194 ON THE STATE OF IRELAND. [BOOK II. 



have to do with these people, but that there is a general 

 disinclination to the introduction of poors-rates. 



County of Roscommon ; examinations taken by F. Diggens, Esq. and 

 W. T. M'Cullagh, Esq.; parish of Moore, barony of Moycarnon. 

 Seventeen witnesses. 



In this parish the number of beggars has doubled du- 

 ring the course of a few years, and twenty years ago there 

 was not one fourth so many as at present. 



The wages of mechanics are lower by three-fourths than 

 they used to be. Weaving and spinning are almost ex- 

 tinguished : the poor have frequently not the money to 

 buy the flax. Formerly begging was only followed by 

 labourers on their way to seek work in England ; but now 

 that they no longer find the same employment, they beg 

 both going and returning. 



Some, when seeking relief, say that they are unable to 

 get work, others make no apology at all. Some no doubt 

 prefer idling about to regular work, but it is only because 

 the habit from necessity has taken hold of them that they 

 become idle. 



The respectable portion of the poor in the parish would 

 be glad to have their children taken care of and educated 

 when possible ; but those who live by begging are never 

 inclined to part with them, "they would not sell that 

 charm." There is as much affection amongst those who 

 beg, but not so much obedience to the commands of the 

 parents, as amongst other classes. 



One witness stated that his house is situated on the 

 public road, and that he has counted twenty or thirty 

 families passing it in the day. " There is not one of these 

 vagrants," said a clergyman, (( who would not emigrate to 



