Natural History of the Island of Rathlin. 51 
the islanders and their brethren across the water ; and the distinction made by him 
between the inhabitants of the Kenramer or western end, and the Ushet or southern 
extremity of the island, however correct in his time, has now in a great degree ceased 
to exist. In consequence of the Kenramer end being of a much more precipitous 
character, and not being well situated for intercourse with Ballycastle, its inhabitants 
retain more of their primitive manners than those residing further to the south, who, 
from having more frequent communication with the mainland, have acquired a more 
intimate acquaintance with English manners and customs. 
The houses in Rathlin, with the exception of those of Mr Gage, Mrs, M‘Donnell, 
and a very few others, are of the very poorest description. I was particularly struck 
with this circumstance during my excursion through the island, and one house might 
almost be taken as a fair sample of all the others: they are chiefly of one story, and 
built of stone—many without a window or chimney, the inhabitants being obliged to 
be content with the light admitted by the door, and the hole made in the roof, by 
which part only, and that a small portion of the smoke is carried off. To each dwell- 
ing-house there is commonly attached a small shed for cattle. 
The land is divided into smal] farms; each house has a plot for vegetables, while 
the remainder is occupied by potatoes and barley. ‘The only ¢rees on the island, are 
those planted in Mr. Gage’s garden, and in the immediate vicinity of his house ; the 
hedges number but two or three, the fields being divided by stone walls and fences, 
That trees once abounded in Raghery, is beyond a doubt. One of its ancient names 
is, as has been observed, employed in consequence of the abundance of wood with which 
it was furnished ; and although now scarcely a tree is to be seen, we must not infer 
that this has always been the case. In fact, we have indisputable evidence in the wood 
which is occasionally dug up in some of the bogs. Hazel is frequently found in con- 
siderable quantities—oak is also found, but of small dimensions. Were sufficient care 
bestowed in the selection and planting of trees in situations similar to Raghery, they 
would frequently succeed, where, at the present day, they fail. 
The average number of a family in Rathlin does not exceed six or seven, a few 
only contain so many as ten. This is generally attributed to the want of early medical 
assistance and other causes. ‘Their food consists of potatoes, oaten and barley-bread, 
and fish ; and their own mutton, pork, and beef, in winter, unless when the price of 
meat is high, or the season unusually unproductive, when they prefer exporting their 
cattle. 
The inhabitants employ themselves in tilling the ground, in fishing, and in making 
kelp. Towards the latter end of the last century, when kelp gave a good price, it 
furnished to the industrious people of Rathlin a rich source of wealth. At the period 
I allude to, one hundred tons were annually exported, and the kelp alone frequently 
paid the entire rent of the island. Now, however, the demand and price have both 
declined, and thirty tons constitute the annual exportation. The kelp is usually ex- 
