An Ancient Bombshell. 65 



the old town rampart, one of whose bastions was erected on the 

 side of Donegall Square North, near Fountain Street. The 

 ground seems to have been marshy, and drained by the Malone 

 ditch, which is shown as extending to Sandy Row about 1790. 

 Since no artillery of heavy calibre is mentioned in the various 

 accounts of Belfast as regards 17th century struggles, the missile 

 in question may be probably referred to the next century, when 

 the volunteer movement originated. The Mall passed the 

 spot, and many of the military displays took place in its 

 vicinity. Howitzers of 6-inch calibre were used in some of the 

 reviews. Notably in 1781, when 5,300 men were under arms. 

 On this occasion it is stated that shells were discharged of such 

 a composition as to afford the appearance of real shells without 

 the danger. 



