424 Scientific Proceedings, Royal Dublin Society. 



The limestones of this portion of Galway, as also of the 

 adjoining parts of Mayo and Clare, are so eminently suited for all 

 cut-stone purposes, that now, as in former years, they are used to 

 the exclusion of all other stones, although in the neighbourhood 

 of the town the granites are unsurpassed in beauty, variety, and 

 quality. 



The great durability of the Galway limestone, and the delicate 

 workmanship of which they are capable, are displayed in the 

 various old ecclesiastical structures about the country, and also in 

 the eleventh-century buildings in the town of Gralway ; which are 

 still very perfect, notwithstanding the rough usage to which they 

 have been subjected. Some of the pillars and other fine work in 

 the Abbey of Knockmoyne, Ballyglunin, are still most beautiful. 



The best stones of Ordovician and Cambrian ages are recorded 

 at the following localities : — 



Streamstown. About two miles north of Clifden. — Yariegated 

 and streaked green ; worked for marble. 



Creggs. About four miles east of Streamstown. — White to 

 creamy white ; and coarsely crystalline to compact and fine- 

 grained ; eminently suited for delicate cut-stone purposes, but 

 cannot be procured in very large blocks; has been worked for 

 marbles. 



Clifden. In the vicinity are limestones. — Bluish-grey or dove- 

 coloured ; more or less schistose ; and difficult to work. 



Barnaoran. — The " Ballynahinch marble quarries," in the valley 

 of the Owenmore. Green and variegated ; worked for marble. 

 The colours of the stone are very delicate and fugitive, which 

 makes it unsuitable for any outside work. 



Berry dare. Adjoining the lake. — White, or with a greyish 

 tint ; crystalline ; compact ; easily worked ; but rises in unshapely 

 blocks, which causes a waste in dressing. Was quarried some 

 years ago by the Martins of Ballynahinch. 



Lisoughter. Near the village, one mile from Recess. — Green 

 and variegated ; solely worked for marble. 



Other stones of shades of green and white are already described 

 in the lists of Galway marbles. 



Of the innumerable Carboniferous limestone localities, the 

 following may be specially mentioned : — 



Galway. — To the north-east of the town, between it and Men- 



