76 Scientific Proceedings, Royal Dublin Society. 



promotion of pottery-making in many other districts where it 

 would be likely to prove remunerative, as even the supplying 

 of a small portion of the home trade would necessitate a very 

 large make. 



The manufacture of the common red ware, such as flower-pots, 

 tiles, and similar articles, is of very general occurrence throughout 

 the country. About the year 1850 this trade received a great im- 

 petus, and many new works were started to supply the existing 

 demand for drainage-pipes, in consequence of the active drainage 

 operations which were then carried on. 



Fireclay ware comes principally from abroad, few manu- 

 factories for its production being now in existence in this country. 

 This is much to be regretted, as there is a large supply of excellent 

 material available, the utilization of which is very desirable, and 

 would be likely to prove remunerative. 



Many of the localities mentioned hereafter offer every induce- 

 ment to industrial enterprize. It is true, indeed, that the present 

 time does not seem to be an encouraging one in face of existing 

 prices ; but it is probable that these have reached their lowest ebb. 

 However, the immense amount of goods for building purposes 

 yearly imported suggests the natural inquiry as to why native 

 materials, perfectly suitable for such purposes, have been so long 

 allowed to lie unused ; and it is for those within whose province 

 it lies to make some effort to infuse a more active spirit of trade, 

 always, however, bearing in mind that no mere sentimental sup- 

 port will carry them through to a successful end ; but that the 

 work must be prosecuted on a sound commercial basis, of a pecuniary 

 return on the capital invested ; and against the attainment of such 

 result, should the subject be properly taken up, there appears to be 

 no hindrance. (E. Clark.) 



PAKT I. — SLATES. 



From the argillaceous rocks are procured Eoofing slates and 

 Slates suitable for walling purposes Some of the latter are emi- 

 nently adapted for the uses to which they have been put, as men- 



