Fact and fiction are so often mixed up together, and tradition so frequently conflicts with what is regarded as authentic history, that the task of the historian sometimes assumes great, perhaps unmanageable, proportions. The Clan Donald, however, occupy so conspicuous and important a position in the annals of the country, that any attempt to throw further light upon its rise and history may be regarded as worthy of commendation, even should it meet with but partial success.
