I90I. i8i 



A WEEK IN CO. KIIvKENNY. 



BY HENRY J. TURNKR, F.K-S. 



The following notes on collecting around Inistioge, Co. 

 Kilkenn}^ are the results of a brief visit paid by Mr. E. Step, 

 F.i,.s, and mj^self on the invitation of Mr. E- Tighe, j.p., d.i,., 

 of Woodstock. 



During the whole term of our stay, which extended from 

 the 8th to the i6th of August, 1902, the weather was extremely 

 dull and moist. Thus we were at a great disadvantage for 

 collecting, especially as regards Lepidoptera, which we found 

 exceptionally scarce, and, needless to say, in far from pre- 

 sentable condition. Sweeping gave somewhat better results, 

 as in suitable spots plenty of Coleoptera and Hemiptera were 

 obtainable, but the latter were mainly in an undeveloped 

 stage. 



The village at which we stayed was Inistioge ; a place of 

 some 50 houses situated around a square, at about five miles 

 from Thomastown, the nearCvSt railway station, and about 25 

 to 30 miles inland from Waterford. This village is on the 

 banks of the beautiful River Nore, and is most picturesquely 

 situated among high wooded hills with jutting rocks, and here 

 and there glimpses of mountain crests in the distance. 



Some 500 feet above the river the mansion, *' Woodstock," 

 the residence of our host, Mr. Tighe, is situated, about a mile 

 from the village, in a beautifully wooded park, with vistas cut 

 in different directions affording grand and extensive views of 

 mountain, river and valley. The demesne is surrounded by 

 a wall about 10 feet high extending for miles, quite unscal- 

 able, as we found occasionally to our cost. Near the house are 

 various avenues of ornamental trees, including an " Araucaria 

 walk " and a grove of the strikingly beautiful Picea nobilis, each 

 avenue being about a quarter of a mile long. In addition were 

 specimen trees of numerous Conifers planted in suitable 

 spots, including an isolated Araticaria ivibricata, which is 

 said to be the largest of the kind in Europe. The interesting 

 fact about all the trees is that for more than a hundred years 

 records have been kept of the planting, growth, size, &c., and 

 successive possessors of the estate have been enthusiastic as 

 to the preservation and extension of this branch of forestry. ' 



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