106 



their descent, were remarkable for it in the oldest recorded times ; 

 and also, that in every country where, in the course of their wan- 

 derings and their conquests these warlike Scythians obtained a 

 footing, there, they introduced the culture of flax, and the ma- 

 nufacture of linen. So remarkable were they for this art, that He- 

 rodotus* mentions it as a national characteristic, and one by which 

 their kindred nations may be traced. 



The art of working metals, may also be named as one in common 

 use in Ireland, before it was practised by the neighbouring western 

 nations. This is proved by the great number of metal antiques, 

 chiefly golden, and of excellent workmanship, which have been 

 found in this country, many of them underneath, or contained 

 within the most ancient monuments, the majority of which being 

 relics of pagan superstition, must be of a date previous to the intro- 

 duction of Christianity. 



IV. By customs. — For even yet are some retained which derive 

 their origin from the ancient worship of the country, and its sacred 

 festivals ; — one or two of these it is sufficient to mention. 



The fires of Baal, or Bel, lighted upon a particular day in every 

 district in Ireland, and known by the name of the Baal-tyne or 

 Bel-tien.-f These fires are supposed to be possessed of many 

 virtues, those especially of purifying from past transgressions, and 

 preserving from future harm. The writer has more than once been 

 a personal witness of the ceremony of driving the cattle of a certain 

 village through the blazing fire; whilst the young people and 

 children followed, and each seizing a lighted brand, formed a sort 

 of irregular winding dance, waving the flaming torches over their 



* In Euterpe, § 

 ■\ Toland's Letters on the Druids, p, 100, Edit. 174.7. 



