88 THE IRISH PEOPLE. 



beauty and strength, unmatched in any other known 

 race. The Irish, and their congeners the Scotch, 

 surpass in physical strength and hardness, it has 

 been ascertained, every other European people. 

 This may, in part at least, be explained by their 

 general freedom from vice and immorality, by the 

 pure and virtuous lives of the women of the race, 

 for which they have been distinguished in all ages." 



91. In 1880, Mr. Bonwick, F.R.G.S., in his book 

 styled Our Nationalities, p. 82, says: "Irish 

 women of old had a reputation for beauty far beyond 

 the bounds of the Isle of Saints. They had, what is 

 far better, a reputation of faithfulness to their lords, 

 too little rewarded by a return of the quality in 

 those rude days." 



92. In 1881, Froude, in his English in Ireland 

 (vol. i., pp. 11-22), says : " The courage of the Irish 

 was undisputed. From the first mention of the 

 Irishman in history, faction fight and foray have 

 been the occupation &nd delight of his existence. 

 The hardihood of the Irish kern was proverbial 

 throughout Europe. The Irish soldiers in the regular 

 service of France and Spain covered themselves with 

 distinction, were ever honoured with the most dan- 

 gerous posts, have borne their share in every victory. 

 In our own ranks they have formed half the strength 

 of our armies, and detraction has never challenged 



