Objects in visiting Ireland. 5 



The state of existence of so large a portion 

 of mankind ought not cannot be viewed with 

 indifference ; and when I may have subdued the 

 solicitude I now feel for objects left behind, no 

 new incident, however trifling, will fail to 

 awaken and interest my attention. It is cer- 

 tainly possible to pass through a country, and 

 to take no notice of it ; the field I am about 

 to explore is extensive wonderfully diversi- 

 fied ; and, to a mind not actually asleep, it can- 

 not avoid awakening abundant reflection. 



If self-interest alone were to be the criterion 

 by which to set a value on any spot, the people 

 of Cumberland should consider themselves as 

 identified with Ireland ; for the prosperity of 

 the latter country is the true barometer of our 

 own. 



* bfjni^i^*jj^ "u '. ."iofct 



My attention will be particularly directed to 

 the cottiers or cabin-holders. Circumstances, 

 for many years, have contributed to afford me 

 a more extensive acquaintance with the rural 

 working classes than falls to the lot of most 

 general observers. My constant study my 

 earnest endeavours, have been exerted to melio- 

 rate their condition by offering to their consi- 

 deration and acceptance, such measures as ap- 

 peared to be best calculated to ensure an aug- 



