314 MORAL CONDITION OF THE WEST. 



hand-mill the guerne, is still general throughout Ballicroy and 

 the islands on the coast. 



The inhabitants of this district are extremely hospitable 

 to passing travellers, but by no means fond of encouraging 

 strangers to sojourn permanently among them. This latter 

 inherent prejudice may arise from clannish feelings, or 

 ancient recollections of how much their ancestors were 

 spoliated by former settlers, who by artifice and the strong 

 hand managed to possess the better portions of the country. 

 They are also absurdly curious, and will press their ques- 

 tions with American pertinacity, until, if possible, the 

 name, rank, and occasion of his visit, is fully and faithfully 

 detailed by the persecuted traveller. 



The credulity of these wild people is amazing, and their 

 avidity for news, if possible, exceeded by the profound 

 reliance they place in the truth of the intelligence. Hence, 

 the most absurd versions of passing events circulate over 

 the district and reports prevail, by turns, of a ridiculous 

 or mischievous tendency, generally according to the mental 

 temperament of the story-teller. 



It formerly was not uncommon for people in the islands 

 to live and die without ever having seen a town. Of course, 

 they were a simple and unsophisticated race and their 

 natural mistakes, if they did by accident come in collision 

 with other beings, were the source of many an inland jest. 

 One very old story is told, in wiiich an Achil man is the 

 hero ; and as to its truth, old Antony would as soon have 

 doubted the existence of the holy trout in Kilgeever,* as 

 have questioned its authenticity. 



An islander was once obliged to go into the town of 

 Castlebar upon business ; and among other marvellous 

 things which there met his sight, he was particularly struck 

 with the appearance of an earthen jar in a shop-window. 

 He inquired what this unknown article might be, and was 

 informed that it was a mare's egg, which, if placed beside 

 the fire during the winter, would infallibly produce a foal 

 the ensuing spring. The price was moderate, and the 

 Achil man determined to possess the treasure, and thus 

 become master of a horse. Having effected the purchase, 



* A sacred well in the west, tenanted by a trout of surpassing 

 sanctity. 



