The Forts of Erin. 55 



the change in the calendar, that an eclipse of the sun did actually 

 occur on the exact day and hour mentioned in the annals. 

 Occasional proof like this is of great value, as it could not pos- 

 sibly have been foreseen that the written record could have 

 been thus tested so many centuries afterwards. In many 

 instances the archaeologist is able to confirm the accuracy of 

 description of localities and structures which have been given 

 by the ancient annalist in the course of his narrative. If our 

 old monuments served no nobler purpose in the district in 

 which they are situated, in this utilitarian age, than to direct 

 attention to the stones best suited for building purposes, and 

 the lesson thus learned were promptly attended to, there would 

 not be so many melancholy examples of magnificent buildings 

 succumbing to the effects of our moist and variable climate. 

 The architecture of a people is indicative to a considerable 

 extent of their progress and civilisation, and as such is worthy 

 of the most careful study. We find in the oldest structures the 

 element of strength and provision for security against the sud- 

 den attack of enemies made the prominent feature, thus showing 

 the unsettled state of society at that period. As we proceed we 

 may observe the various improvements introduced for the 

 comfort of the occupiers ; and ultimately, when law and order 

 reign, the castellated building gradually disappears, and the 

 modern mansion takes its place, in which the architect's skill is 

 directed to produce a building where light, health, and comfort 

 are the primary considerations. The old forts and cashels 

 should be held in affectionate remembrance by us, for in them 

 our ancestors, both Pagan and Christian, resided up to com- 

 paratively modern times. Looking at such venerable structures 

 from this family history point of view, should tend to increase our 

 interest in these works of our forefathers. The duns, raths, lisses, 

 and cashels, which have given names to hundreds of towns and 

 townlands through the length and breadth of Erin, were 

 erected by the labours of past generations, whose sepulchral 

 monuments also survive to show that they were no mean 

 builders. Inside these forts were the dwelling houses in which 

 they lived, and I was almost going to say, died, but I think to 



