Great Improi-i th. 



lay, has a direct opposite effect ; provoking 

 smiles by no means complimentary to the pro- 

 fundity of such Gothic fabricators. 



The saloon adjoining to this tine specimen of 

 ancient magnificence, is a noble spacious apart- 

 ment fitted up in a handsome plain style, and 

 adorned with a number of good paintings, 

 among the most remarkable of which are some 

 portraits by Sir Peter Lely, in his best style. 

 The gloom of the former apartment, contrasted 

 with the gaiety of this, produced a pleasing 

 effect ; our view from the upper story we con- 

 sidered to be unrivalled. 



An accident befalling one of our horses un- 

 fortunately detained us some time, and ren- 

 dered it wholly impossible to reach Howth 

 this, on many accounts, was a great mortifi- 

 cation. Personally I feel to have great interest 

 in the improvements carrying on there, as likely 

 to be of importance to the prosperity of Cum- 

 berland. In all public works the Irish legis- 

 lature has displayed great magnificence ; the 

 operations both of nature and of art appear at 

 Howth to be on a great scale. Admitting the 

 pier to be completed, ships of any draught of 

 water will, at all times of tide, find security. 

 In gales of wind from the southward, our coal 



VOL. II. L 



