344 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



very even and white, and seem to last well ; even men of over sixty 

 often have good incisors ; but many suffer from toothache. Abscess 

 of the alveolus, unlike what is seen in Aran, is not at all common. 



Skin. — Ulcers due to the friction of ropes and of the thick home- 

 spun clothing when wet, eczema, "sea-boils," scabies, and acne, are 

 frequently met with, as is anthrax or carbuncle ; but, perhaps, the 

 most common of all skin affections, especially among the younger 

 members of the population, is tinea tonsurans. Alopecia areata, 

 whether caused by the last-mentioned affection or not, seems to be 

 common. Uterine troubles are not at all common. Venereal diseases 

 are practically unknown. 



Accidents arising out of the surroundings and occupation of the 

 people are, as might be expected, very numerous. These are burns, 

 severe cuts from reaping hooks, injuries inflicted by domestic animals, 

 and, above all, contusions and fractures due in most cases to falls from 

 rocks and ponies. 



4. PsycJiology. — For one who has had only a short experience of 

 the people this very difficult and delicate point is exceedingly hard to 

 deal justly with, but the following description, for the most part 

 obtained from local sources, both on the islands and on the opposite 

 part of the mainland, and to some small degree from personal observa- 

 tion, is believed to be accurate as far as it goes. 



To strangers, the people are not, at first, attractive, as their manner 

 is shy and not unmarked by suspicion ; but after this reserve is broken 

 through they reveal themselves in a much more attractive light, and 

 are kindly, courteous, and very communicative. 



Among themselves they are cheerful and social, given much to 

 gossip and chaff, though their wit is not of a very sparkling character. 

 They contrast strongly with the Aran Islanders in their taste for 

 music and dancing, concertinas and melodious being in common use in 

 several houses. 



In their dealings with one another they are honest and fair, even 

 a petty theft being an extremely rare occurrence. As to their dealings 

 with the people of the mainland, the usual hostile statements, common 

 with all insular communities, are made by both sides with respect to 

 each others honesty, but much reliance cannot be put in these vague 

 assertions. Crime is almost unknown, and the administration of 

 justice is seldom called into requisition, and then only for small 

 quarrels among neighbours. 



