1905-1906. J 417 



then threw on the screen sHdes of the restored cross at Camus, 

 near Coleraine. The shaft of this cross had been formerly used 

 as a gate pillar, but with the assistance of antiquarian friends 

 it had now been restored and set up' on its old base in the ad- 

 joining churchyard. 



The lecturer then proceeded with his subject proper, re- 

 counting the history of this little historical island, lying off the 

 coast of Sligo, about halfway between Bundoran and the town 

 of Sligo. The ruins existing on the island consist of a Cyclo- 

 pean cashel dating from pre-Christian times, numerous churches, 

 beehive residences, altars and holy wells, dating from the earliest 

 years of Christianity in Ireland. These were described at 

 length, with the customs and habits of their builders and those 

 who used them for centuries. This island, with its ruins, is one 

 of the most interesting along the whole western seaboard of 

 Ireland. Being sO' isolated, it is out of the reach of the ordin- 

 ary tourist ; and, its inhabitants having always had a, sacred 

 regard for its numerous ruins, they have been wonderfully pre- 

 served to the present day. The little church of St. Molaise, 

 which doubtless dates from the sixth century, has been in con- 

 tinual service ever since, and is the one still used at the present 

 time. The old graveyards are still used by the islanders, and 

 the old wells of the early Celtic saint still supply their needs. 

 The lecturer related some of the many legends and stories that 

 still abound on the island, and then proceeded to detail the 

 occupations and customs of the present inhabitants. 

 There is no clergyman, doctor, policeman, or other 

 official on the island, nor do their services seem to be very 

 much required, as the people are highly moral and religious, 

 and very little sickness occurs amongst them. The houses are 

 frugal in the extreme, but cleanly and comfortable, and the 

 pinch of poverty is not very great. There are thirteen inhabited 

 houses on the island, the total population being about seventy- 

 three persons. The lecturer also described the scenery of the 

 island and its geological construction, the fine sandstone cliffs 

 of some of the outlying rocks forming an excellent resting-place 

 for the numerous seals which inhabit these waters. The ad- 



