1898-99] 4^? 



be full. These, from a constructive point of view, are much 

 the same as New Grange, to which the party next proceeded, 

 but although not so important, should on no account be omitted 

 from a tour of inspection. Arriving at New Grange, a third 

 halt was made, and a close inspection at once commenced of 

 one of the most important parts of the day's work. Assembling 

 at the base of the conical hill — where the entrance to the 

 chambers is situated — a brief description of the "Royal 

 Cemetery " of a forgotten race was given, and attention 

 directed to the chief points to notice. Candles were then 

 lighted, and the long tunnel entered. This is about seventy 

 feet long, and admits of almost upright walking until the 

 centre is reached, where owing to a depression it is necessary 

 to creep for about two yards, but no difficulty was experienced 

 by any of the party. At the extremity of the tunnel a circular 

 chamber was reached, off which are three minor ones forming 

 a rude cross on plan, but this is purely accidental. The centre 

 chamber is about fourteen feet diameter, and rises to eighteen 

 feet to the crown of the dome. Attention was called to the 

 great monolithic character of the dry masonry, and above all 

 the rude attempts at ornament, chiefly incised, but some few in 

 relief, and which constitute, perhaps, the earliest attempt at 

 decoration that Ireland ever saw ; and before the day was 

 finished attention was again called to the unrivalled perfection 

 to which Irish ornament ultimately expanded. When the 

 entire party had assembled in the central chamber, blue lights 

 were burned in order that the full extent and effect might be 

 observed. The entire mound, covering about an acre, and 

 rising to nearly fifty feet, is artificial ; and Wakeman, writing 

 in 1848, says, "It would be in vain to speculate on the age of 

 a work situate on the Boyne, which, if found on the banks of 

 the Nile, would be styled a pyramid, and perhaps be considered 

 the oldest of all the pyramids of Egypt." The circular base is 

 guarded by a ring of great standing stones, memorials, no doubt, 

 to the leaders of a race who had great ideas, and whose works, 

 if primitive and uncultured, are of such importance that the 



