160 DESERTED BURYING-GROUND. 



a * toppling* ruin, and surrounded by the dwellings of the 

 dead." 



" How comes it," I inquired, "that, contrary to the known 

 attachment of the lower Irish for ancient places of interment, 

 this seems to be neglected and disused ?" 



" You are right," he replied ; " although it was once the 

 only burying-ground to which the inhabitants of this district 

 conveyed the dead for interment, more than two centuries have 

 elapsed since it has been abandoned. There is a curious tra- 

 dition connected with its desecration, which Antony will be too 

 happy in narrating, and as the clouds appear collecting on the 

 hills, I propose that we retreat in good time, for it is rare to 

 find such shelter on the moors, as that afforded us by the ruins 

 of Knock-a-thample."* 



Even the sublime and beautiful may be enjoyed to satiety, 

 and we agreed that one thunder- storm is sufficient for the day. 

 The game-bags, upon examination, produced twenty brace of 

 grouse, and a leash of mountain hares. For moderate men 

 we had done enough, and we could dispense with the evening 

 shooting. Accordingly, we left our attendants to follow at 

 their leisure, and mounting our Cossack cavalry, set off at a 

 killing pace, " over bank, bush, and scaur," nor drew bridle 

 until we reached the sand-banks, where the boat, with Pattigo 

 and his companions, was awaiting our arrival. 



Nor have we been the only denizens of the lodge whose 

 exertions have this day been successful. The Colonel has 

 spent the forenoon in the sand-banks, much to his own satis- 

 faction, in slaying rabbits, and studying the Morning Pont. 

 To unite the sportsman and politician, may at first sight seem 

 difficult but, ensconcing himself in a good position, the 

 commander waits patiently for a shot, arid, confiding loading 

 and look-out to Andy Bawn, whose attentions since the unfor- 

 tunate affair of the portmanteau have been redoubled, he 

 coolly proceeds with the debate, until a rabbit is reported 

 within range of the favourite Spanish barrel t -\ by his assistant 



* Anglice, The church of the hill. 



f Spamxlt barrel* have always been held in great esteem, as well on 

 account- of the quality of the iron, which is generally considered the he- -I, 

 in Europe, as because they possess the reputation of being forced and 

 bored more perfectly than any others. It should he observed, however, 

 that of the Spanish barrels, those only that are made in the capital are 

 accounted truly valuable ; in consequence of which, a great many have 



