38O Streets in Rathkeel nearly impassable. 



during the six miles to Newcastle, over a dead un- 

 interesting flat from Rathkeel, the road through 

 which place exposed us to no small jeopardy; 

 for although the town is of considerable ex- 

 tent, and very populous, the streets for a car- 

 riage are nearly impassable. It seems incom- 

 prehensible, in a country where the roads are so 

 generally good, that such a nuisance through a 

 large town should be tolerated. 



Newcastle is but a small place, though greatly 

 increased of late years in consequence of the 

 new line of road by Tralee and Dingle to Kil- 

 larney. A wish to spare our horses induced us 

 to prefer the shortest road, by Castle Isle, which 

 we have had more causes than one to regret. 



On quitting Newcastle, the ascent from the 

 foot of the Kerry mountains commenced. We 

 understood that three pounds for rent, and ten 

 shillings per acre for tithes, were the customary 

 prices of the land. The value of tithes varies 

 according as they are held by ecclesiastics, or 

 let to proctors as the lessees, or holders of 

 tithes are here called. Were the clergy resi- 

 dent in their respective parishes, and could they 

 be induced to attend to their own concerns, the 

 tyranny at present usurped in letting and col- 

 lecting their tithes could not be practised. 



