not improved by the fertility of the Soil. 



to awaken every compassionate reflection thai 

 human and rational beings, possessing intellect 

 and feelings, perhaps that would not disgrace 

 the higher ranks of society, should be com* 

 polled to exist under circumstances from which 

 humanity revolts, and proclaims a cruelty not 

 to rescue a dog ! Fuel being dear and scarce, 

 and cold being less bearable than smoke, the 

 door was kept closed ; habit may nay, does 

 reconcile the latter, whilst the former could 

 not be endured. 



From Athboy to Ardbracken is computed 

 eight miles ; but I should suppose it to be much 

 more: the soil appeared to be very good, on 

 which there were several extensive farming 

 establishments ; and as far as a hasty judgment 

 could be formed, I should select this district 

 as the best specimen of husbandry, speaking 

 generally, that we bad seen in Ireland. 



The road by Kells is esteemed to be more 

 beautiful ; but being somewhat further about, 

 we preferred the shortest line. Wood alone 

 is wanting to make this a most lovely country ; 

 and as its growth is prodigious and rapid, 

 the encouragement to plant can nowhere be 

 exceeded. The luxuriant growth of the shrubs 

 was a matter of no less surprise than ad- 



