Thickness^ Cement and Materials of Walk, 209 



castles, may have engendered, and produced by disu- 

 nion, the distractions and contests, which immoveably 

 fixed these real fortresses, for usurpation and power. 

 The desolation of the country, and the vassalage of 

 the people, followed of course. — The lordly chieftains^ 

 who held these once formidable citadels, have long 

 before them, mouldered into dust; and left these evi- 

 dences of their greatness, more durable than them- 

 selves, or tlieir dominion. But it is questionable whcr 

 ther the condition of the great mass of the descen- 

 dants of their vassals, when compared with that of their 

 ancestors, is yet ameliorated, in any important degree. 

 At Cashel (22 years ago) I ascended a perfectly well 

 preserved circular stair way, of cut stone ; in a round 

 tower wonderfully strong and lofty, and of neat mason- 

 ry. It was, I think, 100 feet high; and in good preser« 

 ration ; though neither tradition, or history, relates the 

 time of its erection, with any certainty. It was covefr 

 ed with a dome roof of immense cut stone ; and there 

 were at various heights, apertures for light, probably 

 also for annoyance of assailants, and loop holes for ar- 

 chery. There were platforms at such openings, con- 

 nected with the stair way. The prospects, from these 

 look outs, were singularly extensive, diversified, and 

 interesting. But the bald and bleak mountains, small 

 streams, desert wastes, and sombre bogs, of Ireland; 

 though parts of that country afford scenes of novelty, 

 curious, and often grand and picturesque ; cannot be 

 otherwise than dreary and unpleasant to an American; 

 accustomed to boundless and stately forests, large ri- 

 vers, woody vales, wavy heights richly clad, and th^ 

 variegated products, of nature in her prime. 



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