170 Social Affections of Irish Peasantry. 



sant on the bog an excuse to avail himself of 

 such shelter as his cabin can afford, that is the 

 moment in which the inside of it should be 

 viewed. The joy with which he is received by 

 all evinces the kindness of the husband and 

 father the affection of his family ; and while 

 the elder children crowd round to embrace his 

 knees, the younger ones extort the mother's 







help for blessings from his lips. 



\;< h' *ui* : . fHrrf. r* ytaiv 

 Most of the intelligent persons with whom I 

 have conversed concur in opinion of the strong 

 attachment which subsists in the Irish peasants' 

 families. As a proof of the strength of their 

 social affections, the following circumstance has 

 been told me : A farmer had been summoned 

 before a magistrate, on a charge of leading his 

 cattle at night into a neighbour's field. The 

 man, as is usual, attended with his wife ; and 

 when called on for his defence, he turned round 

 to the complainant, and addressing him, de- 

 clared he might as well have accused him " of 

 beating his wife, which, had he done, he knew 

 he could never have shown his face again.'* 

 Thus it appears, whenever the feelings of man- 

 kind are touched to the quick, the heart will 

 exhibit itself, and afford an insight into the real 

 character. 



Did not a full share of untutored affections 



