Croagh Patrick. 333 



description : for splendor surrounded by po* 

 verty has as little to create envy as to inspire 

 respect. 



Had time permitted, I should have wished 

 to have visited Croagh Patrick. This spot 

 forms a station, as it is termed, and is much 

 resorted to by pilgrims from all parts of Ire- 

 land, and held in the highest veneration. Po- 

 pular tradition attributes to St. Patrick, that 

 he collected the whole race of venomous and 

 noxious animals on this mountain, and thence 

 commanded them to precipitate themselves 

 into the sea. I do not know whether moles 

 were invited at this time, but I do not recollect 

 observing any traces of them, nor am I aware 

 that any one has tried how far these little 

 animals would thrive in Ireland. Frogs and 

 magpies were unknown in the Isle of Man, 

 until some wise person, at no very distant 

 period, imported both, which have taken very 

 kindly to their new country, and are there now 

 in great numbers to the annoyance of the in- 

 habitants. I think I have read that frogs were 

 brought to Ireland, and had established them- 

 selves here very comfortably. A great part of 

 our road passed through morasses, with here and 

 there a patch of cultivation ; but we had not 

 seep either frogs or toads. 



