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In every instance, it appears that those forts are found on emi- 

 nences of considerable elevation, that they are of a square form, 

 that at present very indistinct vestiges of them remain, as in general 

 an accumulation of soil is deposited over them, and a quantity of loose 

 stones is heaped against their sides. From accurate investigation 

 also, it is proved that their elevation could never have been more 

 than breast high, they bear evident marks of vitrification through- 

 out, but in some places it is more complete than in others ; in no 

 instance hovfever does the vitrification extend more than a foot or 

 two from the foundation, and with the perfectly vitrified and cemented 

 materials are always mixed stones that are only discoloured and 

 -wasted by the fire. In every respect the Irish Fort agrees with the 

 Scotch, except that it is round instead of being square ; it is situ- 

 ated in the county of Cavan, on the top of a lofty hill, called the 

 liill of Shanthamom, three miles east by north of the town of 

 Cavan ; this hill of Shanthamom rises above the surrounding hills 

 of this very hilly country, and assumes the appearance of a moun- 

 tain being covered with heath and bog. On its highest and central 

 eminence is the Fort from which there is a noble view of a great 

 part of the north west of Ireland, of Lough Erne, and of the 

 lakes and waters connected with it. To a casual observer this fort 

 would appear to be an almost obliterated Danish rath, (as those 

 raths or forts are very common on the subjacent hills,) but upon 

 closer inspection of the stones Avhich lie adjacent, and upon raising 

 the green sod which almost entirely covers the foundation, the stones 

 ajjpear as if they had all undergone the operation of Fire, masses 

 are found vitrified and cemented together, and all the indubita- 

 ble marks appear of what is called in Scotland a Vitrified 

 Fort. 



