26 Wretchedness of Lismore. 



As we approached Lismore, we found the 

 fields well laid out, and the hedges particularly 

 fine. The pleasure thus called forth was not 

 of long continuance : on our arrival here the 

 town presented a scene of wretchedness and 

 misery, which was distressing to behold even 

 in Ireland, where such appearances of poverty 

 too often occur. What a contrast did this 

 place present to that which we had just left ? 



It was impossible to survey the dirty and 

 dilapidated buildings, without sympathizing in 

 the general suffering. Fuel is scarce and dear ; 

 the turf is brought from a considerable distance, 

 and appears to be of an inferior quality. 



To behold a large community bowed down in 

 hopeless indigence, cannot fail to inspire feel- 

 ings of a most painful nature, in those who are 

 but transitory visitors ! What must be the ef- 

 fect of such a depression of character, on the 

 proprietor of the soil? especially one in the 

 possession of extensive estates in England, ac- 

 customed to survey the comforts there, so 

 widely diffused among his dependants. Report 

 says, the Duke of Devonshire purposes to re- 

 build the Castle of Lismore, and restore it to 

 its ancient grandeur. Situated on a lofty rock 



