In the first part of this dissertation an account was given of the MSS. which contain the Homeric Hymns, their families ascertained and an approximation made towards the character and ages of their archetypes. Our next step is to compare these four archetypes, m x y and p, among themselves, with the view of discovering if, and how, they are related to each other, and what is the intrinsic value of their respective traditions. To do this I examine the readings of each archetype in detail, judging each variant in its turn and comparing it with such examples as I can produce that illustrate its particular case. I endeavour to assign each variant to the category of correct original, independent variation, pure corruption, half-intentional correction, and intentional interpolation. Upon the totals of these different classes given by each archetype depends its character and value. It will be seen that I am a disbeliever in the a priori method of dealing with MS. tradition, the method which selects, whether on good or bad grounds, one family as the source of pure tradition and rejects the rest as doctored and vicious, calls their good readings corrections, and their additions interpolations. I see rather in the divergence of families the working of accident, incalculable and not to be formalized.