412 Lakes of Killarney. 



get, it was not above fifty yards to the other 

 side of the fall our united strength seemed 

 equal to carrying the boat over the rocks the 

 men at first treated the suggestion as a joke, 

 but finding that I was determined, at length 

 assented, though evidently without any hope of 

 success. At the moment we were about to 

 commence our undertaking, a market boat 

 arrived from Killarney ; the parties in which, 

 with the most hearty good-will, offered their 

 service ; and with this fortunate acquisition of 

 strength, we accomplished our object with no 

 great difficulty. A joke never fails of pro- 

 ducing good humour the attempt struck our 

 assistants as being whimsical, which alone 

 would have ensured their services, had their 

 natural good temper taken no share in our 

 relief. There is ever to be found a kind- 

 heartedness in the Irish, that predisposes them 

 to be ready sharers in any adventure, although 

 the event be doubtful. Our delight, in which 

 all present partook, on seeing our boat afloat 

 on the other side was unbounded. This pas- 

 sage, at all times, is an awkward business, and 

 particularly so when ladies are of the party : 

 fifty pounds expended in blasting the rocks 

 would enable the boats to be taken round the 

 bridge, on wheels, without difficulty or delay ; 

 I heartily wish our disaster, and the means 



