96 Scientific Proceedings, Royal Dublin Society. 



wrought into window-sills, steps, quoins, &c, and appear durable if 

 set on edge. When the Union Workhouse was being erected, about 

 1830, they came on a peculiar arch in this quarry, which has been 

 figured and described by Wilkinson. It had a distinct arched form 

 among the vertical strata, both above and below it. The face of 

 the arch to the east, when first met with, was smooth from springing 

 to springing, being about thirty-four feet wide, and narrowing 

 gradually as it was followed westward to about twenty feet in a 

 length of 120 feet. The vertical strata " abutting close under its 

 soffit, and forming abutments to the springing of the arch .... 

 The greater number of the ring-stones of the arches of the building 

 (Union Workhouse) were procured from this vein, as also many fine 

 quoins, &c. Many of the stones taken from the rings were used 

 in arched portions, in the state already prepared by the hand of 

 Nature." 



At Rushnacara, north-west of Dunmanus Bay, and sixteen 

 miles from Bantry, a green and grey slate-rock was used in the 

 building of the National Schools. It is very durable, and can be 

 raised in large scantlings ; but is only fit for rubble work. 



In the neighbourhood of Skibbereen the slate is greyish and 

 reddish brown. It is often mixed with a scaly quartzose rock, 

 which adds to the cost of quarrying. 



Near Dunmanway, the stone which seems to be most preferred 

 is a hard, gritty slate, but abounding in good natural joints, which 

 make it easily quarried in suitable sizes ; the more slaty, or argil- 

 laceous, rocks are less used. 



In the vicinity of Enniskeen is Kinneigh round tower, a good 

 example of slate work. The stone used in this tower, which abounds 

 in the neighbourhood " is well worked and is closely dressed on the 

 edges of the beds, both in the circular work of the upper walls and 

 in the splayed angles of the lower portions of the tower. The 

 stones used vary in length from one to nearly five feet, and in 

 thickness from three to twelve inches, and the material appears 

 durable." ( Wilkinson.) 



The Abbey of Timoleague is also a good example of slate 

 building. It is of Early English architecture, and illustrates the 

 good quality of the slate rock of the locality, " and the simple and 

 proper mode of using it ; the design and constructive arrangements 

 being suited to the materials employed." {Wilkinson.) 



