l62 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS 



would naturally arise in the close vicinity of the towers when con- 

 verted to religious uses. It seems remarkable that no mention is 

 made of such wonderful buildings until the introduction of Christ- 

 ianity. 



The popular idea respecting the builder, no doubt, may have 

 some foundation, but the Gobhan Saer could not have been the 

 architect of all. Some are far more ancient than others. Lightning 

 destroyed many, of which not a vestige remains, and man's hand, 

 and I may add, unfortunately, neglect, proved yet more destructive 

 than even the elements. However, the Royal Antiquarian Society 

 of Ireland will in future look to the preservation of the ones yet 

 remaining. Several have been already repaired, even previous to its 

 recent reorganization. 



Evidence can be produced in proof that one at least was erec- 

 ted in the sixth century and another restored in the twelfth. But no 

 trace of the latter now remains. Taking into account that we have 

 no proof that the principle of the arch or mortar was known before 

 the introduction of the Christian religion, I am inclined to agree 

 with Petrie and O'Donovan. 



Weapons of the Milesians. — We possess no reliable description 

 regarding the weapons of these colonists previous to the introduction 

 of Christianity. The battle axe and sword were in use from a very 

 remote time as well as the sling and bow. In the priceless illumi- 

 nated MS. of the Gospels now in Trinity College, called the Book 

 of Kells, old as the sixth century, you may notice a warrior holding 

 a spear. The head above the shaft is coloured blue (steel) ; it is a 

 peculiar shape, quite unlike the bronze ones of an earlier time. The 

 figure displays the round target of the Highlander in his left hand. 

 This circular shield with the central boss, may also be remarked 

 on the most ancient of the sculptured crosses. These sculptures 

 frequently commemorate battles and other incidents. In some 

 cases are horses, chariots, fighting groups of soldiers — of these two are 

 armed with spears and crescent-like shields, opposed to others with 

 the long hacking Danish or Irish sword. The figures have suffered 

 so much from the weather, and wanton injury as well, that it is no 

 easy matter sometimes to trace the outlines. One, dressed in the 

 kilt, was said by a guide to represent Adam. So you see the Celts 

 may claim the primitive costume as well as the primitive language, 

 else small reliance can be placed on tradition. 



