan should consult the learned
brochure of M. Jubinal, "La Legende Latine de St. Brandaines," and
the two English versions of the Legend, edited by Mr. Thomas Wright
for the Percy Society, vol. xiv. One is in verse, and of the
earlier part of the fourteenth century, and spirited enough: the
other, a prose version, was printed by Wynkyn de Worde, in his
edition of the "Golden Legend;" 1527.

{260a} In the Barony of Longford, County Galway.

{260b} 3,000, like 300, seems to be, I am informed, only an Irish
expression for any large number.

{269} Some dim legend concerning icebergs, and caves therein.

{270} Probably from reports of the volcanic coast of Iceland.

{272} This part of the legend has been changed and humanized as