54 J. D. Marsuatt on the Statistics and 
Raghery, an additional stimulus was afforded me in the mildness of the evening. I 
could not have chosen a more delightful one—the sun was sinking in the waves, and 
he had already dipped so low as to throw the island into deep shade; the water was 
clear and calm—not a ripple disturbed its surface ; and every thing around me wore 
a pleasing aspect. 
«< Aftera most agreeable sail, I landed on the island, and was escorted to the public- 
house in Church bay, where I was informed by my boatmen I should get good accom- 
modation. Although not exactly corresponding with the character bestowed on it, I 
endeavoured to make myself comfortable. The boatmen, after their pull across the 
channel, had no objection to drink my health, and they accordingly retired to the large 
room above that in which I was seated. The joke and laugh now circulated, and 
being musically inclined, a song was commenced. ‘The peculiarity of the tune at- 
tracted my notice, and one of the men having kindly requested my presence, if I 
wished to hear a Raghery song, I gladly joined the party. A new song was now 
begun—it was a duet, to which a chorus was attached, sung by the whole party, The 
two principal performers took hold of each other by the right hand, and kept time 
with the tune by striking their hands thus entwined, on the table. The song lasted at 
least fifteen minutes, and was sung in their native language, with greater spirit and 
warmth of feeling than is usually displayed by more fashionable vocalists. 1 retired 
to my room, highly pleased with this my first introduction to the inhabitants of 
Rathlin.” 
The diseases most prevalent in Raghery are, asthma, rheumatism, and diseases of 
the eye. The asthma and ophthalmic diseases are principally occasioned by residing in 
ill-constructed and ill-yentilated houses, in an atmosphere of smoke, by which the 
lungs and eyes must inevitably suffer. In the turf of the island, sulphur abounds, as 
I experienced by inhaling its smoke for some time; and the lungs of the inhabitants 
being thus daily exposed for many hours to the fumes of sulphur, may lay the foun- 
dation of asthma. I not unfrequently found the junior members of families afflicted 
with this disease, although under other circumstances it affects adults only. 
One of the greatest desiderata of the islanders, is a physician, the want of which is 
severely felt. In summer and in calm weather, they can, in cases of emergency, 
command one at Ballycastle ; but in winter, when the waters of the channel are fretted 
by the fury of the winds, and the wide expanse of water exhibits but one sheet of 
foam, it were in vain to seek for aid from the mainland. One, two, or three weeks, 
not unfrequently elapse without any communication with the opposite shore ; and a 
physician has been detained for many days on the island, waiting the return of milder 
weather. Should, therefore, any accident occur, or symptoms arise requiring imme- 
diate surgical or medical aid, the poor inhabitants are doomed, perhaps, to see their 
nearest and dearest friends cut off for want of timely assistance. 
On my first passage across the channel, the boatmen, my Kenramer friends, were 
