Source and Outfall of River Shannon. 369

vided, "that no Papist, excepting laborers and fishermen, shall reside therein (Limerick) as housekeepers; nor are they to rent any tenement above forty shillings a-year." It seems not to have occurred to the politicians of those days, that consulting the feelings and courting the interests of mankind, were the most effectual means of securing the affections and attachment of a nation.

The Shannon is a noble river: it derives its source from the mountains near Swadlingbar, passes through the Loughs of Allen and Ree, and thence through Limerick, to the great Western Ocean, a course of one hundred and ninety miles. The fall of its waters, in the distance of the first one hundred and twenty-eight miles, is one hundred and fifty-one feet. It is navigable from Limerick only to the sea, a distance of about sixty-three miles; and near the city, its banks are highly ornamented by residences of opulent persons. A communication by means of the "Grand Canal" will be effected between this city and Dublin as soon as the canal is finished, which still wants fourteen miles of cutting to complete this import

ant work.

There are a number of respectable families

VOL. I.

2 B

370

Limerick an agreeable Residence.

settled in Limerick, which make it a place of very agreeable residence. The cathedral is a large building, and is kept very clean, though it is of inferior architecture. The public rooms do great credit to the town. The Custom House and new prison are sumptuous buildings. Much grain is exported from this place: thirtysix thousand barrels are at this time shipping for Spain." In times of peace," says Moryson, "the Irish transport good quantity of corne; yet they may not transport it without license, lest on any sudden rebellion, the King's forces and his good subjects should want corne." Cruelty and tyranny seem to have assailed this devoted country at all times. The population of Limerick is estimated at fifty thousand souls. Our friend Mr. John Thompson, who about thirty years ago visited Limerick with commercial views, and who married a lady from this city, remembers when there were but two families residing here who had their dinners cooked with coal, (viz.) the Bishop's, and a Captain Hill's, it being at that time a received opinion, that coal gave a disagreeable flavor to the meat. At present, if the very poorest houses be excepted, turf is no where used for culinary purposes. This circumstance will serve to convey some idea not only of the great increase of the town, where numerous families

Bounties of Nature not made available. $71 now burn nothing but coal, but of the opulence and luxury of the inhabitants, when compared to their means only thirty years ago.

The Golden Vale, which forms a part of this county, is no where surpassed in richness of soil; yet are there very many acres of indifferent land, well cultivated, which produce more abundant crops. Where nature does so much, man seems to consider there is no demand on his industry; and by making no exertions, he loses the riches placed within his power. The absence of industry, capital, and skill, render the bounty of Providence almost a nullity. The crops of grain are smothered with docks, while the hay is bleaching for want of stacking. Soil of the first quality is brought down to the standard of very indifferent land in Great Britain. Not a green crop have we seen, but those of Sir Edward O'Brien, since I noticed those of Mr. Wynne. Such is the condition of this glorious district, which, in its present state, cannot be seen without the deepest regret.

Splendid equipages are no uncommon sight at Limerick: the motto on one of them made a forcible impression on my mind Live, and let live." Whether this carriage was the property of an Irish landholder, or a motto of one

372 Precedent for depriving the Irish of Arms.

who was not, and intended as a satire on the existing state of things in the country, was more than I could determine.

Limerick is enviably situated, possessing great local advantages for trade, as well as the conveniences, the comforts, and luxuries of life. The rent of the best houses is two hundred pounds a-year. Fuel is dear, which seems the only circumstance to prevent its being considered not only a pleasant, but an economical place of residence. In Swinburn's hotel are united every comfort: it is under admirable regulations, and may rank with similar establishments of the kind in any country.

I had almost forgotten to mention that the garrison here is considerable, and the barracks extensive.

The recent acts by which the people have been deprived of their arms, has a precedent in the 10th of Henry the Seventh, which orders, "That no manner of person or persons, from this time forward, shall retain or keep in his house, garrison, or place, any ordnance or artillery; that is to say, great gun, or hand gun, except only long bows, arrows, and bills, upon pain of forfeiting the said ordnance."

Fire-arms first brought from Germany. 373

"In the year 1489, during the reign of Henry the Eighth," says Harris, "the first musquets or fire-arms that perhaps were ever seen in Ireland, were brought from Germany, and six of these, as a great rarity, were presented to Gerald Earl of Kildare, then Lord Deputy, which were put into the hands of his guards, and they stood guard before his house in Thomas-street."

Had time permitted our stay here, we could have passed some days most agreeably; but limited as we are, we must press forward; and the same reason will relieve you from more of my remarks at present, saving the sincere assurance of my being always yours.

J. C. C.