86 EATHKEALE — NEWCASTLE. 



presents, in every part of it, evidence of the perfection 

 to which Irish artificers can attain. The carving of the 

 stone of the outer walls, cornices, and balconies — of the 

 chimney-pieces, and the oak-work throughout the 

 entrance-hall — but beyond all, of the noble picture 

 gallery, 180 feet in length, is exquisitely wrought. The 

 stone, marble, and oak, are the produce of the estate ; 

 and I was informed by Lord Dunraven, that the work 

 was all done by natives of the place. Beneath the 

 windows of Lady Dunraven's boudoir, a beautiful 

 apartment, the river is seen gently flowing through 

 green slopes which are clothed with fine trees, and 

 stretch away through the extensive demesne. 



Continuing our journey westward to Rathkeale, we 

 passed much good tillage-land. From Rathkeale to 

 Newcastle it is still better. All this tract forms a good 

 field for enterprise — deep dry land, capable of producing 

 all kinds of usually cultivated crops. 



At Newcastle I was introduced to Mr Curling, an 

 English gentleman, who is resident agent on the exten- 

 sive estates of Lord Devon. It was quite refreshing to 

 hear him speak hopefully of the country. His plan to 

 meet the difficulties of the time was agreed to by the 

 trustees on this estate, and it was as follows : He 

 found, when he succeeded to the agency, that it had 

 been usual to give notices to quit, to every tenant on 

 the estate every year, and that all arrears had been 

 carried forward against the tenants, however old stand- 

 ing these arrears might be, many of them, indeed, being 

 the arrears of the predecessor of the tenant in posses- 

 sion. This state of things prevented all exertion, as a 



