Lakes of Killarmy. 423 



but without any pretensions to beauty, the 

 arbutus being only handsome as a shrub. 



Near Ross Island is a remarkable flat stone of 

 great size, called O'Donoghue's table. The nu- 

 merous traditions connected with objects in dif- 

 ferent parts of the lake concerning O'Donoghue, 

 convey a very lofty idea of the character and prow- 

 ess of this chieftain. The concluding act of his 

 life was well calculated to endear his memory to 

 the Irish nation. When it became impossible 

 longer to defend Ross Castle, O'Donoghue, 

 seeing all hope of maintaining the independ- 

 ence of his country at an end any alternative 

 for himself but death, or suing for mercy to the 

 conqueror- indignantly mounted the ramparts 

 of his castle, and with folded arms, in the sight 

 of his own and his country's enemies, pre- 

 cipitated himself into the lake. The heroism 

 of his last moments called forth the admiration 

 of those who had stigmatised him as a bar- 

 barian. The friends of liberty, adverting to the 

 transactions of that period, will contemplate 

 the deed through a more exalted medium. 

 Long after the event, and indeed till within a few 

 years, the patriot is reported to have been seen 

 on the lake, mounted on a white charger. Of 

 late he has deserted the theatre of his former 

 exploits. The incredulous endeavour to ac- 



