COUNTY GAOL. 27 



ing. I was shown over it by the governor, and found 

 everything very clean, and apparently well conducted. 

 The prisoners in their different yards were marshalled 

 in single file along the walls for our inspection. The 

 first impression one received by looking at them was 

 that of a cold shiver ; for the weather was frosty, and 

 the teeth of many of the poor creatures were chattering 

 with cold. Hopeless wretchedness was the prevailing 

 expression in their countenances ; many bore the marks 

 of pinching want — their contracted features, and keen 

 eye, and ape-like faces betokening the lowest grade of 

 humanity. Some well-fed scoundrels there were, but 

 not many ; and one could not look round these rows of 

 miserable beings without shuddering at the idea of an. 

 innocent person, on suspicion or wrongly convicted, 

 being forced to herd with such companions. The average 

 number of prisoners confined in this gaol is about 400. 

 The offences, as recorded in the prison-book, seemed 

 chiefly petty thefts ; for instance, " stealing a hen, value 

 sixpence/' "stealing turnips," "rooting potatoes," and 

 so on ; " taking relief meal from Bridget Mooney." 

 Many were of a deeper dye — viz., for stealing sheep, 

 cattle, or horses ; some for assaults ; some for running 

 out of the poor-house, and some for making forcible way 

 into it.* There were no crimes of the most serious 

 nature, such as murder, or premeditated attempt at it. 



* This reminds one of the story told of one of our northern juc 

 Hearing an altercation at the entrance-door of his court-room — " What's 

 that noise V he demanded of the door-keeper. " It's a man wanting in, 

 my lord." — " Keep him out," was the peppery rejoinder. By-and-by there 

 was a noise again. " What's that now ] " demanded the judge. " It's the 

 man wanting out, my lord." — " Keep him in, then," was the judicial award. 



