1903-1904.3 177 



Armagh is the old ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, and its 

 traditions date back for three thousand years. History tells 

 us that it has been pillaged nine, and burnt seventeen times. 

 Originally the site of the present city was called DruTn-sailech 

 (the hill of sallows or sallies), but later it was known as Ard- 

 macha, a name said to have been bestowed on it by a queen 

 of Ireland who flourished about 350 years B.C. The 

 Protestant Cathedral (at present undergoing extensive 

 repairs) stands on the site of the original church erected by 

 St. Patrick about the year 450 A.D., and is dedicated to 

 Ireland's patron saint; it is cruciform in shape, and measures 

 about 183 feet in length and 119 feet in width, and is 

 surmounted by a short square battlemented tower 110 feet 

 high. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, also dedicated to St. 

 Patrick, is an imposing edifice in the pointed Gothic or 

 decorated style, measuring 240 feet long and 142 feet wide, 

 with spires 210 feet high rising from towers on each side of 

 the main entrance. The foundation stone was laid in 1840, 

 and the building completed in 1873. 



Brakes were waiting at the station, and we were driven 

 quickly through Armagh and out into the open country beyond. 

 About two miles out rain, which had been threatening, came 

 on in a somewhat heavy shower, which fortunately did not 

 last very long, and with this exception the rest of the day was 

 beautifully fine, showing up the country to advantage. The 

 rich crops in the numerous orchards we passed were much 

 admired, while all around tokens of an abundant harvest gave 

 a comfortable and prosperous look to the whole district. The 

 only blots on the fair scene were the too numerous empty 

 tumble-down homesteads, once doubtless the loved possessions 

 of happy families ; now only speaking to us of emigration, and 

 consequent loss to this country of life and work. Benburb 

 was reached at twelve o'clock, and here a pleasant surprise 

 awaited us. The owner of the estate — James Bruce, Esq., 

 D.L., — on learning of the intended visit of the Club, had 

 kindly instructed his courteous agent, Averell Lloyd, Esq., 

 J. P., to receive the party and show us every attention. The 



