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Mr. PETRIE'S Inquiry into the Origin and 



From the preceding evidences it will be perceived, that in determining the 

 respective ages of the several Round Towers in Ireland, we must be almost 

 entirely guided, as in the case of the early churches, by their architectural 

 details, always comparing such details with those of the churches whose dates 

 are determined, or may be fairly presumed ; and such an examination will con- 

 stitute a prominent feature in the Third Part of this Inquiry. But, as the pub- 

 lication of that Part must be some time distant, it may be desirable that I 

 should adduce here a few characteristic examples of the various styles exhibited 



S 



., 



in the Towers, and from which a tolerably accurate opinion may be formed as 

 to the respective ages of their erection ; and that I should also more fully illus- 

 trate, by a few sections, their internal construction. On this latter point, how- 

 ever, the two illustrations above will suffice. The first exhibits the internal 

 construction and measurements of the Round Tower of Clondalkin, near Dub- 

 lin ; and the second, the internal construction of the Tower of Rattoo, in the 

 County of Kerry, both Towers of high antiquity. 



