THE SOCIAL STATE 
 
 S7 
 
 GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND 
 
 CONSIDERED, 
 
 WITH REGARD TO THE 
 
 LABOURING POPULATION, 
 
 &c. &c. 
 
 DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO 
 
 HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT. 
 
 By THOMAS BERMINGHAM, Esq. 
 
 OP CARAMANA^ KILCONNEL, COUNTY GALWAY, IRELAND. 
 
 Honlrott : 
 
 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY S. W. FORES, 
 41, PICCADILLY. 
 
 1835. 
 
 ^-^.^^^ 
 

 TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS 
 THE DUCHESS OF KENT. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 That I am permitted to place the 
 following pages before your Royal Highness, 
 is a most gratifying proof of the interest 
 you take in the humblest endeavours to 
 promote the welfare of Ireland. 
 
 Notwithstanding the still distracted 
 state of that island, I trust that if your 
 Royal Highness and the Princess Victoria 
 should fulfil the hopes of my loyal country- 
 men by visiting their shores, you will see 
 the dawn of a brighter era, when party 
 spirit and religious animosities shall give 
 
 7 
 -J i 
 
IV 
 
 way to a spirit of peace and co-operation in 
 good works, and when the activity of the 
 national character being rightly directed and 
 duly exercised, shall ensure the improve- 
 ment of all classes of society. 
 
 I have the honor to subscribe myself. 
 Madam, 
 Your Royal Highness' 
 most dutiful and grateful Servant, 
 
 THO^ BERMINGHAM. 
 
 London, 
 
 5tk March, 1835. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 My object in putting forward (at this time in 
 particular,) the following statement, is an anxious 
 desire to arouse the government and influential 
 portion of these kingdoms to a sense of the situation 
 of the working classes throughout the length and 
 breadth of the land. 
 
 So much has been stated of the general distress of 
 this important body, that I believe that point is 
 conceded on all hands. The task then is to show 
 how that distress may be relieved, either totally or in 
 part, and above all to prevent its recurrence. 
 
 That there is nothing new under the sun may be 
 true in a general sense, but of new to each individual 
 there is an inexhaustible store. With much labour 
 and infinite expense volumes are annually published 
 by parliament, then laid on the shelf, where their 
 valuable contents remain like a light under a bushel. 
 I have at some pains collected from these and other 
 like documents, matter which bears out my particular 
 views as to the best means of effecting a cure for 
 those evils. 
 
 If the public should be inclined to go along with 
 me, (the field I have entered on being a wide one,) I 
 
 a 
 
 3 O 3 
 
11 
 
 mean to go on gleaning more and more, and still 
 much will be left for others, should a laudable zeal 
 induce them to tread in the same path. 
 
 I am aware, what an enlightened friend has often 
 told me, that in most minds vast is called visionary, 
 and enlarged views are often looked upon as castles 
 in the air. 
 
 I am further told " that the poor are never to cease 
 off the land." 
 
 A person who talks only of vast and extensive plans 
 and yet never by actual experiment proves, on a small 
 scale, that which he advocates as useful on a great 
 scale, is, I admit, a visionary. 
 
 I trust I can show that I have in practice proved, 
 or ascertained the utility of those measures I recom- 
 mend for general adoption, in various localities. I 
 have not given my own views and experience alone, 
 but have collected, from sources within my reach, 
 the opinions of the best informed men of the present 
 time on the subject, 
 
 I cannot enlighten the public on the theory of 
 capital and population, of the necessity of balancing 
 one against the other. I have no doubt a vast deal 
 of good may be derived from such studies, and that 
 the science is one of the deepest importance, I am 
 free to admit. But my object is to shew that however 
 difficult it may be, in after ages, to provide for the 
 numbers that may be then alive, we have sufficient 
 
Ill 
 
 means of providing for those who now exist, and 
 who are and ought to be the subjects of our exertions 
 and solicitude, leaving it to a future generation to 
 adopt their measures to exigencies, which, after all, 
 we can but vaguely conjecture. 
 
 One or two parishes find that with a little care and 
 attention poor rates are reduced more than one-third, 
 indeed nearly one-half — that the labourers, when in 
 employment, do better work ; in two ways a direct 
 benefit : therefore, in these places I conceive the 
 capital of the landlord and farmer is increased. Thus 
 when rates, as at Ruislip, have been reduced from 
 1,900^. a year to 1,100Z, (in one year, marh^ calcu- 
 lating at 4 per cent., 20,000/. capital has been added 
 to the landed interest in that one parish, of about 
 6,000 acres. 
 
 The parish of Mary-le-bone 1 1,000Z. a year saved, 
 is equal to a capital of 275,000/. ; and Great 
 Missenden, in Buckinghamshire, where 700/. a year 
 is saved, the capital is 17,500/. : now these are no 
 trifling sums, and I am equally assured that these 
 parishes may go on reducing and reducing, until 
 they find their expenses for the poor a mere trijie. 
 
 But it may be said that much of this money has 
 been saved by refusing relief to those persons not 
 exactly belonging to their parish, but who used to 
 get relief heretofore, and who now get aid elsewhere ; 
 thus the amount saved in such parishes must be 
 
 a 2 
 
added to others, and the grand total to the country 
 will remain nearly the same. 
 
 I believe this to be partly true, but still the object 
 is gained locally : let each parish in England act thus, 
 and then deserving objects will alone be relieved. I 
 will suppose this done universally in England and 
 Wales, and what remains? — that the unprovided poor 
 are confined to Ireland. 
 
 I venture then to offer my views for the improve- 
 ment of the Sister Isle. I shall endeavour to shew, 
 that these improvements in the administration of the 
 poor laws will add considerably to the capital of the 
 proprietors of the soil in England, and leave in their 
 hands ample means to assist in providing profitable 
 employment for the Irish at home. 
 
 The Report of the Poor Law Commissioners, dated 
 21st February, 1834, shews that in the year ending 
 25th of March, 1832, a sum of 7,036,968Z. was col- 
 lected as poor rates — what an enormous tax on the 
 industry of the country ! ! ! here however is a revenue 
 capable of effecting vast improvements, if a wise 
 government shall turn it to useful purposes. At the 
 same time that reform in this expenditure is necessary 
 and is about being carried into effect, through the 
 instrumentality of the bill of last sessions, let it be 
 done humanely. I have just received the following 
 statement from Captain Brenton of the Royal Navy, 
 who is a guardian of the poor in the parish of 
 St. Mary-le-bone. 
 
£ s. d. 
 Workhouse expenditure for 1833 -49,030 7 5 
 Same for 1834 - - - 37,539 16 6 
 
 Difference in favor of 1834 - 11,490 10 11 
 
 Given in aid to out-door poor in 1833 to 7,042 
 persons, whilst in 1834, 4,035 only were relieved. 
 
 Note. — I have reason to believe from some returns 
 shewn to me, particularly one from Mary-le-bone, 
 that the plan now generally adopted of refusing all 
 relief to the Irish casual poor, except what luill just 
 pay their passage from the next port, home, is a main 
 cause in many places of reducing the rates : surely if 
 this is the case, and I do not doubt it, the English 
 nation will, for their oivn sakes, endeavour to find out, 
 and assist in foriuarding pZaw5 by which these poor 
 people may obtain employment and comfortable homes 
 in their own country. 
 
 With regard to Home Colonies, or, in other words, 
 land, whether waste or commons, or even profitable 
 land taken up to place the poor thereon, I instance 
 the experiments on King William's Town, by the 
 Board of Works, from which report I have extracted 
 largely. 
 
 The Colonies of Castle-Sampson and Iskerbane, in 
 County Roscommon, an account of which I attach to 
 this. 
 
I have also put forward a memorial to government 
 on the subject, which was passed as a resolution 
 lately, at Exeter Hall, and handed to the chairman of 
 the meeting, Sir D. Barry, who supports and ap- 
 proves of the plan.* 
 
 In support of my plan, of land for the poor, 
 both as to small allotments for the labourers, and 
 farms to be attached to workhouses ; the following, 
 taken from the Appendix to the report of the Poor 
 Law Commissioners, under the head of Foreign 
 Communications, will, I think, be found highly 
 interesting. Count Arrezabane, in a letter to Mr. 
 N. W. Senior, says, relative to the Peasantry in 
 Belgium — 
 
 If I was required to make a comparison from some 
 knowledge of the peasantry of England and Belgium, 
 acquired during a period of four years' residence in 
 England, and seven in Belgium, spent principally in 
 the country parts ; I would say, that in that portion 
 of England where great abuse in the administration 
 of the poor laws has not crept in, the sum of the 
 substantial and intellectual enjoyments of the la- 
 bourer, is of a higher grade than in Belgium ; and 
 that the state of morals are nearly the same in both 
 countries ; but, on the contrary, where abuses in their 
 administration have been allowed, there, where the 
 
 * Sir D. Barry has seen much of Ireland, whilst on the 
 medical commission, therefore his approval of the measure is 
 most important in my mind. 
 
Vll 
 
 labouring classes are entitled to share in the poor tax, 
 although the sum total of the substantial enjoyments 
 of these latter, may be superior to the same class in 
 Belgium, although these may be better housed, better 
 fed, better clothed, than the same class in Belgium, 
 yet their moral feeling is inferior ; they seem always 
 discontented with their lot, whilst the labourer in 
 Belgium hardly ever complains. 
 
 It is certain that a greater number of the labouring 
 classes in Belgium possess a house and a garden, and 
 rent a field than in England, and we know that the 
 possession of the smallest portion of the soil — of 
 having something under the sun which we can call 
 our own is a source of gratification, (the value of 
 which cannot be estimated in pounds, shillings and 
 pence) and constitutes, at the same time, a great ele- 
 ment of order in the social state. The condition of 
 the Belgium labourer is in general the result of the 
 natural order of things, (in the absence of poor 
 laws) and the particular circumstances witli which he 
 may be surrounded. In Belgium, whether married 
 or single, a large family, a small one, or none, the 
 wages of the labourer has no regard to them ; the in- 
 dustrious hard-working man is better paid than the 
 idler — he, who is over-burthened with a family, is 
 poorer than he who has fewer children — he, whose 
 conduct is bad, suffers more privation than the man 
 of good character ; good and evil, is within the reach 
 of all, and voluntary charity has free scope to redress, 
 
Vlll 
 
 and mitigate all that is possible, the miseries of the 
 unfortunate. 
 
 Captain Brandreth, in his report on the agricul- 
 tural colonies of Belgium, in the same appendix, gives 
 a detailed account of Frederick Oord, founded by 
 the benevolent society of Holland, and also of Wortely 
 near Antwerp. The information which he gives on this 
 subject vi'ill be found highly useful ; and, although, 
 on the v^'hole, he does not draw so satisfactory a con- 
 clusion from their success, as greatly to encourage the 
 system elsewhere ; yet, as with respect to Wortel 
 colony, he has given data, from which we may 
 gather information for ourselves, I think it useful to 
 give a short summary of the accounts of that institu- 
 tion. I am the more desirous to do so, as I think it 
 bears me out in my opinion, that agriculture is the 
 best employment for our paupers. Wortel farm, o. 
 barren heath, near Antwerp, containing about 2,200 
 acres, was colonised in 1822, with a view to place 
 mendicants in a situation to provide for themselves. 
 The entire expense, purchase of land, erection of 
 building, clearing land, administration of the esta- 
 blishment, clothing and furniture, provisions and 
 general maintenance, purchase of cattle and houses, 
 and ordinary cultivation, manure, planting, day 
 labour, miscellaneous expense, fire insurance, &c. &c. 
 from the year 1822 to 1831, amounted to 1,256,222 
 florins ; general receipts from the colonies, 439,045 
 florins; difference, 817,177 florins ; which at 20d to 
 
IX. 
 
 the florin, amounts to about 68,0981. To which add 
 arrears of interest on loans, 4,000/. Creditors for 
 the direction of the colony, 4,000/. Total expense 
 over receipts from the colonies, 76,098/. Deduct, value 
 of the colonies, land, buildings, cattle, furniture, 
 taken in 1822, 42,604/. Remains against the colo- 
 nies, 33,494/. 
 
 Let us examine this statement : here is the amount 
 of the deficiency in ten years. But in these years I 
 find free colonists supported, amounting to no fewer 
 (if we suppose them to have been congregated in 
 one year) than the number of 4923 persons, whilst 
 mendicants in same manner would amount to 4775, 
 making together 9698 ; being 3/. lOs. to each indi- 
 vidual. 
 
 What parish in London supports its poor for three 
 or four-fold this sum? here then, so far from admitting 
 a failure, I say, let us go and do likewise. 
 
 I have calculated every sum laid out from whatso- 
 ever source derived, though the receipts for carrying 
 on the concern proceeded from — 
 
 1st. — The result of agreements with several public 
 hospitals and establishments for families and orphans. 
 
 2nd. — The amount of voluntary subscriptions and 
 presents and loans. 
 
 3rd. — Grant, paid annually by government for the 
 relief of 1000 mendicants. 
 
 4th. — Produce of the colonies, sale of cattle. 
 
 The actual state of the concern, in 1832, a period 
 
of ten years from its commencement, after allowing 
 for these aids, is as follows : 
 
 Its debt - - - - 63,750 
 
 Value of the property in 1832 - 42,604 
 
 Difference against the colony - o£ 21,146 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that the value of the agri- 
 cultural produce of this poor barren heath, from the 
 labour of the paupers for these ten years, is stated at 
 about 167,770 florins ; equal to 14,000/. 
 
 This I reckon most important, as shewing what 
 may be made from like soil with us. / think it must 
 he admitted, that this sum is clea7' gaiyi to society, as 
 with us, more than that sum added to the rate per head 
 already stated, would have been spent on the paupers 
 here, without any return whatever ; we must also 
 consider, that when the experiment was in its in- 
 fancy, much money was probably wasted ; it also 
 appears, from the judicious remarks of Captain 
 Brandreth, that many things were done which expe- 
 rience shews might have been better done, or which 
 should have been entirely avoided. 
 
 At the commencement of the colonies, the colonists 
 are so distributed that each division contains a shoe- 
 maker, tailor, and stocking-knitter, linen-seamsters, 
 woollen-seamsters, a weaver, carpenters, masons, 
 blacksmiths, hatters. But ^.sjield labour is the chief 
 object, most of these trades are merely intended to 
 provide for the consumption of the colonists, without 
 
XI 
 
 injury to the existing trades. The single exception 
 to this rule, and it occurs only in very particular 
 circumstances, is the spinning of flax, which is con- 
 verted into linen, and delivered to those friends of 
 the society, who have subscribed for it ; the raw ma- 
 terial being bought, until the improvement of the 
 soil admits of its being cultivated in the colony. Be- 
 sides these kinds of labour, there are others, such as 
 brick-making, lime-burning, the cultivation of land 
 for new colonies, grass growing, cutting of turf for 
 sale, &c. forming additional sources of income to 
 the colonists. 
 
 Would it not be desirable that land was taken in 
 this way by the London and other parishes, and good 
 plain buildings erected thereon, a proper governor 
 and his wife appointed to see that all able to do work 
 are employed, making their clothes, tilling their gar- 
 dens, rearing poultry, brewing their beer, and fatting 
 hogs? That many would be unable to work, either 
 very old, very young, or infirm, there is no question, 
 but there is little doubt that a sufficient number would 
 be found able to cultivate the farm ; the produce from 
 which ought, if properly managed, to support or 
 nearly so, the entire establishment, and thus reduce 
 the rates to a mere nothing. There then might be 
 established the parish school of industry. There 
 then the idle would be watched, made to work, and 
 the vicious thereby probably reclaimed from their 
 evil courses ; land might be purchased by different 
 
Xll 
 
 parishes lying together, so as to be superintended by 
 the same governor. Now that rail-roads are about 
 being made in various directions from the metropolis, 
 and canals already made, the greatest facilities will 
 be found to exist for removing paupers to the country. 
 Whenever einployment offered for any of the in- 
 mates, they could at once leave the farm, and proba- 
 bly vvith a good character, obtained whilst there. 
 
 The experiment at Hackney Wick, by the Chil- 
 drens Friend Society, is conclusive as to the advan- 
 tage of spade husbandry for boys. There every sort 
 of care is taken regarding their health and morals. 
 Whether these unfortunate children shall become 
 useful members of society, or shall be fitted for the 
 gallows or the hulks, depends mainly on, whether 
 they shall be nurtured in vices inherent to a great 
 city, or sent out to cultivate Wimbledon Common, or 
 Epping Forest.* It is necessary to visit this establish- 
 ment to be satisfied how much may he made of a 
 stubborn soil, by a stubborn spirit, with due care and 
 kindness. I have scarcely anywhere seen a finer set of 
 boys, nor anywhere more comfort or apparent happi- 
 ness. How is it that the example of Captain Brenton 
 (the father of the institution) and those other worthy 
 and exalted personages, who have joined in this ad- 
 mirable work, is not more followed ? I am happy to 
 
 * See the remarks in the Morning Chronicle, of the 30th of 
 January, on the produce from the cultivation of Bagshot 
 Heath. 
 
Xlll 
 
 say, that there are experiments making to test the be- 
 nefit of agricultural schools, one having commenced 
 at Ealing, in Middlesex, where boys are taught gar- 
 dening and other useful branches, and the elements 
 of the science of agriculture, &c. &c. &c. Mr. 
 Craig, the master, has long been engaged in training 
 persons to proper habits of industry, — youths as well 
 as adults. He has lately been to De Fellenbergs, at 
 Hofwyl, where he has gained much additional prac- 
 tical knowledge. Mr. Cropper, of Liverpool, has 
 formed a school on a similar plan at Warrington, 
 having also travelled to Switzerland, in pursuit of the 
 necessary information.* 
 
 I hope that these seminaries may be the means of 
 spreading the plan throughout England. Some boys 
 are day scholars, and some boarders ; the boarders are 
 intended to be brought up as teachers of the system, 
 and without exception, it seems to me the best mode 
 of giving instruction that I am acquainted with — 
 would that I could see a school of the kind attached 
 to each workhouse ; and that placed on a farm in 
 every parish in England. Youths well recommended, 
 intended as teachers hereafter, will be taken into 
 
 * Any person desirous of establishing schools of this kind 
 would do well to consult " On the Education of the Peasantry 
 of England/' by Baldwin F. Duppa, Barrister at Law^ to be 
 had at Knight's, and Mr. Cropper's pamphlet. The former as 
 well as the latter of these gentlemen can speak from personal 
 observation of the foreign institutions on these principles. 
 
XIV 
 
 Ealing seminary as boarders, and clothed for 15/. a 
 year. It is an admirable place for training an active 
 well-disposed lad to habils of usefulness, and to a 
 sense of his responsibilities as a member of society. 
 
 I have reason to know that the allotment system is 
 working well in filling up spare time of labourers in 
 the country parishes. I have hopes that land will be 
 allotted to the Irish who may not now have sufficient, 
 for in Ireland, the employment being almost entirely 
 agriculture, the poor require several acres to make 
 them independent. 
 
 The statement just now submitted by me at a 
 meeting at Exeter Hall, which I attach to this publi- 
 cation, will, I hope, be successful, as one certain mode 
 of improving the condition of a large number of poor 
 in Ireland, who are now without any resource ; and 
 I trust my appeal to the government will not be in 
 vain. 
 
 In the parish of Ruislip, in Middlesex, which I 
 visited with my worthy friend, John Hull, of Hil- 
 lingdon, two years ago, I find rates, as I have 
 stated, reduced from 1,900/. the amount in 1833, 
 to 1,100/. a year, the amount in 1834, principally 
 from the exertions of Mr. C. K. Fountain, who 
 has put the workhouse under the care of proper 
 persons ; the land attached to it being cultivated by 
 
XV 
 
 the inmates capable of working. Much good has been 
 effected there through the instrumentality of a loan 
 FUND, on the plan recommended by the Rev. Francis 
 Trench, in an able pamphlet, to be had at Ridgway's, 
 Piccadilly. Mr. Fountain says, that many able-bodied 
 labourers have been kept from the workhouse, and 
 that with a very small capital, not more than 30/. ; 
 some have been helped to a cart, an ass, or car wheels 
 when the old ones have been worn out. Mr. Fountain 
 says it is impossible to speak too highly of the loan 
 fund ; many are taken even out of the workhouse by 
 a small temporary loan. At first the poor would not 
 borrow, thinking to get as much from the overseer, 
 but finding that to be impossible, they cheerfully 
 come for the loan. Mr. F. discontinued all out 
 labour; he distributes bread to any able-bodied 
 labourer in search of work, perhaps once or twice ; 
 then, if he applies again, he is sent into the work- 
 house, and as he knows when he gets there that he 
 must labour for plain but wholesome diet, he seeks 
 employment out of it ; when once in employment he 
 tries to keep it by doing fair work : thus both parties 
 are benefited, employer and employed, and the parish 
 saved a great burthen. The practice of giving relief 
 on certain days, in money, being given up, the heer 
 shops are nearly deserted. The rector and his lady 
 assist in these plans, and in attending a school on the 
 British system, by and bye they hope to get funds for 
 a larger school room, and intend to get a piece of land 
 
XVI 
 
 near the school, to enable the master to teach the 
 practice as well as theory of gardening and agricul- 
 ture, pursuant to the plan recommended by Mr. John 
 Hull, of Hillingdon, which I have much pleasure in 
 attaching^ to these statements. 
 
 In short, Mr. Fountain expresses himself to me 
 thus : — " now without any help from the new poor 
 law commissioners, without recurring to the new 
 poor law bill, but simply by acting up to the spirit 
 of thd old, the parish is completely changed, the 
 really deserving poor are taken proper care of, the 
 able-bodied labourer is assisted to earn his livelihood 
 in an honest way, and the rates so much reduced, 
 that they are easily collected, and without the aid of 
 the constable. The poor are now thankful for what 
 they get, and polite to the overseer, which was far 
 from being the case before ; and all parties are so 
 much pleased that they have offered to subscribe for 
 the purchase of a piece of plate for me." I confess 
 however I should much prefer that a more substantial 
 token was offered, namely a reduction in the rent of 
 his farm ; for although he saves the sum of A61. a 
 year on his rates, yet the landlord is benefited by 
 about 140/. a year in the land in his own hands. As 
 the tenant's interest is evanescent, and the landlord's 
 permanent, surely it ought to be the interest of 
 landlords to abate rents to those holding under them, 
 when they assist in such reforms as these ? 
 
 The church has been whitewashed, scoured, and 
 
XVll 
 
 cleaned up by the paupers, wlien as frost was on the 
 ground they could not dig ; thus the church has been 
 improved in appearance, and the church rates also 
 reduced. 
 
 With John Hull, about the same time, I visited 
 Great Missenden, in Buckinghamshire, (and also 
 Choldsbury Farm,) and sent an account of the state of 
 that parish which appeared in the Bucks Gazette. I 
 am truly glad to find the Rev. D. Capper has taken 
 up the subject, and has brought out two valuable 
 pamphlets on the workhouse system, of which every 
 parish should have one copy at least. By following a 
 judicious course, the select vestry at Great Missenden 
 have reduced the rates, which in 1832 were 1,907/., 
 to 1,1 56Z. the amount under the improved system, 
 which was only six months in operation at the time 
 of Mr. Capper's first publication, and in his last he 
 says all goes on well. But it is needless to say 
 more on this head than to refer to the pamphlets, 
 to be had at Hatchard's, Piccadilly. By adopting 
 similar means, any parish can reduce its expenditure. 
 The mode in which the select vestry there effected so 
 great a reform was humane and highly praiseworthy, 
 and affords another testimony favourable to the loan 
 fundsyste7n. Also at Tunhridge Wells it has been tried 
 and found successful, and its success there is mainly 
 to be attributed to the spirited and indefatigable 
 exertions of one very benevolent and efficient friend 
 to the poor. I think the experiment there of so much 
 
 b 
 
XVlll 
 
 value, that I attach the last report from the committee 
 with the rules. As an aid to the loan fund, a plan 
 might be adopted, that of taking in sums on loan, at 
 4j per cent, interest (if left three months), to be lent 
 out on the plan recommended in the works alluded 
 to, at the rate of 5 per cent. It is thought that con- 
 siderable sums would thus circulate, and that after 
 confidence was established, the half per cent would 
 pay all the expenses of management ; to secure that 
 credit it seems only necessary that a few bene- 
 volent individuals should agree to pass their secu- 
 rity for certain amounts, to some persons in whom 
 the district has most confidence, and to that amount 
 alone should the borrowino: be extended : thus the 
 savings of one part of the community would be im- 
 mediately applied in assisting others in less favoured 
 circumstances ; and as good security is sure to be 
 required under the loan fund system, in lending it 
 out, no risk would be run by depositors. 
 
 A loan fund society is about being established in 
 London, Mr. Wm. Viall, Secretary, on application to 
 him, 6, Grange Court, Lincoln's Inn, a prospectus can 
 be had. Mr. Hawes, M. P. for Lambeth, advocates 
 the measure, and means to present a bill in the forth- 
 coming sessions on the subject. 
 
 It appears to me that a clause should be inserted 
 in that bill, stating that in every town, village, or 
 hamlet, where a certain number of benevolent indi- 
 viduals shall meet and agree to subscribe half the 
 expense for a room, a clerk, books, and papers, — 
 
XIX 
 
 the county or district should pay the other half, pro- 
 vided the entire amount for each society shall not 
 exceed ten or twenty pounds annually, the object 
 being to encourage the setting up of such admirable 
 institutions in every locality. When the transactions 
 became considerable, the half per cent will be amply 
 sufficient to defray this expense, and of course when 
 that is the case no further demand will be made on 
 the public. 
 
 Note — Mr. Fountain says, they make the vestry 
 room at Ruislip answer every purpose, and give the 
 clerk 3/. a year for keeping the books. 
 
 As a measure highly beneficial to the poor ^ I mention 
 self-supporting dispensaries, upon the plan recom- 
 mended by Dr. Smith, of Southam, (an individual 
 whose exertions for the good of the poor are beyond 
 my praise) ; an establishment of the kind ought to be 
 attached to each parish farm for the poor of it, and of 
 the surrounding neighbourhood. Dr. Smith has also 
 allotted land to boys in the village of Southam, which 
 they cultivate, pay him the rent of, and make sale of 
 the produce. I have visited his self-supporting 
 -dispensaries at Coventry, and can recommend them 
 highly. I attach one of the rules of the dispensary ; 
 but any person wishing to establish a small allotment 
 of land to a school or a self-supporting dispensary, 
 will find Dr. Smith ready, and in the most obliging 
 way, to give them every information on the subject. 
 
 John Hull, of Hillingdon, in a little work entitled 
 " Philanthropic Repertory, or Plans for bettering the 
 
XX 
 
 condition of the Poor,' to be had at Ridgway's, 
 points out many ways in which he has himself assisted 
 them, and urges others to do so also. To the exertions 
 of this worthy and benevolent individual, many and 
 many districts owe the only education now given, 
 with the assistance aftbrded by the British and Foreign 
 School Society. 
 
 These several plans may all be acted on in the 
 different localities, as found most wanted, and all 
 will I, trust, conspire to restore the working classes in 
 both countries to an independent situation. Plans 
 similar to, or such as I have endeavoured to describe, 
 are more than ever required at this moment, as that 
 great measure, the poor law amendment act, is coming 
 into operation, and will require, particularly at the 
 commencement, some assistance to bring its beneficial 
 and necessary reform, quietly, and if possible silently, 
 and without undue severity, into practical use. 
 
 If to prevent crime, to encourage honest industry, 
 to induce the bulk of the population to look to their 
 own exertions for a livelihood, whilst at the same 
 time care is taken of the lame, the blind, the lunatic, 
 the idiot, the poor groaning under sickness and 
 disease ; if to assist objects such as these, to restore 
 the sick man, or woman, the head of a large helpless 
 family to health and strength, be the true design of 
 the law of Elizabeth, sure I am, the framers of the 
 new poor-law bill, the collectors of that mass of 
 evidence, (the value of which, to the country, it is 
 impossible to estimate,) the compilers of that report, 
 
XXI 
 
 will be handed down to our latest posterity, as the 
 great benefactors of the English nation. 
 
 Far be it from me to say that all their work is com- 
 pleted ; on the contrary, I conceive this magnificent 
 work but begun, and the way made simple and easy 
 for others to follow with plans, which will daily 
 and hourly appear from the labours of these com- 
 missioners, necessary to be adopted, for the relief of 
 distress in whatever varied form it may be exhibited. 
 
 That the British empire is capable of supporting 
 all her sons, if they be but industrious; no person 
 having studied these reports, and the mass of evidence 
 attached, can now be bold enough to deny. 
 
 Remarks on the Rivers Shannon and Suck. 
 
 The elaborate reports and surveys on the subject 
 of the river Shannon, ordered by the House of Com- 
 mons to be printed in 1833 and 1834, sufficiently 
 prove the correctness of the views entertained by 
 myself, and by the other parties who at my urgent 
 entreaties met in July 1831, at the Thatched House. 
 
 1 have thought it therefore useful to republish 
 some of these reports, shewing the opinions enter- 
 tained by persons competent to form a judgment on 
 a subject of so much importance to Ireland. That 
 of Mr. Rhodes, employed by government in conse- 
 quence of our report speaks for itself — he estimates 
 the expense for the improvements on the river 
 Shannon, from Limerick to Lough Allan, at 153,163/., 
 
XXII 
 
 and to improve the drainage and navigation of the 
 river Suck (one of the rivers tributary to the Shannon), 
 as far as Ballyforan Bridge, a distance of 25 miles 
 85,485/., making the total estimated expenses of 
 both works 188,648/. ; several bridges are included 
 in the estimate, one across the river at Athlone, (the 
 only pass for several miles, and the principal one on 
 the great Western Road,) as the present bridge is 
 scarcely wide enough to admit one carriage to pass, 
 and on market days is so frightfully crowded as to 
 endanofer the lives of the inhabitants and strang-ers 
 passing to and fro.*, Shall it be said that to make 
 the noblest river in the British Empire, a river 
 which for 250 miles can be made navigable for a 
 large class of steam-vessels, the British government 
 hesitates to grant the paltry sum of 153,163/.? I 
 will not suppose it possible, and feel certain that 
 after this fact is brought fairly before the people of 
 England, they will not permit such a work to be 
 longer delayed. 
 
 River Suck. 
 
 The Honorable Gonville French has come forward 
 with a distinct proposition to raise by subscription 
 half the sum necessary for the improvements on this 
 river, if government will advance the other. But 
 
 * Frequent promises have been made by different governments 
 (as Counseller Boswell, to whom Athlone is much indebted, has 
 told me,) that this nuisance should be abated, and a new bridge 
 erected, but still nothing is done. 
 
XXUl 
 
 the parliamentary reports on the river Shannon navi- 
 gation (government ought to circulate them widely,) 
 shew the actual state of that river, and propose works 
 which should' be executed at once. I trust that 
 Mr. Rhodes' plan will be acted on to the full extent, 
 and that half measures and paltry outlays will be 
 given up, and that the comprehensive plan recom- 
 mended by that able engineer will be speedily 
 executed, — a work which shall entail permanent good 
 on the country, and do honour to the government that 
 has the spirit to undertake it. 
 
 I beg to return thanks to the Labourers Friend 
 Society (which has effected so much good for the 
 English labourer,) for having allowed me to deposit 
 my maps, plans, surveys, and reports on public 
 works in Ireland, with their secretary, at Exeter Hall, 
 as also for having permitted friends to Irish improve- 
 ment to meet one day (Tuesday,) in each week at 
 their rooms, where the same can be inspected, and 
 for having devoted a few pages of their invaluable 
 periodical to statements about Ireland ; I admire the 
 good sense, as well as liberality in thus acting : in 
 order to benefit the English labourer, the Irish 
 labourer must be found in employment at home ; 
 the importance of this suggestion will, I trust, become 
 daily more and more apparent to the gentlemen at 
 Exeter Hall. 
 
 I wish to mention the great Leinster railroad, a 
 prospectus of which I attach hereunto. Messrs. 
 
XXIV 
 
 Vigors, Gale and Hart, whom the committee have 
 selected to receive and forward communications on 
 this important work, are gentlemen possessed of 
 much practical knowledge and information. I am 
 however most anxious that this rail road should, as 
 far as is practicable, be made available to one drawn 
 across Ireland on the annexed map ; considering the 
 wealth of the part of Ireland which this line proposes 
 to pass through, the mines of coal and iron-stone, 
 the slate and lime quarries, the tracts of mountain 
 land, which it will open out to cultivation, and ap- 
 proaching as it does the commercial cities of the 
 south and west ; all these, combined to the great 
 advantage of communicating with the western har- 
 bours, and so making the passage to the New World 
 at once safer and more certain, I may fearlessly 
 state that there is no work more important, nor that 
 ought to have more entirely the support of govern- 
 ment and the country at large.* 
 
 1 have extracted largely from the Western Harbour 
 papers, in order that some idea may be formed of 
 their importance, and of a direct communication with 
 them by a rail road across the island. 
 
 * A survey of the line to Kilkenny is now being made by 
 Mr. Ahar, of Castlecomer, who has heretofore been employed by 
 government in various public works, and on the survey of the 
 bogs of Ireland, and was examined on the same by a committee 
 of the House of Commons : should his report be made in time for 
 this publication, I shall have great pleasure in giving it. 
 
XXV 
 
 I shall now conclude these remarks, hoping that 
 government and the landed and commercial interests 
 will aid me in the furtherance of these plans of im- 
 provement ; and above all, I appeal to the landlords 
 of both countries to look in time to the depressed 
 state of their tenants ; that by coming forward and 
 making proper and judicious abatements in their rents, 
 they may encourage tenants to assist in lessening the 
 charges for the poor on their estates, which, if not 
 checked by finding useful employment for them on 
 the land, threatens to involve all classes in one com- 
 mon ruin. 
 
REPORT 
 
 ON THE 
 
 STATE OF IRELAND. 
 
 Appendix (XL) to the Report on the State of Ireland, 
 ordered hy the House of Commons , August 1832. 
 
 PAPER AND MAP, 
 
 Delivered in bvT. Bermingham, Esq., on the Resources 
 and Capabilities of Improvement of Ireland. 
 
 THE present moment seems to call upon every 
 person who has any knowledge of Ireland to give the 
 public information as to the resources of that hitherto 
 much neglected country. 
 
 The Map given in is one of the three Kingdoms, 
 with a view of showing the advantage of more closely 
 connecting certain portions of each for the advantage 
 of the whole. 
 
 On the River Shannon. 
 
 1. The dark green lines and spots on the Map of 
 Ireland show the course of the noble River Shannon, 
 from its source at Lough Allen, to the north-west, 
 
until it empties its waters into the Atlantic to the 
 soutli-west. With regard to this river and its capa- 
 bilities, a full report has, in the course of last year, 
 been submitted to the public. I was the person who 
 got up the meeting at the Thatched House, from 
 whence that Report emanated. 
 
 The Government, in pursuance of that recommen- 
 dation, have sent experienced engineers to report 
 thereon. Colonel Burgoyne, Chairman of the Board 
 of Works, and I, have since traversed the line, and 
 I do hope some steps will forthwith be taken to im- 
 prove the navigation of that river, and, as far as is 
 practicable, drain the lands in the vicinity. I refer to 
 that pamphlet, also to a map of the River Shannon 
 made in 1796, and to Mr. Williams' pamphlet on 
 Ireland. 
 
 On the River Bresna. 
 
 2. The River Bresna can easily be opened up to 
 the thriving and populous town of Birr, in the King's 
 County, thus giving that town the advantage of the 
 Shannon communication, upon which are steam-boats. 
 The Board of Works have got a survey and estimate 
 made of the proposed improvement. 
 
 The dark green line shows pretty nearly the course 
 of that river, about 10 English miles in length. 
 
 With great ease also could a cut be made opposite 
 that river, through the low country, draining a great 
 extent of country, and opening with the town of 
 
3 
 
 Loughrea, in the county of Galway ; this proposed 
 cut to communicate with the River Shannon is marked 
 with a black line, about 18 English miles in length. 
 I also refer to the large Map, showing the country 
 through which this passes. 
 
 On the Railroad in connexion with the Town of 
 Galway and Loughrea, and the River Shannon. 
 
 A proposed line for a railway communication across 
 the rocky country is marked in pink colour from 
 Loughrea to Galway Port, a distance of about 20 
 English miles, thus connecting the Port of Galway 
 with the River Shannon, by means of a railroad and 
 canal. 
 
 A prospectus of this work has also been submitted 
 to the public, by Mr. Dunne (of Newcastle-on-Tyne) 
 and myself, which sets forth fully the expense of 
 executing this, with the proposed advantages to be 
 derived from the undertaking. That prospectus I 
 refer to, as also a map on a large scale, which I had 
 copied from the county maps and bog reports, show- 
 ing the country through which this communication is 
 intended to pass. 
 
 Railway from Lough Derg, 07i the River Shannon, 
 to Carrick'On-Suir. 
 
 5. The proposed line of railway from Lough Derg, 
 on the Shannon, to Carrick, to meet the river Suir, is 
 marked in pink. 
 
 b2 
 
A prospectus of this line, with the communications 
 respecting this work, can be had of Mr. Dixon Hohiies 
 (the Secretary to the Railway Company), who has 
 evinced much anxiety on this subject, and to whose 
 exertions mainly may be attributed the present forward 
 state in which that Railway Company now appears 
 to be. 
 
 Proposed Junction of the Western Lakes. 
 
 6. The proposed junction of the Western Lakes 
 and the River Moy, with the sea at Killalla and at 
 Galway, thus giving a complete water communication 
 for steam-vessels through nearly the centre of the 
 province of Connaught, nearing almost all the Western 
 harbours. 
 
 The existing lakes and harbours are marked in 
 deep green. 
 
 The proposed canal-cuts in black line. 
 
 I also refer to' a report from a Committee on this 
 project, as also to a map taken of the country through 
 which this would pass. 
 
 A map of the intended canal-cuts, showing the 
 lakes and rivers, as taken from the maps of Mayo 
 and Galway, and the bog reports, together with the 
 resolutions of the grand juries of Galway and Mayo 
 in favour of the work. 
 
 Upon examining the large map to which I refer, 
 the eye will at once see what tracts of land will be 
 gained by the work. 
 
On the River Suck. 
 
 The River Suck is a splendid river, joining the 
 Shannon near Shannon Bridge ; this might be easily 
 made navigable, and a vast improvement in the lands 
 on its borders, by taking away some sharps and 
 weirs, as far as Baliforan Bridge, till it meets the 
 Shriven, which could easily be made navigable to 
 Mount Bellew, in the county of Galway, a very 
 important town carrying on a great trade in corn. 
 
 The river Suck continues very capable of improve- 
 ment to near Castle Reagh, in the county of Roscom- 
 mon. The course of the Suck is marked in deep green. 
 
 The Shriven being a small river requiring widen- 
 ing, is marked in black : as to its capabilities, I refer 
 to Mr. Grantham's Survey and Report, made under 
 the orders of Government, and likewise a Memorial 
 to the Lords of the Treasury, from Lords Clanricarde 
 and Clancarty, on the subject of Improvements on 
 the Rivers Shannon and Suck, with the Reports of 
 Mr. Grantham on the subject ; also to the resolutions 
 of the grand juries of Galway in favour thereof. 
 
 On the connexion of the Shannon with the Northerm 
 
 Lakes. 
 
 Near the town of Leitrim a small stream is said to 
 communicate with Lough Erne, in the county of 
 Fermanagh : it would then appear to be not very 
 difficult to communicate, by a canal-cut, the upper 
 
6 
 
 Shannon with the great Northern Lakes and Canals. 
 That small river appears on the map. 
 
 On the Grand Canal. 
 
 The Grand Canal from Dublin to Ballinasloe, in 
 the county of Gal way, crossing the River Shannon 
 near Bannager, in the King's County, is marked in 
 yellow colour; it traverses about 100 English miles, 
 through the great Bog of Allen. The branch of it 
 to Athy, in the county of Kildare, communicating 
 with the Barrow navigation, is marked to Athy in 
 yellow ink. The Barrow navigation is marked in 
 deep green. 
 
 The charges of the Grand Canal Company are 
 supposed to be excessive. The Barrow navigation 
 requires much improvement. 
 
 On the Rwe7' Barrow. 
 
 The River Barrow could also be improved from 
 Athy to Monastereven, towards the source, by taking 
 away many obstructions in its course, which would 
 be the means of reclaiming much land now injured 
 by too much flooding. 
 
 On the Royal Canal. 
 
 The Royal Canal stretches from Dublin (by Mul- 
 lingar) to Longford and Tarmonbarry, where it meets 
 the Shannon. 
 
 This line is also marked in yellow. 
 
0)1 a Cut to the Town of Roscommon. 
 
 From Lanesboro' (on the River Shannon) a cut 
 could easily be made to the town of Roscommon, 
 into a very considerable commercial country. 
 
 This proposed line is marked in black. 
 
 On a Railway from the Port of Galway to Dublin. 
 
 From the port of Galway across the river Shannon, 
 at or near the town of Bannager, a line is marked in 
 red, showing a most eligible line for a complete 
 railway communication across the island, a distance 
 of about 150 English miles. I refer to a prospectus 
 of the railway and a map of the country which it is 
 proposed to traverse. The map shows the quantity 
 of waste lands in its course, and other information 
 respecting it. 
 
 Supposing such a communication made to meet the 
 Liverpool and Manchester railway when the Channel 
 is crossed ; and it is obvious that a bond of union 
 will then be formed between the two countries, and it 
 will facilitate the communication between the old and 
 new world in an extraordinary degree. 
 
 On the Southern Railway to Carrlch-on-Sidr. 
 
 In like manner consider how much the west and 
 south of Ireland must be benefited by the proposed 
 railways to Water ford with the steam-boats to Bristol, 
 to communicate with the proposed Bristol and South- 
 
8 
 
 ampton railway to London, which is traced on the 
 map, and a sketch of the proposed railway from 
 Bristol and Southampton to London, I refer to. 
 
 On the Northern Lakes and proposed and existing 
 
 Canals, 
 
 A yellow line shows a canal from Newry to Lough 
 Neagh (in existence). 
 
 A b'ack line shows the proposed canal from Lough 
 Neaffh to Loup:h Erne. An Act of Parliament has 
 passed for making this cut. 
 
 A red line shows a proposed railway from Lough 
 Erne to Bally shannon. 
 
 The Foyle and Mourne are marked in green, being 
 navigable from Londonderry to Strabane. 
 
 From Strabane (by Armagh) to Lough Erne is 
 marked in black lines, where a canal cut should be 
 made. 
 
 A yellow line shows the existing communication 
 from Drogheda to Navan, the river Boyne being 
 navigable in that part. 
 
 The proposed Works in the North. 
 
 The black is a proposed line of canal (by way of 
 Kells and Belturbet) to Lough Erne. 
 
 Another black line shows the proposed canal from 
 the Royal Canal at Clonard Bridge (by Athboy) to 
 Kells. 
 
 The proposed communication from Colraine to the 
 sea is marked with a bkick line. 
 
9 
 
 Suppose these works, or even a part of them, to be 
 taken up by Government; the Board of Works to 
 execute them, trusting for repayment of any money 
 advanced, to moderate tolls, and the general improve- 
 ment of the country. 
 
 Suppose an outlay of 1,000,000/. per annum so 
 spent, and in the course of 10 years all such works 
 might be completed. 
 
 These public communications would tend manifestly 
 to induce individuals to undertake further improve- 
 ments. 
 
 Suppose then, facilities be given to proprietors to 
 make lengthened leases of waste or comparatively 
 waste lands ; this very expenditure of 1,000,000/. per 
 annum would enable the poor to take spots and 
 become useful occupiers of such lands, as is given in 
 evidence by all public engineers who have had to lay 
 out money on the waste lands. 
 
 Home Colonies after Lord Clonhrock's Plan, executed 
 by Mr. Bermingham. 
 
 As to home colonies for cultivating the waste or 
 inferior lands of Ireland, I beg to refer to a statement 
 printed by me a year ago, called " Sketch of a plan 
 for colonizing the Poor," as practised by me for Lord 
 Clonbrock (in the county of Roscommon) : I hand in 
 now, beside that printed sketch, a plan of the estates, 
 showing where these people came from, and how they 
 now are. 
 
10 
 
 Tlic buildings and improvements went on, on this 
 estate, whilst the county was disturbed ; and now the 
 people are thriving and the estate improving. The 
 small occupiers hold now directly under his Lordship, 
 formerly they did not. The middle-man, though 
 receiving 200/. a year abatement out of 700/., did not 
 allow Is. abatement in his charge to those under him. 
 This occasioned much of the disturbances that dis- 
 graced that county last year. But by taking up the 
 middle-man's lease, and re-leasing to him only such 
 part as was actually in his possession ; letting the rest 
 of the land to his cottier tenants at the same rent the 
 middle-man paid ; giving the small occupiers encou- 
 ragement, by showing that as they improve the land 
 more land will be gained, and consequently their 
 holdings enlarged ; these measures, with the aid of 
 the special commission, have completely restored peace 
 to a most dreadfully disturbed district. 
 
 The sum spent on these improvements is repaying 
 an interest at present in the more punctual payment 
 of the other rents, and will ultimately repay much 
 more than the cost to the proprietor. 
 
 The map referred to will show what great exertions 
 the tenants are making to improve the most unpro- 
 ductive part of the property, the bog in its present 
 state. 
 
 To sum up, let this plan be acted on : Let the 
 outlay on roads and public works be done by officers 
 under the control of Government, who should peri- 
 
11 
 
 odically account to Parliament; let 1,000,000/. per 
 annum be so expended. This will be cheaper to the 
 nation than keeping up an immense force to keep 
 Ireland ! starving Ireland ! quiet ! 
 
 The mere saving in tolls on turnpike-roads and 
 county charges would be great ; and I contend for it, 
 that a moderate toll on such lines of communication 
 would repay every shilling of the outlay, with a 
 moderate rate of interest, if spread over a period of 
 40 years. 
 
 The outlay of 1,000,000Z. annually would employ 
 50,000 heads of families (allowing each head of a 
 family 20/. a year). Thus 50,000 families of the 
 poorest would be kept in employment and watched, 
 as they, being the poorest, are no doubt the worst 
 characters. It may fairly be concluded, that after 
 the first and second year, each of these families 
 would have saved enough to enable them to take a 
 portion of land and stock it, which had been com- 
 paratively waste until these improvements. Thus, 
 in fact, 50,000 families will become located annually. 
 Individuals or companies might do this, or a Home 
 Colony Board, to be formed under the direction of 
 Government. 
 
 On the Castle Comer Colliery Coal District. 
 
 From the colliery district of Kilkenny and Queen's 
 County, were a short railroad constructed, as is laid 
 down in the map in red, from Castle Comer to Carlow, 
 
12 
 
 a distance of about 15 statute miles. The employ- 
 ment that would flow by the working of the vast 
 field of coal now imperfectly worked, communicating 
 in a cheap way with the navigation of the Barrow 
 and the Grand Canal, would be great indeed. It 
 is generally considered that 100,000 ton of coal and 
 culm is now raised in that coal district, were facilities 
 afforded, the quantity might be doubled. 
 
 The lime-stone district is within five or six miles 
 of the colliery, and thus culm and coal would go 
 down and lime come back in great quantities. The 
 fire-brick trade would also be very considerable. 
 
 The colliery district is also marked in black 
 colour. 
 
 I think I may say that one-half of Cork and Kerry, 
 one-third of Clare and Limerick, half of Gal way, 
 Mayo and Sligo, and one-third of Roscommon, con- 
 sists of mountain reclaimable with profit, and some 
 tracts of bog that may be also reclaimed with profit. 
 This, as will be perceived, only takes notice of the 
 countries to the south and west of the river Shannon. 
 There exists much reclaimable land in the other 
 counties. 
 
 On the Roscommon and Ldtrhn Coal District. 
 
 In the district of Roscommon and Leitrim there is 
 a considerable coal district, about Lough Arrow and 
 Arrigna, near Boyle, with excellent iron-stone. 
 When the navigation of the Shannon is improved. 
 
13 
 
 and a short railway from or near Lough Arrow by 
 Arrigna to Lough Allen, an immense source of em- 
 ployment in raising coal and culm would accrue, and 
 this in a very wild, uncultivated country. The line 
 of railway as proposed is marked in red. 
 
 The employment of 50,000 families (as proposed) 
 on these works would provide for 300,000 souls 
 annually ; and if, as I before supposed, after the first 
 year, these numbers became located on the lands 
 improved by these works, in ten years three millions 
 of souls would be provided for, which is more than 
 the present surplus (as it is fashionably called) or any 
 ordinary increase of population can be expected to 
 amount to. 
 
 To repay the Government advance of ten millions, 
 which in ten years this outlay may come to at four 
 per cent., would be 400,000/. a year. It appears in 
 all the Reports on Public Works in the west of 
 Ireland, that the indirect return of increase in revenue 
 was more than sufficient to reimburse the Govern- 
 ment. But I contend that a low toll on the navigation 
 and railways of above 1,200 statute miles (which it is 
 contemplated will be made) would repay in that way. 
 
 The tolls on the Grand Canal alone are above 
 40,000/. a year, (say about 150 statute miles in length) 
 charging a high rate and with a slow motion ; may 
 we not calculate that on 1,200 statute miles of steam 
 conveyance the toll itself will amply repay the ad- 
 vance ? 
 
14 
 
 I shall briefly recapitulate the documents I have 
 referred to in illustration of these statements. 
 
 The map of the United Kingdom, and maps of 
 Ireland and England, separately marked with the 
 different coloured lines, sold by James Wyld, 5, Cha- 
 ring Cross. 
 
 A map of the counties of Galway and Mayo, show- 
 ing the line of lakes and the tracts of waste land, 
 done under my direction from the county map and 
 bog surveys. 
 
 '*' A map of the county of Galway, showing the rail- 
 way and canal communication. 
 
 A map showing the line of country from the river 
 Shannon to Dublin (through which is to be con- 
 structed a railway with the waste land through which 
 much of it would pass). 
 
 The canal communication laid down through the 
 Western lakes. 
 
 The map of Lord Clonbrock's Home Colony in the 
 county of Roscommon. 
 ^ The map of the river Shannon, made in 1796. 
 
 Bryam's Practical View of Ireland. 
 
 Pamphlets, as follows : 
 
 ; Mr. Williams, on the State of Ireland. 
 
 Report from myself and others on the river Shan- 
 non and the Western lakes, and railroad. 
 
 Plan to colonize Cunnemara, as proposed by Mr. 
 Bellew, of Mount Bellew, and myself. 
 
15 
 
 Lord Clonbrock's Colony in Roscommon. By me. 
 
 Plan for Joint Stock Companies to cultivate waste 
 lands. 
 
 Report on the State of the Poor in the Boroughs 
 By Mr. Francis Trench. 
 
 Agricultural Employment Association. 
 
 The Dutch Colonies. 
 
 The Irish Protestant Colonies. 
 
 Mr. Vandeleur's Plan in the county of Kerry. 
 
 Mr. Sadler's Work on Ireland. 
 
 The Strad bally and other Loan Funds. 
 
 The various Bog Reports. 
 
 The Outlay of Public Money on Roads. 
 
 The Memorial of Lords Clanricarde and Clancarty 
 on the Shannon. ,-■ 
 
 The Maryborough Plan for Agricultural Employ- 
 ment. 
 
 From all of these it w^ill appear that there is plenty 
 of work for our people, if the means of setting 
 them at work is advanced by Government. That a 
 fair return of interest of money may be calculated 
 on, and thus will the people be employed at home, 
 and not press on the market for labour in England. 
 And thus may the Union be preserved and consoli- 
 dated, agitation checked by full employment, and 
 Ireland become one garden. 
 
 I do hope some such plan may be speedily acted 
 on- Landlords in Ireland must look to making the 
 present occupiers on the land men of capital, by 
 
leaving more of the produce of the land with them 
 until they can create some ; the Government, on the 
 other hand, must help the landlords by making these 
 public improvements. 
 
 Mr. Stephenson, of the Liverpool and Manchester 
 railway, should be consulted on the capabilities of 
 Ireland, which he has visited, as also Mr. Dixon 
 Holmes. Both these gentlemen can give important 
 information on that subject. 
 
 The documents here referred to will be shown to 
 any person anxious for further information, by apply- 
 ing to Mr. Wood, the Secretary to the " Labourer's 
 Friend Society," Exeter Hall, who has kindly under- 
 taken to take charge of them. 
 
 22 June, 1832. 
 
REPORT 
 
 ON THE 
 
 STATE OF THE RIVER SHANNON, 
 
 BOTH AS TO THE 
 
 NAVIGATION AND THE DRAINAGE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ADJOINING LANDS. 
 
 REPORT, No. 1, 
 
 To the Most Noble the 
 
 Marquis of DoWNSHiRE, ^c. 3fc. 3fc. 
 
 1, Sackville Street, Piccadilly, 
 29^/« /«(«/, 1831. 
 My Lord, 
 
 At the request of the Committee, who 
 have for some time past been sitting at the Thatched 
 House, on the subject of the River Shannon, and of 
 which your Lordship has been chairman, I publish 
 the various reports and documents submitted to them. 
 It may be interesting to give some account of these 
 meetings and their origin. I think this the more 
 important as various statements have been sent forth, 
 some quite at variance with the object of those who 
 took a part in these meetings. 
 
 c 
 
18 
 
 Since the month of February last, my avocation, as 
 agent to properties in the counties of Gal way and 
 Roscommon, and as Magistrate during a period of 
 great excitement, made me feel the necessity of re- 
 commending extensive works, by which employment 
 might be found for the idle portion of the community 
 of the west. I advocated and assisted in measures 
 that were strong and effectual to restore tranquillity to 
 portions of those counties ; but I always looked to 
 employment for the people as a more certain means 
 of restoring peace. 
 
 I did think that some measure should be tried to in- 
 crease, by fair means, the price of labour ; and finding 
 new sources of employment for the idle appeared to me 
 to be the most effectual means of raising that price. 
 
 I did think that 5o?. a day was too low wages for an 
 able-bodied labourer — the price of labour generally 
 in the west of Ireland. 
 
 I turned my mind to various ways of finding em- 
 ployment. 
 
 First, by locating the poor ; that is, by taking from 
 the populous districts, and placing what are called 
 " tUe surplus " upon other and wilder districts. Vide 
 Statement as to the Home Colonies of Castle Sampson 
 and Isherbane. 
 
 I tried this with effect, and can pronounce it to be 
 a wholesome process, capable of considerable and 
 almost unlimited extension. 
 
 No man can be called a pauper who holds five 
 acres of land, and digging any land will improve it. 
 
19 
 
 Wherever the small occupier has been, the land, 
 when laid down to pasture, is sure for many a long 
 day to mark, by its fertility, the former residence of 
 the cabin holder. 
 
 As to di-ainage, I have laid out, at various times, 
 and on various properties in various counties, large 
 sums on such improvement, and I can fearlessly assert 
 I never laid out one shilling on any drain that has 
 not been amply repaid ; therefore I advocate drainage. 
 
 Again, as to roads, if it be found useful to make a 
 good turnpike road, on which a Scotch cart and a 
 tight Irish horse can draw about three times as much 
 as was formerly done on the old-fashioned roads, and 
 with the little "low-backed car," I consider a railroad, 
 whereon one horse can draw about five times what 
 the improved Scotch cart will allow of, or a steam 
 carriage two hundred fold, is a still greater improve- 
 ment, and should be encouraged. 
 
 Again, as to canals, if it be found important to 
 make these, considering their slow motion, how much 
 more important must it be to make our great rivers 
 and lakes navigable for steam-boats, where so much 
 is made to the hand. 
 
 Again, if it has been considered important to spend 
 such vast sums as have been spent in making surveys 
 of bogs, with a view to their reclaimation, and if these 
 surveys show how drainage can be effected at large 
 expense, how very important it must be to ascertain 
 whether the obstructions, natural and artificial, in the 
 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 great rivers, do not keep up the water in these bogs ; 
 and that if such were effectually removed, wViether 
 these bogs would not, as a matter of course, in due 
 time consolidate and settle down, and become ca- 
 pable of vegetation ; thus giving a fund of useful 
 employment for our poor for the present and future 
 ages. Vide Statement as to recent Bog Improvements 
 both in England and Ireland, by Mr. Reid. 
 
 The foregoing considerations induced me to call 
 some meetings in Dublin, and also to have similar 
 meetings in London. The result of which is annexed 
 hereto ; and though remotely interested, your Lord- 
 ship did not shrink, on that account, but attended 
 eight different meetings, which we have had in the 
 last three weeks, lasting several hours each time. 
 
 I am happy to say many of our nobility and gentry 
 also attended, more than I ever remember to have 
 seen on any similar occasion. The interest that these 
 discussions have excited — the fact that men of all 
 parties may meet and discuss measures calculated to 
 serve the interest of their common country (Ireland), 
 without politics being introduced, and be unanimous; 
 these are facts which I trust must make these meet- 
 ings important in the public eye. That good results 
 may flow from these meetings — -that measures may 
 be quickly adopted by the nobility and gentry of the 
 west of Ireland, where so much want and destitution 
 prevail — and in some parts so much of turbulence 
 and disorder — that all ranks may unite with the 
 
21 
 
 Government in an endeavour to restore peace and 
 comfort to those distant parts, and that your Lord- 
 ship's example, and other distinguished individuals, 
 may be closely followed ; that we may live to see 
 Ireland rival England and Scotland in the manage- 
 ment and cultivation of her soil, and its peasantry, 
 by being usefulhj employed, may become also tranquil 
 and orderly, is my earnest desire. The soil of Ire- 
 land is good, her resources great, she only wants the 
 close attention, the exertion, and the means possessed 
 by the wealthier classes, to call into action those re- 
 sources for the benefit of themselves and the empire 
 at large. Whenever the spirit of improvement shall 
 take hold of the minds of our gentry, then, and not 
 till then, will the energies of Ireland be put forth ; 
 and the result must be what your Lordship has so 
 much at heart — the improvement of your native land. 
 I think it right to state that we owe much to the 
 kindness of Mr. Wyse and Counsellor Lynch, who 
 devoted so much of their valuable time to the business 
 of the Committee ; and also the county of Galway 
 Members, who were as attentive as possible ; as also 
 to Mr. Holmes, for the active part he took as honorary 
 Secretary. I hope Mr. Stephenson's Report will be 
 read with attention. 1 think his suggestions are very, 
 valuable; and, given as they were when his time was 
 so much occupied, the compliment was the greater. 
 I have the honour to be, your Lordship's 
 faithful and obliged servant, 
 
 Thomas Bekmingham, 
 
22 
 
 REPORT, No. 2. 
 
 YouK Committee, in compliance with the in- 
 structions they have received, have examined the 
 documents laid before them, and submit to your 
 consideration the following Report : — 
 
 These documents, acts of parliament so far back as 
 the reigns of George I. and George II., during the 
 existence of the Irish parliament, and a variety of 
 communications from experienced engineers and other 
 gentlemen, place beyond doubt, in the apprehension 
 of your Committee, the great importance of impro- 
 ving the navigation of the Shannon, and of draining, 
 if practicable, the lands upon its shores. 
 
 This great river, rising as it does from Lough 
 Allen, in the county of Leitrim, continues its course 
 through nine counties to the Atlantic — a distance of 
 nearly 230 miles. In its course two millions of acres 
 are more or less benefited or improved by its stream 
 — benefited by the fertile alluvial deposit of its winter 
 floods, and the facility afforded to the inland trade by 
 its waters, for the export of minerals and of agricul- 
 tural produce ; injured by the periodical overflowings 
 of its banks, affecting a great extent of land, which, 
 under circumstances of better regulation, might be 
 brought into cultivation with great advantage to the 
 proprietors, and to the country at large, on either 
 side. 
 
 Your Committee feel deeply impressed with the 
 manifold advantages which would arise from its im- 
 
23 
 
 provement; among which the increased commerce 
 on the river itself, the drainage and consequent 
 cultivation of the adjacent bog lands, the employment 
 of the peasantry inhabiting the district, and the con- 
 sequent melioration of their condition, obviously 
 present themselves as the most important. 
 
 In proof of the capability of this great river for 
 commerce to an almost unlimited extent, it need only 
 be stated, that, since the introduction of steam on the 
 Shannon, the tonnage employed in the navigation has 
 augmented from 500 tons to between 1 6 and 20,000, 
 notwithstandino; the various existino; obstructions 
 and disadvantages. A great and admirably situated 
 water communication, so highly susceptible of im- 
 provement — a mild climate, excellent land, and a 
 peasantry remarkable for their anxiety for employ- 
 ment, are the best guarantees that government or 
 individuals can desire for a large return to every 
 outlay of capital made with a view of furthering this 
 improvement. 
 
 It appears to your Committee, that the navigation 
 of the river is impeded both by artificial and natural 
 obstacles. 
 
 The artificial obstacles they trace chiefly to — First, 
 the apathy of Government, or the neglect of its ser- 
 vants in suffering works necessary for the navigation, 
 and for the execution and maintenance of which 
 large sums of public money have, from time to time, 
 been granted, to fall into decay. — Second^ the omis- 
 
24 
 
 sion of the Grand Canal Compan// to fulfil their 
 special agreement entered into with the Director's of 
 Inland Navigation, for the completion and support 
 of works on that portion of the river (40 miles between 
 Lough Rea and Lough Derg), conveyed to them 
 in 1806. — TJiird, the numerous stone weirs and other 
 obstructions, erected in various parts of the river by 
 individuals. — Fourth, to the want of good and con- 
 venient roads and canals to the river from the towns 
 near. 
 
 Your Committee forbear to enter here into the 
 details and facts on which their conclusions are 
 founded, but refer to the various documents annexed. 
 Your Committee, however, cannot but request your 
 particular attention to the Statute of 40 Geo. IIL 
 chap. 51, whereby a sum of 500,000/. was granted 
 by Government towards improving the inland navi- 
 gation of Ireland, and "more especially the Shannon.'' 
 Such, however, has been the remissness and neglect 
 of those to whom the appropriation of this sum was 
 entrusted, that your Committee have not been able to 
 discover that any portion of it was ever applied to 
 the objects for which it was intended, at least so far 
 as the improvement of the Shannon was concerned. 
 
 These artificial obstacles, however, it appears to 
 your Committee, might, with very little exertion and 
 expense, be removed. Your Committee recommend 
 for that purpose an immediate application to Govern- 
 ment, in the first place, respectfully soliciting them to 
 
25 
 
 institute inquiries into, and to apply remedies for, the 
 various dilapidations; and next, to see that the Grand 
 Canal Company, in accordance with their contract 
 with government, do, without delay, perform such 
 contract — The removal of the weirs and other ob- 
 structions. — Government should be solicited forthwith 
 to undertake, with a view of doing away with such 
 abuses, and to cause the present laws to be enforced. 
 New roads, canals, rail roads, and landing places, 
 they are of opinion, might he undertaken ivith great 
 advantage hy government, the outlay for which would 
 he repaid, in the same manner as for works on the 
 river, hy moderate hut adequate tolls. The connexion 
 which would instantly be established between parts 
 of the country now " altogether separated," though 
 not remote, and the consequent impulse which would 
 thus be given to commerce, would ensure, there is 
 little doubt, not only the repayment of the original 
 advance, but create a fund, if properly husbanded, 
 for the maintenance of such works, and their ex- 
 tension, if requisite, to other portions of the country 
 in future. 
 
 With regard to the natural obstacles which still 
 obstruct the navigation of the river, your Committee 
 beg to state that they met with considerable diversity 
 of opinion, both on their producing causes, nature, 
 and means of removal, in the several Reports sub- 
 mitted to their examination. The time allowed for 
 obtaining adequate information on so extensive a 
 
subject has been too short to enable your Committee 
 to deduce from it any other result than a deep con- 
 viction of the necessity and importance, and, at the 
 same time, of the practicability of immediate im- 
 provement. — They recommend, therefore, that before 
 any decisive steps be taken, as to the nature and 
 extent of improvement, such information should be 
 sought for, and, if possible, obtained ; and, for that 
 purpose, would suggest that Government should be 
 requested to direct a further Survey to be made, in 
 continuation and conclusion, of Mr. Grantham's able 
 Survey in 1822. 
 
 With regard to the advantages and practicability 
 of draining the adjacent lands — the second object of 
 their inquiry — your Committee have had to notice 
 the same variance of opinion as that which exists on 
 the preceding question. Your Committee, therefore, 
 forbear going further into its several bearings at 
 present, but beg leave to observe, that there is now 
 in progress through the House of Commons a bill for 
 the promotion of such objects, which, if passed into 
 a law, may be applied, they conceive, with ease and 
 advantage, to this precise purpose. In the interval, 
 they would recommend, that should the above sugges- 
 tion of an additional Survey be adopted, such Survey 
 should not be confined to the improvement of the 
 navio-ation of the Shannon alone, but should be ex- 
 tended to the question of draining the lands, at 
 present subject to inundation on either shore. 
 
BOSTON COLLEGE LlBRAt^^ 
 
 27 
 
 Your Committee beg leave to annex, for the more 
 ample illustration of these suggestions, the following 
 documents to their Report. 
 
 (Signed) Downshire, 
 
 ChaiJinan. 
 
 REPORT, No. 3. 
 
 Mr. T. Beriningham^ on the Survey of the Shannon. 
 
 1, Sackville Street, Lo?idon. 
 
 My Loud Marquis, 
 
 Having been called on by your Committee 
 for my opinion in the shape of a Report, I will en- 
 deavour to explain, as far as I can, from the only 
 information within my reach (namely, Mr. Grantham's 
 Survey of the Shannon, and the Report of the Com- 
 missioners of Bogs), why I contend for regulating the 
 Falls of the Shannon. 
 
 The main object appears to me to be, the power of 
 getting under the bottom-water of the bogs and low 
 grounds ; and, at the same time, preserving, and as 
 much as possible improving, the navigation of that 
 great river. 
 
 With reference to the deep drainage of the bogs, 
 with a view to their reclaimation, it is only neces- 
 sary for me to refer to the Reports of the Commis- 
 sionei*s of Bogs on that head. 
 
28 
 
 The first page of that Report speaks highly in 
 praise of Mr. Rennie, and shows that the Commissi- 
 oners consulted him on all their movements, from which 
 they seemed to have derived the greatest advantage; 
 in fact, they seemed to have acted under his guidance 
 and direction. The references which I attach to 
 this Report from the bog surveys, and the Report 
 of Mr. Grantham, I trust your Committee will find 
 useful. 
 
 It appears that Government, in the year 1820, 
 thought it advisable to have a survey of the river 
 Shannon, with a view to reclaiming the waste lands, 
 and directed Mr. Rennie to cause that survey to be 
 made ; in consequence, Mr. Rennie directed Mr. 
 Grantham to take the levels, but unfortunately for 
 Ireland, the death of that distinguished engineer pre- 
 vented that Report being concluded. 
 
 I feel satisfied that that Report shows that the 
 objects of maintaining and improving the navigation, 
 can be coupled with an extensive drainage, so very 
 necessary in the west of Ireland. 
 
 The course, therefore, which I take the liberty to 
 recommend to your Committee, as the most natural 
 and the most obvious to pursue (seeing that former 
 Governments have thought the subject to be of deep 
 importance — that vast sums have been spent in several 
 years, since 1809, in Reports and Surveys — that the 
 death of Mr. Rennie left the point unsettled) — will 
 be to recommend to the present Government to take 
 
29 
 
 up the matter — to employ Mr. Telford, the highest 
 authority now in England, and a perfectly impartial 
 and disinterested individual, to collect all information 
 on the subject now available, and to make further 
 inquiries, if necessary, and to draw up a Report, and 
 give his opinion on a subject so deeply interesting to 
 Ireland. 
 
 No time should be lost in getting such Report ; 
 and, in the mean time, permit me to recommend to 
 your Committee, as only fair by the country, and those 
 persons engaged in the navigation of the river, to re- 
 commend, as shortly and speedily as possible, to the 
 Government the allocating a specific sum of money 
 out of the proposed grant for public works in Ireland, 
 to be laid out on the river Shannon, and its tributary 
 streams and rivers, in such manner as Mr. Telford 
 may hereafter recommend. 
 
 I beg to take this opportunity to call on your Com- 
 mittee to express your decided, opinion, that, in all 
 expenditure in Ireland, the leading principle to be 
 kept in view by Government shall be taxation accord- 
 ing to benefit ; that is to say, that where public 
 money is employed in any works by which land may 
 be reclaimed, canals, common roads, or railroads 
 made, a tax shall be laid on the lands and projected 
 works, in proportion to the advantage to be derived, 
 (but to be spread over a long period, suppose 
 forty years,) so as to repay the Government ad- 
 vance ; and above all, to recommend that, as far as 
 
30 
 
 possible, all advance of public money shall be made 
 under the control of Government for great public 
 works. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 
 Your Lordship's obedient servant, 
 
 Thomas Bermingham. 
 
 To the Marquis of Downshire, 
 Chairman of the Committee 
 for die improvement of the 
 Shannon. 
 
 References to Public Documents alluded to in the 
 foregoing Report. 
 
 From Grantham s Survey of the Shannon. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Mr. Grantham on the river Suck 8 
 
 Ditto 9 
 
 Expense 10 
 
 On Lough Derg 13 
 
 Lower Brusna 
 
 The Upper ditto 14 
 
 Sharp at Athlone 
 
 Lough Rea 15 
 
 River Inny 
 
 Two small rivers 
 
 Bogs on Lough Rea 
 
 Taraionbarry Falls 
 
 Shannon, 200 miles navigable 17 
 
 The Wijiter Rise 
 
81 
 
 PACK 
 
 No plan but deepening the bed of the 
 
 River 18 
 
 Mr. Head's Domain 22 
 
 Mr. Hohnes' ditto 23 
 
 Fourteen feet at Killaloe off 18 
 
 Mode of doing- it 19 
 
 As to Land and Bogs to be redaimed, see 
 Memorial of Lords Clanricarde and 
 Clancarty attached to Grantham's Sur- 
 vey and Report 6 
 
 Expense 5 
 
 Proposed security for outlay 6 
 
 Extract from Killaly's Report contained 
 
 in same Survey 7 
 
 Bogs on the Shannon 14 
 
 Near Athlone 
 
 Banagher 27 
 
 Callow Land by Brusna 26 
 
 Bog and Callow Land, Lanesboro' 35 
 
 Camlin River 36 
 
 Lough Forbes, and Clonart River 37 
 
 Bogs and low lands on Lough Forbes 
 
 Advantage generally to Lands and Bogs 
 
 under influence of the River 39 
 
 To Bog Rejjorts. 
 
 Level of Lakes, 1st Report 11 
 
 Advantages of irrigation from above, 
 
 2d Report 101 
 
 Scouring main Rivers Longfield 
 
 Bogs from Athlone to Shannon Harbour, 
 
 2d plate, 21—7 148 Towusend 
 
32 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Level of Shannon 149 
 
 On its occasioning Lakes 
 
 Bogs along the Shannon 173 Edgeworth 
 
 Ditto Lough Rea 
 
 Sir H. Davy's Letter, Appendix No. 9, 
 1st Feb. 1811 
 
 On draining Roscommon District, 3d Re- 
 port 16 and 17 Longfield 
 
 Bogs of Lough Gara, 3d Report, plate 2, 
 
 JSJ o. 2 Longlield 
 
 Roscommon District, 3d Report 
 
 Bogs, plate 11, 12, 13, 14 
 
 Ditto in Shannon, 9, 10 Edgeworth 
 
 First Report. 
 
 Valency's Map referred to, and Report as 
 
 to the quantity of Land depending on 
 
 the River Shannon for drainage .... 
 Opinion on the effect from drainage, 
 
 1st Report 7 Griffiths 
 
 On Low Lands 45 
 
 Opinion on the effect of draining, and the 
 
 process afterwards 
 
 Experiment, 1st Report 8 Edgeworth 
 
 Effects on River Rine, remarkable 
 
 On Quagmires 51 Griffiths 
 
 On the Bogs of the Queen's County .... 
 
 Parliamentary Documents. 
 
 23rrf Juhj, 1822—2,023/, grant for Survey of Shannon ; 
 1813— ch. 143, 53 Geo. III. 150,000/. granted to liquidate 
 the debts of the Grand Canal ; ch. 144, refers to purchase 
 
33 
 
 of Limerick Navigation out of a grant of 500,000/. ; 1816 
 — cb. 55, Inland Navigation Company ; 1800 — 4 Geo. III. 
 cli. 41, 500,000/. to render the Shannon navigable from 
 Lough Allen to the sea ; 2 Geo. I. ch. 12, River Shannon 
 and its importance* 
 
 REPORT, No. 4. 
 
 The Report of Mr. George Stephenson, Civil 
 Engineer. 
 
 London, 9th July, 183L 
 To the Committee appointed to inquire into the prac- 
 ticability of improving the navigation of the Shan- 
 non, and for draining the lands in the vicinage. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 The resolution passed at your meeting, 
 held on the 6th July, having been communicated to 
 me, requesting the opinion of certain parties, myself 
 included, as to the practicability of improving the 
 navigation of the Shannon, I beg leave, briefly, to 
 submit such observations as have suggested them- 
 selves on a perusal of the documents w^hich have 
 been put into my hands. I must observe, that the 
 whole of my information, as to the state and character 
 of the river Shannon, has been obtained from the 
 Report of Mr. Grantham upon that river. I should 
 have been enabled to furnish a much more detailed 
 and satisfactory Report had I been in possession 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 of the papers, plans, and sections relating to the 
 Survey. 
 
 In the absence of these sources of information, it 
 will not be expected that I should speak otherwise 
 than very generally upon the subject of them. 
 
 In considering the question of the practicability of 
 improving the navigation of the Shannon, it should 
 be considered most important, if not an absolute con- 
 ditioix of any measure that may be proposed, that it 
 does not involve any injury to the land adjoining to 
 its course; and the converse, that in endeavouring to 
 render the drainage more perfect, no injury shall be 
 inflicted upon the navigation. 
 
 It would clearly be a violation of these conditions, 
 both to attempt to deepen the water where shallow, 
 by raising dams for the purpose of keeping the water 
 up to a higher level, and likewise to endeavour to 
 lower the level of the water upon the shallows, so as 
 not to leave the minimum depth sufficient for the pur- 
 poses of navigation. 
 
 I trust I shall be able to show to your Committee, 
 that not only may the one object be attained without 
 any sacrifice of the other, but, moreover, that whilst 
 benefiting the navigation, I am also improving the 
 drainage. 
 
 The navigation of the Shannon, it appears, is at 
 present liable to be obstructed by drought in summer, 
 and by land-floods in winter!. In certain places, it is 
 true, side canals have been made, which tend to 
 
35 
 
 diminish the evil ; but this they do only partially, 
 and great inconvenience is occasioned in intermediate 
 parts of the river. The land-floods, likewise, from 
 the difficulty of getting the vt^ater to run off as rapidly 
 as it comes down, constitute the obstacle to the better 
 drainage of the low lands and bogs. 
 
 Our object, then, should be, to adopt such a plan 
 as that, in removing the one difficulty — 'that of the 
 land-floods — we do not increase the other, — that of 
 drought. 
 
 It being, then, agreed, that the breaking up of the 
 winter-floods is the main obstacle to the more effec- 
 tual drainage of the bogs, and that our aim should 
 be, not to reduce the summer level of the river, but 
 to enable the winter-floods to escape rapidly, let us 
 consider how this is to be effected. 
 
 It is well known that the Shannon abounds in 
 shoals, the obvious effect of which is to block up the 
 water; their removal is, of course, to a certain extent, 
 expedient. 
 
 The expense of reducing the whole of the shoals 
 would be very great ; it will, therefore, perhaps, be 
 advisable, in the first instance, to undertake such 
 operations as shall effect most at the least cost. 
 
 It appears that at Killaloe there is a shoal of con- 
 siderable extent, and that the outlet there is extremely 
 narrow. The effect of this contraction in the channel, 
 which has to vent the whole of the accumulated 
 waters of the Shannon, is to back them up, as it does 
 
 D 2 
 
36 
 
 to a considerable distance. The escape of the water 
 at this point should, there is no question, be facili- 
 tated, and this I think may be effected without 
 reducing the summer level of the river and Lough 
 Derg. 
 
 The mode of doing this, which I would recom- 
 mend, does not consist in cutting down the shoal to 
 a depth of seven or eight feet below its present sur- 
 face, — the effect of which would be to lower the 
 summer level of the river to that amount, — a change 
 which is not only uncalled for, but which would be 
 positively injurious. 
 
 In place of this I would recommend that a large 
 circular dam be erected at the mouth of the present 
 channel, presenting a much greater extent of width 
 over which the water may flow, than is afforded by 
 the present channel. 
 
 Immediately beyond the dam, it is of course neces- 
 sary that the channel should be enlarged, in order to 
 enable it to vent the additional quantity of water 
 tumbling over the weir. This may be effected in two 
 ways. 1st. By taking advantage of a dry summer, 
 and allowing the waters of the Shannon to flow 
 through the existing canal, and then cut down the 
 shoal to such a depth, or with such an inclination, as 
 shall appear from calculation to be sufficient to give 
 the necessary velocity, 2dly. In case the canal should 
 be incapable of passing the waters, and that the 
 removal of rock and gravel, composing the shoal, 
 
37 
 
 should be found to be difficult, 1 would propose that 
 a tunnel be made, commencing at the weir and 
 terminatino; at the falls about half a mile below 
 Killaloe. 
 
 The weir itself should be made of such an extent 
 as to carry off the flood -waters as fast as they come 
 down, so that instead of having the floods rise to the 
 height of eight or nine feet, they would not rise 
 more than two or three. 
 
 The effect of this reduction would not merely 
 extend to the next fall and to the low lands imme- 
 diately adjoining to the river, but its influence would 
 likewise be felt in reducing the height of flood-water 
 even to the very source ; and, coupled with other 
 works of a similar description, judiciously made in 
 other parts of its course, would be found of marked 
 advantage in permanently reducing the level of the 
 flood-waters throughout the whole course of the river, 
 and, consequently, in allowing of the more complete 
 drainage of the adjoining callows and bog lands, and 
 in protecting the low lands from periodical inunda- 
 tion. 
 
 In looking at the map of Ireland, it has appeared 
 to me that it may be found of advantage to prevent 
 the waters of Lough Allen from flowing into the 
 Shannon, and to cut a channel in a north-westerly 
 direction, along which they may run into Sligo Bay. 
 By this disposition of the waters of Lough Allen, not 
 only will the channel of the Shannon be relieved from 
 
38 
 
 the superabundant water which now flows along 
 during the rainy season, out they will act very bene- 
 ficially in scouring out the harbour of Sligo. The 
 Shannon might likewise be made available to the 
 supply of power to several valuable mills to be 
 erected on its course. 
 
 I regret that the very limited period which I have 
 had for the consideration of this matter prevents 
 my enlarging upon the heads of the foregoing ob- 
 servations. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 George Stephenson. 
 
 REPORT, No. 5. 
 
 Mr. Grantham s Letter to Sir John Burke. 
 
 Dear Sir John Burke, 
 
 The papers and my letters inform me the 
 efforts that are making to raise the question of drain- 
 ing the Shannon, and I observe the discordance that 
 exists. The individuals who have agitated the matter 
 are evidently very imperfectly informed, and are mis- 
 leading the public ; and my friend Mr. Williams has 
 taken an unnecessary alarm, that the navigation will 
 be ruined. A complete misconception of my Survey 
 appears to be getting abroad, and I wish it to be 
 better understood. That Survey was made under the 
 
39 
 
 guidance of my lamented friend Mr. Rennie, upon 
 the principle of his great English drainages. It em- 
 braces the two objects of improving the navigation 
 and making a trackway along its borders, and it ena- 
 bles the bog and low lands along its borders to be 
 drained and better cultivated, and it opens the outfall 
 of all its tributary rivers. 
 
 I have written to Mr. Stanley to inform him how 
 the Survey originated, and the principle upon which 
 it was conducted. This I hope will enable him to 
 appreciate the wild theories that are likely to spread 
 themselves, and injure one of the best objects that 
 ever was proposed for the welfare of this part of 
 Ireland. 
 
 I agree with my friend Mr. W., that the navigation 
 is of the first importance, and nothing ought to be 
 done to injure it. But I say, at the same time, that 
 both objects should go together ; and a proper system 
 of drainage can alone make the river navigable as it 
 ought to be. 
 
 I think the very small loan to Ireland totally in= 
 adequate to such objects as the Shannon. Whatever 
 is done with this river ought to be on the most ex- 
 tended scale. It should have its own act of parlia- 
 ment. Its acreable tax should pay its works and 
 maintain them. Years and years must pass over ere 
 it can be completed. But no pedling or half measures 
 should throw additional incumbrances in the way of 
 its future improvement. If the subject should go on, 
 
40 
 
 the most public investigation should be given to it. 
 The Mr. Rennies have my Report, and all the corres- 
 pondence between me and their father upon it, and 
 they are fittest to examine the subject, and so I have 
 mentioned to Mr. Stanley. 
 
 Yourself and Lord Clanrlcarde have seen more of 
 the Shannon than any other gentlemen, and you are 
 sensible how much the country would be relieved by 
 a mo.e rapid discharge of the winter waters. Floods 
 always will prevail, but they ought not to exist for 
 six months at a time. Will you read this Letter to 
 Lord Clanricarde, with rny best respects to him. 
 Dear Sir John, most faithfully, 
 
 John Grantham. 
 
 REPORT, No. 6. 
 
 Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee 
 on Shannon Navigation, July 1834. 
 
 Colonel John Fox Bm^goyne, called in ; and examined. 
 
 1 . YOU are Chairman of the Board of Works in 
 Ireland ? — I am. 
 
 2. Are you generally acquainted with the river 
 Shannon, and the present state of it ? — I have been 
 up the Shannon in a boat from Limerick all the way 
 to Lough Allen, and have had under consideration a 
 great many reports upon the state of the river at 
 different times. 
 
 i 
 
41 
 
 3. Is the river Shannon navigable from its mouth 
 to its source ? — It is more or less navigable, but in a 
 very imperfect state the greater part of it. 
 
 4. Do you consider that an outlay of money would 
 be desirable to ameliorate the present state of the 
 river Shannon? — I think any outlay of money on the 
 Shannon offers prospects of greater advantages to the 
 country than almost any other public work. 
 
 5. Do you consider that any and what great 
 benefits would result to the counties bordering upon 
 the Shannon, and to the country generally, by the 
 improvement of the river ? — I think very great benefits 
 will be derived to the country generally, and naturally 
 rather a larger proportion to the counties bordering 
 the river, by the improvement of the Shannon ; but I 
 do not think that the benefits would be exclusively 
 confined by any means to the neighbourhood. 
 
 6. Do you consider that the towns of either Dublin 
 or Liverpool would or not derive any benefit from 
 such improvement? — I think both would, particularly 
 Dublin. 
 
 7. A considerable benefit? — Yes, considerable ; and 
 also Limerick. 
 
 66. The answers you have given have all been in 
 reference to the plan laid down by Mr. Rhodes, 
 diminishing the number of locks and altering the 
 system of navigation on the Upper Shannon ; sup- 
 posing the system at present adopted to be retained, 
 and the same number of locks left in the same places, 
 
42 
 
 do you think that a smaller expenditure than that which 
 Mr. Rhodes has described as necessary, supposing 
 his plan to be adopted, would be sufficient to render 
 the navigation of the Upper Shannon tolerably good, 
 as much as is necessary according to the present state 
 of the trade ? — To put the present system of navi- 
 gation in a better state, a very reduced expense would 
 suffice. 
 
 67. Are you prepared to state to the Committee 
 wdiether you would be disposed to recommend the 
 adoption of the latter plan? — I should prefer the 
 grand plan if we can get the means, but otherwise 
 the other plan vvould be desirable. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Rhodes, called in ; and examined. 
 
 708. You were employed by the Board of Works 
 to visit the river Shannon, and report upon it ? — Yes, 
 I was. 
 
 709. There are some reports upon the table to 
 which your name is attached ? — Yes. 
 
 710. Have you seen any cause to modify any 
 opinion expressed upon those reports ? — No, I am of 
 the same opinion. 
 
 711. You were directed to consider the Shannon 
 question in a double point of view, in respect to the 
 drainage and in respect to the navigation ; supposing 
 you had been directed to consider it with respect to 
 the navigation solely, would that have made any 
 alteration in the recommendation you made ? — None 
 
43 
 
 ivhatever ; the drainage or reduction of the water in 
 the winter season is necessary to improve the naviga- 
 tion. 
 
 712. In the plan you have proposed for improving 
 the river Shannon, you contemplate the making of 
 locks different from those at present in use, and 
 suitable for a larger class of boats, particularly steam- 
 boats ? — Yes ; by reference to my report, it will be 
 seen that I propose to construct the locks 130 feet 
 long, 30 feet wide, and at the least to have a constant 
 depth of water at all times of six feet six inches. 
 
 713. Can you state what reason induced you to 
 recommend the construction of those larger locks ?— 
 I consider the present locks much too small for the 
 present trade, particularly with regard to steam- 
 boats. 
 
 714. Do you mean to say that the steam-boats at 
 present upon the Shannon find any difficulty in pass- 
 ing the locks at present in existence ? — Yes ; the 
 small steam-boats pass the locks, but with difficulty 
 in summer, and the larger ones cannot ply beyond 
 Lough Derg, or between Killaloe and Portumna. 
 
 715. The steam-boats that pass through now, do 
 they find any impediment ? — Yes, they do, particu- 
 larly through the canals and over the shoal parts of 
 the river. 
 
 716. From the construction of the canals ? — Yes, 
 from the improper formation at first, also the bad 
 state of repair. 
 
44 
 
 717. Do you mean to say that there are such im- 
 pediments that no alteration in the canals, short of 
 making' new ones, could adapt them for the present 
 steam-boats ? — By reference to my report, it will be 
 seen that the depth of water in summer time is not 
 sufficient to get the boats along the canals, as over 
 the sills there was found only three feet nine inches 
 to five feet six inches water, and there ought to be 
 six feet ; and the canals are greatly choked up by 
 the side slopes slipping and washing down to the 
 bottom ; also the improper channel at the various 
 shoals. 
 
 718. Do you mean to say, that supposing the 
 present canals were repaired, that the steam-boats 
 could not get through that are used at present ? — Yes ; 
 it would admit the small steam boats, but not the 
 large boats, or those drawing from three feet nine 
 inches to six feet draught of water. 
 
 719. Distinguishing between the steam-boats in 
 the Loughs and those upon the Canal, the Committee 
 are alluding to the small steam-boats? — Even the 
 small boats cannot get through the canals ; in some 
 places there are obstructions in the canal, they are 
 greatly choked up ; there are not more than four 
 feet in the canals, and in some places, and along the 
 shoals, considerably less in summer time. 
 
 720. They do get through now? — -Yes; but they 
 are frequently obliged to empty their boilers of water. 
 
 721. How can they work when the boilers are 
 
45 
 
 empty? — They tow them through the canal, and then 
 load or fill the boilers again. 
 
 722. Is that owing to the sills ? — It is owing to 
 the narrowness and shallowness of the canals and 
 various cuts. 
 
 723. What is the depth of the water through the 
 present canals, generally ? — As I have already de- 
 scribed ; some places five feet, others four feet three 
 inches, three feet six inches, and still less. 
 
 724. The shallowest depth? — I do not recollect; 
 it is down in the report, and marked on the section. 
 
 725. You think it is impossible to improve the 
 present canals, so as to admit of a passage with con- 
 venience without unloading even the steam-boats that 
 at present ply? — I do think it possible, by the alter- 
 ations suggested in my report. 
 
 726. In the plan you propose, do you contemplate 
 that the larger steam-boats that ply upon the Loughs, 
 should ply the whole way ? — Yes ; from Killaloe up 
 to Lough Allen, or particularly as far up as Leitrim. 
 
 727. Supposing it was not considered necessary 
 to improve the navigation for the passage of such 
 very large steam-boats as that, and that the smaller 
 class was still used for canals as at present, would that 
 make any great alteration in your plan ? — No, I do 
 not think it would ; only repairing the canals, re- 
 ducing the shoals as suggested in my report, and 
 keeping the works in a good state of repair; they 
 would also require to make a dam at each of the falls, 
 
46 
 
 so as to keep up the water in summer time to a 
 defined height, and let it escape during the floods. 
 
 728. Would you require an entire new system of 
 locks for the passage of a smaller class of steam-boats 
 than those that ply upon the Loughs ? — Yes ; in 
 some parts some of the sills are too high ; they do 
 not correspond with each other, that is, the upper sill 
 of one lock with the lower sill of the next ; and in 
 other cases I would take the locks down altogether, 
 being of no use when regulated by the dams or 
 weirs. 
 
 729. In all cases, and under all suppositions, you 
 would require weirs to be placed? — Yes; at all the 
 different falls. 
 
 730. For the sake of the navigation solely ? Cer- 
 tainly ; there is not a weir upon the whole length 
 of the Shannon for the due reg^ulation of its navi- 
 gation. 
 
 731. In the report that is on the table, you estimate 
 the total expense of the improvements you suggest on 
 the river Shannon, at 153,163/. 2s. lOrZ. ?— Yes; 
 precisely that sum. 
 
 732. That contemplates a larger class of steam- 
 boats than at present ply upon the canals ? — Yes, 
 it does. 
 
 733. Can you state to the Committee what would 
 be the expense of improving the river Shannon be- 
 tween Limerick and Lough Allen, in such a manner 
 as that the depth of water should be the same as is 
 
47 
 
 specified in the contract between the Grand Canal 
 Company and the Directors of Inland Navigation in 
 1806?— 85,625Z. 9s.3rf. 
 
 734. In the larger sum, you include the expendi- 
 ture for some bridges in a dilapidated state, not 
 connected with the navigation ? — Yes. 
 
 735. In the smaller sum you include no bridges 
 whatever ? — No. 
 
 736. The fact is, it is not necessary to improve any 
 of the bridges for the steam-vessels that at present 
 ply upon the navigation? — No, not the bridges across 
 the rivers, only those across the canals, as mentioned 
 in the report. 
 
 737. What would be the saving in carrying one 
 plan into execution compared with the other? — 
 67,537/. 135. Id. 
 
 738. Could you say what the alteration of all 
 the bridges and the building of new ones, as pro- 
 posed by you, amounts to, according to your present 
 
 plan ? — 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Altering Killaloe bridge 567 19 
 
 Rebuilding Banagher bridge 4,774 8 11 
 
 Altering the wooden bridge at Shannon 
 
 harbour 550 
 
 Altering and underpinning Shannon 
 
 bridge 2,442 
 
 Rebuilding Athlone bridge 5,742 
 
 Altering bridge at Jamestown 1,092 
 
 £15,168 7 11 
 
48 
 
 739. Does it include the improvements upon the 
 Athlone canal ? — Yes, it includes the canal. 
 
 740. What is the bridge itself? — It is all connected 
 together, and the weir. 
 
 741. By looking over those estimates, you could 
 see what relates only to bridges, and deduct it ? — 
 Yes. 
 
 742. Are you prepared to state that now? — It 
 will take me some little time to extract from the re- 
 port and estimate. 
 
 743. You will put in as soon as you are able a 
 statement of how much of the larger of the two sums 
 you have just mentioned relates to bridges alone? — 
 Yes, I will. 
 
 744. Do you consider it necessary to alter or im- 
 prove any of the bridges if the navigation is to be 
 kept at the depth of six feet six inches ? — It is neces- 
 sary in all cases that the bridges should be repaired, 
 and if you go upon an extended scale it is necessary 
 to reconstruct and alter the six bridoes, viz. : at Kil- 
 laloe, Banagher, Shannon Harbour, Shannon Bridge, 
 Athlone, and Jamestown, near Lough Allen. 
 
 745. What objects have you in constructing those 
 bridges? — On account of constructing the weirs 
 across the river, and deepening the river channel. 
 
 746. It is part of the plan relating to the weirs? — 
 Certainly, and to allow the water to escape with 
 freedom. 
 
 747. If you keep the weirs in the minor plan must 
 
49 
 
 you not also keep the bridges ? — No ; probably it is 
 not so necessary. 
 
 748. If you say it is necessary to the keeping the 
 depth of water at six feet six inches, and the lesser 
 plan contemplates that depth of water, surely the 
 bridges must be considered ? — Why, not so. 
 
 749. Could you have the six feet six inches with- 
 out the weirs ? — Certainly not. 
 
 750. You said you could make the present scale 
 perfect without altering the bridges ? — It is necessary 
 to repair them, but it would not make the icork so 
 perfect. 
 
 751. Do you not consider that the bridges produce 
 a considerable backwater? — Many of them do, by 
 the archway being too small, and cause inundation to 
 the lands. 
 
 752. And one of the objects you have in view by 
 projecting those weirs is to prevent too great a back- 
 water? — Yes, by producing a greater area the water 
 is allowed to pass off with more freedom. 
 
 753. You consider the smaller plan would be im- 
 perfect unless the bridges are repaired ? — It appears 
 absolutely necessary that the whole of the bridges 
 should be repaired ; but I should suppose these be- 
 long to the counties at large. 
 
 754. Are you prepared to state what that is 1 — I 
 will extract from my estimates and put it in. 
 
 755. What would be the effect produced by either 
 
50 
 
 of those plans to which we have just alluded, upon 
 the mill sites on the river Shannon ; would there be 
 better mill sites than before ? — Much better, as the 
 effect would be more constant and uniform. 
 
 756. In the course of your survey of the river 
 Shannon, can you state to the Committee whether 
 the shoals which impeded the navigation were such as 
 are produced by floods coming down from the tri- 
 butary rivers, or were they of long accumulation? — 
 They appear of long formation, their composition 
 being chiefly lime-stone, gravel and clay. 
 
 757. If once removed they would not cause any 
 great expense in repair ? — No, they would not. 
 
 758. Upon what basis do you found the necessity 
 of having a larger class of steam-vessels than that 
 which exists ? — By improving and forming a better 
 line of communication, thereby conveying passengers 
 and goods with more expedition than exists. 
 
 759. Are you aware of any navigation in the world 
 where so large a class of steamers is necessary as you 
 propose ? — Yes, several parts : upon the river Thames, 
 the Clyde, the Humber, the Ouse, and various other 
 rivers, also the Caledonian Canal, &c. 
 
 760. Are you aware that the turns in the river 
 Shannon are so abrupt that it is doubted by those 
 who at present trade upon that river whether they 
 would use a larger class of steamers, even if the locks 
 were sufficiently spacious to admit them ? — I think 
 the river is sufficiently large for a much larger class 
 
51 
 
 of steamers than even the largest that plies on that 
 river. 
 
 761. Are you aware that the turns are so abrupt ? 
 — They certainly appear abrupt in places, but they 
 will not be too abrupt, when the suggested improve- 
 ments are carried into effect, to take the largest class 
 of steamers; even the largest that ply upon the Thames 
 might navigate the most parts of the river Shannon. 
 
 762. Are you aware that the larger class of steam- 
 ers can only be used with coal, and the smaller class 
 is worked by means of the consumption of turf? — 
 I do not know any that use turf altogether for gene- 
 rating steam, not upon the river Shannon, that I am 
 aware of; if they do it is very recently. 
 
 763. You still have a strong opinion that it would 
 be absolutely necessary to erect the weirs you pro- 
 pose at certain points ? — Decidedly so. 
 
 764. To improve the navigation ? — Yes, it is the 
 only and effectual means to keep the water at the 
 different levels to somewhat an uniform heig-ht. 
 
 765. Could you state to the Committee shortly the 
 grounds upon which you advocate these works ? — In 
 summer time the water is too low, caused by the 
 winter floods descending and scouring out the shoals 
 of gravel situated at the falls, where the weirs ought 
 to be erected, and in the summer-time the water can- 
 not be kept high enough to admit the vessels through 
 the canals ; it is therefore necessary to construct ca- 
 pacious weirs, as suggested in my report, to keep the 
 
 e2 
 
52 
 
 water at some defined height, and also to allow the 
 winter floods to escape with greater facility. 
 
 766. Would those weirs prevent the adjoining 
 lands being irrigated or flooded during the winter ? 
 — No, they would not entirely prevent it ; and if 
 those lands are subject to be flooded for six to seven 
 months in the year, these weirs would be a means of 
 taking it oif in three to four months, or even much 
 less time, and it would irrigate the land for a shorter 
 period, and it is my opinion would produce better 
 crops of grass, &c., both in quantity and quality. 
 
 767. Where are there any weirs built similar to 
 those you recommend ? — Upon almost every naviga- 
 ble river : there are some upon the Mersey and Irwell 
 Navigation, Ayr and Calder, Calder and Hebble, 
 river Ouse, river Weaver, and many others. 
 
 768. Precisely upon the same plan ? — Yes, upon 
 the same principle. 
 
 769. Is it a new theory of yours ? — No, it is nothing 
 new ; only the sluices, which I should recommend 
 to be self-acting. 
 
 770. In the rivers you allude to, are there falls in 
 those rivers ? — Yes, precisely similar to the Shan- 
 non. 
 
 771. Have you seen any weirs of that description 
 with sluices in them ? — Yes, I have constructed them. 
 By obtaining the present section of the river, viz. 
 depth and width, and then making a weir spacious 
 enough in area to the section of the river, tkat 
 
53 
 
 would enable the water to escape with the same or 
 greater facility. 
 
 772. Do you consider that the improvements you 
 suggest on a large scale on the river, would offer any 
 lengthened interruption to the navigation of the 
 river ? — Not the slio-htest. 
 
 773. Would the smaller plan offer any interrup- 
 tion ? — Not the slightest, if the dams were constructed 
 and the shoals deepened. 
 
 774. With a larger description of steamers do you 
 calculate upon any agricultural produce of the coun- 
 try being carried down in them ? — There appears 
 little doubt when once the communication is complete, 
 and steamers introduced, trade will increase in these 
 parts rapidly, both as regards produce of the country, 
 and also in passengers. 
 
 775. It would materially affect the trade if you 
 had those larger steamers upon the Loughs, and then 
 had to change to smaller ones ? — Yes, larger ones 
 would tow other vessels up and down and carry pro- 
 duce at the same time ; the small ones are not 
 particularly adapted for such trade. 
 
 776. Do you calculate upon the larger vessels 
 carrying produce, pigs, and so forth ? — Undoubtedly. 
 
 777. You have said that neither of the plans you 
 have recommended would cause any interruption on 
 the Shannon ; in the small plan, do you contemplate 
 alterinir some of the existino' locks ? — I would take 
 
54 
 
 some of them away altogether, which would be useless 
 by the projected improvements. 
 
 778. Even upon the smaller plan should you take 
 away every lock ? — Not every one. I should alter 
 some and take away others, as described in my report. 
 
 779. As far as altering locks, that would be an 
 impediment to the trade ? — A very short period. 
 
 780. How long? — Not above a week, particularly 
 the middle part between Portumna and Athlone ; 
 the upper part between Lanesborough and Leitrim 
 would require longer time. It would be merely 
 taking some of the lock walls down and altering 
 some of the sills ; that would not afford much in- 
 terruption. 
 
 781. If boats drawing more than four feet six 
 inches cannot navigate either the Grand or Royal 
 Canals, why would you make the Shannon a naviga- 
 tion for boats drawing six feet, when the great trade 
 of the country bordering on the Shannon would pro- 
 bably be diverted towards Dublin and Liverpool ? — 
 Upon the Grand Canal the locks were made for six 
 feet water over the sills, and also the Royal Canal ; 
 therefore they ought to be the same depth. 
 
 782. Can you state that of your own knowledge ? 
 —Yes. 
 
 783. Ought not the Grand Canal Company to 
 remedy those interruptions when they occur ? — I con- 
 sider it would be their interest to do so. 
 
55 
 
 784. Cannot you consider a very extensive branch 
 of trade totally independent of the Grand and Royal 
 Canals? — Yes, certainly. 
 
 785. Do you not think by far the greater part of 
 the trade would still always go either into the Grand 
 or Royal Canal ? — Yes, I do. 
 
 786. Would you give your reasons for that answer? 
 — Because it is more direct to England by way of 
 Dublin ; at the same time a considerable part of the 
 trade would go down to Limerick, because the dues 
 would be cheaper that way, and by means of steam 
 the voyage could be performed with more expedition. 
 
 787. It would be cheaper to send them up the 
 canal to Dublin than to ship them at Limerick for 
 Liverpool ? — I cannot say that it would or would not, 
 as it depends upon circumstances. 
 
 788. Do those lighter vessels that now navigate on 
 the river ride safely upon the Loughs ? — Yes ; I never 
 heard to the contrary. 
 
 789. There is no danger from the smallness of the 
 vessel ? — No ; they are the same sized vessels, made 
 according to the dimensions for passing the present 
 locks, and do not draw so much water, only about 
 three feet six inches. 
 
 790. There is no danger arising from the smallness 
 of size ? — I should think not. 
 
 79 L When there is a high sea? — No; at such 
 times they are too small for towing vessels against a 
 head-wind. 
 
56 
 
 792. Are not the Loughs subject to squalls that 
 are dangerous to small vessels ? — A steam-boat built 
 according to the dimensions of the present sized locks 
 is safe enough to navigate the Loughs, although not 
 at a sufficient quick speed for the general trade. 
 
 793. Do you consider that the small class of 
 steamers at present constructed for the canal are safe 
 upon the Loughs ? — Yes, quite so. 
 
 794. Why would you suggest an entire alteration 
 of the Shannon, and for the reception of a larger class 
 of vessels, when another class may be used at less 
 expense ? — The larger class being more powerful 
 would go quicker and answer better for towing. 
 
 795. It is a question of speed ? — Yes, both speed 
 and for tov/ing vessels. 
 
 796. It is merely a question of speed ? — Speed, 
 and towing vessels with more expedition. 
 
 797. Is it not a mere question of speed the sized 
 vessel you shall have ? — It is both speed and tonnage ; 
 a small one would not carry the same. 
 
 798. Will not a larger vessel necessarily tow a 
 greater number of barges ? — Yes, certainly. 
 
 799. Would it not be perfectly possible to carry 
 on the same amount of traffic that could be carried 
 on by larger sized steam-boats, by the smaller sized 
 steam-boats, even if an additional one was required ? 
 — Yes, it is only employing a greater number : the 
 larger the vessel the more commodious and pleasant 
 she is for passengers and the stowage of light goods, 
 
57 
 
 and I am of opinion would pay better than small 
 steamers. 
 
 800. You said a while ago it would occupy about 
 a week to improve the locks ; do you mean to say 
 that with all the improvements of the Shannon 
 necessary to make the present navigation perfect, 
 the navigation would not be interrupted for more 
 than a week ? — No more, particularly the middle 
 part. 
 
 801. Supposing any improvements to be done on 
 the river Shannon, do you think that the works should 
 be done under the superintendence of the Board of 
 Works ? — Decidedly. 
 
 802. Why so more than under a private company ? 
 — I think they would be better performed and better 
 looked after. 
 
 803. Why do you think they would be better per- 
 formed? — The money would be paid more regularly, 
 and there would be better inspection, and the whole 
 carried on in a more systematic manner. 
 
 804. Do you think that the Board of Works would 
 have to contend with any difficulties in repairing the 
 works v/hen executed ? — No ; not any that I am 
 aware of. 
 
 805. Do you not think inconvenience woidd arise 
 from having to wait for the vote of the Irish estimates ? 
 — Yes ; a difficulty might arise in that case. 
 
 806. Are you prepared with any thing to meet that 
 difficulty ? — No, I am not. 
 
58 
 
 807. You are aware of the conditions under which 
 the Middle Shannon was transferred to the Grand 
 Canal Company, as to the depth of water and other 
 conditions ? — Yes. 
 
 808. You have made a report that those conditions 
 have not been fulfilled ? — Yes, I have. 
 
 809. Are you prepared to state, merely with this 
 object in view, what sum of money it would require 
 to put the navigation into the condition in which they 
 covenanted to put it, laying out of the question all 
 your other projects ? — I have stated that before ; 
 it would take 34,350^. for erecting weirs, deepen- 
 ing shoals, the various cuts, repairing locks and 
 gates, &c. 
 
 810. Excluding all consideration of removing the 
 locks, but merely putting the locks and navigation 
 into the state in which the Grand Canal Company 
 ought to have left it ? — I am not prepared to answer 
 that question ; the particulars are set forth in my 
 report what is required to be done. 
 
 811. Do you consider that 500/. would come near 
 to it ? — I should think it would take 20,000/. or up- 
 wards to do the work as specified. 
 
 812. Have you seen the plans and sections by 
 which the Grand Canal, at the time they took pos- 
 session of the Shannon navigation, contemplated to 
 attain the depth of six feet six inches water, as they 
 contracted to do ? — I have seen some of the plans and 
 sections. 
 
59 
 
 813. Do you think them insufficient to attain the 
 depth that they contracted to afford ? — I do. 
 
 814. What alterations do you think would be re- 
 quired to give the depth that they contracted to 
 give ? — To erect weirs at the different falls, so as to 
 regulate the water, and keep it near some defined 
 height. 
 
 815. Which they never contemplated doing? — I 
 suppose not ; there are none erected at present. 
 
 816. Then if the Board of Works were given the 
 power to enforce the completion of that contract, and 
 to insist upon the Grand Canal Company having a 
 depth of six feet over the sills of their locks, and six 
 feet six inches depth of water in the canal, it would 
 be necessary for the Grand Canal Company to erect 
 weirs at certain places ? — 1 think it would, as they 
 cannot make a perfect navigation without them. 
 
 817. If the Grand Canal Company had prevented 
 those injuries that arise from the falling in of the 
 sides, could a small sized steamer go to Dublin? — 
 No ; the locks are too small for those steam-boats 
 that ply on the Shannon navigation. 
 
 818. In your first report, you have given a report 
 of the present state of Portumna bridge? — Yes ; with 
 plans and sections for rebuilding the same. 
 
 819. Have you made any estimate of the sum ne- 
 cessary to repair it? — Yes, I have; and also for 
 rebuilding it. 
 
 820. Do you think that the repair of Portumna 
 
60 
 
 bridge is necessary for the navigation ? — Yes, I think 
 so; it is in a very dilapidated state. I sent an esti- 
 mate to the Board of Works ; I have not a copy of it 
 with me. 
 
 821. Have you seen the plans that w^ere drawn up 
 at the time that the Directors-General of the Inland 
 Navigation proposed to undertake the works to open 
 the navi<^ation to Loug'h Allen ? — I have seen some of 
 the sections, and also some of the plans. 
 
 822. Do you know the depth of water contem- 
 plated by those plans? — No, I do not remember the 
 scale or size contemplated. 
 
 823. Do you think there is any plan short of the 
 one you propose, which you estimate to cost 51,273/., 
 that would ffive six feet six inches water between 
 Athlone and Lough Allen ? — No ; I think no other 
 plan would give that depth of water to make it an 
 efficient navigation. 
 
 824. In proposing that a larger class of steamers 
 than is at present in use should navigate between 
 Lough Allen and Limerick, do you consider that a 
 great trade could be carried on in passengers and 
 light articles, or do you consider that the greater part 
 of the trade would be heavy and lumbering articles 
 in which speed was not necessary ? — I should say 
 passengers and light goods ; also towing other vessels 
 with bulky articles. 
 
 . 825. Do you expect to get many passengers from 
 Leitrim to Limerick? — From Carrick, Boyle, and 
 
61 
 
 country towns and villages adjacent with the Shan- 
 non, a constant intercourse would be kept up by 
 steam-boats, so that the transit of goods and passen- 
 gers would be cheap and expeditiously conveyed from 
 the different places along the Shannon. 
 
 826. In your reduced estimate, do you contem- 
 plate erecting swivel bridges across the canals ? — Yes. 
 
 827. You include those in your estimate ? — Yes, 
 certainly. 
 
 828. At Athlone and Banagher? — Yes. 
 
 829. You have not made any survey or any ex- 
 amination of that part of the Shannon between Killaloe 
 and Limerick, since your first report was published ? 
 — No, I have not. 
 
 830. You are not aware of the works completed by 
 the Limerick Navigation Company since that ? — I 
 have not particularly noticed them, but I have seen 
 some works going on at O'Brien's Bridge ; the deep- 
 ening some part of the navigation, and putting up some 
 of the lock spates alono; the line. 
 
 83 L Are there any imperfections in the navigation 
 existing between Limerick and Portumna ? — There is 
 a bar a little below Portumna at Derry Lsland. 
 
 832. Are there any important imperfections in the 
 navigation between Limerick and Portumna ? — No- 
 thing material or of great extent; there are some 
 rocks sticking up in Lough Derg, in various parts, 
 that require lowering ; also beacons required in a 
 number of places, as described in my report. 
 
62 
 
 833. Do you consider that if the improvements 
 were effected on your reduced scale, that there would 
 be a considerable sum of money thrown away, sup- 
 posing at any future time it was thought advisable to 
 extend the scale of the navigation ? — It would not be 
 exactly thrown away, but I think the extended scale 
 would be decidedly the best in the end ; upon such a 
 grand river as the Shannon, it is very desirable to 
 carry the proposed improvements, as described in my 
 report, into effect. 
 
 834. Would not the sum expended upon it be 
 exactly the sum thrown away ; it would not tend to 
 the improvement under the greater plan? — No, it 
 would not do altogether for the greater plan ; the 
 weirs would do, but it would be necessary to build 
 larger locks, and make the sectional area of the canals 
 larger, as shown in my report, plans, &c. 
 
 835. Do you consider there is much apprehension 
 of danger to the drainage, that might result from the 
 improvement of the Shannon ? — It would facilitate 
 the drainage, also a reduction of the winter floods ; 
 because in winter time, when the banks are covered, 
 it is difficult to navigate vessels, owing to the banks 
 being covered, unless they are towed by steam ; 
 between Mellick and Athlone, I calculate that 50 
 square miles are inundated every year, for a conside- 
 rable period. 
 
 836. Do you 'consider lowering the Shannon to 
 the summer level would injuriously afifect the navi- 
 
63 
 
 gation of any of the tributaries of the Shannon, such 
 as the Brisna, the Suck, or the Boyle river ? — It would 
 improve them, because the banks along them are so 
 much inundated it is difficult to find the channel. It 
 would also improve the mill sites on them. 
 
 837. Do you consider that your extended plan 
 would in a great measure facilitate the reclaiming of 
 the bogs in the neighbourhood ? — I think it would 
 considerably. 
 
 838. Do you consider that the reclaiming the bogs 
 on any extended scale is practicable, without some 
 such plan ? — I think it would be a very great im- 
 provement by taking the water off them, particularly 
 along the verge of the river, as proposed in my 
 report ; the weir at Jamestown is a very great evil, 
 and inundates the country about Carrick, Boyle to a 
 very great extent. 
 
 839. Are you sufficiently acquainted with the 
 Shannon to state at what time the floods generally 
 take place upon the Shannon ? — According to my 
 observations, and according to the registry kept at 
 Limerick and along the line of the Shannon, it is 
 about the months of September or October. 
 
 840. But is it not very liable to floods when the 
 people have their hay half made, and to have it 
 carried away in the night? — Yes, it frequently 
 happens, and occasions great loss of property. 
 
 841. Is the herbage very luxuriant on the borders 
 of the Shannon ? — In some parts ; there are great 
 
64 
 
 districts of bog along its banks, but this is chiefly 
 about the middle part. 
 
 842. Unless a great deal of money is expended 
 upon the Grand Canal, must they not unload the 
 boats, supposing your extended plan is adopted, in 
 going up to Limerick from the canal? — It will be 
 necessary to load the barges to a certain draught of 
 water for passing the Grand and Royal Canals. 
 
 843. If the navigation was improved, roads might 
 be made to places to which no access can be had 
 now ? — Yes, in a great many parts. 
 
 844. It would be a difficult thing for the Grand 
 Canal to make it fit for a larger class of steamers ? — 
 It would be a great alteration ; next to making a new 
 canal. 
 
 845. You do not propose that the steamers should 
 ascend the canals ? — No ; they would tow the barges 
 to the entrances of the canals, and then they are towed 
 by horses to Dublin, &c. &c. 
 
 846. Do you consider that, supposing the navi- 
 gation of the Shannon was improved, much greater 
 communication by passengers would take place than 
 does at present? — There is not a doubt of it. 
 
 847. Do you know of any existing intercourse 
 between the upper part of the Shannon and Limerick ? 
 — I do not. I think there would be a great inter- 
 course by these improvements ; it would increase and 
 grow up considerably ; when I was engaged upon the 
 Caledonian Canal, there was no steam-boat plied from 
 
65 
 
 Glasgow to Fort William and Inverness ; two or 
 three years afterwards there were three or four, and 
 the inhabitants of Fort William are not above 400 ; 
 therefore I am led to suppose, by what I have seen 
 in various parts of England and Scotland, that if the 
 steam-boats were introduced upon the Shannon up to 
 Boyle and Carrick, that it would increase the traffic 
 very much. 
 
 848. The weir you speak of, as having been so 
 injurious to the navigation, how long has it been 
 erected ? — I cannot tell. I should think many years ; 
 it appears to have been raised very recently. 
 
 849. What depth of water do you contemplate 
 for the small steamers ? — Six feet six inches in the 
 canals, and six feet upon the sills of gates ; they 
 would have the same draught of water in both cases 
 for the large and small canals. 
 
 850. In one case you would consider it advisable 
 to increase the breadth, and in the other not ? — The 
 length of the lock should be 130 feet, and the breadth 
 30 feet, and six feet over the sills in the dryest 
 seasons. 
 
 851. That would be only in the locks ? — Yes. 
 
 852. The navigation would remain the same ? — 
 Yes, precisely in depth six feet six inches, and the 
 section as described in my report. 
 
 853. Do you not consider that it is advisable that 
 the navigation of the Shannon should be on a larger 
 scale than either of the canals, on account of the ne- 
 
 F 
 
66 
 
 cessity of employing steamers as tug--boats on the 
 Shannon, which does not exist on the canals ? — Yes, 
 it should. 
 
 854. If you were asked on what scale you would 
 consider the present navigation of the Shannon 
 between Lough Derg and Lough Rea, you would say 
 four feet three inches ? — No, I should say six feet 
 six inches to make it efficient. 
 
 855. What do you consider at present existing on 
 that line of navigation is the minimum depth of the 
 scale ? — In some parts it is not above three feet six 
 inches ; the particulars are stated very fully in my 
 report. 
 
 856. Are you aware of the depth of water that the 
 present steam-tug-boats draw ? — Three feet six inches 
 to three feet nine inches. 
 
 857. For the purpose of conveying passengers, 
 would it not be desirable to have a larger class of 
 steamers than that ? — You mig^ht have steamers of a 
 very large class that draw no more than three feet 
 six inches ; it depends entirely upon the build of 
 them. The lighter you can make them draw the 
 better ; meeting with less resistance they skim over 
 the water, and do not require so much power to pro- 
 pel them as a large draft. 
 
 858. Will you have the goodness to draw out an 
 estimate of what expense would be required to obtain 
 five feet of water over the sills of all the locks from 
 Killaloe to Lough Allen, marking how much of this 
 
67 
 
 sum would be applicable in future, supposing six 
 feet should be afterwards required ? — It will require 
 the sum of 71,354/. ]ls. Sd. to make the navigation 
 efficient from Killaloe to Lough Allen ; the Limerick 
 navigation is in the hands of the City of Dublin Steam 
 Navigation Company. The greater part of this 
 sum would be applicable in case of increasing it to 
 six feet water. 
 
 859. Do you consider that the difference would be 
 very great ? — No, it would not be very great ; but 
 five feet would not answer so well as the large scale; 
 it is reducing it too much on so fine a navigation as 
 the river Shannon. 
 
 860. What is the depth of the present Limerick 
 navio^ation ? — Six feet over the sills. 
 
 861. At all events, you are prepared to say that 
 the saving of expense would not be equal to the loss 
 of benefit from the diminution of the depth? — 
 Certainly. 
 
 F 2 
 
REPORT 
 
 OF 
 
 THE COMMITTEE 
 
 ON 
 
 THE WESTERN RAIL-ROAD 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAKES OF GALWAY AND MAYO NAVIGATION. 
 
 At a Meeting, held in the Oak Room at the Man- 
 sion House, 
 
 Colonel Wilson in the Chair, 
 
 It was resolved that the following Report, which 
 was handed in by the Secretary, be adopted and 
 printed : — 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 The Committee appointed by a General Meeting, 
 held at the Mansion House on the 11th of June, 
 1831, to revise the Resolutions, and to give their 
 opinion upon the practicability of the Plan then 
 brought forward by Mr. Bermimgham, report as 
 follows : — 
 
 That the Plan proposed for consideration may be 
 resolved into two distinct heads. 
 
70 
 
 One, setting forth the advantages which would 
 result from connecting Galway and Killala hy inland 
 navigation. « 
 
 The other, the benefits to be derived from the 
 formation of a Rail-road between Galway and Bal- 
 linasloe. 
 
 These projects are so diflferent in their nature that 
 the Committee think it necessary that their respective 
 merits should be separately considered. 
 
 In order to execute the first of these plans, it is 
 proposed to open the communication from the sea 
 at Galway into lough Corrib, and to remove the 
 obstructions to navigation which exist in that lake. 
 
 To continue the junction thus made of the sea 
 with lough Corrib, by canals, connecting it with 
 lough Mask and lough Cara, which may be done for 
 a moderate sum, and hence following the course 
 (which Providence seems to have pointed out,) 
 through lakes Cara, Cullen, and along the river Moy, 
 (should there be sufficient funds) to render it prac- 
 ticable for vessels to pass from Galway to Killala. 
 
 It does not appear that the formation of this canal 
 would cost much, so far as lough Cara, which comes 
 near to the town of Castlebar; the remainder of the 
 proposed line of communication with Ballina would 
 be attended with much more expense ; the object to 
 be attained thereby does not, however, appear of 
 such immediate importance : although it should not 
 be forgotten, that such line would pass nearly through 
 
71 
 
 the centre of the province of Connaught, that it would 
 connect the lime-stone districts with those where 
 granite forms the substratum, thus bringing the mar- 
 ble quarries and the mines of those districts into 
 operation, and also affording a facility of conveying 
 sea-weed from the coast to the interior ; and that it 
 would also lower the waters of the upper lakes, and 
 thus render many acres fertile and productive which 
 are now generally flooded. 
 
 The work thus pointed out might be commenced 
 immediately, as little preparatory arrangement would 
 be required. 
 
 Your Committee having made diligent inquiries 
 into the resources of Cunnemara, Joyce country and 
 Mayo, are informed that a vast quantity of sea-weed, 
 which heretofore was converted into kelp, is now, in 
 consequence of the application of salt and barilla to 
 that purpose, used for manure ; they submit, there- 
 fore, that if the power of procuring this manure easily, 
 and at small cost, be extended along: the line of waste 
 tracts adjoining the lakes, it would open new re- 
 sources to the country, by offering an inducement to 
 their cultivation, and would thereby render the in- 
 habitants of those parts more independent than they 
 have hitherto been. The navigation of the lakes by 
 steam-vessels would thus have a decided effect to 
 encourage cultivation and traffic in those parts. 
 Your Committee are the more assured that suqh 
 would be the case, from the good effects admitted on 
 
72 
 
 all hands to have arisen from the exertions used by 
 Government, in opening roads through the interior of 
 this district, which comprises a space of at least sixty 
 miles square on the west. They submit, that if the 
 opening of roads for the internal communication of 
 these districts has been thus productive of consi- 
 derable, benefit, not only to the district but to the 
 revenue and the port of Galway, (and that it has 
 been so is signally proved by this fact, of which they 
 are informed, namely, that the trade and revenue of 
 Galw^ay vt^ithin the last few years have increased 
 fourfold,) a cheap communication by water, con- 
 necting those very roads, must be of the highest 
 importance, and attended with the most salutary 
 effects. 
 
 Your Committee admit that the funds for this un- 
 dertaking must, for tlie present, in a great measure, 
 be advanced by the state ; but as it is reported that a 
 large sum of money will be allotted for the improve- 
 ment of Ireland, some part of it should he ajjplied to 
 the purpose of improving the natural resources of the 
 country, and of executing a work which, at a small 
 annual expense for repairs, would he of permanent 
 and general advantage. 
 
 It appears to the Committee, that as the great 
 advantage arising from the improvement of the navi- 
 gation of the lakes would accrue to the landed 
 proprietors in their neighbourhood, it would be just 
 and advisable to procure some legislative enactment, 
 
73 
 
 which would enable the Company to assess those 
 proprietors for a share of the expenses, either by tax- 
 ation proportionate to the advantages they would 
 obtain, or by rendering it compulsory upon them 
 to sell or let certain portions of land, bordering on 
 the lakes, in order to ensure the success of the plan 
 proposed. 
 
 Your Committee submit, that if internal inland 
 navigation, with all its disadvantages and delays, has 
 been thought so important, that two great canals have 
 been constructed, one leading into the west, to Bal- 
 linasloe, a distance of 70 miles, at the expense of 
 more than a million of moriey ; of how much greater 
 importance must it appear to unite the port of Galway 
 with the harbour of Ballina, on the one side, — a dis- 
 tance of about 60 miles, — and with that very canal at 
 Ballinasloe on the other side ; thus giving a cheap and 
 expeditious communication by steam throwgh the west, 
 for nearly 90 miles, at an expense not exceeding 
 250,000/., one-fourth of what the present canal has 
 already cost. 
 
 With respect to the second part of the proposed 
 plan, namely, the rail-road, your Committee report, 
 that since their last meeting they have had an oppor- 
 tunity of consulting with Mr. Stephenson, a gentleman 
 well known, whose accqaintance with every matter 
 relating to rail-roads and steam-carriages is not 
 equalled by any other man in existence ; and they 
 are gratified in being able to state, that having 
 
74 
 
 explained the details of the plan proposed, and ha- 
 ving described the nature of the country through 
 which the rail-road is to pass, Mr. Stephenson has 
 declared his opinion that the plan is highly prac- 
 ticable, and that it might, according to the state- 
 ments laid before him, be performed for the estimate 
 proposed for a double line of rail-road, namely, 
 120,000/. 
 
 Your Committee beg to state, that in reference to 
 the distance and line of road throuo;^h which the 
 railway now proposed should be carried, it is the 
 opinion of Mr. Stephenson, that the town of Lough- 
 rea, containing as is stated 5000 inhabitants, should 
 be the point to which the road ought to be carried 
 for the present ; they, therefere, are of opinion, that 
 the connexion of that town with the port of Gal way 
 should be first attempted ; at the same time, they 
 cannot avoid stating their decided opinion, that the 
 importance of communicating with the Grand Canal 
 appears so great, that they are bound to recommend 
 the continuation of the railroad to Ballinasloe, as 
 does Mr. Stephenson, should the Canal Company not 
 succeed in their endeavour to connect those towns by 
 canal. 
 
 Your Committee having made inquiries respecting 
 the trade at present carried on between Lough rea 
 and Gal way, have been informed, that taking into 
 calculation the trade in corn, salt, iron, foreign and 
 home timber, and general merchandise, in the article 
 
75 
 
 of manure, which is very considerable, together with 
 that of coal and turf, barilla, slates, and fish, a 
 most important, but now much neglected article of 
 traffic, they will be fully warranted in setting down 
 the trade between those places as at 30,000 tons per 
 annum, the cost of which, at the present rate of land 
 carriage, viz. 13s. 4d. per ton, will form an item of 
 20,000/. per annum, chargeable upon this part of 
 the trade of Galway. Your Committee are also in- 
 formed, that the transit of passengers between those 
 two towns is very considerable, there being three 
 public coaches at present plying between them, the 
 income from which cannot be set down at a lower 
 rate than 2000/. per annum: — without, therefore, 
 reckoning on any increase of passengers, which would 
 be highly probable, your Committee may fairly cal- 
 culate on this sum being annually made by pas- 
 sengers alone ; besides which, they contemplate with 
 pleasure the great advantage that would arise from 
 the ease with which the poor can be taken from 
 market-town to market-town, with their various ar- 
 ticles of small merchandise of which they wish to 
 dispose. 
 
 Your Committee having consulted Mr. Stephenson 
 as to the cost of keeping the rail-road in repair, and 
 the necessary expense attending thereon, and having 
 compared his estimate with that already put forth to 
 the public, are of opinion, that a saving of more 
 than one-half the cost of conveyance between the 
 
T6 
 
 town of Gal way and Louglirea might be saved to the 
 public, if the measure now proposed be carried into 
 execution ; and that such a measure would open a 
 large field to the speculator, which would be at once 
 productive of great individual profit and general 
 benefit. 
 
 Your Committee conceive, that rail-roads being 
 as ye^ little known in Ireland, it may be necessary to 
 enter into some details as to the expenses of such an 
 undertaking ; they, therefore, beg leave to lay before 
 you the following result of their inquiries and inves- 
 tigations relating thereto. 
 
 The expense of outlay, supposing the line con- 
 necting Galway and Loughrea be alone adopted, is 
 calculated at 60,000/., the interest of which, at 5/. 
 per cent., would amount to 3000/. per annum. The 
 cost of keeping an engine in repair sufficient for 
 the trade, as stated by Mr. Stephenson, is as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 £. s. d. 
 One ton of coals per day 1 
 
 An engine man and boy 5 
 
 Twenty men a day on the line, at 1*. 
 
 per day 1 
 
 Making the sum of £2 5 
 
 Supposing, therefore, the tonnage to be 100 tons per 
 day, Mr. Stephenson calculates that about 1 /. 25. 6d. 
 per day may be added for wear and tear, making a 
 
77 
 
 total of 3/. 75. 6d. per day, or 1000/. per annum. 
 For engineering, agency, &c. say 1000/., making a 
 total of 5000/. per annum, being the whole amount 
 of outlay, including interest of capital, so that the 
 saving to the public, on the carriage between Lough- 
 rea and Gal way, will be the difference between this 
 cost and 22,000/. per annum, the present cost of 
 carriage as before stated, making a total saving of 
 17,000/. per annum to the public. 
 
 Your Committee must here advert to the advantage 
 to arise from the communication between J)ublin and 
 the port of Galway, which it is the object of the 
 present railroad to effect. Even for the purpose of 
 emigration, great advantage to the poor would arise 
 from the facility thus afforded ; and when they take 
 into consideration the great advantages likely to be 
 derived from a junction with Mr. Williams's steam 
 navigation on the Shannon, they are justified in calling 
 the attention of the people of Limerick pre-eminently 
 to this plan. 
 
 Your Committee have been informed that the 
 landed proprietors, through whose property the pro- 
 posed railroad is to pass, have agreed not to make 
 any charge for the ground which may be required for 
 it ; and that many of them have determined to form 
 the line and level the country at their own expense, 
 thus showing that they not only take a real interest 
 in the plan, but consider it as calculated to be highly 
 productive in its results. 
 
78 
 
 Your Committee regret exceedingly to find that a 
 most material point has as yet been overlooked and 
 unattended to ; namely, the raising of a subscription 
 to defray the expenses of a regular examination of 
 the country, without which your Committee find it 
 extremely difficult to form a report ; cursory exami- 
 nations, such as have alone been as yet made, although 
 useful in forming a general opinion, being not suffi- 
 ciently accurate to authorise a definite and satisfactory 
 decision. 
 
 Your Committee are therefore of opinion, that the 
 first step which should be taken is to raise money for 
 an accurate survey. Secondly, to obtain the coun- 
 tenance and promises of pecuniary support from the 
 Government. Thirdly, to make up by shares the 
 remaining costs of outlay. These once completed, 
 your Committee are of opinion the work might be 
 begun even without an act of parliament. They fur- 
 ther suggest, that whilst the surveys are making, the 
 formation of the railway and the construction of 
 the carriages may be undertaken, and the road be 
 formed, as soon as the line of country be once 
 determined on. 
 
 Your Committee will lament if the summer he al- 
 lowed to pass away without a public work of this 
 description, so calculated to give prof table employ- 
 ment to numbers, being undertaken at this time, when 
 so many wretched beings are iii a state of starvation. 
 This ivould certainly be far above mere chayity, for 
 
79 
 
 not only would It now abolish, to a certain extent, 
 want, hut provide for the permanent improvement 
 of the country. 
 
 Committee. 
 
 Anthony R. Blake 
 Stephen Dickson 
 James S. Lambert 
 John J. Bodkin 
 William M'Dermott 
 John Blake 
 Patrick Mark Lynch 
 
 Charles Filgate 
 H. C. Wilson 
 Alexander Browne 
 Richard Everard 
 Thomas Berminofham 
 Dominick O'Reilly. 
 
 Evidence and Papers relating to the Western Har- 
 bours of Ireland, ordered by the House of Commons, 
 August 11, 1834. 
 
 Major- Gen. Sir Howard Douglas, Bart., Governor 
 of New Brunswick, was examined, as follows. 
 
 As you are acquainted with the passage between 
 this country and America, are there any improvements 
 you could suggest in regard to steam communication, 
 as to the point of starting from this country? — ■! 
 should think the point of departure should be the 
 westernmost point of the United Kingdom ; for, not- 
 withstanding the improvements daily effecting in 
 steam machinery with a view to diminish the con- 
 sumption of fuel, and so to increase space for freight 
 
80 
 
 and passeng-ers, it is of the first importance to the 
 success of the contemplated measure, and to the pro- 
 ductiveness of the enterprize, that the voyage from 
 land to land be made the shortest possible. There 
 can be no doubt that a departure taken from the west- 
 w^ardmost port of the United Kingdom by steam- 
 vessels, either starting from or calling to replenish 
 their coal stores at such port, would be greatly ad' 
 vantageous in all respects ; such port likewise to be 
 used as that to which the communications from 
 America are to be made. By the former arrange- 
 ment branch steam-packets, and other communications 
 would be established with that port. According to 
 the other plan, the steam-vessels starting from Liver- 
 pool or Bristol for America, and returning, would call 
 at the western port, and there take up what may offer, 
 arid likewise replenish their stores of coal. For all 
 these reasons, it appears to me that the harbour of 
 Valentia would be an important point for departure 
 and arrival. 
 
 Are you acquainted with that harbour? — I am not. 
 I have heard the subject much canvassed, and I speak 
 only from a knowledge of the position of that port, 
 and with a view to shorten thus the transatlantic 
 voyage. 
 
 How often have you passed the Atlantic ? — Twice 
 to Halifax. 
 
 Has the establishment of steam between America 
 and England been a subject of much discussion ? — 
 
81 
 
 Very much indeed ; it lias excited very intense in-' 
 terest, and is looked to with very great solicitude in 
 all the provinces. 
 
 Have you thought sufficiently on the subject to 
 suggest any advantages which would be derived in 
 the passage, from avoiding the Channel, in respect 
 both of time and of safety? — The starting-point being 
 from the westwardmost port of the United Kingdom, 
 shortens the voyage so much, that I should say it is . 
 obvious there would be great advantages in every re- 
 spect in establishing that port as the point of arrival 
 and departure of the Atlantic voyage. 
 
 The Right Hon. Maurice Fitzgerald, Knight of Kerry, 
 having been sworn, was examined as follows ; 
 
 The Commissioners have reason to suppose that 
 you have turned your attention a good deal to the 
 subject of the communications between Great Britain 
 and Ireland and the Foreign Colonies and Possessions ? 
 — I have. 
 
 Will you be kind enough to state what induced 
 you to turn your attention to this subject? — It had 
 occurred to me that steam navigation might be made 
 applicable to a communication between the west of 
 Ireland and New York ; and I was led to institute 
 inquiries as to its practicability, by reference to the 
 best authorities, and especially to Americans, who 
 had at that period done more in steam navigation 
 than had been attempted in these countries : the period 
 
 G 
 
82 
 
 to which I aUude was about the year 1824. 1 saw 
 several Americans who were acquainted with the 
 state of steam navigation in America, and who all 
 concurred that it might be made applicable to the 
 passage of the ocean. Amongst the rest, Mr. Rush, 
 the American minister : he had no doubts upon the 
 subject, and considered the case of the Robert Fulton, 
 American steam-vessel, which had passed for some 
 years between New York and the Havannah and New 
 Orleans, as having a worse passage than the passage 
 of the ocean between New York and Ireland. 
 
 Do you happen to know the length of that passage ? 
 — ^To the best of my recollection, the average passage 
 from New York to the Havannah was 1 5 days ; of 
 course the passage back would be quicker, from the 
 benefit of the Gulf Stream. He considered, and so 
 did all the other Americans to whom I referred, that 
 a coasting navigation was much more dangerous than 
 that across the open ocean (and that line may be con- 
 sidered in a great degree coasting). They spoke 
 especially of the great danger off Cape Hattrass, 
 where a very dangerous sea breaks. 
 
 Were any steps taken, by calculations or otherwise^ 
 with a view to ascertain the practicability of the plan? 
 — We had prepared estimates and plans, which were 
 referred to authorities in London, Bristol and Glasgow. 
 The size of a suitable steamer was estimated with 
 reference to the quantity of fuel that would be 
 necessary for a passage to New York from the west 
 
83 
 
 of Ireland, and the power of engines calculated, and 
 the probable returns of profit from such an under- 
 taking. 
 
 From what sources was the profit expected ? — In 
 the estimates which were drawn up in London by a 
 very able commercial gentleman, and were submitted 
 to a committee of merchants at Bristol, the only 
 profits calculated were from passengers ; and the 
 charges of passage had reference to the existing 
 charges in sailing-packets between Liverpool and New- 
 York, making allowance for the expense of travelling 
 across Ireland ; and those returns were considered 
 quite sufficient to justify an outlay of capital. 
 
 Did you also calculate upon carrying the mails ? 
 — ^We did not in the first instance reckon upon mails 
 as a necessary consequence of such an establishment; 
 we considered it rather as a probable contingency. 
 That may be in some degree accounted for by our 
 first purpose having been to communicate with New 
 York. In was some time before the question occurred 
 as affecting the interests of our colonies. Our earliest 
 proceedings had reference to a direct communication 
 with New York, and accordingly we principally con- 
 sulted with United States persons. The Americans 
 entered into the subject with avidity. They held out 
 expectation of co-operation and support at New York, 
 and almost every American with whom I conversed 
 (and they are the majority of the persons who cross 
 the ocean,) expressed their wishes to avail themselves 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 of such a passage, considering that the greater part 
 of the delay and ahnost all the danger of the passage 
 was between the west of Ireland and Liverpool. 
 
 At the time you are speaking of, had you reason 
 to become acquainted with the existing establishments 
 for the Post-office communications between Great 
 Britain and Ireland and the colonies ? — In the course 
 of our investio-ation I found that the British colonies 
 were dependant on the United States for almost the 
 entire of their communication, whether of passage or 
 of letters ; and on pursuing the subject, I was surprised 
 at the very insufficient manner in which the Post- 
 office communications with our own colonies were 
 conducted. Down to a late period, incredible as it 
 may appear, the mail was conveyed to Nova Scotia 
 by the West Indies. 
 
 Were you in the way at that time of hearing com- 
 plaints, on the part of merchants and others, of the 
 established Post-office communications ? — All the 
 colonists and merchants trading^ to the colonies were 
 loud in their complaints on the subject, and especially 
 persons holding high official situations in those 
 colonies expressed their regret at the unsatisfactory 
 state of the communication, and the sort of dependance 
 on a foreign state in which they were placed in their 
 official intercourse on most important subjects. All 
 parties expressed their anxious wish that such a plan 
 as we proposed for improving the intercourse could 
 be carried irito effect. I accordingly laid some state- 
 
85 
 
 ments before the heads of the different departments 
 at home, which obtained their attention to the subject. 
 
 Will you have the goodness to state the particulars 
 of the plan which was in contemplation for crossing 
 the ocean, by means of steam ; as to the size of the 
 vessels and the supply of fuel, &c.? — -It was con- 
 sidered that whatever may be the power of steam, it 
 must remain desirable, in so extensive a navio^ation, 
 to abridge as much as possible the transit, and if 
 practicable, to divide the passage by intermediate 
 depots for fuel. With those views, the harbour of 
 Valentia, in Ireland, was selected on the joint ground 
 of its being the most westerly harbour, and one in 
 other respects suitable. 
 
 What saving would have been effected by making 
 the departure from Valentia instead of from Liver- 
 pool ? — I should suppose that the saving, by starting 
 from Valentia, as compared with Liverpool, would be 
 from 400 to 500 miles. The difference between 
 Halifax and New York is about 400, and perhaps the 
 distance between Halifax and Valentia is as much as 
 could well be contemplated by the use of any vessel 
 of reasonable dimensions, say 600 or 700 tons, carry- 
 ing the necessary fuel. 
 
 Are there any means of forming a depot between 
 Valentia and Halifax ? — Upon full inquiry, we have 
 ascertained that for the summer voyage it would be 
 very desirable to have a depot of coals at St. John's, 
 in Newfoundland. 
 
86 
 
 Is that in the track ? — That is in tlie direct track. 
 
 Would the difference between the distance from 
 Valentia, as compared with Liverpool, be 600 miles 
 either for steam or a sailino--vessel ? — The difference 
 would be greater with a sailing-vessel. I should as- 
 sume the average of sailing to make a difference of 
 at least 1,000 miles. 
 
 Would a difference to the extent you have stated 
 appear upon the calculation of the direct nautical dis- 
 tance between Liverpool and Valentia? — I should 
 think so. Valentia is a saving of 300 miles, as com- 
 pared with Falmouth. I would observe that within 
 the parallel of the longitude of Valentia the principal 
 dangers and delays occur. The Americans accustomed 
 to the passage, generally assured me that when they 
 had reached the longitude of the Skelligs, on the 
 outward voyage, they considered nearly half their 
 passage and all the dangers as passed. The dangers 
 of the Channel may be, perhaps, best understood 
 from the statement made at a public meeting at 
 Liverpool, (in contemplation of effecting a canal navi- 
 gation across Ireland, to escape the dangers of the 
 Channel navigation), where it was stated that the 
 average losses w^ithin the Channel amounted to 
 340,000Z. annually. In comparing the points of de- 
 parture, it appeared to us that it v^as palpably 
 desirable to place the lines of communication for 
 mails as far as possible on that certainty which can 
 be afforded by mail-coaches, and those short passages 
 
87 
 
 between England and Ireland, which are now made 
 almost with the precision of mail-coaches. 
 
 In the ordinary voyage from Halifax to Liverpool, 
 are you aware how near vessels approach to Valentia? 
 — In their ordinary course they would pass within 30 
 miles; but it is very much the practice now to make 
 the Skellig Light, nine miles to the south-west of 
 Valentia. 
 
 Can you state the saving there would be of dis- 
 tance to a person going from Liverpool to Valentia, to 
 embark for Dublin instead of embarking at once from 
 Liverpool to sail the whole distance, and what would 
 be the saving in the sea voyage? — The difference 
 between travelling across Ireland, compared to coast- 
 ing to the same parallel from Liverpool, would be 
 about 100 miles ; the difference of sea passage to 
 Halifax from Liverpool or Valentia would be between 
 400 and 500 statute miles of the worst part of the 
 whole navigation. 
 
 Having stated that the size of the vessel intended 
 for the proposed passage was about 700 tons, for how 
 many days steaming would she be capable of carrying- 
 fuel ? — About thirty days. 
 
 What power were her engines to be ? — Two, of 
 100-horse power each. 
 
 What quantity of coals should you think it neces- 
 sary to carry ? — Three hundred tons. 
 
 Upon what length of passage did you calculate 
 
88 
 
 from Valentia to Halifax and back ? — Fourteen days 
 out and about eleven home. 
 
 From whence did you propose to obtain your sup- 
 ply of coals at Valentia? — Scotch coal could be 
 deposited at Valentia on very reasonable terms, which 
 is considered the best for steam, and coal could be 
 still more cheaply provided at Halifax, from Sidney 
 and Picton, in Nova Scotia, where there is excellent 
 coal for that purpose. 
 
 Should you propose to touch at any intermediate 
 place, for the purpose of taking in coal ? — We con- 
 ceive that with a view to lightening the vessel as much 
 as possible on her passage, a depot should be placed 
 at St. John's, which can be approached with perfect 
 safety during seven months of the year ; and that for 
 the winter months it would be desirable to touch at the 
 Azores with the same object, of lightening the vessel. 
 
 In calculating the time that would be necessary for 
 performing the voyage, have you reckoned for touch- 
 ing at those places ? — Yes. 
 
 How much coal should you require upon the 
 average to carry you to St. John's? — I should sup- 
 pose about 200 tons, because in all cases of such 
 importance, you would take sufficient fuel to steam 
 with full power against constant adverse weather. 
 Considerable saving would of course be made of fuel 
 on the return passage, from the prevalence of westerly 
 winds. In comparing the purpose of steaming, 
 
89 
 
 either from Liverpool or Valentia, it was obvious that 
 either the difference in the quantity of fuel would 
 require a considerable enlargement of the vessel, or 
 that they must necessarily stop at some southern or 
 western point of Ireland for fuel, which would occasion 
 a delay in their navigation. 
 
 What would be the length of the passage to St. 
 John's? — Between eight and nine days out, and be- 
 tween seven and eight days home. 
 
 What are the grounds upon which you would fix 
 upon the western coast of Ireland as a point of de- 
 parture for the American mails, in preference to any port 
 in the Channel ? — The v^^estern harbour in question is, 
 generally speaking, in a direct line from the principal 
 commercial cities of England to Halifax or New York; 
 therefore, a letter proceeding by mail in that direction, 
 would be advancing on its proper line of destination; 
 whereas, in order to depart from any Channel port, 
 as Falmonth or Liverpool, a letter from any other 
 town must, more or less, deviate from its proper line, 
 and in many cases it must retrograde. For instance, 
 a letter from Bristol or from London, or from Glasgow 
 or from Belfast, is going greatly out of its line, if it 
 is to embark at Liverpool. The case is more absurd, 
 if letters are also to pass through London, by a greater 
 deviation before they proceed to their point of de- 
 parture ; the consequence of which is, that his 
 Majesty's mail despatched from Falmouth, has very 
 little of the correspondence that passes between 
 
90 
 
 England and America, excepting duplicate commer- 
 cial letters ; but all the main correspondence is carried 
 on by vessels sailing from Liverpool to New York, 
 as before described. This correspondence nearly 
 altogether escapes contribution towards the inland 
 postage of this country ; and as by the combination 
 of commerce and passage from Liverpool, the Ameri- 
 can vessels being of a very fine order and excellent 
 sailers, command a decided preference over the 
 Government packets. It will be impossible, whilst 
 Falmouth continues to be the point of departure, ever 
 to obtain to his Majesty's mails the benefit of con- 
 veying letters or passengers in competition with 
 Liverpool ; but by selecting a point of departure 
 which would necessarily command a more rapid com- 
 munication than can possibly take place from Liver- 
 pool, the commercial interest of parties will induce 
 them to give a preference to the King's mail ; and if 
 that point of departure shall be at the western ex- 
 tremity of the kingdom, the longest line of internal 
 postage will be generally obtained to the Post-office 
 revenue. All other commercial towns are perfectly 
 aware of the great advantage which Liverpool has over 
 them, in monopolizing, as it were, the conveyance of 
 commercial letters ; the earliest and the latest com- 
 munications are by that means made to and from 
 Liverpool, and the correspondence of other cities is 
 comparatively later and more circuitous ,' whereas, by 
 an impartial selection of a more convenient point, the 
 
91 
 
 correspondence with all the commercial towns in the 
 kingdom would be carried on independently, on 
 their proper lines of communication. For instance, a 
 letter from Glasgow or from Belfast, or from Bristol 
 or from London, would proceed on the shortest pos- 
 sible line that the nature of the case admits of from 
 those towns towards Halifax or New York ; and in 
 the return of communication, commercial letters would, 
 be in each case distributed impartially by the most 
 direct rout from the point of landing to those com- 
 mercial cities. As far as American correspondence is 
 concerned, the foreign Post-office of England may now 
 be considered as situated in New York ; and that the 
 Post-office can never enter into competition with Ame- 
 rica, until they create a superior mode of communi- 
 cation, of which the commercial world will be glad 
 to avail itself, and in which each town will have the 
 benefit in proportion to its natural pretensions or 
 position. As long as Liverpool is the point of de- 
 parture, combining commerce with passage, the 
 Liverpool and New York vessel will take away the 
 correspondence from the Post-office, and no harbour 
 within the Channel will ever successfully compete 
 with Liverpool. 
 
 Have you ever considered the objection that might 
 be suggested on account of the removal of the point 
 of departure to a greater distance from the seat of 
 government, with reference to political communica- 
 tions ? — I have ; but I do not conceive that any 
 
92 
 
 inconvenience would arise when the regular days of 
 departure of mails are already known, because 
 Government may issue directions beforehand to delay 
 the mail, should occasion require it, as is now done at 
 Falmouth; besides, extra packets may be provided. 
 Moreover, those sudden changes which may arise in 
 political correspondence with foreign states, can 
 seldoxU occur in the communications with the go- 
 vernors of our American colonies. I do not conceive 
 that any such inconvenience could over-balance the 
 other general advantages of such a point of departure. 
 Have any calculations been made with a view to 
 show the distances of different routes that are taken 
 between England and America, and the saving that 
 will be produced by the communication you propose? 
 — A very accurate calculation has been made of the 
 comparative distances from different points, which I 
 will leave with the Commissioners. 
 
 [The same was delivered in.'] 
 By whom were these calculations made ? — By Mr. 
 Nimmo. 
 
 Captain Francis Beaufort^ called in ; and examined. 
 
 You are hydrographer to the Admiralty ? — I am. 
 
 How long have you been in that situation ? — A 
 year. 
 
 Will you describe the general nature of the duties 
 of hydrographer ? — Preparing the charts for His 
 Majesty's service. 
 
93 
 
 You were previously in the naval service ? — All 
 my life. 
 
 In what parts of the world have you been ? — 
 There is scarcely any part of the world that I have 
 not been in. 
 
 Have you had any experience in the navigation of 
 steam-vessels ? — None, more than occasionally having 
 been passenger in them. 
 
 Have you ever directed your attention particularly 
 to the comparative facilities of navigation offered by 
 the principal ports of the United Kingdom as points 
 of destination and departure for the packets ? — My 
 mind has been turned to that subject lately. 
 
 What would be the advantages with respect to 
 embarkation for the west and south of Europe and 
 America generally, by choosing a harbour on the 
 west of Ireland, instead of one within the Channel ? — 
 The first object of vessels bound to the Mediterranean, 
 or to the West Indies, on the supposition of an adverse 
 wind, is to get far enough out of the Channel to be 
 able to adopt either tack without fear of the land ; 
 for when it blows hard, no ship can work to windward 
 without sufficient room to make long stretches, and 
 to take advantage of the changes of winds and tides. 
 The next object is, when once fairly out, to gain 
 sufficient westing to fetch round Cape Finisterre. 
 Now, by sailing from a port on the west coast of 
 Ireland both these objects are secured ; as with a 
 south-west gale a vessel would at once stretch off to 
 
94 
 
 the north-west, instead of struggling for days between 
 Ushant and the Lizard, and with the wind at west 
 she would be able to clear Cape Finisterre, while a 
 vessel from Falmouth would be embayed and obliged 
 to stand to the north-west to keep an offing. One 
 disadvantage of Falmouth, as a port of embarkation, 
 is the difficulty of sailing when the wind blows with 
 violence from the southward. It appears that on an 
 average of the last four years six packets per annum 
 have been detained about 40 hours each. A packet 
 harbour should, if possible, have two ways of exit, 
 like Spithead, for instance. 
 
 Are there any circumstances respecting the coasts 
 and currents, and the prevalent winds within the 
 Channel, which increase in a still greater degree the 
 advantages of preferring a western harbour ? — In 
 comparing the coasts of the two countries, Ireland 
 seems to have this advantage, that a vessel once out 
 of any of her western ports can weather the land, 
 either on one tack or the other, as stated in my former 
 answer. With respect to the currents, the advantages 
 are not of great moment. The winds, however, are 
 a feature of considerable importance in the comparison. 
 It appears that taking the average of the last 10 years 
 there were in each year 186 days of westerly winds 
 and 101 days of easterly, and that the general mean 
 wind for the whole period was S. 83° W., about one 
 sixth of each year. Just then in the ratio of this 
 prevalent wind, is the advantage of " preferring a 
 
95 
 
 western harbour," besides that arising, as above-men- 
 tioned, from the conformation of the coast. I have 
 draw^n up a tabular statement of the above facts, 
 extracted from the Meteorological Register of the 
 Royal Society in London, and I endeavoured to form 
 a similar table for Falmouth, from the Post-office 
 Packet Lists, but as the Sundays and many other days 
 M^ere omitted in them, no satisfactory results could be 
 obtained. 
 
 [A Table showing the Daily Winds for each of the 
 last Ten Years, compiled from the Meteorological 
 Register of the Royal Society of London was 
 handed in, a Copy of which is as follows :] 
 
 YEAR. 
 
 N. 
 
 N.E. 
 
 E. 
 
 S.E. 
 
 s. 
 
 S.W. 
 
 w. 
 
 N.W 
 
 Calm 
 
 Total 
 
 of 
 
 Easterly. 
 
 Total 
 
 of 
 
 Westerly 
 
 1820 
 
 57 
 
 21 
 
 54 
 
 27 
 
 39 
 
 47 
 
 87 
 
 33 
 
 1 
 
 102 
 
 168 
 
 1821 
 
 36 
 
 15 
 
 56 
 
 20 
 
 41 
 
 49 
 
 \\i 
 
 35 
 
 1 
 
 91 
 
 196 
 
 1822 
 
 42 
 
 24 
 
 59 
 
 18 
 
 39 
 
 46 
 
 111 
 
 24 
 
 2 
 
 101 
 
 181 
 
 1223 
 
 43 
 
 30 
 
 50 
 
 19 
 
 31 
 
 46 
 
 106 
 
 37 
 
 3 
 
 99 
 
 189 
 
 1824 
 
 50 
 
 19 
 
 53 
 
 9 
 
 38 
 
 30 
 
 127 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 81 
 
 195 
 
 1825 
 
 47 
 
 26 
 
 49 
 
 22 
 
 29 
 
 33 
 
 120 
 
 35 
 
 4 
 
 97 
 
 188 
 
 1826 
 
 27 
 
 49 
 
 35 
 
 45 
 
 21 
 
 106 
 
 26 
 
 55 
 
 1 
 
 129 
 
 187 
 
 1827 
 
 40 
 
 54 
 
 12 
 
 49 
 
 20 
 
 125 
 
 19 
 
 45 
 
 1 
 
 115 
 
 189 
 
 1828 
 
 36 
 
 29 
 
 28 
 
 47 
 
 31 
 
 132 
 
 20 
 
 40 
 
 3 
 
 104 
 
 192 
 
 1829 
 
 42 
 
 59 
 
 32 
 
 39 
 
 21 
 
 74 
 
 43 
 
 54 
 
 1 
 
 130 
 
 171 
 
 Mean of 
 
 the 
 10 Years 
 
 j.42 
 
 33 
 
 43 
 
 29 
 
 31 
 
 69 
 
 77 
 
 39 
 
 2 
 
 101 
 
 186 
 
 Or, supposing a feather to have been abandoned to 
 the wind at the beginning of each of these years, then 
 
96 
 
 the mean direction in which it would have moved by 
 the end of the year is stated in a Table, which I have 
 also drawn up ; and assuming the strength of the 
 wind to have been equal throughout, the number of 
 days which the feather would have advanced, is also 
 given. 
 
 [The Table was handed in, a Copy of which is as 
 follows ;] 
 
 Year. 
 
 Direction. 
 
 Days. 1 Year. 
 
 Direction. 
 
 Days. 
 
 1820 - 
 
 S. 86° E. 
 
 56 
 
 1825 - 
 
 S. 75" E. 
 
 86 
 
 1821 - 
 
 N. 89 E. 
 
 92 
 
 1826 - 
 
 N. 58 E. 
 
 47 
 
 1822 - 
 
 N. 84 E. 
 
 72 
 
 1827 - 
 
 N. 58 E. 
 
 54 
 
 1823 - 
 
 S. 81 E. 
 
 81 
 
 1828 - 
 
 N. S9 E. 
 
 95 
 
 1824 - 
 
 S. 74 E. 
 
 91 
 
 1829 - 
 
 N. 57 E. 
 
 38 
 
 General mean for the 10 years, N. 83" E. QQ days 
 per annum; in other words, the mean prevalent 
 wind for the last 10 years was S. 83"* W. m of the 
 year. 
 
 Are you aware of the grounds on which Falmouth 
 contended against the project of the Almiralty, to 
 change the packet station to Plymouth ? — I am not ; 
 but they were probably of the same nature as those 
 I have stated ; for, although Falmouth is only 12 
 leagues to the westward of Plymouth, even that 
 distance gives it an obvious superiority as a point of 
 departure. 
 
 Are you in possession of any facts on which to 
 
0T 
 
 estimate the difference generally in sailing to the 
 southward and westward from a more westerly 
 harbour, compared to one within the Channel? — I 
 have had a sheet of tracks, projected on a small scale 
 from the log-books of 30 packets, which had to con- 
 tend with foul winds in crossing the Bay : and sup- 
 posing that other vessels had sailed from a port on 
 the south-west coast of Ireland at the same time, and 
 affected by the same weather, their comparative pro- 
 gress is shown by a similar series of tracks in red ink. 
 The average result of these tracks gives about 41 days 
 in favour of the Irish packets. But the celerity of 
 the mail is not the only point of contrast ; the saving 
 of four or five days in the wear and tear of the vessels, 
 and in the health and comfort of the passengers, are 
 considerations of much weight. 
 
 Are you aware of cases of great mischief to the 
 public service in the course of the last war, derived 
 from embarkations within the Channel, compared to 
 what would have been the effect from the west coast 
 of Ireland ? — This question leads to a subject of the 
 highest importance, and I am sorry my time has been 
 too much occupied to search for the proofs which the 
 records of the last war would abundantly furnish of 
 the disadvantages of embarking military supplies 
 from ports in the Channel. The detention, however, 
 of Rear- Admiral Christian is proverbially known : he 
 sailed from Portsmouth with an expedition for the 
 West Indies, on the 16th of November, 1779, and 
 
 n 
 
98 
 
 after having been repeatedly blown back, he did not 
 ultimately clear the Channel till the end of the 
 following March. Every seaman must recollect in- 
 numerable instances of such detentions, and every 
 soldier will recollect the havoc produced in the health 
 and discipline of the troops when long cooped up in 
 transports. It would well illustrate this question if 
 returns could be had from the War Office of the time 
 elapsed from the embarkation of the several reinforce- 
 ments at Portsmouth and Plymouth during the 
 Peninsula war to their arrival in Spain or Portugal, 
 and accompanied by a statement of the winds, from 
 which a comparison could be easily made of the 
 period that would have been sufficient if embarked at 
 a western Irish port. Should we be again engaged 
 in active hostilities in those countries, or in the 
 Mediterranean, the benefits from such an arrange- 
 ment would be incalculable. Even the regular reliefs 
 which sail during peace would feel its advantages. 
 Recruits would gradually move across England and 
 Ireland ; their health and discipline would improve 
 by escaping the large sea-ports, and their embarkation 
 might immediately follow their arrival on the coast. 
 This may be put also in another point of view : a 
 large force would thus be kept in Ireland, gradually 
 moving on the point of embarkation, readily detach- 
 able in any direction, and effectually occupying that 
 country, without having the appearance of being a 
 garrison. 
 
99 
 
 Have you any data on which to calculate the dif- 
 ference of sailing" in unfavourable winds between the 
 parallels of Falmouth and the west coast of Ireland? 
 — The statement in answer to the first and second 
 questions, and the two sheets of tracks, seem to furnish 
 complete data for that decision. 
 
 Can you furnish us with the professional opinion of 
 the Navy, relative to the currents in the entrance of 
 the Channel, described by Major Rennell ? — A cur- 
 rent sometimes setting to the north-west across the 
 mouth of the Channel, after hard westerly gales, 
 has, I believe been generally admitted to exist. 
 
 Are you particularly aware of his opinions on this 
 subject ? — I have often conversed with that eminent 
 and lamented geographer on the subject of this 
 current. The outline of his opinion may be stated in 
 a few words : long-continued westerly winds in the 
 Adantic, force its waters along the north coast of 
 Spain into the Bay of Biscay ; the sea being thus 
 raised above its natural level escapes in the easiest 
 direction, and thus forms a current which strikes off 
 to the north-west from Ushant just in the same way 
 that the tropical trade winds piling up the water in 
 the Gulf of Mexico, form the well-known Gulf 
 Stream, which takes the direction of the adjacent 
 shores, and the effects of which have been traced 
 much beyond 2,000 miles. Major Rennell's papers 
 on this subject were printed in the Philosophical 
 Transactions for 1793 and 1815. 
 
 H 2 
 
100 
 
 Da you consider that besides greater rapidity and J 
 certainty of passage, there would be in time of war 
 greater security against an enemy's cruizers in the 
 packets sailing from a western harbour of Ireland 
 than from one in the Channel ? — Whatever shortens 
 the voyage of a packet must proportionally diminish 
 the period of her exposure to the enemy's cruizers, 
 and the further the packet station is removed from 
 the enemy's ports, the less is the chance of his 
 cruizer's venturing into its neighbourhood. The 
 homeward-bound packet would find it very advan- 
 tageous to make at once for the coast of Ireland, 
 instead of entering the Channel at no very great 
 distance from Brest. During the last war, French 
 cruizers and privateers frequently lay in wait at night 
 off the Lizard. 
 
 Are the winds of the Channel generally from some 
 point of the east or west ? — There always appears to 
 be a tendency in the wind to accommodate itself to 
 the general direction of the coast ; even the low banks 
 of the Thames draw the wind two or three points up 
 or down the various reaches, and thus when the wind 
 is due west in the offing, it will often be W. S. W. in 
 the English Channel, and S.W. in St. George's 
 Channel. 
 
 Would there be in unfavourable winds great benefit 
 in the return packets, as well as their departure, by 
 choosing a more westerly harbour ? — -The same rea- 
 soning will apply to the homeward packets as to 
 
101 
 
 those outward bound. Their distance to run would 
 be shortened. When struggling against opposite 
 winds, they would have open sea-room ; they would 
 avoid the Bay in-draft, and all injurious effects of the 
 north-west current, and on one tack or other they 
 could fetch under the west coast of Ireland, and thus 
 make it a weather shore, which in no case can be 
 done with the coast of England during easterly gales. 
 A collection of homeward-bound tracks similar to 
 that already presented, will show the advantage of 
 a western harbour ; the average difference being 
 upwards of five days in its favour. 
 
 What is the longitude of Falmouth ? — Five de- 
 grees west. 
 
 What is the longitude of the west of Ireland ? — 
 Ten degrees west. 
 
 What would be the general effect of sailing from 
 the latter compared to the former, under the prevalent 
 winds of the Channel, in communication with the 
 western harbours of Europe and the Mediterranean ? 
 — I conceive I have already answered that, in the 
 answer which I gave to the fourth question. 
 
 ' Can you calculate what would be the average 
 difference in sailing to and from our North American 
 colonies, between Falmouth and the coast of Ireland? 
 — From whatever " average difference of sailing " 
 between Falmouth and a western port of Ireland may 
 be ascribed to the considerations already stated, must 
 be subtracted the difference arising from the positive 
 
102 
 
 distance of 200 miles between the above places, and 
 which may be taken at between one and two days. 
 
 What you have stated refers principally to sailing 
 vessels ? — Yes. 
 
 In what degree would that opinion be altered or 
 affected by the vessels used being steamers? — It 
 would not be altered in any very great degree, for 
 though a steamer succeeds in getting to windward 
 against the wind, yet it has a most powerful effect 
 in checking her velocity when against her, and there- 
 fore my reasoning would still apply, though in a less 
 proportion. 
 
 Are you acquainted with the harbour of Valentia? 
 — I have been there, but I cannot say that I am 
 intimately acquainted with the southern inlet. I 
 understand a survey is preparing of it now. 
 
 That is the most western port, or one of the most 
 western ports of the British islands, is it not? — It is 
 the most western port of Europe. 
 
 And also of the British islands, is it not ? — -The 
 most western port. 
 
 Does not this locally offer peculiar advantages for 
 communication over sea with other parts of the 
 world ? — Upon the principle I have stated, I think it 
 does, particularly so. 
 
 If Valentia would be a very advantageous harbour 
 as a packet station, would it not be equally so in time 
 of war for ships resorting to it? — Most undoubtedly. 
 
 Does not Valentia enjoy the advantage which you 
 
103 
 
 attributed to Spithead, of being able to have a two- 
 fold exit ? — Certainly, in some degree. 
 
 Is there any difficulty to be apprehended to vessels 
 leaving the port, on account of the expanse of ocean 
 or rather the weight of water to which they are im- 
 mediately opposed towards the west? — I should say 
 certainly not. 
 
 Are you acquainted with the navigation of the 
 Bristol Channel ? — More from charts than practi- 
 cally. 
 
 Are you aware of the comparative advantages 
 between Bristol and Milford ? — I should say five to 
 one in favour of Milford. 
 
 As a point of departure or of communication with 
 the southern coast of Ireland, which should you pre- 
 fer, Milford or Bristol ? — Milford, certainly. 
 
 Are you speaking now with regard to steam- 
 vessels ; — Yes. 
 
 Will you state your reasons for that? — The strength 
 of the tides, and the number of shoals in the higher 
 parts of the Bristol Channel, would be a constant 
 source of detention. In boats starting from Bristol 
 and starting from Milford Haven, the advantage 
 would be very considerable in favour of the latter. 
 
 Allowing: the distance to be the same ? — I allude 
 to the facility of ingress and egress of the two ports, 
 and independently of their relative distance to Dun- 
 more Harbour, which is about seven to three. 
 
 What is your opinion as to the practicability of 
 
104 
 
 crossing the ocean between the west of Ireland and 
 America, by steam ? — I have no hesitation in saying 
 that it is not only practicable and feasible, but I am 
 quite sure it will be generally introduced some day or 
 other. We find that steam rather increases the buoy- 
 ancy and the power of the vessels to resist rough 
 weather in the Channel and North Sea, and I do not 
 know why it should not answer the same purpose in 
 the Atlantic. 
 
EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS 
 
 ON 
 
 CROWN LANDS, 
 
 AT 
 
 KING WILLIAM'S TOWN, 
 
 IRELAND. 
 
 Mr. We ale's report describes the crown lands of 
 Pobble O'Keefe, in the county of Cork, as situated 
 in the very centre of an unopened district, (Vide 
 Mr. Griffith's Report, 6th February, 1823,) compre- 
 hending 970 square miles, British, — only two re- 
 sident landed proprietors in the whole district. Mr. 
 Griffith describes, in a forcible manner, the want of 
 roads — the then turbulent habits of the peasantry. 
 The soil clayey, requiring draining and liming — 
 beds of culm and thin seams of coal abounding, sur- 
 rounded by lime-stone. The only pass then in 
 existence had been made at the expense of govern- 
 ment, after Earl Desmond's rebellion ; whereas in 
 
106 
 
 Report, April 1829, Mr. Griffith describes the change 
 eflfected as wonderful. I give, in his own words, 
 the agreeable statement. 
 
 " It now becomes my pleasing task to describe the 
 improvements which have been effected since I first 
 commenced laying out the new roads through this 
 neglected district. The object of the Government 
 was to open the country so as to render it generally 
 accessible, and for this purpose the main lines of new 
 roads were determined on : one to run nearly in a 
 north and south direction, from the village of New- 
 market in the county of Cork, to Listowel in the 
 county of Kerry, a distance of 32 miles ; a second, 
 at right angles to the first, and nearly in an east and 
 west direction, from Newcastle in the county of Lime- 
 rick, by the small village of Abbeyfeale, to the town 
 of Castle Island in the county of Kerry, a distance of 
 29 miles ; and a third, also in an east and west direc- 
 tion, 20 miles to the south of the second, from New- 
 market in the county of Cork, for a length of 14 miles 
 towards Charleville in the same county, making a 
 total of 752 miles of new road. 
 
 " The whole of these new roads have been com- 
 pleted, and are now open to the public. 
 
 " At the commencement of the works, the people 
 flocked to them from all quarters, seeking employment 
 at any rate which might be offered ; their general ap- 
 pearance bespoke extreme poverty ; their looks were 
 
107 
 
 haggard, and their clothing wretched ; they rarely 
 possessed any tools or implements of husbandry 
 beyond a very small ill-made spade, and, as might 
 be expected under such circumstances, nearly the 
 whole face of the country was unimproved, and in a 
 state of nature ; but since the completion of the roads, 
 rapid strides have been made towards cultivation and 
 improvement : upwards of 60 new lime-kilns have 
 been built for the purpose of burning lime for agri- 
 culture within the last two years ; carts, ploughs and 
 harrows of superior construction, and other agricul- 
 tural implements, have become common ; new houses 
 of a better class have been built, or are building in 
 great numbers, in the vicinity of the new roads, and 
 also in the villages of Newmarket, Castle Island, and 
 Abbeyfeale ; new inclosures of mountain farms are 
 being made in every direction; and this country, 
 which within the last seven years was the theatre of 
 lawless outrage, and residence of what might be 
 termed the rebel army, has become perfectly tranquil, 
 and exhibits a scene of industry and exertion at once 
 pleasing and remarkable. 
 
 " To the credit of the inhabitants, I must say that 
 a large portion of the money received by them for 
 labour on the roads has been husbanded with care, 
 and subsequently laid out in building substantial 
 houses, and in the purchase of cattle and implements 
 of husbandry ; and numerous examples might be 
 adduced of poor labourers, possessing neither money, 
 
108 
 
 houses, nor lands when first employed on the public 
 roads, who within the last year have been able to 
 take farms, build houses, and stock their lands with 
 cows and young cattle. 
 
 " The advantage of the new roads has not been 
 confined solely to the improvement of the interior of 
 the district, the surrounding fertile country has also 
 been materially benefited by the open, level and di- 
 rect lines of communication through the unimproved 
 country to the cities of Cork and Limerick, which 
 are the great marts for all kinds of agricultural pro- 
 duce. 
 
 '* Thus the new road from Newmarket to Listowel, 
 will diminish the distance, by a good road between 
 the latter place and the city of Cork, 36 statute 
 miles ; the difference between Listowel and Cork, by 
 the present road through Tralee and Killarney, being 
 102 miles, while by the new road it is but 66 miles. 
 In the same manner the distance, by a good road be- 
 tween Limerick and Killarney, will be diminished 
 29i miles, the present road by Tarbert and Listowel 
 being 99 miles in length, while by the new road is 
 but 69i." 
 
 " The improvements above described, which are 
 attributable to the new roads, do not extend to the 
 whole of the mountain district situated within the 
 river Shannon and the river Blackwater. There re- 
 mains a considerable portion, extending northward 
 from the river Blackwater to a line drawn between 
 
109 
 
 the towns of Castle Island and Newmarket, compre- 
 hending an area of about 200 square miles, or 128,000 
 acres, in which there is no road passable for horse- 
 men during the winter months. 
 
 "As expressed in a former report, I have long con- 
 templated the propriety of making a road through 
 this neglected district, and of opening it to the mar- 
 kets of Cork and Mallow. It would complete the 
 principal object for which I was sent down to the 
 Southern District, namely, the forming new roads 
 through those mountains, and rendering them acces- 
 sible in every part. 
 
 " I am of opinion that the proposed road should 
 commence at Castle Island, and proceed eastward 
 through the mountains, and, passing through the 
 collieries of Clonbanin, Dorminagh, Dromagh and 
 Coolclough, join the new road now making to Cork 
 through the Bogra mountains at Clonmeen bridge, 
 over the river Blackwater. 
 
 " This road, if completed, would open a direct 
 communication from Tralee and Castle Island to the 
 city of Cork, which is the best market and would 
 shorten the road between Tralee and Cork 14 statute 
 miles, and between Castle Island and Cork 22 miles ; 
 the present distance from Tralee to Cork by Killarney 
 being 76 statute miles, while the proposed road will be 
 but 62. 
 
 "This road is of the utmost importance to the 
 future improvement of the country. It would pass 
 
110 
 
 through, or very close to the whole of the valuable 
 coal and culm collieries of the Southern District, and 
 afford an easy communication with the surrounding 
 country, many parts of which are in the greatest want 
 of fuel for domestic purposes, and for burning lime, 
 the only manure there used for corn crops. 
 
 " This road would also produce a most beneficial 
 effect on the agriculture of the country through which 
 it passes. There are lime-stone quarries at both ex- 
 tremities, and the whole of the intervening country 
 is covered by a stiff cold clay soil, which when 
 manured by lime is susceptible of great improvement, 
 and capable of producing excellent crops of oats, 
 potatoes and flax. At present, from want of roads, 
 no lime-stone can be drawn into the country, and con- 
 sequently the land remains untilied, and the inhabi- 
 tants are wretched, slothful, and discontented." 
 
 The Crown estate is situated in the very centre of 
 this unopened district, at about 10 miles distance 
 from the town of Castle Island on the west, and from 
 Newmarket and Kanturk on the east. It extends in 
 length from north to south, parallel with the river 
 Blackwater, by which it is in great part boimded on 
 the west, about seven miles ; and in breadth, from 
 west to east, on which side it is bounded by the 
 Awnaglyn or Anntharaghglyn, a mountain-stream 
 flowing into the Blackwater near Ahane, about two 
 miles and a quarter; comprising altogether more 
 
HI 
 
 than 9,000 statute acres of undulating hilly country, 
 at an averaore elevation of about 500 feet above the 
 level of the sea ; and of which the soil varies from a 
 strong clay to a loamy gravel and sand on the higher 
 grounds, with tracts of alluvium and some peatbog in 
 the vallies and along the bottoms. At present, how- 
 ever, the Crown is in the actual possession of only 
 5,000 acres ; the remainder, contained within a longi- 
 tudinal section of the estate next the Awnaglyn, 
 being withheld by the adjacent proprietors, who claim 
 to be entitled to the inheritance. 
 
 The lands which have been surrendered to the 
 Crown are occupied by upwards of 70 native fa- 
 milies, who reside in miserable mud cabins, the only 
 buildings on the property, and who subsist almost 
 entirely on the deteriorated produce of a few acres of 
 a potatoe tillage; all their other earnings from the pro- 
 duce of a few cows and the grazing of cattle in the 
 summer months, together with any money they can 
 obtain for harvest-work in the adjacent districts, being 
 barely sufficient to discharge the rents at which they 
 hold their property. The net yearly amount of the 
 rental is about 61 OZ. ; but however small that sum 
 may appear to be, with reference to the extent of the 
 property, and natural capabilities of the soil, it is certain 
 that it is exclusively derived from the mere labour of the 
 population seated on it, in persevering endeavours to 
 improve the natural herbage of such small parcels of 
 the land as are susceptible of cultivation without 
 
112 
 
 artificial drainage, and without the aid of manures and 
 implements of husbandry. With every local facility 
 towards effecting a perfect drainage of the estate, the 
 lands are saturated with water, and covered with 
 thick matted beds of moss, rushes and heath, the 
 growth of ages ; and they are alike unprovided with 
 buildings and fences for shelter, and without oc- 
 cupation roads from one division to another. The 
 people are possessed of no other capital than their 
 labour ; for whatever stock belonging to them may 
 be found on the lands at any period, would be insuffi- 
 cient to discharge the rent then due ; and indeed, 
 insulated as this and the adjacent estates now are 
 from all practicable roads for the conveyance of agri- 
 cultural produce, and of such matters as are essentially 
 necessary to an improved cultivation of them, no 
 capital could be profitably employed on them by the 
 most skilful tenant. The g^reater and most valuable 
 part of the estate is at present absolutely inaccessible 
 by cars of any description ; and the little lime which 
 is expended on the grounds may truly be said to be 
 carried thither by the poor occupants, at an expense 
 almost equal to the additional produce from it, as the 
 whole quantity of lime-stones which I have seen 
 brought on the lands from a quarry not four miles 
 distant, as the joint burthen of a horse, man, and 
 boy, and as the product of their day's labour, could 
 not have exceeded 200 weight. 
 
 With respect to " the amount of money that may 
 
113 
 
 he required " for the proposed works, and to " the 
 prohahillty of the results of the experiment affording 
 a profitable return for the capital invested,'' it should 
 be observed that the property is literally in a state 
 of nature, that every thing necessary to adapt it for 
 the purposes of husbandry, and for its cultivation, 
 remains to be created or supplied ; but, nevertheless, 
 that it is, in its present condition, productive of a 
 yearly revenue ; and if the inheritance were put up to 
 public sale, it would probably produce about 8,000/. 
 According to the survey and valuation made in 
 1821, and revised in J 828, the lands in possession 
 may thus be classed : 
 
 
 Contents in 
 Statute Measure, 
 
 Estimated 
 Yearly Rents. 
 
 Under partial cultivation, 
 
 A. R. P. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 consisting of dispersed 
 
 
 
 parcels of coarse heathy 
 meadows, rushy bottom 
 
 
 
 meadows, and coarse pas- 
 
 
 
 ture lands, with some 
 
 
 
 arable 
 
 1125 2 16 
 
 393 17 2 
 
 Mountain-pasture, entirely 
 unreclaimed 
 
 3748 37 
 
 175 11 11 
 
 Heathy bog- and turbary . . 
 
 103 1 30 
 
 6 5 3 
 
 From which it appears that not one-fourth part of 
 the estate is at present capable of yielding a greater 
 
114 
 
 gross yearly rent than 7s. per acre ; and that on an 
 average of the whole of it, it is estimated to be worth 
 only 25. Ad. per acre ; although it is not charged with 
 tithes, (except in respect of the few acres of potatoe 
 tillage), nor with any public assessments, having 
 hitherto been treated as a common waste*. Even 
 this rental was returned by the surveyor as con- 
 ditional on tenants being found with sufficient capital 
 
 * Subsequently to the date of this Report, however, and in 
 pursuance of an Act of Parliament passed at the instance of the 
 grand jury of the county of Cork, these and all other lands in 
 the said county which had been previously held to be exempted, 
 as waste and unprofitable, from contributing to the county 
 funds, were valued and brought into charge ; and they have 
 been included in the assessment books of grand jury presentments 
 made at and since the summer assizes of 1831. 
 
 As soon as the Commissioners of Woods, &c. were informed 
 of the demand made on the occupiers of the Crown lands for the 
 sums applotted on them, in respect of the first of these assess- 
 ments, the Commissioners signified to the treasurer of the county, 
 that although these Crown lands, being in the immediate pos- 
 session of His Majesty and not in grant to any subject, were not 
 legally chargeable with public assessments, the Board would 
 nevertheless waive the benefit of that exemption, and undertake 
 to contribute, as of the Bounty of the Crown, the amount of a 
 fair apportionment, in respect of this property, of all public 
 assessments. 
 
 And the Commissioners have accordingly since provided for 
 the payment of such periodical assessments, and for the satisfac- 
 tion of the claims of the ecclesiastical and lay tithe owners ; so 
 that the people residing on the property are effectually secured 
 against all processes for enforcing the payment of such charges ; 
 a relief, which is essential to the proper management of landed 
 property in Ireland. 
 
 March 1834. /. W. 
 
115 
 
 to stock the lands, which would be impracticable 
 while they remain closed against the surrounding 
 country. 
 
 On Wednesday last the labourers who had been 
 employed on the works, for a distance of about six 
 miles on either side of King William's Town, were 
 paid there. On this occasion, the place exhibited 
 the appearance of a small country fair. Two large 
 booths, containing Manchester goods, were erected ; 
 several for cakes, and other eatables ; and, I regret to 
 say, five for the sale of spirits. In the evening there 
 came a piper, and the assemblage was amused with a 
 regular dance. As might be expected, there was 
 some drunken men, but no quarrelling. 
 
 I have directed that in future no stands for the sale 
 of spirits shall he allowed^ and I shall take care at the 
 next pay-day to enforce the order ; but I should 
 rather wish to encourage the sale of clothing and 
 eatables. 
 
 In my last Report, laid before Parliament in the 
 month of June 1831, I had the pleasure to describe 
 the great improvement which had then taken place 
 in the moral habits and industry of the inhabitants of 
 the mountain country, which is mainly attributable 
 to the opening of these new roads. In the year 1822, 
 the district was the focus of disturbance and blood- 
 shed ; in 1831, it presented an example of peace and 
 prosperity ; and I have now the gratification to state 
 that it still maintains the same character, and that 
 
 I 2 
 
116 
 
 each year new inclosures are made and large tracts 
 of hitherto unprofitable land are brought into a state 
 of cultivation. Within the last year, the mail from 
 Limerick to Tralee and Killarney has travelled the 
 new road from Newcastle to Castle Island ; and a 
 day coach from Limerick has also been established 
 on the same line, by means of which, passengers reach 
 Killarney from Dublin in 23 hours. 
 
 Previously to the commencement of these roads, 
 this portion of the district may be described as having 
 been nearly inaccessible, particularly the part lying 
 between Castle Island and the village of Boherbuy, 
 and, consequently, the land was neglected and un- 
 cultivated, the people were ill-clothed, ill-fed and 
 wretchedly housed. During the last summer, par- 
 ticularly in the months of July and August, 1,250 
 labourers and 118 horses were employed on the 
 works ; and during the year, a sum, amounting 
 nearly to 9,000/. has been expended, the whole of 
 which was paid to the labourers actually employed. 
 
 The expenditure of so large a sum of money, in a 
 country in which no works had hitherto been under- 
 taken, has already produced a striking effect; and 
 several houses are now being erected, adjoining the 
 new road, of a superior class to those hitherto occupied 
 by the peasantry of the country ; and I have no doubt 
 that, on the completion of the roads, the progress in 
 improvement and cultivation will be rapid, in pro- 
 portion to the facility afforded. The introduction of 
 
117 
 
 iime for manure is the great desideratum in the 
 country. Long experience has proved its fertilizing 
 effect on cold clay soils, when perfectly drained ; but 
 hitherto, a very small quantity of calcareous manure 
 has been used in this part of the country, as, owing 
 to the want of roads, the only means of transport was 
 in panniers on horses' backs, or, as I have frequently 
 witnessed, on the backs of the women and children. 
 
 PrtJic'iple on ivhich the Woi^ks are conducted, and 
 the People paid : hy Richard Griffith. 
 
 In expending the public money, I use every exertion 
 to ensure that the works shall be substantially exe- 
 cuted, and at the same time, that the cost shall not 
 exceed that which a contractor working for profit 
 would pay for them ; in fact, I have determined to 
 prove that 20^. of the public money shall go at least 
 as far as the same amount of private money. 
 
 The system on which I endeavour to effect the 
 object is, to admit of no intermediate person between 
 myself and my overseers and the actual workmen ; 
 and this rule holds good, whether masons, stone- 
 cutters, quarrymen, or common labourers are em- 
 ployed. At the same time, day labourers are never 
 resorted to, excepting under very peculiar circum- 
 stances, the principle of the works being that all shall 
 be performed by a system of small contracts. 
 
 On opening a new work, it is divided into a great 
 number of lots, the execution of each of which is let, 
 
118 
 
 by contract, to 10 or 12 labourers, the most intelligent 
 of whom is selected as director, and is called the 
 ganger. These contractors are paid at a certain rate 
 per perch for fences, and so much per cubic yard 
 for excavations in earth, rock, &c. Of course the 
 prices vary, according to the nature of the excavation ; 
 and these prices are all regulated and set forth in a 
 price-book, which has been prepared by me, after 
 much experience and consideration, and which com- 
 prehends every variety of work connected with road 
 making. 
 
 The ganger regulates the men ; is responsible for 
 the implements, with which he is supplied from the 
 public store ; and keeps the account for his gang : 
 for this duty, in addition to his own share as a work- 
 man he receives Is. in the pound out of the sum 
 earned. The works are all measured, and paid for 
 once a month, and each individual employed is paid 
 his share of the earnings ; a rule which is never 
 broken through, although sometimes the individual 
 payments have amounted to upwards of 1,200/. at 
 one pay. This system has now been pursued by me 
 for upwards of 12 years, and I have found it work in 
 a most satisfactory manner. 
 
 My overseers having no interest in defrauding the 
 labourers, and as the whole of the works are paid for 
 by a regulated system of prices, the industrious 
 labourer will always earn in proportion to his exer- 
 tions ; and I invariably find, that though in the com- 
 
119 
 
 mencement of a work the peasantry are desirous of 
 being employed by the day, towards the conclusion 
 they are all anxious for contract work. 
 
 Where persons who can read, write and keep 
 accounts are found among the occupants of the land 
 through which the road passes, the gangers are 
 always selected from them ; but when such cannot 
 be found, they are selected from the neighbourhood, 
 excepting in cases of difficulty, where great experience 
 is required ; in such instances, one of the old hands 
 who has followed us from former works is employed 
 as the ganger. 
 
 In selecting the site for the proposed village, and 
 other improvements recommended in Mr. Weale's 
 judicious Report, already alluded to, several diffi- 
 culties presented themselves. It was important that 
 the village should be on the line of the main road, in a 
 sheltered situation, and where there was an abundance 
 of water. Unfortunately, the only site combining 
 those requisites was one adjoining the river Black- 
 water, where the surface was covered by a deep and 
 very w^et bog ; but, knowing that the bog could be 
 improved and rendered valuable by judicious treat- 
 ment, I determined to adopt it, in preference to 
 placing the village in a more elevated and exposed 
 situation, where there was no constant supply of 
 water, which latter I considered to be absolutely 
 indispensable to the health and convenience of the 
 inhabitants. 
 
120 
 
 The flat boP' on which the villao-e has been com- 
 menced contains about 30 acres ; its average depth 
 is about 10 feet; and its surface was so wet when we 
 commenced the road drains throusrh it, that it was 
 difficult and dangerous to walk upon. By great 
 exertion during the last summer, the whole of this 
 bog has been drained, and the surface of upwards of 
 20 acres has been formed and thrown up in ridges, 
 to expose it to the action of the winter frosts : four 
 acres have been covered, for a depth of four inches, 
 with good earth, on three and a half acres of which 
 a crop of potatoes was planted in the month of June 
 last. This was very late ; but, owing to the wetness 
 of the season, the ground could not be prepared 
 sooner. The crop was not good ; but still it pro- 
 duced upwards of 10 tons of excellent potatoes, which 
 will be found very useful in the months of April and 
 May next, by enabling us, with the assistance of some 
 oatmeal, to support strange labourers, who could not 
 otherwise procure food in the mountains, owing to 
 the general scantiness of the potatoe crop.* 
 
 This bog has also been surrounded by a plantation, 
 as shown on the accompanying Map, which altogether 
 contains 2i acres ; and during the last summer the 
 trees appeared healthy and made good shoots. 
 
 To facilitate the transport of earth from the adjoin- 
 ing valley of the river Blackwater, the only place 
 
 * At the rate of 2.?. per hundred weight, which is the present 
 market price in the country, the potatoes are worth 201. 
 
121 
 
 where a soil suitable for the improvement of the hog 
 could be procured, a moveable wrought iron railroad 
 was constructed. This railroad, which is 600 yards 
 in length, is formed of bars of wrought iron, each 12 
 feet long by two inches deep, and half an inch in 
 thickness. These bars are placed parallel to each 
 other, at a distance of two feet six inches, and are 
 supported by cast iron chairs or stands, firmly spiked 
 down to wooden sleepers laid transversely under the 
 iron bars, at a distance of three feet asunder. Wag- 
 gons supplied with flanged iron wheels were con- 
 structed havinof tumblino- boxes, which discharp;e at 
 the side, each containing half a cubic yard. A 
 waggon when filled was easily pushed on the railroad 
 by one man, who performed 25 turns in a day ; and in 
 consequence of this facility, the cariage of clay from 
 the river to the bog, a distance of 600 yards, cost 
 less than Id. per cubic yard ; and the whole expense, 
 including getting, filling and spreading, did not ex- 
 ceed 4g<;Z. per cubic yard. 
 
 Had horses and carts been employed, in the usual 
 manner, it would have been necessary, in the first 
 instance, to form roads in the bog, on which horses 
 could draw : this would have been a very expensive 
 operation; and as heavy loads could not have been 
 drawn, under such circumstances, the cost of the 
 transport of the clay would have exceeded 5d. per 
 cubic yard, so that, in this particular instance, the 
 advantage gained by the railroad over the carriage 
 
122 
 
 by horses was as five is to one. Owing to the facility 
 of moving the raih'oad, its position was frequently 
 changed during the progress of claying the bog, so 
 that no additional wheeling was required, the whole 
 of the clay having been spread from the heaps, as 
 laid down by the railroad waggon. 
 
 On the completion of the claying of the four acres 
 of bog, the railroad was formed into a line of commu- 
 nication between the site of the new village and the 
 nearest stone quarry, distant 590 yards; and all the 
 stone used in the four houses which have been erected 
 during the last six months was transported on it ; and 
 by this means, a saving of 351. has been made ; and, 
 of course, on all future buildings at the village a 
 similar saving, in proportion, will be effected. 
 
 As will appear in the Appendix, the cost of the 
 railroad, and four waggons amounted to 127/.; and 
 already 68/. has been saved, namely, 35/. in carriage 
 of stone, and 33/. 75. in carriage of clay. During the 
 present year the saving will be more than double 
 that sum ; and at the termination of the works the 
 whole of the wrought iron may be used in the smith's 
 forge ; and the loss of weight, from wearing, will be 
 very trifling. 
 
 As the period during which I can continue to 
 direct the proposed improvements on the Crown 
 lands must terminate on the completion of the Cork 
 and Kerry new roads, or within three years from the 
 present time, I am anxious to push forward these 
 
123 
 
 interesting and valuable improvements. The eyes of 
 the whole of the proprietors of mountain lands in the 
 south of Ireland are anxiously watching our opera- 
 tions ; and when it is recollected that the lands in 
 question are situated in the midst of a district con- 
 taining upwards of 400,000 acres of land in a state of 
 nature, for the most part covered with shallow bog 
 and heath, the whole of which is capable of great 
 improvement, by fencing and draining, and a large 
 proportion of it convertible into arable land, for the 
 production of corn crops, the success of the experi- 
 ment becomes a matter of great importance to the 
 south of Ireland. 
 
 The only difficulty I anticipate as likely to retard 
 the rapid progress of the proposed improvements, is 
 the want of a sufficient number of labourers ; for, not- 
 withstanding the great outcry which is made respecting 
 the poverty and destitution of our peasantry, from 
 want of employment, I have found that our active 
 operations are confined to about four months and a 
 half in the year, namely, to the months of February 
 and April in the spring, and between the 1st July 
 and the 15th September in the summer. During the 
 remaining part of the year, the peasantry find abun- 
 dant occupation in agricultural employment, except- 
 ing, perhaps, in the month of January ; and unless I 
 were to raise the wages above the usual prices of the 
 country, and thereby injure the farmer, I could not 
 force on the works, excepting at those periods ,* and 
 
124 
 
 this statement is not made from occurrences which 
 have taken place during the last or preceding year, 
 but from constant experience during the last twelve 
 years in the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and 
 Tipperary. Extraordinary, therefore, as, from pre- 
 conceived notions, it may appear, the only apprehen- 
 sion I entertain of being able to cultivate and otherwise 
 impro'. e a large portion of the Crown lands, is the 
 want of a sufficient number of labourers at the periods 
 most required. 
 
 The peculiar feature of the present experiment I 
 consider to be, the attempt to convert a numerous, 
 unemployed, unskilful, and pauper population, into 
 productive labourers on their native lands, and 
 gradually to raise up from amongst them a body of 
 tenants, who shall possess the ability and the means 
 of permanently maintaining the agricultural improve- 
 ments proposed to be executed, and concurrently with 
 the desired and general amelioration in their own 
 condition, be able to render, by the payment of 
 increased rents, out of the profits of their cultivation 
 of the soil, a full compensation for the costs of those 
 improvements. 
 
 All who are well acquainted with the present state 
 of Ireland need not to be informed that the best mode 
 of accomplishing these objects is a problem, on the 
 solution of which greatly depends the future tran- 
 quillity and prosperity of the country : and that from 
 the nature of the proposition, many years may be 
 
125 
 
 spent in a course of successful developement of it 
 before it shall be proved to be resolved. 
 
 It startles an English ear to be told that there 
 remain at this day, within the limits of the United 
 Kingdom, in the cultivable mountains and wastes of 
 Ireland, an immense and increasing population in a 
 state of villainage, dependent on the will of their 
 respective lords for the very means of existence, and 
 who contribute nothing to the revenues of the State, 
 either by direct taxation, or indirectly as consumers 
 of commodities on which an impost has been levied ; 
 whose condition differs in no substantial particular, 
 as regards them personally, from that of the villain 
 in early feudal times ; who are not permitted to ap- 
 propriate to their own use any portion of the fruits of 
 their labour, which is convertible into saleable pro- 
 duce at the nearest adjacent markets ; and multitudes 
 of whom, to maintain a tenure of the mere means of 
 existence, are yearly compelled to migrate to other 
 districts, and there labour for the coin they are re- 
 quired to render to their mesne lords, as a compensa- 
 tion for those corporal services which the ancient 
 villain was bound to render to his lord, but which 
 would be of no available advantage to the modern 
 landlord, whether he be the owner in fee, or that 
 owner's lessee of the lands ; since, by their desertion 
 from the country, and the security which the Govern- 
 ment provides against a violent usurpation of their 
 territories, they have neither demesnes to cultivate, 
 
126 
 
 nor occasion to marshal vassals in their personal 
 defence. 
 
 And yet, with reference to many extensive districts 
 in Ireland, especially in the provinces of Connaught 
 and Munster, and in some counties of Leinster, it 
 will be found on careful investigation that this de- 
 scription is not overcharged. Even the partial ame- 
 liorations in the condition of the old native population 
 which may now be traced in some of those districts, 
 have all originated within the last 30 years, and are 
 rather the results of an actual interposition of Govern- 
 ment, than of any active exertions on the part of the 
 proprietors of the soil. But, if the projection of public 
 roads into those districts, and the measures taken to 
 extend the protective power of the law for the security 
 of life and property against arbitrary violation, have 
 been productive of some beneficial effects, there can 
 be no doubt that they have not materially mitigated 
 the vassalage of the people, and that the great and 
 concurrent increase in the population, without any 
 substantial improvement in their general condition, 
 tends to place the more civilized parts of the country 
 in a state of great jeopardy ; and, therefore, any mea- 
 sures which may stimulate the proprietors of territory 
 so circumstanced to exert themselves in raising the 
 people from their present degradation, and which 
 promises to demonstrate the means by which their 
 own pecuniary interests may be at the same time 
 promoted, must be admitted to be a measure well 
 
127 
 
 deserving the attention of His Majesty's Govern' 
 ment. 
 
 That the employment of middle men, as instruments 
 for the accomplishment of these objects, is wholly 
 ineffectual, long experience has sufficiently proved ; 
 and that the present pauper occupants of the land, 
 either vs^here a minute subdivision of any extensive 
 property has obtained, or in districts remote from 
 cities and towns, cannot be suddenly removed, and a 
 new tenantry possessed of skill and capital substi- 
 tuted in their place, is a truth daily brought home to 
 the conviction of proprietors. The allurements to 
 voluntary emigration may prevail with many who are 
 awakened to a full sense of the evils under which they 
 suffer, and who are sustained by a natural spirit of 
 enterprise to seek the remedy of them on the world's 
 wide waste : but, looking at the character of the 
 people, the misery of which countless generations of 
 them have submitted, the fertility of their own soils, 
 and, above all, the new lights which have broken 
 in upon them, by the fierce collision of political 
 parties, and the unlimited circulation of the produc- 
 tions of the periodical press, it is not less vain, than 
 it would be impolitic, to rest on a hope that emigra- 
 tion will materially obviate the difficulties which 
 now obstruct the progress of national improvement in 
 Ireland. 
 
 I beg to observe that, to assure to the native popu- 
 lation, and to the Crown as the proprietor of the 
 
128 
 
 estate, the benefits arising from their employment at 
 money wages, it is intended during the progress of 
 the agricultural improvements, and until that popula- 
 tion shall be permanently provided for, to limit the 
 employment to the natives, and rigorously to prevent 
 the settlement of any new labourers or tenants on the 
 lands. The projected improvements will therefore 
 occupy several years in the execution of them, and in 
 their progress will require various qualifications in 
 those to be employed, and will afford continual 
 opportunities of preferring those among them who 
 shall distinguish themselves by extraordinary skill 
 or ability, or by other qualities entitling them to 
 peculiar notice. The ordinary labourers' works in 
 sinking drains, constructing occupation roads, and 
 planting fences and woodland, will afford employment 
 at all seasons of the year for those who would be 
 occasionally otherwise unemployed ; and as the 
 agricultural operations proceed towards reclaiming 
 and brinp'ino; into reg-ular cultivation the allotments 
 which shall be successively taken into the actual 
 possession of the Crown for that purpose, the means 
 will be afforded of constant employment and instruc- 
 tion in farming business to a certain number of the 
 younger men and boys, who shall be selected from 
 the various families, as promising to become, under 
 such instruction, and by prudent conduct, skilful 
 farmers and eligible tenants. From this class of 
 farming' labourers will be selected, under like dis- 
 
129 
 
 crimination, the lessees of the new farms, as they shall 
 be brought into a state fit for occupation. 
 
 Secondly, it is intended to permit the several families 
 in the occupation of the lands to continue to hold them 
 at their present rents, until the new cultivation shall 
 progressively extend to their respective divisions. 
 
 The rental of the late Crown lessee has been some- 
 what reduced since the resumption of the property, 
 by the Commissioners undertaking to discharge all 
 public assessments on the lands, and the compositions 
 payable to the ecclesiastical and lay tithe owners. 
 The charge on the tenancy being so reduced, and the 
 value of the occupation materially increased by the 
 construction of the new public roads, I am assured by 
 persons on whose local knowledge and judgment I 
 can rely, and without reference to any other con- 
 siderations affecting the ability of the tenants to meet 
 the demand than would prevail if the lands were 
 forthwith to be demised to them, that their respective 
 holdings would afford them much more remunerative 
 profit than they have ever hitherto enjoyed. 
 
 The regular payment of that rental will therefore 
 be henceforth strictly enforced ; subject only to such 
 abatements from time to time as shall be proportional 
 to the rent estimated to be charged on the parcels 
 which shall be resumed for the purpose of improve- 
 ment. But as the general drainage of the lands shall 
 proceed, I would propose that an unlimited supply 
 of lime-stone should be afforded, at the expense of 
 
 K 
 
130 
 
 the Crown, to the tenant of each division, upon con- 
 dition that he shall convert it into lime, to be 
 expended on the land. However injudicious may be 
 his application of this manure, he will derive ample 
 compensation from the use of it, for his labour in 
 raising turf and burning the stone; and thus far the 
 liberality of the Commissioners may be beneficially 
 indulged. But I would again earnestly enforce the 
 expediency of cautiously avoiding to afford him the 
 slightest encouragement to waste his money or his 
 labour on any fictitious improvements in buildings, or 
 other matters of distant advantage to his tenure ; and 
 advise that no one individual shall be permanently 
 settled on an improved allotment of which a single 
 acre shall have been previously in his particular oc- 
 cupation. 
 
 I am well aware that fully to effect this transplan- 
 tation without exitement of dangerous feelings, of 
 general discontent with the arrangements, and perhaps 
 of ill blood among some of the people, will require 
 much cautious management, much conciliatory for- 
 bearance, and great patience under constantly recur- 
 ring trials of disappointment, on the part of those 
 who shall be employed in the conduct of it. After 
 some experience of such practical details, however, I 
 am satisfied that, even with the most refractory and 
 perverse, an early and unreserved explanation, a free 
 communication and a strict adherance to fair dealing 
 with the parties during the progress of their develop- 
 
131 
 
 ment, and a steady unswerving perseverance in 
 carrying- them into effect, w^ill not fail to overcome 
 all the obstructions vv^hich the ignorance or the 
 jealousies of the people may produce. 
 
 The gradual acquisition of property by them, 
 vv^hich will certainly result from the constant employ- 
 ment afforded for their labour, and from a full payment 
 of the remuneration i?i inoney, without any concurrent 
 new demand for rent, cesses or tithes, will soon be 
 found a powerful stimulus to the exertion of their 
 industry and general good conduct ; and as they are 
 allowed to feel and securely to enjoy the partial 
 benefits arising from the measures taken for the im- 
 provement of their condition, they will become 
 reconciled to the incidental disturbance of their long 
 engrafted habits, and place confidence in the obvious 
 tendency of the changes to which they may be called 
 upon to submit. There is no deficiency of natural 
 intelligence among them, though it may be some- 
 times found difficult, from their imperfect acquaintance 
 with the English language, and from their ignorance of 
 other matters, to convey fully to their apprehension 
 the meaning of the propositions addressed to them, 
 and to comprehend the objections, the wishes, or the 
 fears they desire to express. Even this impediment 
 is rapidly yielding to the instruction which springs 
 from an extended intercourse with strangers ; and 
 perhaps, as far as merely scholastic education can use- 
 fully aid in the development of the faculties of a rural 
 
 K 2 
 
132 
 
 population, the peasantry of the south-western coun- 
 ties of Ireland are more advanced than the same class 
 in any county of England. In fact, on these Crown 
 lands, notwithstanding their remote insulation from all 
 established schools, there are few adults who cannot 
 write, read English, and use the common rules of 
 arithmetic ; and there are some among them who may 
 fairly assert higher pretensions to reputed scholarship. 
 At the same time, it may truly be said of them that 
 they are not only unstained by the crimes which agi- 
 tate the inhabitants of other districts more favourably 
 circumstanced in most other respects, but they are also 
 distinguishable for an observance of their religious 
 and moral duties, for the general kindliness of their 
 disposition, and by a deeply implanted affection for 
 their kindred ; of all which virtues, I have myself 
 witnessed among them some striking manifestations. 
 There is nothing in the natural or moral character of 
 the people which should therefore discourage the 
 efforts of a beneficent Government to improve their 
 civil condition ; and I confidently trust it will not 
 experience in this instance a disappointment of any of 
 its expectations, either by the mismanagement of its 
 agents or by the waywardness of the objects of its 
 benevolence ; and that it will receive the hearty co- 
 operation of all who can promote the reaUzation of 
 them by their local influence, or by any accommoda- 
 tions they can render to the Commissioners. 
 
133 
 
 Let ter from Mr. Gydffith, on the subject of reclaiming 
 the Flat Bogs of Ireland ; annexed to Mr. Weales 
 Report. 
 
 Dear Sir, Dublin, 22d February/, 1834. 
 
 I QUITE agree with you in thinking that no general 
 conclusion respecting the great question of the re- 
 claimation and cultivation of the flat boo-s of Ireland 
 can be drawn from the improvements now in progress 
 on the Crown estate in the county of Cork. 
 
 It is true that, owing to the necessity of the case, I 
 have undertaken the draining, claying and cultivation 
 of a small bog on the estate adjoining King William's 
 Town ; but the bog was very favourably circum- 
 stanced, close to the valley of the river Blackwater, 
 where a soil of suitable quality could easily be pro- 
 cured for claying its surface ; and had it not actually 
 surrounded the intended village, I should never have 
 advised the expenditure of so much money on the 
 improvement of a bog where the greater part of the 
 estate, which is not bog, is capable of equal improve- 
 ment, at a much cheaper rate ; but the experiment is 
 interesting, as far as it goes ; and I shall take care to 
 keep the accounts of the expenditure and return of 
 produce from the bog separated from the other im- 
 provements, so that, when the whole is completed, we 
 shall be enabled to see the matter in its true light. 
 
 In respect to the improvement of the flat bogs in 
 Ireland, there are several important experiments now 
 
134 
 
 in progress, whicli will tend to throw light on the 
 subject. 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Killucan, in the county 
 of Westmeath, Mr. Fetherston is now improving a 
 large tract of bog, apparently with great success. 
 He has imported wrought-iron rails, railroad waggons, 
 and all the variety of draining tools that have been 
 used at Chatmoss, near Manchester, which moss is 
 exactly similar to our flat bogs. Mr. Murphy is also 
 making improvements on a portion of the great bog 
 of Allen, in the county of Kildare. Both these gen- 
 tlemen have followed the system of draining adopted 
 at Chatmoss. They plough the surface by horses, 
 having square wooden pattens attached to their hoofs ; 
 and afterwards, by means of the railroad and waggons, 
 cover the bog to the depth of four inches with clayey 
 lime-stone gravel. In these experiments great atten- 
 tion is paid to arrangement and economy; and I 
 expect, in the course of a year or two, we shall be 
 enabled to determine with certainty as to the advan- 
 tage of speculating largely in the reclaimation of 
 bogs in this country. 
 
 I am, dear Sir, 
 
 Very faithfully yours, 
 
 (Signed) Richard Griffith. 
 
 James Weale, Esq. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
135 
 
 To Thomas Sermingham, Esq. 
 
 My DEAR Sir, 
 
 I have great pleasure in complying with 
 your request to state my opinion on the subject of 
 reclaiming the bogs of Ireland, because it is a matter 
 in which I have felt a deep interest for some years 
 past, and have accustomed myself to look at it not 
 only as a question of policy and philanthropy, but also 
 to try its practicability by the standard of pounds, 
 shillings and pence. Through whichever medium I 
 view the question, it appears to me that the adoption 
 of an extensive improvement of those vast tracts of 
 unproductive surface, which like so many foul blotches 
 disfigure the fair face of the Green Isle, would be a 
 measure fraught with the greatest possible good, and 
 if the mode of improvement were well selected, and 
 industriously prosecuted, the result would be as 
 certain as it is desirable ; I may perhaps be allowed 
 to speak thus decidedly on the subject, because 
 experience has made me practically acquainted with 
 it both in England and Ireland on several of the 
 " mosses" of Lancashire which I need not tell you 
 are precisely similar to the " Red Bogs" of Ireland, 
 I have had the pleasure of turning " the desert into 
 a smiling plain," and have caused " the wilderness 
 to blossom like the rose." It is now nearly seven 
 years since a limited capital Avas applied under my 
 direction to the reclaimation of Chatmoss, several 
 
136 
 
 hundreds of acres of which are now producing crops, 
 both in quantity and quality equal to those grown on 
 most of the land in the county. It was while engaged 
 in these improvements that I first visited Ireland, and 
 was induced to repeat that visit, in consequence of 
 an invitation I received from Mr. Fetherston, of 
 Griffin's-town, Westmeath. This gentleman being a 
 resident land owner, as well as a practical agriculturist, 
 having seen what had been done at Chatmoss, re- 
 quested my assistance in commencing the reclaim- 
 ation of the bogs. It was with great pleasure I 
 availed myself of this opportunity, and it would 
 have afforded me still greater satisfaction, had the 
 other calls upon my time not prevented me from 
 reporting to you from my own inspection, the degree 
 of improvement which has been effected. In the 
 month of November last, however, I met Mr. Fether- 
 ston, who expressed himself highly pleased with his 
 improvements, not only as a matter of pleasure but 
 also of profit. That gentleman assured me that he 
 had fed 400 sheep last year on his bog, that two 
 years ago would not have fed a goose ; and that he 
 would not have exchanged his improved bog acres, 
 for acres with much of the upland that surrounds it. 
 At the time these improvements were commenced, 
 my hopes ran very high that it would lead to the 
 adoption of the plan on a very extensive scale ; hopes 
 which either from the political state of the country 
 or the pecuniary difficulties of the landed proprietary, 
 
137 
 
 have not been realized, for with the exception of some 
 preparatory operations on the estate of Mr. Murphy, 
 at Lullymoor, nothing whatever has been done, until 
 a few months back, when by your recommendation 
 my Lord Clonbrock commenced his improvements at 
 Critt Bog. 
 
 For a detail of the modes of operation, I must refer 
 you to the Liverpool Agricultural Society's Prize 
 Essay, on the drainage and improvement of waste 
 land, and which is inserted both in the British and 
 Irish Farmers' Magazine. 
 
 The principle of improvement is simply this, to 
 drain the bog by a process, both infallible and cheap, 
 its cost not exceeding 40*. per acre ; this being done 
 a quantity of earth must be taken on to the surface, 
 and mixed with the vegetable matter of which the 
 bog is composed. In England the particular descrip- 
 tion of earth used, is a clay marl, but in Ireland the 
 lime-stone gravel which is found in unlimited quantity 
 on the verge of the bogs, furnishes a very superior 
 material, inasmuch as the combination would comprise 
 the elements of the finest possible soil. To effect 
 this last operation with economy, moveable rail roads 
 should be used ; the purchase of these, and the outlay 
 for labour requires capital, but I will venture to say 
 that there are few modes if any of employing capital 
 which would produce such an amount of both public 
 and private good. 
 
138 
 
 Wishing you all possible success in your efforts to 
 improve the condition of Ireland and the Irish, 
 I remain, 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Yours faithfully, 
 
 W. Reed. 
 
 Salford, near Manchester, 
 
 Jan. 2m. 1835. 
 
FACTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 FOR THB 
 
 THE 
 
 LABOURER MAKES THE VALUE OF THE LAND ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 The Use of an Irishman to his Country : 
 
 SHOWING HOW TO IMPROVE AN ESTATE BY WHAT IS FALSELY CALLED 
 "REDUNDANT LABOUR," BOTH IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND; 
 
 IN A 
 
 SHORT NARRATIVE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 S^omt (Eolonit^ 
 
 OF 
 
 CASTLE-SAMPSON AND ISKERBANE, 
 
 ESTABLISHED FOR 
 
 THE RT. HON. LORD CLONBROCK, 
 Upon his Estates in the County of Roscommon, in Ireland. 
 
 By THOMAS BERMINGHAM, Esq., 
 
 OF CARAMANA KILCONNELL, COUNTY OP GALWAY. 
 
 VTlth an Explanatory Map. 
 
140 
 
 It was, formerly, the custom in many parts of 
 Ireland, to let land in the neighbourhood of a bog 
 to the poor people who congregated there for the ad- 
 vantage of fuel and water. Their houses, or cabins, 
 were built of the rudest materials, and without atten- 
 tion to comfort, cleanliness, or ventilation. At first, 
 perhaps^ one family rented a large tract of land ; but 
 in process of time, as a son or daughter married, an 
 out-house or cow-cabin became the residence of the 
 new married couple, and a portion of ground was 
 assigned to them. Thus the holdings (or small tene- 
 ments) became subdivided, not with permanent fences, 
 so as to ensure to each person his own plot ; but 
 according to the variable regulations made by the 
 heads of the village. The tillage-land of one person 
 this year, being allotted to another next year, whilst 
 the grazing-land was regulated by so many head of 
 cattle to each portion, called collips : such sub- 
 divisions have been carried on, till the claims of some 
 of the family have been a fortieth or fiftieth part of 
 the whole. 
 
 As might be expected, the squabbles about pro- 
 perty in these villages were incessant : appeals were 
 made to the next sessions, where the greatest inge- 
 nuity and knowledge of law has been displayed by 
 the villagers ; succeeded by deadly feuds and bloody 
 strife upon the return of the parties home. The 
 head man of the village was expected to pay the rent 
 
141 
 
 of the entire holdings, being by law responsible. 
 This system, called the Village system, was continued 
 longer in the West than in any other part of Ireland, 
 and still exists there, although it has been partly 
 broken in upon, and a better system introduced. 
 The village of Iskerbane was thus circumstanced. 
 
 At the termination of one of those leases for three 
 lives, (generally children named by the tenants) for- 
 merly so common in Ireland, the possession of the 
 lands in question returned to Lord Clonbrock. This 
 occurred about 1824 or 1825: the land comprising 
 about 300 acres, old Irish measure, equal to 486 acres 
 of English or statute measure, had been held for a 
 long period, at an annual rent of £55. 7s. Sd. From 
 being divided at first into four portions, it had be- 
 come subdivided among 62 families, consisting of 
 about 370 individuals, and the rent of the whole, 
 paid up to about the year 1823, was £126. British 
 per annum. At this time, it was deemed advisable to 
 resort to some plan for reducing the number of occu- 
 piers upon this part of the estate; and it was deter- 
 mined to drain and improve the land. For the latter 
 purpose, the drains marked a. b. d. and b. c. on the 
 map were made ; and a bank of gravel, cut away at 
 the point d. to give a complete fall to the whole 
 district. The land was then throw into the divisions 
 intended, cross drains were made by the tenants, to 
 separate their lots, the part which had formerly been 
 bog was brought into cultivation, and the whole tract 
 
142 
 
 assumed a new appearance. A road from E to F was 
 made to communicate from the main road C. E. with 
 the new allotments. 
 
 A selection of 27 families, the most responsible 
 and best conducted in the village, was then made. 
 These were declared tenants according to the new 
 division of the land : the whole amount of the rent 
 to be paid by them, being- fixed at £183. 135. lOd. 
 The next step was to remove the 30 families con- 
 sidered as superabundant : offers of money were 
 made to them, in addition to the last year's crop, 
 free, provided they would consent to go away en- 
 tirely, but they would not be persuaded to agree to 
 this, although Mr. Wilmot Horton's plans for emi- 
 gration, were fully submitted to them. In this di- 
 lemma, every anxiety being felt to treat these poor 
 people with kindness, it was proposed to take back 
 from a tenant upon a distant part of the estate, some 
 hilly heathy ground, upon which sheep had been 
 fed : this place, called Castle-Sampson, had the ad- 
 vantage of a very large bog, marked G. on the map. 
 Many of the people were employed, and paid wages 
 for building^ o;ood substantial houses of lime and 
 stone, at the proposed new colony, upon the situ- 
 ations marked on the map of Castle-Sampson; the 
 30 families were then invited to become tenants 
 there, rent free for the first year : they were, more- 
 over, allowed the last year's crop which they had 
 raised at Iskerbane ; and permitted to burn the sur- 
 
143 
 
 face of the garden-ground in the rear of their new 
 abodes. The sums paid to them for labour, in buil- 
 ding these houses, enabled them by degrees to 
 purchase stock, &c. ; so that they were ready to take 
 more land in 1831, and now they are in quiet pos- 
 session of that part of the estate of Castle-Sampson, 
 from Nos. 28 to 63 inclusive, as appears on the map : 
 having stocked it with 40 cows, 29 sheep, 3 horses, 
 and 30 pigs ; and having, besides, the entire of this 
 year's crop of potatoes, corn, &c. &c. They have 
 also been employed in making a deep drain, marked 
 I, through the bog, with a two-fold view — that of 
 letting off the winter floods from the land marked 5 
 and 61, — and that of draining the vast bog. By a 
 little skill in engineering, this drain may be made to 
 form a canal, so that by means of a small boat, turf 
 may be brought near the cottage-doors; the bog 
 for manure to the yards, where it may be used to 
 form a compost for the hills ; and gravel and clay may 
 be carried back to the bog : the land abounding in a 
 kind of lime-stone gravel ; the very best manure for 
 the bog, in the reclaiming of which plenty of em- 
 ployment may be found for young and old. If, at 
 any time, it shall be found that there are too many 
 people on this land, a removal of some part of the 
 occupiers may be again arranged, and some of the 
 houses now used as dwellings, can be converted into 
 barns and stables for the tenants remaining stationary. 
 
144 
 
 That part of Castle-Sampson Farm already alluded 
 to, was let in the year 1824 to a single tenant, at 
 the nominal rent of 179/. 2s. Sd. : after a consi- 
 derable loss and expensive ejectment, it was again 
 let ; then again taken back at another severe loss ; and 
 at last it was taken by a solvent farmer, at the rent of 
 156/. I6s. Ad. From him it was taken up for the 
 purpose herebefore stated. 
 
 The rents of the estates of Iskerbane and Castle- 
 Sampson are either regularly paid in cash, or have 
 been charged to the tenants of both places, and paid 
 by the labour on the works since their occupancy. 
 There is little or no arrear : the sums lost by those 
 occupiers who were unable to pay before leaving Is- 
 kerbane, and the loss of rent upon Castle-Sampson 
 Farm, while the houses were building, have been 
 set down as items in the expenses : it will, therefore, 
 appear that the account has been made up to the full 
 extent of the landlord's loss, even supposing the rents 
 then charged would have been paid up, had the 
 measures adopted not been pursued, which is by no 
 means probable. The tenants of Iskerbane are now 
 employed (upon their own account) in building ex- 
 cellent houses of lime and stone, the landlord 
 supplying timbers, (from the thinning of plantations 
 in the demesne of Clonbrock,) and metal window 
 sashes and frames. 
 
145 
 
 £. s. (I. 
 
 The present amount of annual rent on that 
 
 part of Castle-Sampson, from No. 28 to 
 
 63, inclusive, is 173 5 8 
 
 The same of Iskerbane 183 15 10 
 
 Total £357 1 6 
 
 The rent which was promised just before 
 the new arrangement, by Iskerbane te- 
 nants 126 
 
 That part of Castle- Sampson 156 16 4 
 
 Total £282 16 4 
 
 Increased rent, now payable annually .... £74 5 2 
 
 Total outlay at Iskerbane 206 11 5 
 
 Ditto at Castle-Sampson 1005 5 5 
 
 £1211 16 10 
 
 Leaving fully 6 per cent, profit, for money expended. 
 
 And, may it not be presumed that the industry of 
 these people, in cultivating and improving the bog at 
 Castle-Sampson, will still further advance the rent of 
 the estate? besides w^hich, the quiet of the country 
 has been secured, which had been for some time 
 fearfully disturbed. 
 
 There are extensive tracts of mountain land and 
 bog, in Ireland, which would afford protection and 
 employment to the surplus population of other parts 
 of the country. The peasantry only require direction 
 
 ._ L 
 
146 
 
 and assistance of the same kind which has been af- 
 forded upon Lord Clonbrock's estate, to become, 
 elsewhere also, productive and useful members of so- 
 ciety, instead of being (as too often is the case) 
 under a mistaken system of management, forced to 
 become a burthen to their landlords, and disturbers 
 
 of the public peace. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Building and finishing off 30 houses, 34 
 feet long, 14 feet broad, and 8 feet high, 
 containing a kitchen and 3 rooms — 
 251. I6s. per house 774 18 
 
 Rent allowed to the farmer who held the 
 land, upon his giving up possession of it 
 when the building of the houses com- 
 menced 95 7 3 
 
 Making a large canal and drain (see map) . . 135 10 2 
 
 £1005 5 5 
 
 ISKERBANE OUTLAY. 
 
 Making the large drain A and B, a distance 
 of two English miles, along the bottoms 
 and cutaway bog, and many cross drains 
 (see map) 113 16 
 
 Allowance to 5 tenants, upon removing 
 from Iskerbane, and also those who were 
 changed to Castle-Sampson 25 
 
 A wall along the Iskerbane road, in lieu of 
 
 part of this arrear, built by the tenants . . 67 15 5 
 
 £206 11 5 
 
14T 
 
 SUMMARY OF THE FOREGOING 
 
 STATEMENTS. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Iskerbane produced during the old lease 
 
 annually 55 7 8 
 
 When leased to one tenant, who after- 
 wards re-let to numerous poor. 
 
 It was afterwards let in 1824, at 110 15 4 
 
 In 1827 126 
 
 In May, 1830, when the 30 families were 
 induced to leave it altogether, and the 
 drains were made, it was re-let to the 
 27 families remaining, at 183 15 10 
 
 The expenditure on this part was, as be- 
 fore stated 206 11 5 
 
 An annual increased rent from the outlay and removal was, 
 from 1824, £73 annually ; and, as compared with 1827, 
 £57 annual profit. 
 
 In 1824, when the old lease expired, the property 
 of all the then occupiers, consisted of 8 horses and 
 30 cows, belonging to 62 families ; whereas the pre- 
 sent 27 families have 16 horses, 35 cows, with some 
 heifers : every man has a pig, one-half of them have 
 two, and some three pigs each. They are now 
 building 15 new houses at their own expense, (ex- 
 cept the timber and windows); length 34 feet by 14 
 wide, 9 feet high, three windows in front, and one 
 
 l2 
 
148 
 
 in the rear, containing two rooms, besides parlour 
 and kitchen ; the townland containing 300 acres, old 
 Irish measure, of upland, bottoms, and cutaway bog: 
 on which about 162 individuals now reside. 
 
 STATEMENT OF CASTLE- SAMPSON. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 The land was let in 1820, at 179 2 3 
 
 After being taken up from a tenant, 
 considerably in arrear. 
 
 Loss by tenants in 1827 200 
 
 Let to one solvent tenant 156 16 6 
 
 The land now let to 30 tenants, at 173 5 8 
 
 The property of these tenants, who were considered 
 pauper tenants, when brought up here — 3 horses, 5 asses, 
 40 cows, and 29 sheep. 
 
 It will be perceived that the old rents were never 
 paid up fairly. It is also plain that the great increase 
 of rent has been from the place the people left, so 
 that all the outlay upon improvements upon Castle- 
 Sampson lands, is yet to produce its profit, and it is 
 most probable the landlord will have much more than 
 6 per cent, upon his outlay, as he gains thus much at 
 present, without making any charge to the Castle- 
 Sampson people for the expenditure on their houses, 
 &c. &c. &c. The increase of 16/. 95. 4d. on this 
 
 I 
 
149 
 
 part, being merely the rent of additional land, re- 
 deems 
 made. 
 
 deemed and chargeable from the drains that were 
 
 23, Dover Street, 
 
 Jan. 21, 1833. 
 
REFERENCE TO ISKERBANE. 
 
 1 School House 
 
 2 John Doorly 
 
 3 ditto 
 
 4 Dotninick Kean 
 
 5 ditto 
 
 6 ditto 
 
 7 Fardy Kelly 
 
 8 ditto 
 
 9 H.Har.rog 
 
 10 ditto 
 
 11 William Kelly 
 
 12 ditto 
 
 13 ditto 
 
 14 ditto 
 
 15 John Hamrog 
 
 16 ditto 
 
 17 ditto 
 
 18 ditto 
 
 19 ditto 
 
 20 John Kelly 
 
 21 ditto 
 
 22 ditto 
 
 23 ditto 
 
 24 Bryan Kelly 
 
 25 ditto 
 
 26 ditto 
 
 27 ditto 
 
 28 Thomas Kelly 
 
 29 ditto 
 
 30 ditto 
 
 31 ditto 
 
 32 ditto 
 
 33 Bryan Fallon 
 
 34 ditto 
 
 35 ditto 
 
 36 ditto 
 
 37 ditto 
 
 38 John Kenny 
 
 39 ditto 
 
 40 ditto 
 
 41 ditto 
 
 42 ditto 
 
 43 Daniel Dolan , 
 
 44 ditto 
 
 45 ditto 
 
 46 ditto 
 
 47 ditto 
 
 48 Lucky Fowler 
 
 49 ditto 
 
 50 ditto 
 
 51 ditto 
 
 53 ditto 
 
 Carried forward 
 
 Arab.^Past. 
 
 A. R. P. 
 
 24 
 
 36 
 
 Bot. ground. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 1 
 
 Total Irish. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 24 
 
 1 36 
 
 2 14 
 1 3 10 
 1 4 
 
 16 1 19 
 
 16 3 19 
 
 17 29 
 17 29 
 
 17 2 9 
 
 15 1 39 
 
 12 2 6 
 
 12 2 13 
 
 12 I 1) 
 
 Total Engl, 
 A. R. P. 
 
 39 
 
 1 3 37 
 
 
 
 
 1 20 
 
 2 34 
 
 1 
 
 3 1 20 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 ] 2 30 
 
 2 3 29 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1 2 26 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 26 
 21 
 
 4 30 
 2 2 22 
 
 26 2 2 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 2;3 
 21 
 
 4 30 
 2 
 
 2 2 22 
 
 27 1 12 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 26 
 21 
 
 5 
 
 2 2 22 
 
 27 3 IS 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 26 
 21 
 
 5 
 2 2 22 
 
 27 3 13 
 
 1 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 1 20 
 
 2 20 
 
 21 
 
 5 3 
 2 2 28 
 
 28 1 30 
 
 1 20 
 
 2 20 
 
 21 
 
 4 2 30 
 2 2 28 
 
 25 15 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 27 
 
 2 20 
 
 21 
 
 4 2 30 
 2 2 28 
 
 20 1 9 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 34 
 
 2 20 
 
 21 
 
 4 2 30 
 2 2 28 
 
 20 1 20 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 20 
 
 21 
 
 4 2 30 
 2 1 20 
 
 19 3 33 
 
 72 
 
 2 32 
 
 71 2 30 
 
 144 1 22 
 
 233 3 18 
 
151 
 
 
 Arab.^past. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 72 2 32 
 4 20 
 
 1 21 
 
 Bot. S(C. 
 A. R. P. 
 71 2 30 
 
 4 2 30 
 
 2 1 20 
 
 Tntal Irish. 
 A. R. P. 
 144 1 22 
 
 12 1 11 
 
 10 3 3 
 10 2 34 
 
 10 2 34 
 10 2 19 
 
 10 1 21 
 
 9 1 38 
 
 14 19 
 
 11 2 25 
 
 11 2 25 
 
 11 1 29 
 
 11 1 25 
 18 2 
 
 1 4 
 
 1 2 36 
 
 Total Engl 
 A. R. P. 
 233 3 18 
 
 53&54 Bryan Cunningham 
 
 55 ditto 
 
 
 56 ditto 
 
 
 57 ditto 
 
 19 3 33 
 
 
 
 58 Francis Kelly 
 
 3 24 
 
 1 2 20 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 1 21 
 
 4 18 
 
 
 59 ditto 
 
 
 60 ditto. 
 
 
 61 ditto 
 
 
 62 ditto 
 
 
 63 ditto 
 
 17 1 31 
 
 64 Thomas Degnan 
 
 3 15 
 
 1 
 3 2 20 
 
 1 21 
 
 4 18 
 
 
 65 ditto 
 
 
 66&67 ditto 
 
 
 68 ditto 
 
 
 69 ditto 
 
 17 1 17 
 
 
 
 
 3 15 
 
 1 
 
 1 2 20 
 
 2 
 
 1 21 
 
 4 18 
 
 
 71 ditto 
 
 
 
 
 73 ditto 
 
 
 74 ditto 
 
 
 75 ditto 
 
 1/ I 17 
 
 
 
 76 Thomas Donnellon 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 3 2 20 
 
 1 21 
 
 4 18 
 
 
 n ditto 
 
 
 78&79 ditto 
 
 80 ditto 
 
 
 81 ditto 
 
 17 33 
 
 
 
 82 Bartle Glennon 
 
 3 20 
 
 1 
 3 2 20 
 
 1 21 
 
 3 3 
 
 
 
 
 84 &85 ditto 
 
 
 
 
 87 ditto 
 
 16 3 11 
 
 
 
 88 John Fallon 
 
 89, 90, & 91 ditto 
 
 3 
 
 4 2 20 
 
 4 18 
 
 
 92 ditto 
 
 15 1 18 
 
 
 
 93 Dominick Corty 
 
 1 2 28 
 6 
 
 1 21 
 
 5 1 10 
 
 
 
 
 95 ditto 
 
 
 96 ditto 
 
 22 3 19 
 
 
 
 
 2 4 
 4 
 
 1 21 
 
 4 2 
 
 
 98 ditto 
 
 
 
 
 100 ditto 
 
 18 3 21 
 
 
 
 101 fi 102 Bryan Dolan 
 
 6 4 
 I 21 
 
 4 2 
 
 
 103 ditto 
 
 
 104 ditto 
 
 IS 3 21 
 
 
 
 10") & lOC Pat Dolan 
 
 5 3 8 
 1 21 
 
 4 2 
 
 
 
 
 108 ditto 
 
 18 2 2 
 
 
 
 109& no John Kelly ....... 
 
 4 3 4 
 
 1 21 
 
 5 2 
 
 
 112 ditto 
 
 18 1 36 
 
 
 
 113 Mr. King 
 
 
 IS 2 
 
 29 3 35 
 
 
 
 1 14 Island disputed 
 
 
 1 4 
 
 1 31 
 
 
 
 Waste . . , 
 
 152 35 
 
 1 2 36 
 
 2 3 7 
 
 
 
 *»* Thii-fi/.tuo Ir 
 
 152 35 
 ish Plantatio 
 
 147 3 20 1 
 n Perches to 
 
 300 25 
 an Inch , 
 
 486 30 
 
REFERENCE TO CASTLE-SAMPSON. 
 
 1 Pat Naughton , 
 
 2 Denis Downy , 
 
 3 William Downy 
 
 4 Bryan Downy , 
 
 5 'itto 
 
 6 William Downy 
 
 7 ditto 
 
 8 John Downy 
 
 9 ditto 
 
 10 Patrick Spelman , 
 
 11 John Killen and R. Keogh 
 
 12 BI'Naughton 
 
 13 Darcy's Island 
 
 14 Brooke and Co , 
 
 15 ditto 
 
 16 ditto - 
 
 17 Charles Brooke 
 
 18 ditto , 
 
 19 ditto , 
 
 20 Michael Brooke 
 
 21 ditto 
 
 22 Michael Hughes , 
 
 23 ditto 
 
 24 Edward Spelman 
 
 25 Patrick Spelman 
 
 26 ditto 
 
 27 Edward Crean 
 
 28 Matthew Crean 
 
 2'j John Leonard , 
 
 30 Daniel Grehan 
 
 31 Thomas Brien 
 
 32 James Curly 
 
 33 John Gurry 
 
 34 William R. Gurry 
 
 35 Thomas Kelly 
 
 36 Thomas F. Kelly , 
 
 37 Francis Kelly 
 
 38 Luke Kelly 
 
 39 William and John Gurry .. 
 
 40 Daniel Fallon , 
 
 41 Daniel and Owen Anigly ., 
 
 42 Matthew Fouly , 
 
 43 Thomas Watch , 
 
 44 Edward Watch 
 
 45 John Brenan 
 
 Carried forward 
 
 Arab 
 
 .Sfpast. 
 
 Bot. ^c. 
 
 Total Irish. 
 
 Total Engl 
 
 A. 
 
 R. P. 
 
 A. 
 
 R. P. 
 
 A. 
 
 R. P. 
 
 A. 
 
 R. P. 
 
 63 
 
 1 20 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 1 20 
 
 112 
 
 1 20 
 
 12 
 
 2 20 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 2 20 
 
 20 
 
 1 32 
 
 4 
 
 3 20 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 3 20 
 
 7 
 
 3 24 
 
 11 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 36 
 
 2] 
 
 3 36 
 
 35 
 
 2 15 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 3 36 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 27 
 
 19 
 
 23 
 
 31 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 I 12 
 
 ft 
 
 2 4 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 27 
 
 18 
 4 
 
 11 
 6 
 2 
 
 3 3 
 2 35 
 
 36 
 
 1 18 
 1 11 
 
 30 
 7 
 18 
 10 
 3 
 
 1 24 
 
 4 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 2 5 
 
 2 23 
 
 9 
 
 3 4 
 
 1 1 32 
 
 29 
 
 4 
 
 3 14 
 
 1 2 4 
 
 1 9 
 
 2 1 11 
 
 
 3 
 
 23 
 
 2 22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 34 
 
 2 
 
 65 
 
 3 22 
 
 9 
 
 3 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 8 
 
 19 
 
 1 10 
 
 31 
 
 1 5 
 
 4 
 
 2 17 
 
 ?. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■2 
 
 1 8 
 
 8 
 
 3 25 
 
 14 
 
 1 26 
 
 3 
 
 2 17 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 8 
 
 8 
 29 
 
 3 25 
 37 
 
 14 
 
 47 
 
 1 26 
 
 20 
 
 2 38 
 
 8 
 
 1 39 
 
 1 15 
 
 
 
 3 9 
 
 1 
 
 1 9 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 6 
 
 1 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 7 
 
 3 20 
 1 20 
 
 7 
 11 
 
 3 23 
 
 6 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 3 31 
 
 5 
 
 3 20 
 
 1 
 
 2 12 
 
 7 
 
 1 32 
 
 12 
 
 11 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 2 17 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 1 22 
 
 
 
 3 20 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 20 
 
 1 
 
 1 26 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 19 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 '?. 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 3 
 
 2 15 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 35 
 
 3 
 
 2 15 
 
 2 
 
 2 38 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 38 
 
 4 
 
 1 29 
 
 3 
 
 2 5 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 5 
 
 ft 
 
 2 35 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 9. 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 1 4 
 
 •?. 
 
 25 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 25 
 
 3 
 
 1 38 
 
 '?. 
 
 1 30 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 30 
 
 3 
 
 3 31 
 
 2 
 
 2 19 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 19 
 
 4 
 
 39 
 
 -■' 
 
 
 250 
 
 2 29 
 
 566 
 
 1 7 
 
"=:/*«,.'• liiAcJt -^ /'i<)iKC'6Ci^-'V 
 
CAS TliE S A1VI¥' SOl^ . 
 
 ^iS' ^^-'f'fh J f.^xnl-vch'.o n. Je/'cA^.jr l^ an. Jny-A, 
 
 -^ffrsr /Jttk^ii,. 4//, jL^KxiciciZcj' 
 
153 
 
 Brought forward, . 
 
 Michael Gurry 
 
 Bryan Gurry 
 
 Thomas Kelly 
 
 William and R. Gurry 
 
 Pat Loughe , 
 
 William John Egan . . 
 
 Daniel Fauaher 
 
 John Cumber 
 
 Thomas Loughe 
 
 William Cat. Harny . . . 
 
 Thomas Coin 
 
 Bartle M'Nally 
 
 William P. Murray...., 
 
 Michael T. Kelly 
 
 Edward Hardiman 
 
 61 In common to the village. 
 
 62 ditto ditto ... 
 
 63 Bog Island 
 
 General Total of arable & past. 
 G UeepRedBog 
 
 Arab.^Past 
 A. R. P. 
 
 16 
 3 26 
 
 3 20 
 3 5 
 
 2 36 
 
 
 3 .5 
 2 35 
 2 35 
 31 
 
 2 
 
 3 20 
 
 2 27 
 
 3 24 
 
 14 7 
 138 6 26 
 
 Bot., ffc. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 47 3 39 
 15 2 18 
 
 1 19 
 
 Total Irish. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 250 2 29 
 
 16 
 3 26 
 
 3 20 
 3 5 
 
 2 36 
 
 
 3 5 
 2 35 
 2 35 
 31 
 
 2 
 
 3 20 
 
 2 27 
 
 3 24 
 
 215 3 10 
 1 19 
 
 594 31 
 359 3 34 
 
 General Total 954 25 
 
 Total Engl. 
 A. R. P. 
 
 666 1 7 
 8 1 2 
 
 16 
 38 
 5 
 3 21 
 3 7 
 38 
 3 31 
 3 6 
 3 6 
 2 8 
 
 8 
 2 24 
 
 1 11 
 12 
 
 349 2 12 
 1 3 10 
 
 962 1 21 
 582 12 
 
 1545 1 33 
 
 *»* Forty-eight Irish Plantation Perches to an Inch, 
 
154 
 
 I think it satisfactory to add, that two years' addi- 
 tional experience enables me to state that this system 
 of colonising has answered my expectations fully; the 
 drain has, as I anticipated, been used for the purpose 
 of conveying manure and turf, a flat-bottomed boat 
 having been given to the tenants by the landlord, and 
 the Castle-Sampson tenant is no longer a pauper — he 
 has become a small occupier of land; has a well ap- 
 pointed donkey and cart ; has his stock of cattle, 
 corn, and potatoes, and it would now not be very easy 
 to get him to emigrate : and the landlord is satisfied 
 at the manner in which his rents are paid. 
 
 The land of Castle-Sampson, Nos. 61 and 62 
 which was held in common, is now divided amongst 
 the several occupiers, and has been cropped this year 
 to a considerable extent by them. 
 
 THOMAS BERMINGHAM. 
 
 23, Dover Street, 
 Jan. 20, 1835. 
 
155 
 
 In a work by Peter Gale, Esq. entitled, an Inquiry 
 into the ancient Corporate system of Ireland, to be 
 had of Richard Bentley, Ne\^ Burlington-street, there 
 is to be found much matter deeply interesting-, 
 regarding the rights of corporations. In it I find a 
 highly curious document, a bill with the royal assent, 
 sent into Ireland in 1641, for establishing a provision 
 for the poor in that country, as entered in chancery, 
 styled " An act for the relief of poore orphants, and 
 such lame, olde, blinde, and impotent persons as are 
 poore and not able to worke, and for the punishing 
 of rogues, vagabonds, sturdy beggars and idlers, and 
 setting them to worke." One cannot but regret that 
 some measure of the kind has not been introduced 
 into that country ; and really there is a vast deal to 
 approve of in the above bill, which I understand only 
 required that the Lord Lieutenant should have gone 
 down to the house to have made it the law of the 
 land. 
 
 Mr. Hart has kindly furnished me with a pamphlet, 
 being Statement of the proceedings of the Society for 
 the Improvement of Ireland for the year 1828, 
 signed Edward Groves, Secretary, Mansion House, 
 Dublin. This pamphlet contains many useful and 
 highly interesting details as to the measures likely to 
 benefit Ireland, which all must lament have been 
 attended to so little ; however, the labours of that 
 society are fortunately preserved to us, and will, it is 
 hoped, prove yet of great use to this portion of the 
 empire. 
 
156 
 
 TUNBRIDGE WELLS 
 LOAN SOCIETY. 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 During the year 1834, the operations of this 
 society have been extended in proportion to the 
 increase of the funds ; the whole of which liave been 
 constantly and entirely employed according to the 
 principles of the society. 
 
 The average amount of the society's fund, or work- 
 ing capital for the past year, has been about 190/.; 
 and with this sum 243 loans have been made, the 
 aggregate value of which has been 1204/. I5s. Had 
 the funds of the society been three times their present 
 amount, they would still have been in circulation ; 
 for many applicants for loans have been refused that 
 assistance for want of greater funds ; a fact to be 
 regretted, as wherever the influence of the society has 
 been felt, it has invariably produced the object 
 intended and wished, not only by relieving deserving 
 persons under difficulties, assisting others in their 
 various trades, but by promoting a spirit of industry 
 and honest independence ; also by uniting more 
 closely in the bonds of respectful feeling and good 
 
157 
 
 will, the classes of society who have bestowed the 
 assistance with those who have received it. 
 
 It is a subject of congratulation to the society, that 
 its assistance has prevented many families from be- 
 coming a burthen upon the parish. The timely aid 
 afforded by the loans of this society, in cases of 
 unexpected and unavoidable distress, have dispelled 
 many a fear — soothed many a sorrow — and averted 
 the last calamity of a falling labouring man, with its 
 consequent degradation. It is gratifying to reflect 
 that all this has been accomplished with means so 
 small ; and much more so, that these means have not 
 been weakened by losses — not one case of dishonest 
 defalcation having occurred. 
 
 There is but one more point to be noticed to this 
 meeting, and which is perhaps the most encouraging 
 of all — it is, that since the borrowers of loans have 
 been called upon to pay four-pence in the pound, they 
 have applied to the society with less hesitation, and 
 have expressed much satisfaction at themselves bear- 
 ing a part in the support of a society which does so 
 much for them, and that they are thus permitted to 
 gratify their honest and manly pride, by purchasing 
 the assistance their circumstances require. 
 
 The following resolutions were passed : 
 
 Resolved, 
 1. — That the secretary to the society shall receive 
 a salary of 8Z., and that the assistant secretary a 
 
158 
 
 salary of 61., for their respective services to the society 
 for the year 1835. 
 
 2. — That from the 1st of January, 1835, the 
 treasurer be authorised to pay, at the rate of four per 
 cent., interest on all sums lent to the fund, from 61. 
 and upwards. 
 
 3. — That any contributor to the fund, by loan, 
 shall ^ive the treasurer six months' notice of his 
 intention to withdraw his loan. 
 
 4. — That the general meetings, held for the purpose 
 of receiving the report and passing the accounts of 
 the preceding year, shall, in future, be held in 
 January. 
 
 5. — That the thanks of this meeting be given to 
 the treasurer, for her unremitting and laborious 
 exertions in carrying into effect the principles of the 
 society. 
 
 6. — That the thanks of this meeting be given to the 
 secretary and assistant secretary, for the services 
 which they have hitherto gratuitously rendered to the 
 society. 
 
 Rules and Regulations. 
 
 1. — The society shall be supported by loans, 
 donations, and annual subscriptions; and the fund 
 managed by a weekly committee of contributors, 
 chosen at the annual meeting. 
 
 2.-— Every contributor to the fund, either by loan, 
 donation, or annual subscription, to have the privilege 
 
159 
 
 of recommending an individual for a loan, subject 
 however to the 6th iiile. 
 
 3. — That a premium of four-pence in the pound 
 be charged to the borrower, upon any loan when 
 lent, to cover expenses. 
 
 4. — No money to be lent without good surety, who 
 shall untertake, by signing a proper instrument, to 
 re-pay any sum that the borrower at any time may 
 fail to pay, when his weekly instalment should be 
 made. One surety to be required for any loan not 
 exceeding 10/., and two sureties for all sums exceed- 
 ing that amount. 
 
 5. — Each instalment for the re-payment of a loan 
 to be made every Wednesday, between the hours of 
 two and three o'clock in the afternoon, at the rate of 
 one shilling in the pound. 
 
 6. — No loan exceeding 10/. to be advanced, except 
 it should be found expedient by the treasurer to grant 
 a larger sum : then such treasurer to have the power 
 of calling a meeting of the managing committee (the 
 treasurer being one) to consider the propriety of such 
 loan; and if the majority of the committee be of 
 opinion that such loan would be of great advantage 
 to the borrower, then a loan not exceeding 251. may 
 be granted upon such authority — a notice of such 
 resolution being signed at the time in the minute 
 book, by the majority of the members present. 
 
 7. — Every borrower to have a ticket delivered to 
 him when he receives a loan ; and any borrower failing 
 
160 
 
 to produce his ticket, and pay his instahnent at 
 the appointed time, stated in rule 5, to be fined six- 
 pence for each omission, and to be liable to refusal 
 of any subsequent application in consequence of such 
 failure. 
 
 8. — The smallest loan advanced to be ten shillings. 
 
 9. — In case of non-payment of the instalment on 
 any Wednesday, the secretary is to call upon the 
 surety, and, if necessary, to enforce payment. 
 
 10. — No person in the actual receipt of parochial 
 aid, to be accommodated with a loan. 
 
 11. — A general meeting to be held annually, in 
 January, for electing managers, &c., and for general 
 purposes. 
 
 12. — The committee to meet every Wednesday, at 
 2 o'clock. 
 
161 
 GREAT LEINSTER RAILWAY. 
 
 In the following' prospectus an imperfect sketch is 
 presented of advantages likely to be derived to the 
 public and shareholders from the construction of a 
 railway from Dublin to Kilkenny, to be denominated 
 the great Leinster railway. 
 
 Although the utility of railways, as the means of 
 a cheap, rapid, and safe mode of communication,' 
 has for some years ceased to be matter of doubt ; 
 and that England and Scotland, and even the New 
 World,* (where they have been adopted to an incre- 
 dible extent,) are being intersected with them in 
 every direction, as yet no effort has been made for 
 their introduction into Ireland, with the single 
 exception of the short line of seven miles British, 
 from Dublin to the harbour of Kingstown. 
 
 To whatever cause this may be owing, it cannot be 
 attributed to any national unfitness of that country 
 for this description of communication. The proposed 
 railway from Dublin to Kilkenny offers inducements 
 for the investment of capital surpassed by no similar 
 undertakings either in England or Scotland. It will 
 intersect or lead into the richest and most fertile 
 
 * Railways in America. — 137 lines of railway projected 
 
 46 „ „ „ completed 
 Line from Baltimore to Pittsburgh, 330 miles. 
 
 M 
 
162 
 
 counties of Leinster and Munster, and be the line of 
 communication with all the chief towns in the 
 counties of Waterford, Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, and 
 the south-western portion of Wexford, to all of which 
 branches will in all probability ultimately extend ; 
 while even the counties of Limerick and Clare may 
 be brought by its means two hours and a half nearer 
 Dublin The proposed railway will thus command 
 the trade and intercourse of the metropolis and port 
 of Liverpool, with the southern parts of Leinster and 
 the entire extent of Munster ; districts containing at 
 least 3,000,000 of inhabitants.* The collieries of 
 Castlecomer, t now imperfectly wrought, though 
 abounding with the finest coal and culm for agricul- 
 tural or manufacturing purposes, for want of a cheap 
 and rapid communication with the metropolis ; nor 
 should it escape observation, that the description of 
 coal found in the collieries of this district, and known 
 by the name of " carbonaceous, or stone-coal," is 
 peculiarly adapted for locomotive engines. 
 
 The facilities which present themselves for the 
 construction of the projected railw^ay are considerable. 
 It has the advantage of opening at either extremity 
 
 * According to the census of 1831, IMunster contains 
 2,227,152 inhabitants, Leinster 1,909,713, total 4,136,865. 
 
 t The quantity of coal raised in the Leinster coal district, 
 annually, according to the report made by order of the Royal 
 Dublin Society, by Richard Griffith, Esq., is — coal 70,000 tons, 
 culm 100,000 tons. 
 
163 
 
 to communication with the sea, by means of canal or 
 river navigation ; it approximates to extensive fields 
 of granite and lime-stone ; and along the entire line 
 are found all the materials requisite for its formation, 
 except iron ;* the sum to be expended in the pur- 
 chase of land, and the price of labour, being con- 
 siderably less than they are in England. The greatest 
 ascent will not exceed 1 in 880 ;t the entire ascent 
 being less than one hundred and fifty feet, and a 
 continued level of nearly thirty miles. 
 
 The cost of the proposed undertaking has been 
 estimated by men of the first professional eminence, 
 not to exceed 10,000/. per British mile, and that 
 1,000/. per mile will be sufficient for its annual 
 maintenance. The probable revenue is calculated 
 rather from the existing trade and intercourse, J than 
 that likely to take place from the improved system of 
 communication by railway ; notwithstanding, it has 
 been ascertained that the increase consequent upon 
 
 * The cost for iron cannot exceed one-tenth of the usual 
 expenditure on railways. On the Liverpool and Manchester, 
 the cost of iron was about one-thirtieth. 
 
 f On parts of the Liverpool and Manchester line the ascents 
 are 1 in 96. 
 
 :j: The number of passengers (200 daily) to and from Dublin 
 and Kilkenny, as given in the estimated income, may apparently 
 contradict this statement. But it is founded on the presumption 
 that all the passengers to and from the metropolis, and the south 
 of Irelaad, at present proceeding by different routes, would pass 
 along the railway. 
 
 M 2 
 
164 
 
 the construction of railways has in many instances 
 exceeded forty-fold^ and in no instance being less 
 than three-fold. Nor has any revenue been calculated 
 for the conveyance of live cattle^ to the Dublin 
 market, or for the purpose of being shipped to Liver- 
 pool, the transmission of his Majesty's mails, parcels, 
 &c. ; although eventually there is little doubt but 
 these must become sources of great income to the 
 railv^^ay. 
 
 As the main object proposed is to promote a work 
 of great utility to the country, and to aiford extensive 
 employment to the labouring classes, a consideration 
 of deep importance, as admitted by all those interested 
 in the welfare of Ireland — with such objects in view, 
 it would be matter of reo-ret that this undertakino- 
 should interfere with the canal or river navigation, to 
 which it will in some measure be parallel : it is, 
 however, most gratifying to be enabled to state, that 
 in every instance where objections have been made 
 by canal companies, evidence has since been given 
 before committees of both houses, that the trade of 
 the canals, had, instead of diminishing, been con- 
 siderably increased since the formation of railways. 
 This is particularly illustrated in the instances of the 
 
 § The quantity exported in 1831, to Liverpool alone, was — 
 91,111 head of cattle, 160,487 sheep and lambs, and 156,001 
 pigs ; in the estimated revenue of the " Eastern counties rail- 
 way," comprising Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, the item foir 
 conveyance of live cattle is 157,055/ annually. 
 
165 
 
 Irvvell navigation, and the Leeds and Liverpool 
 canals. 
 
 This prospectus is put forward, after much deliber- 
 ation and communication with eminent practical 
 men, (extracts from some of whose letters are given,) 
 by a committee of Irish gentlemen, whose only 
 motive is to promote works of permanent utility 
 which will tend to develope the great natural re- 
 sources of Ireland. With the view of advancing this 
 desirable object, copies of this prospectus will be 
 forwarded to such noblemen and gentlemen as are 
 likely to co-operate in promoting this important 
 national undertaking ; and when a sufficient number 
 have signified their concurrence, a public meeting 
 will be convened to consider and arrange the 
 necessary details. 
 
 Extracts from Correspondence referred to. 
 
 " In reference to the projected Leinster railway, I 
 can only repeat what I expressed to you verbally last 
 week, that if the excavations, embankings, and build- 
 ing-works are not excessively heavy, I am of opinion 
 that the railway in question can be executed at 
 10,000/. per mile — more particularly as I find that 
 building materials are to be found upon the line. 
 
 " I consider the annual expenditure of 1,000/. per 
 mile more than sufficient for maintenance, 
 
 ^' The works on the Newcastle and Carlisle rail- 
 way, upon which I am at this moment engaged, are 
 
166 
 
 very formidahle, and the whole expense of its com- 
 pletion will fall considerably short of 10,000/. per 
 mile. 
 
 (Signed) Francis Giles, C.E." 
 
 " We have, in order to illustrate more intelligibly 
 the very few professional observations we can offer 
 you in the present stage of this interesting subject, 
 traced on the accompanying map, taken from our 
 Mr. Mullins' ' Thoughts on Inland Navigation,' the 
 probable course which the levels of the country lying 
 between this city and Kilkenny would throw your 
 projected railway into. You will perceive on reference 
 to the table of heights in the margin of this map, 
 that the summit level of the Grand Canal stands 278 
 feet over the sea, and assuming, as you do, that a 
 lower pass of, say 30 feet, (20 of which was 
 ascertained by the late Mr. Killaly) could be had for 
 this summit, than the line the Grand Canal is carried 
 in, it would bring the level to 248 feet over the sea; 
 and following up your views that Dolphin's Barn is 
 a judicious point to start from, and taking it at an 
 elevation of 70 feet over the sea, we reduce the actual 
 natural ascent to 178 feet. If then in the construc- 
 tion of the railway, as the ground in the, first two 
 miles rises so rapidly, the road were carried over a 
 series of arches at an elevation, say of 28 feet above 
 the starting point, it would reduce the total height 
 to be overcome to 150 hei ; and your taking for 
 
167 
 
 granted what we know to be a fact, that the com- 
 mencement of the summit level can be pushed at 
 least 25 miles from Dublin, it would leave the ascent 
 of the projected road at the rate of 6 feet per mile, 
 or 1 in 880. - 
 
 ^ ¥^ ^ ^ yf: v^ 
 
 " We are satisfied that a line can be laid out 
 between Dublin and Kilkenny, which, if judiciously 
 directed, and permanently executed, can be con- 
 structed for 10,000/. per mile, and afterwards main- 
 tained, for an indefinite term, at the rate of J, 000/. 
 per mile per annum. 
 
 (Signed) Henry, 
 
 MULLINS, 
 
 MacMahon." 
 
 At the request of the acting committee, the follow- 
 ing gentlemen will receive and forward all com- 
 munications on the subject : — N. A. Vigors, Esq. 
 M.P., Chester Terrace, Regent's Park ; Peter Gale, 
 Esq., Ashfield Hall, Queen's County, & 12, Park 
 Street, Westminster; P. J. Hart, Esq., 50, Berkeley 
 Street, Portman Square. 
 
 JVote.^l feel that in putting this prospectus 
 forward, I am doing service to the line proposed by 
 myself to run across from Gal way to Dublin, traced 
 on the map. In my opinion, there will be one 
 
168 
 
 common track to Vicarstown, grossing the river 
 Barrow at Grattan Bridge — from whence the Kil- 
 kenny line should branch off, by Abbeyleix, and the 
 Galway line by Roscrea, Bur, Bannagher, Loughrea, 
 to Galway, thus communicating with all the southern 
 and western towns, and opening out the great bogs 
 and mountains to colonization and cultivation, by 
 procuring for their produce the best market. 
 
 J 
 
169 
 
 At a meeting held at the Labourers' Friend Society's 
 room, at Exeter Hall, in the month of January, 
 1835, Sir David Barry, in the Chair : — 
 
 A statement somewhat as follows was sent in by 
 Mr. Thomas Bermingham, proposed and carried, and 
 given, for presentation to the Irish government, to the 
 chairman, who from his knowledge of Ireland, (having 
 been so lately on the medical commission of inquiry 
 through that country,) as also from his anxiety to 
 forward the measure contemplated in that statement, 
 namely, the cultivation of the waste lands, with a 
 view of employing the superabundant hands, was the 
 person in every way the most proper to hand it to 
 government. 
 
 Resoln'ed, 
 
 That it is of the utmost importance to the empire 
 at large, that the mass of unemployed Irish poor, 
 now in a state of misery and destitution, should be 
 furnished with employment as a means of existence. 
 
 That it appears from the evidence of practical 
 men, engineers employed by government, and land 
 agents, givenbefore committees of the house, appointed 
 to inquire into the state of Ireland, that there are 
 vast tracts of mountain and bog land in that country, 
 which only require a proper application of capital to 
 become highly productive, and to afford employment 
 to the poor, and a fair profit to speculators. 
 
170 
 
 That however desirable the cultivation and im- 
 provement of such wastes, both to proprietors and 
 those for whom employment is thus sought, yet from 
 the unfortunate circumstances in which estated oren- 
 tlemen are placed, whether from embarrassments 
 from debt or old family settlements, or such like 
 causes, a clear valid title to such lands cannot be 
 made out. It appears therefore to be the first duty 
 of the legislature to clear the way, so as that a 
 good title can be made to such lands, either to 
 individuals or to companies, who from mixed motives 
 of philanthropy and interest, may be inclined to lay 
 out capital on the improvement of such tracts of 
 waste land. 
 
 That as the first step to this desirable improvement, 
 government be solicited to bring in a comprehensive 
 measure on the meeting of parliament, giving like 
 powers (as have been given to commissioners of wide 
 streets, or as already given to the canal companies of 
 Ireland,) to juries, to value such waste lands, (when 
 called upon by the owner of such estates,) giving 
 power to such proprietors to sell the same ; the 
 purchase money to be invested for the satisfaction of 
 all incumbrances or claims affecting the same. By 
 this means a spur will at once be given to the im- 
 provement of uncultivated tracts. The value so as- 
 certained will be considered as a fair one. The feeling 
 that undue preference has been given to one landlord 
 
171 
 
 over another entirely avoided, and the resources of 
 Ireland in this way developed in a manner likely to 
 produce vast results to the empire at large. 
 
 The profits returned from lands managed for the 
 London companies in the north of the kingdom, may 
 be given as inducements to the establishment of 
 similar societies in the south and west. To which I 
 now add, that it would be desirable were a power 
 given to the owners of collieries in Ireland, to charge 
 the inheritance with a sum sufficient to open them. 
 There are coal and other mines in Ireland which 
 would at once be opened if some legislative enact- 
 ment was brought in, by which life proprietors could 
 raise money to open out and work the same, and be 
 allowed to mortgage the estate for a sum sufficient 
 for the purpose. In the Queen's County, Roscommon 
 and Leitrim, and many other parts, the benefit in 
 setting numerous labourers at work would at once be 
 felt, and be of infinite advantage to the proprietors 
 and the country at large. 
 
172 
 
 The following Sheet has been found useful in ascertaining the 
 condition of the Peasantry on estates in Ireland under my 
 management, and will be found, it is thought, so to Pro- 
 prietors of estates there, and also in England. If brought 
 out on one large roll of parchment or paper, and hung up in 
 the office of the Agent, or the study of the Proprietor, it 
 would enable them at one glance to see the actual state of the 
 Tenantry, and of the Poor on the Property, and would at the 
 same time shew on what parts of the Estate room could be 
 made for such, and land improved by them ; it would point 
 out tneir condition, and no dovibt then a remedy would be 
 applied, and much of the evils to which the poor (on these 
 estates) are now exposed, avoided. 
 
 A roll of this kind, with some alterations, perhaps as to the 
 headings, would be found useful in ascertaining the actual 
 state of the Poor in parishes in England also ; and if hung 
 up in the Poorhouse as a constant sheet of reference, might 
 prevent much of the imposition to which parishes from want 
 
 ' of necessary information are now daily and hourly subject to. 
 
 Number 
 
 Townlands 
 
 or 
 
 Parishes. 
 
 Contents 
 of the Farm or 
 Cottage garden. 
 
 Name 
 
 of 
 
 Occupier. 
 
 Half-yearly 
 Rent. 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 Hardwood 
 
 A. R. P. 
 
 5 2 .. 
 7 .. .. 
 
 Jas. Doorley 
 WidowDoorley 
 John Curley 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 
 Males. 1 Females. 
 
 Total 
 number 
 
 in 
 family. 
 
 No. 
 
 above 
 
 60 
 years 
 
 from 
 
 20 
 to 
 60 
 
 from 
 14 
 to 
 
 20 
 
 under 
 
 14 
 
 above 
 
 60 
 
 from 
 20 
 to 
 60 
 
 from 
 14 
 to 
 20 
 
 under 
 14 
 
 1 
 2 
 S 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 2 
 2 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 7 
 8 
 8 
 
173 
 
 LIVE STOCK. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 EXTENT OF EJMPLOYMENT. 
 
 Number of Agricultural Labourers above 16 years of age. 
 
 No. 
 
 Number 
 
 permanently 
 
 employed. 
 
 Number 
 
 occasionally 
 
 employed. 
 
 Number 
 
 out of 
 
 employment. 
 
 Seasons of the 
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 1 
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175 
 
 Further Extracts from Foreign Communications. 
 i New York. 
 
 Abstract from the Superintendents of the Poor from 
 
 several Counties, for the Year ending- 1st De- 
 
 cember, 1833. — United States. 
 
 In 55 counties, paupers reheved or supported, 35,777— 
 Of this number there were in the workhouses at the close 
 
 of the year 5,927 
 
 Admitted in the course of the year 10,494 
 
 Making 16,421* 
 
 for which number I calculate accommodation was 
 provided in the parish workhouses, whilst the residue 
 were cases which were relieved out of the workhouses. 
 To the workhouses in the above number of counties, 
 there are 5,776 acres of land attached, constituting 
 the parish farms. 
 
 The entire expense for the relief of all the poor was in 
 that year >S'295,239, or about £74,000. 
 
 The actual value of the labour of the paupers was 
 ^'31,217, or about £8,000. 
 
 The amount saved in consequence of the labour of the 
 paupers >^'23,670, or about £6,000. 
 
 The above expenditure includes binding out apprentices 
 and giving instruction to 1,431 children, inmates of the 
 workhouses. 
 
 The value of the poorhouse establishment taken at the 
 close of the year ,§'865,770, or about £216,500. 
 
 * Of the number relieved — 602 were lunatics, 219 idiots, and 
 48 mutes. 
 
176 
 
 Being at the rate of about >^52, or about £IS for each 
 
 inmate supposed to be provided in the house. 
 
 The amount at 4 per cent, interest on this capital would 
 
 be ^2, or about lO*. annual charge for the accommodation 
 
 of each inmate on the establishment. 
 
 The average expense of each pauper is stated to be 
 
 about ^33 per annum, or about £8. 
 
 In the sum above stated there was spent on the trans- 
 portation of paupers about ^^5,000 
 
 Superintendents 12,000 
 
 Overseers 11,000 
 
 Justices 3,000 
 
 Keepers and officers of poorhouse 22,000 
 
 Physician for attendance and medicine .... 11,000 
 
 Making a total sum of ^64,000 
 
 Or about £16,000 expended on these portions of the 
 establishment. 
 
 Why then could not parishes in the metropolis, in 
 towns, and the country throughout the United King- 
 dom, pursue a similar course ? — 
 
 There is waste land in the neighbourhood of the 
 metropolis and other places, which could be ap- 
 propriated to these purposes. 
 
 If settlements interfere, let the term of leases be 
 enlarged, and a power given to the proprietors or 
 the lord of the manor, to make leases for ever, for 
 the purpose of ensuring the farm to the parish — 
 without the power of taking any sum by way of fine 
 to the injury of the entail. 
 
177 
 
 At this time the parishes could raise money on 
 mortgage of the rates, at 3 per cent. I have no 
 doubt ; and as, when the new poor bill comes into 
 general use, the parishes must erect new or enlarge 
 the old workhouses, they had better at once make 
 these buildings on a fifty acres farm ; then send their 
 able-bodied or those at all capable of work to the 
 farm to cultivate it, and supply the town poor-house 
 with vegetables, &c. &c. In the building of these 
 additional workhouses, arrangements might be made 
 to economise fuel, by having hot-water pipes sent 
 through the apartments (these are executed by Messrs. 
 Lloyd and Foster, of Wednesbury, near Birmingham,) 
 to heat them, and at the same time the boiler should 
 be employed, and its furnace, in making soups, from 
 vegetables and meat, &c. &c. on the plan given by 
 Count Rumford in his essays, which are full of useful 
 hints, to this day neglected, for feeding the poor at a 
 cheap rate per head. 
 
 Surely this mode of managing the poor would be 
 far better than as is done now in some of the London 
 parishes making the poor carry sand in hags a certain 
 distance, then to drop it and he supplied with another 
 hag, and then on their return a certain quantity of 
 bread is given ; this I am assured is done at the 
 present day, and is evidently intended to disquiet and 
 drive the poor who are out of employment, from 
 seeking aid from the parish. 
 
 N 
 
178 
 RULE8 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 SELF-SUPPORTING AND PAROCHIAL 
 
 DISPENSARY, 
 
 CHE SHAM, BUCKS. 
 
 The objects of the Institution are — 
 1st. To enable the labouring classes to ensure for 
 themselves and their families medical attendance 
 and medicines during illness, by their own small 
 weekly payments. 
 
 2nd. To provide these benefits to paupers on an 
 improved plan, and with less cost to the parish. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Government, Honorary Members, Sfc. 
 
 1 . An annual subscription of not less than 55. or a 
 donation of not less than 21. shall constitute an 
 honorary member. 
 
 Annual subscriptions shall become due on the 1st. 
 of January, and shall be paid in advance. 
 
 2. A general meeting of the honorary members 
 shall be held on the second Monday in April, annually, 
 
179 
 
 in the Town Hall, at which a report of the proceed- 
 ings of the institution during the preceding year, 
 together with a statement of the accounts, shall be- 
 read ; and a committee, consisting of not less than 
 twenty, nor more than thirty members, shall be chosen, 
 and the other officers of the institution appointed. 
 
 3. No person shall be entitled to vote at the 
 meeting of the honorary members, who has not been 
 a subscriber for six months previously, or whose sub- 
 scription is more than twelve months in arrear. 
 
 4. The privilege of voting by proxy at the general 
 meeting of the honorary members, shall be confined to 
 ladies and to the patrons of the institution. 
 
 5. The general management of the institution, the 
 power of making and repealing laws, and of electing 
 and removing officers, (except as provided by rules 
 2, 12, and 15,) is vested in the committee. The 
 patrons, the president, the vice-presidents, the phy- 
 sician, the surgeons, the treasurer, the honorary 
 secretary, and the honorary local agents, shall be 
 members of the committee by virtue of their respective 
 offices. 
 
 6. A special general meeting of the committee 
 may be convened on any emergency, by the requi- 
 sition of the president, or of two vice-presidents, or of 
 the chairman of an ordinary committee, signified in 
 writing to the clerk, and stating the purpose for 
 which such meeting is required. — A week's notice 
 must be given to each member. 
 
 N 2 
 
180 
 
 This meeting must consist of not less than nine 
 persons, and must confine its business to the objects 
 stated in the notice^ 
 
 7. An ordinary meeting of the committee shall 
 be held at the dispensary house on the first Friday 
 in every month (or oftener if required), at 3 p.m., for 
 the admission of members, and for transacting the 
 ordinary business of the institution. Five of the 
 committee shall be summoned in rotation. Three 
 members of the committee shall form a quorum. The 
 clerk shall give a week's notice to those whose turn 
 it is to attend ; and in case any one so summoned 
 shall not be present, or some other member of the 
 committee for him, within half an hour of the time 
 appointed, he shall pay a fine of one shilling. 
 
 At the ordinary meeting next after each quarter 
 day, the accounts shall be inspected and passed. 
 The clerk shall give notice of this meeting to the 
 treasurer, honorary secretary, local agents, and sur- 
 geons, in addition to those members of the committee 
 whose turn it is to attend in rotation. 
 
 8. If the president be present he shall take the 
 chair, or in his absence a vice-president ; but if 
 neither be present, a chairman shall be chosen before 
 the commencement of any other business. 
 
 All questions shall be determined by vote ; should 
 the votes be even, the chairman shall have the cas- 
 ting vote. The names of the members of the com- 
 mittee present, and the minutes of their proceedings, 
 
181 
 
 shall be entered in a book by the honorary secretary, 
 if present, or in his absence, by one of the committee, 
 or by the clerk, should no objection arise to his being 
 present ; such minutes to be authenticated by the 
 signature of the chairman. 
 
 9. No existing rule shall be altered or rescinded, 
 and no new rule made, until it has been submitted, in 
 the first place, to two ordinary meetings, and finally 
 agreed to by a special meeting of the committee. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Duties, ^c. of Officers. 
 
 10. The treasurer shall be responsible for such 
 sums of money as shall be paid into his hands by the 
 honorary secretary, or by the clerk, or by the col- 
 lector, or by any other person on account of this 
 institution, and shall discharge the amount of all 
 orders for payment, signed by the chairman of an 
 ordinary committee. 
 
 He shall balance his cash account quarterly, and 
 supply the clerk with a duplicate thereof; and shall 
 invest any surplus of the funds as directed by the 
 committee. 
 
 11. The honorary secretary shall be present, if 
 required, at all general meetings of the honorary 
 members, or of the committee, and shall conduct 
 such of the correspondence, and transact such of the 
 business of the institution, as may be entrusted to him 
 by the committee. 
 
182 
 
 12. Any surgeon, residing in Chesham or its 
 neighbourhood, who is legally qualified to practise, 
 and who is an honorary member of the institution, 
 may propose himself for election as a surgeon of the 
 dispensary at a general meeting of the honorary 
 members, or, in any emergency, at a special meeting 
 of the committee, which shall have power to appoint 
 him provisionally till the next general meeting of 
 honorary members. 
 
 13. The surgeons, in cases of difficulty, and where 
 it may seem desirable, may call in the aid of the con- 
 sulting physician. 
 
 14. The clerk shall keep a register of the name, 
 age, date of admission, residence, and occupation of 
 every free member, and shall receive and take account 
 of their payments ; he shall collect the deposits 
 received by the honorary local agents or by the local 
 secretaries, quarterly, as well as the subscriptions of 
 parishes ; he shall be answerable for all monies paid 
 into his hands on behalf of the dispensary, and will 
 be required to gi ve security before entering on office ; 
 he shall discharge the petty cash expenditure of the 
 institution, and balance the accounts previous to each 
 quarterly meeting ; he shall issue the summonses for 
 the ordinary committee, according to rule 7, and 
 collect the fines of the members of the committee for 
 non-attendance; he shall also report at each ordinary 
 committee, the names, &c. of those free members who 
 are liable to be expelled, according to rule 25, as 
 
183 
 
 well as of those who have died since the preceding- 
 meeting, and full particulars of such as may wish to 
 be admitted as free members ; he shall take charge of 
 all parochial tickets sent to the dispensary, and pro- 
 duce them for inspection at each ordinary committee; 
 he shall keep the accounts, documents, and papers of 
 the institution, in such manner as the committee or 
 the honorary secretary may direct ; and shall in all 
 thing's act under their control. 
 
 o 
 
 15. The dispenser shall be appointed by the 
 surgeons, subject to the approval of the committee, 
 and he may be dismissed by them at any time ; the 
 dismissal, with the reason of it, to be reported at the 
 next committee meeting. The appointment or dis- 
 missal must be sanctioned by the majority of the 
 surgeons. He shall take charge of the drugs and 
 stores of the establishment, and give an account of all 
 articles received by him ; and take stock of the drugs 
 at the end of each dispensary year ; he shall not send 
 any order for drugs, &c. without the signature of one 
 of the surgeons ; he shall not absent himself from the 
 dispensary without permission ; and shall dispense 
 medicines at the appointed hours, and at other times 
 if required ; he shall on no account prescribe for any 
 patient, nor administer any medicines, except by 
 prescription of the medical officers, with the date 
 affixed ; he shall keep a register of the application 
 and discharge of patients, both free members and 
 paupers, with the result of each case. 
 
184 
 
 16. The dispenser shall .eside in the house, and 
 be answerable to the committee for its being in a 
 proper state of order and repair. He shall keep an 
 inventory of the eifects and furniture belonging to the 
 institution, and be accountable for the loss of any, 
 for which he cannot assip-n a sufficient reason. He 
 
 o 
 
 will be required to give security before entering on 
 office. 
 
 17. Honorary local agents may be appointed in 
 surrounding villages, where no committee is formed. 
 They shall receive the payments and fines of free 
 members residing within their district; and report 
 applications for admission, with their opinion as to the 
 eligibility of the applicants. 
 
 18. A collector shall be appointed to receive the 
 honorary members' subscriptions, and to convey the 
 same to the treasurer. He shall receive such salary 
 as the board may appoint. 
 
 PART HI. 
 
 Free Members and Patients. 
 
 19. The free members shall consist of working 
 men, their wives and children, and any other persons 
 who are unable to pay for medical advice and drugs 
 in the usual manner : — those above fifteen years of 
 age shall pay one penny per week each ; and those 
 under that age one halfpenny per week. 
 
 20. Members of the Chesham Friendly Soeiety, 
 
185 
 
 or of other Benefit Societies founded on tlie same 
 principle,* insuring not more than 8s. per week in 
 illness, if men, and not more than 45. per week, if 
 women, shall be admitted as free members of this 
 institution, on payment of 3c?. per month, provided 
 they are eligible according to rule 19. 
 
 21. In the case of labourers depending for support 
 only on the usual rate of farming wages, and of other 
 persons in like circumstances, all the children of one 
 family under fifteen years of age may be admitted as 
 free members, by a payment of three halfpence per 
 week. 
 
 22. Persons wishing to become members, must 
 leave their names and places of abode with the clerk 
 or local secretary, not less than two days before the 
 meeting of the committee at which they apply for 
 admission. They shall also, if required, attend at the 
 committee, and if approved, shall receive a blue 
 ticket, signed by the chairman, for which they shall 
 pay one penny, and be furnished with a copy of the 
 regulations relating to free members, and shall be 
 enrolled in the register by the clerk. 
 
 23. The blue ticket shall contain a certificate of 
 admission, the number, name, and age of all members 
 admitted by it, and a form for the receipt of all pay- 
 ments for the year following. It must be renewed 
 
 * The Missenden Provident Society, the Sarratt Friendly 
 Society, and the West Herts Friendly Assurance Society, are 
 societies of this description. 
 
186 
 
 annually, and produced whenever the member pays 
 his subscription, which shall be receipted on the 
 ticket by the clerk, honorary local agent, or local 
 secretary, with his initials. Every member above 
 fifteen years of age shall have a ticket to himself; 
 but a married woman's admission and subscription 
 may be entered on her husband's ticket ; and members, 
 under fifteen, upon that of their parents. 
 
 24. Those free members who pay their subscrip- 
 tions at the dispensary, may attend on any Friday or 
 Saturday mornings between ten or twelve. Those 
 who are not entitled to attendance in sickness, may 
 pay up for it at any other time to the surgeons or the 
 dispenser. 
 
 25. No member shall be entitled to relief unless 
 all arrears are paid up. 
 
 Every member being one month in arrear shall pay 
 a fine of one penny. 
 
 If two months in arrear, a fine of three pence. 
 
 If three months in arrear, he shall, after having 
 had due notice given him by the clerk or local 
 secretary, be excluded from the institution : but the 
 committee shall have the power of re admitting him, 
 should sufficient excuse be shewn for his neglect. 
 
 26. Every member producing on his admission a 
 certificate of health, shall become qualified for 
 receiving the benefits of the institution, as soon as 
 he shall have been enrolled for three months, if not 
 then in arrears ; or he may become so qualified 
 
187 
 
 immediately, by paying a sum equal to six months' 
 subscription, as entrance money. 
 
 Every member not producing a certificate of health, 
 shall become qualified as soon as he shall have paid 
 twelve months' subscription. 
 
 If any member fall ill before he is qualified, he 
 may become so immediately, by completing the 
 twelve months' subscription at the time, in a single 
 payment; but if he is unable to do this, and has 
 been enrolled for one month, he may (on obtaining a 
 recommendation signed by two honorary members,) 
 be permitted, instead, to pay an extra weekly con- 
 tribution of not less than Id. per week, until, by such 
 payments, he shall have completed the twelve months' 
 subscription. This recommendation will entitle him 
 to immediate benefit.* If he neglect to pay the 
 additional contribution, he shall be subject to the 
 same fines and disabilities as are imposed on arrears 
 of the regular payments, according to rule 25. 
 
 * Form for tickets of recommendation : — 
 
 We recommend 
 a free member of the Dispensary, to receive the benefits of that 
 Institution immediately, believing that is unable to pay the 
 
 sum of , now remaining due on his first year's 
 
 subscription ; and desiring that he may be permitted to pay an 
 additional weekly contribution, until the above sum is com- 
 pleted. 
 
 ( Honorary Members. 
 
188 
 
 27. The surgeons may admit any person who is 
 ill to the privileges of a free member, if he is 
 admissible according to rule 19, and on his comply- 
 ing with the following provisions — viz. to pay a sum 
 equal to twelve months' subscription at the time, to 
 have his admission ratified, and his name, &c. enrolled 
 at the next committee, according to rule 22, — and at 
 that committee either to propose a healthy person to 
 be admitted with him, or to pay the sum of one 
 shilling. 
 
 28. Every free member shall have the choice of 
 either of the surgeons belonging to the institution. 
 
 29. Free members applying for medical assistance 
 must produce their tickets, in order that the receipts 
 may shew whether they are entitled to such assistance. 
 
 30. Those patients who are able to do so, must 
 attend at the dispensary on one of the days, and at 
 the hour, if possible, which their surgeon may have 
 fixed for seeing them there. They will, on their first 
 visit, be supplied with a prescription paper, which 
 they are to keep clean, and bring with them when- 
 ever they come to the dispensary : this paper must 
 be returned to the dispenser at the close of their 
 illness : if it be lost or destroyed, they will be fined 
 one penny. If any patients omit their attendance at 
 the dispensary for four weeks, without the permission 
 of their surgeon, they will be considered as discharged. 
 Those who are too ill to attend at the dispensary, 
 
189 
 
 must apply, if possible, before nine o'clock in the 
 morning to their surgeon, who will visit them at their 
 own houses. In cases of accident or sudden illness, 
 should their own surgeon be from home, or unable to 
 attend, they can have the attendance of either of the 
 other surgeons. 
 
 31. The patients must find their own bottles and 
 bandages, or may borrow them of the institution, 
 provided they leave with the dispenser the cost, 
 which will be repaid to the patient when the bottles 
 and bandages are returned. 
 
 32. Free members may be vaccinated gratis at the 
 dispensary. Those who apply for vaccination must 
 leave their names a week previously with the dis- 
 penser. 
 
 33. No female member will be attended in her 
 confinement, in right of her weekly or monthly pay- 
 ment ; but she may have the medicine necessary for 
 that period from the dispensary, if attended by one 
 of the surgeons of the institution. 
 
 34. No member of this institution shall be entitled 
 to medical attendance or medicines, in right of his 
 weekly contribution, for certain diseases contracted 
 by profligacy or immorality. The application of this 
 rule to individuals, to be determined by the surgeons. 
 
 35. If the funds will allow of it, a subscription 
 may be annually paid both to the Aylesbury and to 
 the West Herts infirmaries, or to one of them, in 
 order to procure the right pf recommending any 
 
190 
 
 patient of this institution (for whom it may be de- 
 sirable) for admission into one or other of these 
 infirmaries. The letter of recommendation must in 
 every case be signed by the surgeon of the dispensary, 
 who has previously attended the patient. 
 
 36. Free members may be supplied with trusses, 
 on payment of half the cost price. 
 
 37. T^atients who wish to avail themselves of the 
 benefit of the physician's advice, are expected to 
 apply to their surgeon for a note of recommendation. 
 
 38. Those free members living more than one mile 
 from the town, but within the parish in which their 
 medical attendant resides, shall pay after the rate of 
 one shilling for every other journey, should that be 
 required. 
 
 Those free members living beyond the parish in 
 which their medical attendant resides, but within 
 five miles of his residence, shall pay one shilling for 
 every journey. 
 
 The parish of Chesham Bois shall, for the purposes 
 of this rule, be considered as forming part of Chesham 
 parish. 
 
 Journies during the night, from sun-set to sun-rise, 
 shall be charged double. 
 
 The surgeon shall enter each journey on the pre- 
 scription paper at the time of his visit, and it must 
 be paid for to the dispenser on the delivery of the 
 medicines. 
 
 It shall, however, be in the power of the surgeon 
 
191 
 
 to remit the charge for the journey, in cases where he 
 believes the patients cannot afford it. This charge 
 will also be remitted, on the recommendation of 
 honorary local agents in surrounding villages. 
 
 39. If any free member or patient has reason to 
 complain of neglect or of the misconduct of any of 
 the officers of this institution, he is requested to inform 
 the committee, or the surgeons, who shall make strict 
 inquiry into the circumstances of the case, and redress 
 any real grievance. 
 
 40. An annual meeting of the free members shall 
 take place on the first Monday in May, at 6 p.m., 
 when all matters relating to their privileges may be 
 freely discussed, and any information may be afforded 
 concerning the progress of the institution, or alter- 
 ation in the rules (as far as the free members are con- 
 cerned,) during the preceding year. Five honorary 
 members, at least, shall attend at, and regulate this 
 meeting; one of whom shall take the chair. The 
 free members shall be admitted by tickets, to be pro- 
 cured during the previous week, from the clerk, or 
 honorary local agent, or local secretary. No free 
 member who is in arrears, or who is under the age of 
 twelve, shall receive a ticket. The parents of free 
 members under the age of twelve (although not mem- 
 bers themselves, may receive a ticket instead of their 
 children. 
 
 41. All members neglecting to comply with these 
 rules, or interrupting the business, or attempting in 
 
192 
 
 any way to defraud or impose on the institution, wilP 
 be reported to the committee, and be liable to be fined 
 at its discretion, or to be expelled. 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 Parishes. 
 
 42. Parishes wishing to provide for the medical 
 care of their sick poor from this institution, may be 
 admitted according to a form of contract, to continue 
 in force one year, and be signed by competent autho- 
 rities on the part of each parish, and by the chairman 
 of the committee on the part of the dispensary. The 
 contract must contain provisions on the points left 
 open for arrangement in the following rule. 
 
 43. First — as to the amount of subscription. This 
 may be either made by a fixed payment for the year, 
 or it may vary, according to the number of pauper 
 patients relieved, each sick pauper being admitted by 
 a certain payment, which shall entitle him to relief 
 during sickness ; — the amount of the payment per 
 year for all the paupers^ as well as of ikie. payment per 
 head for each sick pauper, will be settled between 
 each parish and the committee of the dispensary, 
 according to circumstances, regard being had in each 
 case to the population of the parish, and to its 
 distance from the dispensary, or from the surgeon 
 who is to attend its poor. 
 
 Secondly — as to medical attendance. The autho- 
 rities of every subscribing parish may appoint any of 
 
193 
 
 the surgeons of the institution to attend its poor ; 
 and if more than one is appointed, an arrangement 
 must be made in the contract as to the manner 
 in which the attendance shall be apportioned to 
 each. 
 
 44. The sick paupers are to apply with yellow 
 tickets of recommendation, signed by the overseer, 
 which shall entitle them to medical attendance during: 
 their respective illnesses. 
 
 At the close of every year, such pauper patients as 
 remain on the medical books, shall, if the parish con- 
 tinue its connexion with the dispensary, be attended 
 during their respective illnesses without further charge 
 to the parish, provided such illness does not exceed 
 one year. 
 
 The sick paupers must comply with the regula- 
 tions for patients in rules 30 and 31. If they neglect 
 to do so, or interrupt the business, or attempt in any 
 way to defraud or impose on the institution, they will 
 be liable to be discharged without further relief. 
 
 45. Parochial payments, in whatever manner they 
 are made, must be discharged quarterly. Midwifery, 
 and journies beyond the parish, shall not be included 
 in any parochial agreement with this dispensary. 
 Trusses and bandages are to be charged as extras, at 
 cost price. Splints, and other apparatus for fractured 
 bones, are to be included in each contract. 
 
194 
 
 PART V. 
 
 Funds. 
 
 46. The funds shall be divided into two parts, and 
 the accounts kept distinct. 
 
 The honorary fund shall consist of contributions 
 received from benevolent individuals; of the donations 
 and subscriptions of the honorary members ; also of 
 the sums arising from the sale of tickets and rules ; 
 and of the fines of members of the committee. It 
 shall be applied to the official expenses of the institu- 
 tion ; including the rent and taxes of the dispensary 
 house, furniture and repairs, firing and candles, 
 salaries of clerk or assistant secretary, and of local 
 clerks or secretaries, housekeeper's or servants' wages, 
 collector's salary, stationery, and printing. 
 
 The insurance fund shall consist of the contribu- 
 tions, fines, forfeitures, and payments for journies of 
 free members, and of the subscriptions of parishes, 
 and shall be applied to the medical expenses of the 
 institution : that is to say, to the salary of a dispenser, 
 the cost of drugs, of implements for dispensing, and 
 of surgical instruments, and the remainder (if any) 
 divided g,mong the surgeons at the end of every year, 
 according to the number of patients attended by 
 each. 
 
 Annual subscriptions to hospitals and infirmaries 
 shall be paid from the honorary fund, if this will 
 
195 
 
 suffice for the purpose, after defraying the regular 
 official expenses of the institution ; but should this 
 not be the case, these annual subscriptions may be 
 paid from the insurance fund, if the majority of the 
 surgeons consent to such payment. 
 
 PART VI. 
 
 Branch Dispensaries. 
 
 47. The inhabitants of any adjacent town or 
 village, wishing to avail themselves of the benefits of 
 this institution, may form a branch to it, provided 
 that they raise a sufficient amount of honorary sub- 
 scriptions to defray the additional expense which the 
 extension of the plan may prove to the honorary fund 
 of the dispensary. 
 
 48. A committee must be formed for the manage- 
 ment of each branch, which shall have power to 
 admit members, and transact any of the local business; 
 but its proceedings must be in conformity with the 
 rules of the dispensary, and must be reported quarterly 
 to the central committee. For rules 6, T, and 8, the 
 local committee may substitute its own regulations. 
 This committee shall be considered as a part of the 
 central committee, and any members of the one, may 
 vote at the meetino^s of the other. 
 
 49. A clerk or honorary secretary must be appointed 
 by every local committee. The duties of his office 
 are similar to those of the clerk of the dispensary, and 
 are comprised in rule 14. 
 
 o 2 
 
196 
 
 50. Surgeons residing in, or connected with places 
 in which branch institutions are formed, may be 
 appointed by the title of local surgeons, if they are 
 eligible, according to rule 12. They shall receive 
 their proportion of the surplus of the insurance fund, 
 with the other surgeons of the institution, according 
 to rule 46. They may, if convenient to themselves 
 and the patients, supply the medicines from their own 
 houses, for which they are to be remunerated in the 
 following manner. The average cost of the medicines 
 supplied to each patient at the central institution will 
 be ascertained at the close of the year, and the local 
 surgeons shall receive at the same rate per head, for 
 the medicines which they have given to their dis- 
 pensary patients. An allowance of 20 per cent, 
 calculated on this payment for medicines, is to be 
 likewise made to them for a dispenser. The local 
 surgeons must keep an account of the application and 
 discharge of each patient, with the result of the case, 
 and report it annually to the dispensary. They may 
 substitute their own arrangements for seeing patients 
 in place of rule 30. 
 
 51. Free members applying to local surgeons for 
 medical assistance, must bring, within twenty-four 
 hours from such application, a certificate from a local 
 secretary or from the clerk of the dispersary, stating 
 that such member is entitled to medical assistance, 
 according to the rules. Rules 24 and 29 are not 
 binding on the free members of branch dispensaries. 
 
197 
 
 52. Parishes containing or adjacent to a branch 
 institution, may appoint the local surgeons to under- 
 take the medical care of their sick poor, on their con- 
 forming to rules 42, 43, 44, 45. 
 
 53. The annual payments to local surgeons shall 
 be made according to the number of certificates and 
 parish tickets which they hold. 
 
198 
 
 THIRD ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COVENTRY 
 
 BENEVOLENT OR SELF-SUPPORTING 
 
 DISPENSARY, 
 
 Read at a General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Institution, 
 Held at the County Hall, April 17, 1834, 
 
 THE RIGHT HON. VISCOUNT LIFPORD, IN THE CHAIR. 
 
 The committee of the Coventry Benevolent Dis- 
 pensary have much pleasure in submitting their third 
 annual report to the governors and friends of this 
 institution, as the experience of another year has 
 considerably increased their confidence in the great 
 utility of such an establishment in Coventry, and 
 convinced them that the deserving and industrious 
 mechanic will gratefully avail himself of its aid to 
 avoid the degradation of applying for parochial or 
 charitable assistance, and thus be prevented from 
 increasing the large circle of dependent members of 
 society. 
 
 The committee have this year arranged and pub- 
 lished their rules, and having for three years carefully 
 
199 
 
 watched their opperation and re-modelled any that 
 required it, they trust that these rules will be found 
 permanently useful, and not only maintain the Co- 
 ventry Benevolent Dispensary in its present state of 
 prosperity and high repute, but serve to promote the 
 establishment of similar institutions in other places, 
 on a basis that will equally secure the same successful 
 results. This dispensary has already attracted a con- 
 siderable share of public attention : its principles 
 have been favourably noticed in the report of the 
 commissioners on the poor laws, in their appendix 
 by Dr. Calvert, in the leading medical journals, in the 
 Saturday Magazine, and in several other works of less 
 public notoriety. 
 
 The committee beg to acquaint the governors that 
 Mr. Nankivell and Mr. Bicknell, the surgeons to the 
 institution, desirous that, as regards the purely me- 
 dical department, the dispensary should be as far as 
 possible self-supporting, have in the most liberal 
 manner suggested that the dispenser's salary of £40, 
 which by the third general rule should be charged to 
 the honorary fund, be paid out of the free members' 
 fund. The committee feel convinced that the go- 
 vernors will duly appreciate this sacrifice of pecuniary 
 emolument on the part of gentlemen from whose 
 exertions the extraordinary success of the institution 
 may be principally traced, and without which the 
 free members' contributions would never have been 
 so large or so cheerfully and regularly paid. The 
 
200 
 
 committee have thought it their duty to accept of 
 this liberal offer from September last, the period at 
 which it was made, and accordingly propose to the 
 meeting the alteration of the third general rule. 
 
 The committee are desirous to place at the disposal 
 of the ladies' committee, some further means of 
 relief in cases of severe and tedious illness; as from 
 the testimony of those ladies who have kindly visited 
 this year, they learn that in such cases many persons 
 are necessarily reduced to extreme poverty, and re- 
 quire more comforts and support than their own means 
 can supply, and without which, their recovery is 
 retarded. The ladies' report that the class of poor 
 they have visited as patients to this Institution, are 
 particularly deserving industrious persons, struggling 
 hard to maintain them.selves in honest independence; 
 they have expressed themselves very grateful for its 
 benefits, and much indebted to the surgeons for their 
 kind and skilful attendance. The committee hope 
 that the liberality of the public will enable them to 
 appropriate such a sum in future as will allow the 
 ladies' committee to relieve the most urgent of these 
 cases. 
 
 The committee have the satisfaction to state that 
 the balance in hand is greater than last year, but they 
 deem it necessary to add that the honorary fund is 
 less than it is desirable it should be, and recommend 
 a more general appeal to the benevolence of the in- 
 habitants of Coventry. 
 
201 
 
 The committee are aware that the institution has 
 to encounter some prejudices, and that it is supposed 
 to relieve persons capable of paying the usual medical 
 charges. Anxious to remove this most erroneous im- 
 pression, they not only deny its correctness, but with 
 confidence call the attention of the public to the 
 constitution of the dispensary, as peculiarly calculated 
 to prevent such an imposition. While in dispensaries 
 of the ordinary kind such an abuse is well known to 
 exist, in this institution the circumstances of the 
 applicant for admission are laid before a sub-com- 
 mittee, appointed for the purpose of deciding on his 
 eligibility, before he can be admitted as a member. 
 The first of the free members' rules directs "That 
 they shall consist of working persons and servants, 
 their wives and children, who are unahle to 'pay for 
 medical advice in the usual manner." The seventh rule 
 provides "That any member discovered by the com- 
 mittee to be ineligible, shall be erased from the books;" 
 and the committee will add, that regard for the interest 
 of their own medical officers, and a sense of justice to 
 the profession generally, will induce them vigilantly 
 to protect the institution against the extension of its 
 benefits to in^proper persons. If among the free 
 members there are any whose circumstances do not 
 entitle them to its aid, they have unavoidably been 
 admitted in the clubs, but in such a case the benefits 
 are only extended to the club member, and not to any 
 of his family. These clubs form, in the opinion of 
 
202 
 
 tlie committee, a valuable testimony in favour of the 
 utility of this dispensary, for they find by subscribing, 
 that they enable their members to apply for medical 
 advice in the earliest stages of sickness ; that they 
 economise their funds by thus shortening the period 
 of illness ; and consequently that they lessen the 
 applications for vv^eekly pay. These results are alone 
 sufficient to recommend the institution, but when in 
 addition to thus saving much of the time and suffering 
 of the labouring classes, it is considered that a sub- 
 scription of one guinea relieves the medical wants of 
 twenty-one persons for the whole year, whereas other 
 dispensaries only relieve for the same sum four per- 
 sons for six weeks each, it will be allowed that the 
 principles of this institution, in a medical and financial, 
 as well as in a far more important, a moral view, rise 
 much above any simple gratuitous charity, and that 
 it is well entitled to claim not only liberal but ge- 
 neral support. 
 
 The free Members' Fund. 
 
 Dr. paid £. s. d. 
 
 Medicines 112 12 
 
 Dispenser's salary, half a year 20 
 
 Mr. Nankivell, Surgeon 134 
 
 Mr. Bicknell, Surgeon 134 
 
 £400 12 
 
 Cr. £. s. d. 
 
 Receipts from free members, to March 
 25th, 1 year 400 12 
 
203 
 
 The Honorary Fund. 
 
 Dr. paid £. f. d. 
 
 Printing and Stationery 17 9 4 
 
 Coals 6 1 4 
 
 Candles 2 2 
 
 Rent 18 
 
 Poor and other rates 7 6 10 
 
 Clerk's salary 28 19 6 
 
 Dispenser's ditto, half-year 20 
 
 Boy's ditto, 18 weeks 3 
 
 Paper 2 15 8 
 
 Repairs to Surgical Instruments .... 13 10 
 
 Sundry payments 7 7 6 
 
 Ladies' Committee 3 
 
 £116 16 
 
 Purchased 103/. 4«. Gd. in 3| Stock . . 100 4 10 
 
 Power of Attorney for Dividends .... 130 
 
 Balance in hand 36 1 9 
 
 £254 5 7 
 
 Cr. £. s. d. 
 
 Balance in hand, March 25, 1833 109 3 
 
 Donations 36 3 
 
 Subscriptions 107 3 6 
 
 Dividend on 103Z. 45. 6J., 3^ per cent. 
 
 stock, half-year 1 16 1 
 
 £254 5 7 
 
204 
 
 MEDICAL REPORT. 
 
 In presenting their report to the governors of this 
 institution, the medical officers would particularly 
 direct their attention to the peculiar advantages it 
 affords in statistical researches, especially in the study 
 of epidemics and the diseases of artisans. From the 
 patient having the right of applying for advice in the 
 earliest stage of sickness, and from there being no 
 circumstances connected with the institution to de- 
 prive him of its benefit in his illness, however long 
 its duration, every disease comes under the notice of 
 the surgeon at its commencement, during its whole 
 course, and in its termination ; and, as the patient 
 most frequently returns to the same medical man in 
 every subsequent illness, any peculiarity of consti- 
 tution, and, in the course of time, his general physical 
 and moral condition, become known to his medical 
 attendant. It is obvious that these advantages, and 
 accurate notes of the age, residence, occupation, habits, 
 and diseases of every member of the institution, to- 
 gether with corresponding meteorological observa- 
 tions, must tend to elucidate the causes of disease 
 and the circumstances most conducive to health. 
 
 The following is the report of the past year : — 
 
 Patients attended from March 21, 1833, to March 25, 
 1834, 16G8, — of these 515 were visited at their own 
 homes. 
 
205 
 
 Cured 1442 
 
 Relieved 44 
 
 Dead 20 
 
 Under treatment 110 
 
 Midwifery cases 52 
 
 1668 
 
 It will be remembered that during the last year the 
 influenza prevailed throughout this country, and in 
 some parts with great mortality. The books of this 
 institution contain the account of 420 cases of this 
 epidemic, and but one death, which occurred in an 
 old person labouring under a previous affection of the 
 lungs. The medical officers feel justified in attri- 
 buting this, as well as the low rate of mortality among 
 the patients of the institution generally, in a great 
 degree, to the facility it affords of procuring early 
 medical assistance. 
 
 As at the former annual meetings there has been no 
 particular notice of the diseases which have occurred 
 among the free members of the dispensary, the 
 medical officers have thoug-ht that it would be satis- 
 factory to the governors of the institution to recive a 
 general account of the number of patients attended 
 since its commencement ; and they have accordingly 
 so arranged the different cases as to show the re- 
 spective prevalence of each class of complaints. 
 
 The number of patients attended since the com- 
 mencement of the institution, being about 2} years, 
 is 5610. 
 
206 
 
 Continued fever 373 
 
 Epidemic eruptive fever 434 
 
 Diseases of the brain and nervous system. . . . 193 
 
 Heart and blood vessels 30 
 
 Pulmonary organs 906 
 
 Organs of digestion 1G30 
 
 ■ Eye and ear 310 
 
 Skin 169 
 
 Bones 8 
 
 Dropsical diseases 7 
 
 Glandular ditto 152 
 
 Rheumatic ditto 174 
 
 Accidents 123 
 
 Midwifery cases 118 
 
 Miscellaneous diseases 975 
 
 5610 
 
 The total number of deaths is 69, and it is worthy 
 of remark, as evincing the prevalence and fatality of 
 the disease, that 30 of these were cases of pulmonary 
 consumption. 
 
 The following is a list of the operations of impor- 
 tance which have been performed among the patients 
 of the institution : — 
 
 1 Amputation of the leg 
 
 1 Amputation of the thigh 
 
 2 Operations for cataract 
 
 2 Strangulated rupture 
 
 1 Aneurism 
 
 1 Double hare lip 
 
 1 Sarcocele 
 
207 
 
 1 Operation for Hydrocele 
 Several for Fistula Lachrymalis 
 Several for the removal of various tumours ; 
 and others of minor importance. 
 
 All these operations were successful in their result, 
 with the exception of the amputation of the thigh. 
 The unfavourable termination of this case was evi- 
 dently owing to the debilitated state of the patient, 
 consequent upon severe and long-continued disease ; 
 and it is highly probable that, had he submitted to the 
 operation when it was proposed to him, at an earlier 
 period, the event would have been otherwise. 
 
 For operations of importance, and for many other 
 cases, it is very desirable that there should be attached 
 to this institution a small hospital, which would afford 
 to the poor many advantages not to be obtained at 
 their own habitations. The medical officers have 
 long contemplated the recommendation to the go- 
 vernors of such an addition to their establishment as 
 would supply this desideratum, but they are aware 
 that the funds of the institution do not, at present, 
 admit of any increase in its expenditure. 
 
208 
 
 GREAT MISSENDEN BRANCH 
 
 TO THE 
 
 CHESIIAM SELF-SUPPORTING DISPENSARY. 
 
 Established February, 1835. 
 
 Address to the Labouring Classes. 
 
 The object of this institution is to supply medicines 
 and medical advice, on the lowest possible terms, to 
 those who can ill afford, especially in long illness, 
 to pay the usual medical charges. 
 
 By paying a weekly sum of not more than one 
 penny to this dispensary, you may be attended in 
 sickness by your own doctor, and have whatever 
 medicines you may want, without any additional 
 expense ; unless you reside more than one mile from 
 your medical attendant, in which case one shilling 
 will be charged for every other journey : or, if you 
 live out of the bounds of the parish, but within five 
 miles of his residence, you will have to pay one 
 shilling for every journey. 
 
 If you are above the age of fifteen, and wish to 
 avail yourself of the advantages of the dispensary, 
 you must pay one penny per week ; unless you are a 
 member of the Chesham or Missenden benefit society, 
 
209 
 
 or of any other on the same plan ; and then your 
 payment to the dispensary will be reduced to three- 
 pence a month, or about three farthings a week ! 
 
 If under fifteen, you must pay one half-penny. 
 But in families where there are more than three chil- 
 dren, ail above that number may be admitted free of 
 charge. Thus a father, mother, and all their children 
 under fifteen years of age, may provide for the ex- 
 penses of the longest illness, by a weekly payment of 
 three-pence or three-pence half-penny ! 
 
 N. B. This does not apply to families who are in 
 circumstances to afford the full payment. 
 
 If at entrance you can bring a doctor's certificate 
 of health, and pay a sum equal to six months' sub- 
 scription, you will be entitled to medical attendance 
 and medicine as soon as you fall ill. Or if you bring 
 a certificate, and pay no entrance money, you will be 
 entitled to benefit in three months. 
 
 But if you bring no certificate of health, you will 
 not be entitled to benefit till you have paid twelve 
 months' subscription. 
 
 All members are vaccinated free of charge. 
 
 Single trusses are supplied to members at two shil- 
 lings and sixpence each. 
 
 Especial care is taken that the very best medicines 
 shall be provided, and that every attention shall be 
 paid to the members. 
 
 The committee will at all times be most ready to 
 give any information, and to listen to any complaint 
 
 p 
 
210 
 
 of a member ; as their object is to make the dispen- 
 sary as efficient and as satisfactory as possible to all 
 parties. 
 
 The committee meet at Missenden for a few 
 months, on every other Tuesday evening; and af- 
 terwards on the first Tuesday evening of every month, 
 at the school room, at six o'clock. 
 
 The first meeting will be on Tuesday evening next, 
 February 23. 
 
211 
 
 EXTRACT FROM MR. SMITH'S LETTER 
 
 RESPECTING 
 
 JUVENILE ALLOTMENTS. 
 
 I will now speak of the boys' garden. To prevent 
 disease* is of as much consequence as to cure it ; and 
 manual labour out of doors is not only the best pre- 
 ventative of disease, but is the best education you 
 can give to a man, be he rich or poor. " God plan- 
 ted the first garden," and the pursuit is honourable. 
 Most persons will allow the excellency of it as a 
 means of giving physical strength, but they are not 
 so much aware of its utility in teaching the " results 
 of actions.'' He who plants a garden, at the same 
 time cultivates his own prospective feeling ; and it is 
 this same feeling that distinguishes the reasoning 
 soul from the brutes that perish. Reading, writing, 
 &c. are not the teachers of discretion and fore- 
 thought — that a garden is, — and these are the at- 
 tributes that constitute manhood. A good boy, or a 
 good and learned man, working in a garden, is bet- 
 ter and greater than one of the same degree who 
 cannot work for an hour, even to save his life. Some 
 of our common working people have no taste for 
 gardens : when they have earned their wages, they 
 had rather sit boozing in a public house, or loiter 
 
 * The former part of this letter relates to self-supporting 
 dispensaries. 
 
212 
 
 round a blacksmith's shop, than smell the fresh earth. 
 This is easily obviated. Boys delight in a garden. 
 Give them an opportunity of indulging their taste, by 
 dividing an acre of pleasant garden ground amongst 
 ten of them. Take a small rent, Qd. or 9^?., or Is. a 
 month for their portions, which will allow their land- 
 lords to present them with some superior seeds, a 
 better rake, or some little matter that will keep them 
 in good humour with him, themselves, and their 
 pursuit. I have tried this plan for three years, and 
 have gradually increased my number of boys. I have 
 never known one willing to abandon his plot ; and 
 wherever they may settle, if they can procure a bit 
 of ground, I am sure they would neatly cultivate it, 
 though they might earn their bread principally by 
 carpentering, or shoeing men or horses. 
 
 This plan requires no committee, no subscriptions, 
 no consultations, no jealousy, no strife. There is 
 scarcely a village, or small town in the kingdom, 
 where the elements, viz., the land, the boys, and the 
 resident country gentleman or country lady, could not 
 be found ; and I have no doubt, now that the ex- 
 ample has been set at Ealing, in Middlesex, that in 
 a few years a walk to the boys' allotments will be the 
 favorite haunt of many a one, who will there learn 
 how very easy it is to be quietly useful in a village ; 
 and that in a little friendly intercourse with boys 
 from ten to eighteen years of age by their superiors, 
 more will be planted than they may live to see 
 reaped, but " their works shall follow them." 
 
213 
 
 ON GARDEN VILLAGE SCHOOLS. 
 
 To the Editor of the Educational Magazine. 
 
 Respected friend, 
 
 From actual experiment, at Missenden and at 
 Ealing, and other places, it has been clearly proved, 
 not only that boys from eight to ten years of age, will 
 cheerfully do the work of a garden during two or 
 three hours per diem, but that both themselves and 
 their parents are delighted with it. At Missenden, 
 the boys receive three-pence per week each for their 
 work, which is one penny per week over and above 
 what they have to pay for their education ; so that a 
 sum of money is gradually accumulating for them 
 till they leave school. It appears, however, that at 
 Missenden, they have only one acre of land attached 
 to the school. Now, I have long desired to find out 
 a plan by which village day schools may be made 
 to support themselves, without annual subscriptions, 
 which cannot be got in country places; and I am 
 quite confident that this may be done upon the profits 
 which would arise from the culture of four or five 
 acres of land, the labour to be done by the master 
 and his boys. If the holder of allotments of land 
 
214 
 
 (see the reports of the Labourer's Friend Society) can 
 make a profit of 25/. a year per acre, including the 
 value of his own labour, that being done by himself, 
 I wish to known why a schoolmaster, assisted by his 
 boys, cannot make a livelihood off four or five acre of 
 good land attached to his school room : I am confident 
 he could. The difficulty lies in obtaining masters who 
 are acquained with gardening, and who will devote 
 themselves to the object fully : but I am sure such 
 characters can be found ; and I am fully persuaded, 
 were some such active men as D. Capper, of Mis- 
 senden, or Dr. Smith, of Southam, to undertake 
 this experiment, it would succeed ; and we should 
 then find the great obstacle in the way of general 
 national education removed ; and every village which 
 could furnish twenty or thirty boys, might have its 
 day school, carried on independent of annual sub- 
 scriptions ; and, while the master was getting a good 
 livelihood, and instructing his scholars in letters, they 
 would also be learning the useful art of gardening, in- 
 stead of spending their time in birds'-nesting, poach- 
 ing, pulling down hedges, dog-fighting, &c., as is 
 too commonly their occupation in our country villages 
 and hamlets. 
 
 Thine truly, 
 
 JOHN HULL. 
 
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS 
 
 ON THE SUBJECT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 RIVER SHANNON 
 
 REPORTS PUBLISHED IN 183L 
 
 By THOMAS BERMINGHAM, Esq. 
 
 OP CAHAWANA, KILCONNEL, COUNTY GALWAY, IRELAND, 
 
 iLonbon : 
 
 VRINTfZl* P.V S. W. FORES, 11, PICCADILLY, 
 
 1834. 
 
A LETTER, &c. 
 
 To the Ron. Members of the United Parlianienty 
 
 on the subject of the River Shannon. 
 
 In 1831, when Parliament was engaged, exclusively, 
 with the Reform Bill, I got some of the principal 
 landed proprietors to meet at the Thatched House 
 Tavern to consider the state of this River, and the 
 means of improving the Navigation, and the taking 
 of the waters oif the adjoining lands : after repeated 
 meetings (having obtained the best opinions within 
 reach at the time,) the Marquis of Downshire in the 
 chair, we determined to wait on Mr. Stanley, the 
 then Secretary for Ireland, with our Report. 
 
 This Report, and documents on which it was 
 founded, were published at my expense, by S. W. 
 Fores, 41, Piccadilly; many Members of the House 
 were supplied by me with copies. Mr. Stanley 
 admitted the value of the suggestions in this Report, 
 and allowed the Chairman of the Board of Works, 
 Colonel Burgoyne, who was about to be appointed 
 
to tliat situation, to accompany me along the line oi 
 the Shannon. We did so in the autumn of that 
 year, and the consequence has been, that Mr. Rhodes, 
 an Engineer of high eminence, has made a survey 
 of the line from Limerick to Lough Allan, whilst 
 Captain Mudge, R. N. was employed to survey 
 from the mouth of the river to Limerick. 
 
 The able survey of Mr. Rhodes is accompanied 
 with an estimate for executing the proposed improve- 
 ments, amounting to £153,000. The survey made 
 by Captain Mudge is, unfortunately, not accompanied 
 by any estimate. It is most desirable that the esti- 
 mated cost should be ascertained without delay of 
 this essential part of the navigation. 
 
 So far back as 1794, there appears on the face of 
 an old map, now in my possession, made by John 
 Cowan, these memorandums : — 
 
 " At the summer assizes, 1794, the High Sheriffs 
 and Grand Juries of the counties of Roscommon, 
 Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kings, and Tippe- 
 rary, resolved, that the completing of the navigation 
 of the River Shannon, and the great rivers adjoining 
 thereto, from Lough Allan to Limerick, would tend 
 effectually to improve and open the home and foreign 
 markets to the produce of more than two millions of 
 acres of land in the heart of the kingdom ; and that 
 the execution of this great navigation will effectually 
 advance the commerce, manufacture, agriculture, 
 and population of this kingdom." 
 
SLIEVE NEllEN MOUNTAIN. 
 
 *' This mountain is situated on the east side of 
 Lough Allan, nearly opposite Munterkenny Colliery, 
 and is also pregnant with a very good kind of coal, 
 similar to the above, which, by sinking, may be 
 procured on as easy terms as those on the west side 
 of the said Lough. Here are likewise iron ore in 
 abundance, and several slate quarries." 
 
 MUNTERKENNY COLLIERY. 
 
 " July 2, 1792 — Two pits open ; the one eight, the 
 other fifteen yards deep — the vein of coal about two 
 feet thick, the upper part of which being large, 
 round coal, beds upon a small dusty kind — the for- 
 mer sold at the pit's mouth at 8^. Sd. a ton, and the 
 latter at 5s. 
 
 " N. B. — These coals being very pleasant, are 
 extremely good for families and smiths. Were the 
 navigation complete to Lough Allan, the whole 
 country down to Limerick may be supplied on easier 
 terms than we purchase from English vessels.'' Surely 
 this statement should be sufficient, and that no more 
 delay should be allowed to take place in the complet- 
 ino: of so desirable a work. But further evidence 
 has been obtained ; Mr. Grantham has reported on 
 the benefit of letting off the superfluous waters. 
 
 All the bog Reports are filled with statements as 
 to the amount of bog and waste lands keptj from 
 
various causes, unimproved, but principally by the 
 action of the water of the River Shannon and its 
 tributary streams. Mr. Rhodes' survey, however, is 
 the best and most able that I have seen ; and I have 
 consulted professional men, who all approve of his 
 plan of weirs at the Falls, to keep the water all 
 through at a more even level, and preventing the 
 washing away (at these Falls) of the bottom of the 
 river, which extraordinary floods are constantly doing ; 
 but when stone weirs are once established, the water 
 can have no effect in wearing away their surface — 
 the effect of these weirs being the keeping the water 
 in summer up to some defined height, and thereby pre- 
 serving this valuable line of navigation. It is a great 
 mistake to suppose lands very much benefited by 
 water remaining fully six months on them ; they 
 would be much more benefited by irrigation for a 
 short period of time, which would be the effect of 
 Mr. Rhodes' recommended improvement. 
 
 To the labouring classes in England who (whether 
 right or wrong, I will not now stop to enquire,) 
 conceive that my countrymen, coming as they do 
 (principally from the counties bordering on this river) 
 to labour here, do them an injury by increasing the 
 number of labourers in this market, here is an oppor- 
 tunity afforded of at once employing them at home, 
 and permanently too, as the six millions seven hun- 
 dred thousand acres, which the ten counties bordering 
 on this river contain, will be more capable of culti- 
 
vati-on, after the improvements are effected on this river, 
 and consequently and naturally will absorb in those 
 improvements and cultivation many labourers who 
 now, having no employment in the dead season of 
 the year at home, come over to a better market, 
 which this country affords. But let us attend to 
 the circumstances of this river. 
 
 Part of it was in the hands of the Limerick naviga- 
 tion, but now I find that portion is transferred to the 
 Dublin and Liverpool Steam Company ; part in the 
 hands of the Grand Canal Company ; and part in the 
 hands of Government. There are two canals from 
 the metropolis to this river ; one, I believe the Royal, 
 is fallen into the hands of Government — and one in 
 the hands of the Grand Canal Company. There is 
 but one canal uniting wuth this river on the western 
 side, a distance of about ten or twelve miles, to 
 Ballinasloe. This fact alone is a convincing proof 
 that the present state of the river offers no advantages 
 for communicating with it. 
 
 Nor can this be any matter of surprise, when the 
 circumstances of the river, in its present neglected 
 state, is considered. Hear what Lieut. John Tully 
 states in his Report in the printed document before- 
 mentioned : — 
 
 " He started with three boats from Killaloe, in 
 June 1821, with about thirty tons each of wheat — 
 nbout two-thirds what they could have taken provided 
 ihere was no want of water, or the navigation had 
 
been in good order — encountered some difficulties 
 between Shannon Harbour and Atlilone, such as had 
 fords, innumerable detached rocks lying in the very 
 centre of the cut ; — he got to iVthlone, however, after 
 a long passage from the state of the river ; — on his 
 arrival at i^thlone the tlu'ee boats (though only draw- 
 ing three feet six inches) stuck fast in the canal ; he 
 had to lighten them considerably to get into Lough 
 Rea ; the steamer had to lighten also : at Lanesboro' 
 his troubles only commenced. The canal is filling up 
 fast, the very walls on its banks falling into it. He 
 was obliged to haul out into the lake, to tranship, 
 with great difficulty — and after six days' hard labour 
 he got his boats to Drumsna, where he had to hire 
 two boats to take forty tons out of the boat which 
 was left behind at Lanesboro' ; he had to hire a store 
 for a ^QVf days at Richmond harbour : he thinks the 
 Government or Directors-General should be called 
 on to pay the expenses incurred. They had a drudge- 
 boat at work last January, when the water was high, 
 now they have none when the water is low, and it 
 might be useful." 
 
 Mr. Rhodes details the difficulties his boat met 
 with, with all the advantages of her being well man- 
 ned : in page 31, in his second Report, printed by 
 order of the House, 10th June, 1833, he says he met 
 a vessel stuck in the canal, belonging to Mr, Farrell, 
 of Cloondrah, bound to Killalloe. Here follows some 
 account of the difficulties this vessel encountered, 
 
9 
 
 which is more fully detailed in said Report ; left 
 Lough Allan the 29th July. The first place they 
 were stopt at was Battle Bridge — second time at 
 Carrick, and ohliyed to unload some ; next stop at 
 Curnacurea; stopt and had to unload at James Town. 
 She rubbed, and was delayed by discharges at Rusky 
 Bridge ; between Rusky and Clondra obliged to un- 
 load, and employ a lighter at Cloneen ; could scarcely 
 get through Clondra canal; delayed at different places 
 between Clondra and Lanesboro' ; were three days 
 unloading and loading at Lanesboro', and had to 
 employ a boat to lighten ; stopt at Lanesboro' twelve 
 days with contrary winds ; eight days at St. John's 
 Castle, Lough Rea ; thirteen days at Bannagher, 
 waiting for the clerk of the quarry ; eleven days, with 
 contrary winds, at Lough Derg ; they have just re- 
 turned, 1st October, and had only 18*. per ton. The 
 tonnage they had in was 26 — and the crew, three 
 men." 
 
 Colonel Burgoyne and myself can vouch to the 
 accuracy of those statements from our own observa- 
 tion, and the difficulties we experienced on the voyage 
 we took as before mentioned, with a view of seeing 
 the exact state of the navigation. 
 
 Much of the difficulty those vessels experienced 
 will be overcome by Mr. Rhodes' plan of steam- 
 vessels ; and although I will never consent to place the 
 whole of the trade of this great river in the hands of any 
 individual, or even in that of any company, 1 freely 
 
H) 
 
 admit, that the country is deeply indebted to the late 
 Mr. Grantham, who introduced the first steam-boat 
 on the Shannon ; and to Mr. Williams, who has so 
 spiritedly worked out a trade under such discou- 
 raging circumstances, and has so clearly and so 
 forcibly brought forward the advantages to be derived 
 from the navigation of this river by stemn-hoats. 
 
 Supposing, then, this river were put by Govern- 
 ment in the state in which Mr. Rhodes recommends ; 
 also, to be made now a king's river, open to every 
 trader, whether to Sligo, Galway, Limerick, or 
 Dublin. A toll, as at present, of only is. per ton 
 for a vessel traversing the whole length, would 
 produce a considerable revenue, as goods and pas- 
 sengers could easily navigate the entire Shannon 
 in a day and a half, instead of in about three weeks, 
 the time it takes at present. I feel justified in 
 stating, that the produce on the northern and 
 western side of the river (supposing good roads made 
 to good piers on the river) would come twenty miles, 
 and the eastern and southern side a distance of 
 fifteen to this navigation. Taking the entire length as 
 estimated for by Mr. Rhodes, — one hundred and fifty 
 miles from Lough Allan to Limerick, — you have an 
 area of above three millions of acres, the produce for 
 exportation from which will make its way to this 
 river ; but as many of these acres are at present barren 
 (very much owing, however, to the neglected state of 
 the river,) making allowance for these at present 
 
11 
 
 unprofitable acres, and also for the consumption at 
 home, I may reasonably count on the produce of one 
 million of these acres making this river the means 
 of getting to the best markets, from which they are at 
 present shut out. In Mr. Holmes' Report, in the 
 pamphlet alluded to, he states his opinion, that " there 
 are two millions of acres within ten miles of the shore 
 of this river, which ought to produce half a ton per 
 acre stock and crop ; he says, one- fourth of this would 
 probably go to distant markets, and be carried on an 
 average sixty miles on the navigation." I think the 
 produce of one million of acres, when the improve- 
 ments contemplated are executed, would go fifty miles 
 on the river ; assume half a ton the produce of the 
 acre, we have the enormous quantity of five hundred 
 thousand tons carried to the best markets, — and 
 suppose a toll of one-third the present charge for 
 traversing the whole line, or fourpence per ton, we 
 shall have a revenue of £8,333, after this river was 
 put in a proper state to keep up the works, and go to 
 farther improvements on the river. 
 
 By Mr. Rhodes' plan, steam-boats could ply from 
 Limerick to Lough Allan almost daily : this improve- 
 ment, taken in conjunction with the great western rail- 
 ways, now just about to be commenced, will, no doubt, 
 render Limerick an important port at which to ship 
 Irish produce. These works, besides giving employ- 
 ment, tend to pacify the peeple; and by producing an 
 
12 
 
 interchange of inhabitants, must tend to conciliate 
 the countries more than any other measure that Go- 
 vernment at the present moment could devise ; besides 
 being of material advantage to both countries. 
 
 It appears that the Grand Canal Company have 
 almost a complete monopoly of the trade of this river 
 — they have the power of charging 1*. per ton for all 
 vessels using that portion of the river under their 
 control ; they remit this, I believe, altogether to the 
 traders using their canal, but I do not know that they 
 remit any part of the sum usually charged for carry- 
 ing on this canal when they get the trader there — 
 they admit that this Company gain seven thousand 
 POUNDS a year from the Shannon trade. As, there- 
 fore, the ordinary charge for traversing the whole 
 length of this canal is 10.?. or lis. a ton tollage, it is 
 clear that the trade is limited to about fourteen thou- 
 sand tons per annum, and they are said to have most 
 of the trade of the Shannon ; besides, by keeping the 
 river navigation in the dilapidated bad state of repair 
 it is in, as will appear from Mr. Rhodes' Report and 
 other statements, they, perhaps, have an increase 
 of trade thereby on their canal, as the only good 
 navigation exists there, except the Royal. 
 
 Commissioners should be appointed to watch over 
 this line of navigation, to be chosen by the counties 
 bordering on the river ; and in order that the naviga- 
 tion should never be impeded from any want of 
 
13 
 
 Government funds, these counties should be empow- 
 ered, and required, to make temporary advances, on 
 certain conditions, to keep up the works. 
 
 But I am decidedly of opinion that Government 
 should put this great line of navigation in a proper 
 state, and then trust to a small sum as toll, which I 
 have no doubt would be fully adequate to keep up 
 the works and the current expenses. 
 
 It should be made imperative on the counties 
 adjacent to the Shannon to make roads to this navi- 
 gation, and perhaps to make the tributary rivers and 
 the lakes navigable, somewhat upon the principle, I 
 believe, of the Hiohland roads — ^half to be advanced 
 by the Treasury, and the other half to be subscribed 
 by individuals, and charged on the counties. 
 
 As a measure of police, this work will be worth 
 some regiments of troops. The disturbed districts 
 have been, in many instances, those bordering on this 
 river and its tributaries : I instance more particularly 
 the baronies of Longford, in Galway, and Garrycastle, 
 in the King's County. One of the reasons urged before 
 the Magistrates for placing the district of Longford 
 under the coercion act lately was, that Garrycastle 
 being already under that act, and lying on the oppo- 
 site side of this river — as the bad, troublesome, 
 characters were hunted from that side, they took 
 refuge in the wild districts on the other ; and thus 
 it appeared the barony of Longford became infected, 
 
14 
 
 and these characters found a ready asylum in tliis 
 neglected district. 
 
 Let this work be undertaken by Government — let 
 these very characters (now bad, wild, and disorderly) 
 be set to work — the best policeman you can have will 
 be the overseer of this work — employ these men by 
 day, and you need not watch them at nig-ht — give them 
 pieces of bargain-work — allow them good fair wages 
 — discourage their drinking whiskey, encourage good 
 beer — and take my word for it, the men of the barony 
 of Longford, and of Garrycastle also, will want co- 
 ercing as little as any other set of men in any other 
 part of the kingdom. 
 
 In a little Tract, published by C. Richards, 100, 
 St. Martin's Lane, Charing-cross, in 1833, as facts 
 for the Labourers' Friend Society, being a short nar- 
 rative of the home colonies of Castle Sampson and 
 Iskerbane, established upon Lord Clonbrock's estates 
 in the county of Roscommon, in Ireland — hy myself. 
 
 It is therein shown how a turbulent, disorderly pea- 
 santry were converted into useful labourers, and are 
 now becoming small and comfortable landholders, in 
 consequence of a judicious expenditure of time and 
 money, valuing both at one thousand two hun- 
 dred AND ELEVEN POUNDS; that by this expendi- 
 ture alone sixty families have been rendered indepen- 
 dent — peace restored to a district that had been 
 greatly agitated — and yet that the improvements 
 
15 
 
 made with this expenditure are paying Lord Clon- 
 brock fully six per cent, interest, on the capital thus 
 laid out, by an increased rental, calculated on a 
 liberal scale of lettings. 
 
 Am I not justified in my expectations, that if 
 Government will pursue with the river Shannon the 
 same line that Lord Clonbrock took with the estate 
 in question, the same results will follow (his Lordship, 
 observe, made the g-reat leadino; drain throuo;h the 
 estate) ; and that the consequence will be, and that 
 very shortly, that the people of these disturbed ba- 
 ronies will become, like those of Castle Sampson, 
 peaceable and industrious cultivators of land now 
 almost useless ? 
 
 The Irish have long been told that the intentions of 
 the people of this country towards them are good — 
 now is the time to show that they have not been 
 deceived : — here is a practical measure coming before 
 you, pass it, and it will be taken as an earnest of your 
 good intentions ; and Irishmen will then give credit 
 to what has so often been told them by the friends 
 to the connexion with this great empire — that it is 
 the determination of England, as it is her interest, 
 to assist in the improvements of Ireland. 
 
 THOMAS BERMINGHAM. 
 
 23, Dover-street, Piccadilly, 
 25th July, 1834. 
 
S. VV. Fores, Printer, 41, Piccadilly 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING LITTLE TRACT, ENTITLED, 
 
 PROPOSALS 
 
 OF / 
 
 THE AMERICAN STEAM-CARRIAGE COMPANY, 
 
 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 
 
 LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES, 
 
 Was sent from America to the Right Honourable Sir John 
 Sinclair, Bart., founder of the Board of Agricultui-e, and 
 with his permission is annexed, by way of Appendix, to this 
 publication, as containing some most important suggestions 
 for the improvements and interests of Ireland, as well as the 
 other divisions of the British Empire. — It is of peculiar 
 importance to Ireland, as the Coal so strongly recommended 
 by Colonel Long, under the name of the Anthracite Coal, 
 is exactly the same as the Kilkenny Coal, which is found in 
 not less than three counties bordering on the River Shannon. 
 
m 
 
 PROPOSALS, &c. 
 
 The American Steam-Carriage Company 
 OF Philadelphia, take leave respectfully to an- 
 nounce to the public, and especially to rail-road 
 companies in the United States, that they have 
 become sole proprietors of certain improvements in 
 the construction of Locomotive Engines, and other 
 rail-way carriages, secured to Colonel S. H. Long, 
 of the United States engineers, by letters patent from 
 the United States ; and that they are prepared to 
 receive and execute any orders for Locomotive En- 
 gines and Tenders with which they may be favoured, 
 and engage to furnish the same on as favourable 
 terms as engines of the same class can be procured 
 from Eno^land. 
 
 Having made the necessary arrangements lor pro- 
 secuting the construction of Steam-Carriages on an 
 extensive scale, they pledge themselves to a punctual 
 compliance with all their engagements in that line of 
 business. 
 
20 
 
 The engines and other carriages to be constructed 
 by them, shall be executed in a workmanlike manner, 
 and will be warranted to fulfil all the conditions 
 realised by the best Locomotive Engines hitherto 
 employed within the limits of the United States. 
 
 They have already in their possession patterns and 
 other apparatus adapted to the construction of three 
 classes of engines, viz. : four-ton, five-ton, and six- 
 ton engines: and, on short notice, will be able to 
 supply themselves with apparatus for engines of any 
 other weight that may be required. 
 
 In addition to the guarantee already adverted to, 
 in relation to the workmanship, efficiency and dura- 
 bility of the engines, their performance shall be at 
 least as efficient with the use of anthracite coal for 
 fuel, as other engines have been with that of bitu- 
 minous coal, coke or pine wood. With anthracite 
 coal, the quantity of water evaporated per hour, 
 under a pressure of 90 pounds to the square inch, 
 shall be at least 180 gallons for a four-ton engine, 
 , 220 gallons for a five-ton engine, and 260 gallons 
 for a six^ton engine. 
 
 The crank-axle of the Pennsylvania Locomoter, 
 being formed in three distinct parts, each of which 
 is furnished with two substantial bearings, no injury 
 
21 
 
 or h'dzard will be incurred from the breakintj: of a 
 crank, save merely that done to the engine itself. In 
 such an event, the body of the engine will still 
 remain supported on its wheels, and the whole train 
 will be allowed freely to progress on the road, as far 
 as its momentum will carry it. 
 
 The performance of the engines, in other respects, 
 shall be in accordance with the statements exhibited 
 in the following tables ; 
 
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25 
 
 EXPLANATIONS OF THE TABLES. 
 
 The computations exhibited in the foregoing ta- 
 bles, relate to the performance of engines of different 
 weight, and to various other circumstances, intimated 
 in the titular heading of each table. 
 
 The vertical column, headed col. J, exhibits the 
 rate of speed in miles per hour for which the com- 
 putations provide. The other columns, headed col. 2, 
 to col. 11, inclusive, exhibit the grade of the road, 
 ascending, in feet per mile, together with the gross 
 load, expressed in tons and parts, that may be con- 
 veyed upward, at the various rates of speed presented 
 in col. 1. 
 
 The statements are exhibited in series running 
 from left to right, through all the columns of the 
 tables, and are numbered from 1 to 5 on the left of 
 each table. The different statements relate to the 
 different rates of speed, exhibited in col. 1, varying 
 from a speed of two to three miles per hour, which 
 
 c 
 
26 
 
 is designated in the tables as '' slow," to a speed of 
 twenty miles per hour. 
 
 The steam pressure or elasticity contemplated in 
 all the computations, is ninety pounds to the square 
 inch ; the effective force of which, in producing lo- 
 comotion, at the lowest rates of speed, is estimated 
 at 33 i per cent, of that pressure. 
 
 The series of statements designated No. 1 , in each 
 of the tables, exhibit the effective performance as 
 just mentioned, without regard to the condition of 
 the road, with respect to the adhesion between the 
 rails and the wheels of the engine. This perform- 
 ance can only be expected when the road is in a 
 condition to afford the requisite adhesion. With 
 the steam power here contemplated, the wheels will 
 be liable to slip on the rails, when the latter are 
 covered with mud, frost, or snow ; but in the best 
 state of the road, such a performance may be 
 effected. 
 
 The other statements exhibit the efficiency of the 
 three classes of engines, which may safely be counted 
 on, in all states of the road and weather, frost and 
 snow excepted ; it being always understood that the 
 road must be well made, and free from abrupt cur- 
 viitures. 
 
27 
 
 An inspection of the tables will show the loads 
 that may be drawn on a level road, at different rates 
 of speed, as also the loads that may be drawn up- 
 ward on different acclivities, and at different rates of 
 speed ; and by traversing either table diagonally, the 
 approximate load that may be drawn on a road of 
 various grades, from a level to forty-five feet per 
 mile, may be found : for example, let it be required 
 to determine the load that may be drawn upward 
 on a road, varying in its grades from a level to 
 forty-five feet per mile, by an engine weighing five 
 tons. 
 
 In Table No. II, statement No. 2, and col. 11, we 
 have thirteen tons drawn upwards, at the rate of 
 five miles per hour, on an ascent of forty-five feet per 
 mile. In statement No." 3, and col. 10, of the same 
 table, we have 12.9 tons, or about 13 tons, drawn at 
 the rate of ten miles per hour, up an ascent of forty 
 feet per mile. In statement No. 4, col. 9, we have 
 the same load, at a speed of fifteen miles per hour, 
 up an ascent of thirty-five feet per mile; and in 
 statement No. 5, col. 6, we have a little more than 
 thirteen tons, drawn at the rate of twenty miles per 
 hour, up an ascent of twenty feet per mile. In the 
 same table, we find, in statement No. 1, col. 1 1th, that 
 
28 
 
 a five -ton engine^ when the road is favourable, is 
 able to draw, up an ascent of forty-five feet per mile, 
 twenty-six tons ; and it may be readily inferred, that, 
 it is able to draw upwards, on more moderate ac- 
 clivities, the same load, at increased rates of speed. 
 
 By an inspection of Table III. it will appear, that, 
 a six-ton engine is able to draw upward, on a road 
 ascending at the rate of forty-five feet per mile, a 
 gross load of nearly thirty-three tons, at a slow 
 speed ; also, that with nearly the same load, viz. 
 thirty-two tons, the engine is able to travel at a speed 
 of twenty miles per hour on a level road. 
 
 It should, moreover, be remarked, that all the 
 statements, except No. 1, of each table, are con- 
 siderably within the limits authorised by the power 
 of adhesion between the wheels and the rails, even 
 in the worst state of the road, frost and snow ex- 
 cepted. 
 
 The American Steam-Carriage Company feel war- 
 ranted in assuring the public, and especially those 
 companies or individuals who may favour them with 
 orders for Locomotive Engines, that the foregoing 
 conditions shall be punctually complied with; and 
 that the performance of their engines shall be equal 
 to those exhibited in the tables herein contained. 
 
29 
 
 The subjoined testimonials will explain more fully 
 the character and performance of the engines which 
 this company propose to build. 
 
 (Extract from the Journal of the Franklin Institntc.) 
 
 THE PENNSYLVANIA LOCOMOTER. 
 
 Patents have been granted to Colonel Long, of 
 the United States army, for " certain improvements 
 in the construction of locomotive and other steam- 
 engines," under the designation with which this ar- 
 ticle is headed. The numerous experiments which 
 have been made by Colonel Long, with the viev/ of 
 perfecting, and satisfactorily testing the efficiency of 
 his improvements, have been attended with great ex- 
 pense, and have led to the most satisfactory results. 
 
 in this communication it is intended to explain 
 some of the more prominent objects of Colonel Long's 
 improvements, and to conclude with a brief recital of 
 some of the practical results accomplished by them. 
 
 1st. The successful application of anthracite coal 
 as a fuel for locomotive engines, has been a leading 
 object of the inventor. This object has been attained 
 in the most satisfactory manner, by means of a fur- 
 nace and boilers of a peculiar construction. The 
 furnace is surrounded by water on all sides, in a man- 
 ner similar to that adopted in the most approved 
 English locomotive engines, but differs from the latter 
 
30 
 
 in the manner of attaching the fire-box to the boilers, 
 and in exposing a much larger comparative boiler 
 surface to the direct action of the heat. The furnace 
 is supplied with a grate of a peculiar construction, 
 which may be made to oscillate at pleasure, on an 
 axle provided for that purpose. By means of the 
 movements thus communicated, the fuel may be 
 speedily discharged from the fire-place, whenever oc- 
 casion requires it ; or may be shaken or agitated in 
 such a manner as to prevent the coal from packing 
 upon the grate-bars, and thereby obstructing the re- 
 quisite draft into the flues and chimney. 
 
 In addition to the fire-box already mentioned, the 
 boiler, or steam generator, consists of two or more 
 cylindrical boilers placed horizontally and lengthwise 
 of the engine. Each cylindrical boiler is furnished 
 with tubular flues, passing longitudinally through that 
 portion of the boiler situated in rear of the fire-place. 
 The heated air, flame, &c. are admitted into these 
 flues through a niche in the cylinder prepared for this 
 purpose, and are conducted through them into a 
 smoke-box and chimney, situated at the back end of 
 the boiler. 
 
 In addition to the tubular flues just mentioned, 
 there is a broad and sufficiently copious flue, situated 
 beneath the cylindrical boilers, by means of which the 
 heated air, &c. is brought into contact with the entire 
 lower half, or exterior, of all the cylindrical boilers. 
 
 The very extensive boiler surface thus acquired 
 and presented to the action of the heat, contributes to 
 render the production of steam exceedingly copious, 
 while the heat imparted by the fuel is almost entirely 
 
31 
 
 absorbed m its production. Such is the efficiency 
 of this arrangement, that in a boiler nine feet and 
 eight inches long, with two cylindrical boilers, each 
 twenty inches in diameter, embraced within that 
 length, the whole weighing, inclusive of all the flues, 
 three thousand pounds, two hundred gallons of water 
 have been evaporated in an hour, under a pressure of 
 ninety pounds to the square inch, and at the expense of 
 two bushels of anthracite coal. 
 
 In order to facilitate the combustion, or rather the 
 ignition of the coal, a slip-chimney has been intro- 
 duced into the engine, by means of which the height 
 of the chimney may be varied at pleasure, from four- 
 teen to twenty feet. 
 
 Among the advantages expected to result from this 
 method of constructing boilers, are the exposure of a 
 much larger comparative surface to the action of the 
 heat ; a very great reduction of the quantity, or 
 weight, of the water necessary to a minimum supply 
 in the boilers ; a similar reduction in the weight of 
 the boilers, as also in the thickness of the metal of 
 which they are composed; together with certain 
 facilities hereafter to be noticed, for removing, renew- 
 ing, and replacing the boilers, without deranging 
 other parts of the engine. 
 
 2d. The steam is employed in the working cylinders 
 in such a manner as will allow of its operating, not 
 only by its absolute, but by its expansive force. This 
 object is effected by means of certain adjustments 
 in the steam-valve apparatus, by the aid of which 
 the entrance of the steam into each of the working 
 cylinders is intercepted, at about five-eighths of the 
 
.'52 
 
 stroke of the piston. The advantages of such an 
 arrangement are too obvious to require a particular 
 designation. It is sufficient to remark, that by this 
 means, three-fifths of the steam generated, are ren- 
 dered quite as efficient as the whole would be without 
 such an arrangement. 
 
 3d. The adoption of wooden wheels, bound with 
 wrought iron, and of such a construction as will admit 
 of tightening the tire, or otherwise repairing it, with- 
 out materially affecting the relations between the 
 centres and peripheries of the wheels. 
 
 It is obvious to any one acquainted with the nature 
 of the materials employed in the construction of 
 wheels, that the iron bands, or tires, of wooden 
 wheels, will expand and contract by the ordinary 
 changes in the temperature of any climate, in such a 
 manner, and to such an extent, as will, sooner or 
 later, render the tire loose upon the fellies. In the 
 wheels of the Pennsylvania locomoter, such a defect 
 is readily remedied by withdrawing the flange-tire and 
 insertins: thin iron wedares between the remainin": tire 
 and the fellies, without the hazard of producing eccen- 
 tricity in the wheel, 
 
 4th. The construction and application of boxes or 
 bearings for the wheels, or between the carriage frame 
 and the axles, which not only serve as steps for the 
 bearing journals of the axles, but as receptacles for the 
 grease, oil, or unguent, necessary for their lubrication. 
 The boxes are of the best hard brass, and are, more- 
 over, adjusted to bosses attached to the axle in such a 
 manner as to obviate the use of linchpins, or other 
 apparatus, to confine the axles in their bearings. 
 
m 
 
 5tli. The construction of a carriage frame, in a man- 
 ner to aflbrd the requisite stiffness in the engine, witli- 
 out the necessity of firm and substantial attachments 
 to the boiler, as a means of imparting this essential 
 property to the engine. 
 
 It must be manifest to every one conversant with 
 steam-engines, that the ordinary, or rather extraor- 
 dinary strain produced in boilers by the expansive force 
 of high steam, is all that they ought to be compelled 
 to resist. If to this great strain, that attendant on the 
 concussions of a heavy engine in rapid motion, be 
 added, the liability to explosion is greatly increased, 
 vv^hile at the same time, rents and fissures in the join- 
 ings of the boilers, of a character seriously to injure 
 the engine, and impair its efiiciency, are likely to 
 occur. 
 
 The only remedy hitherto devised to corect this 
 difficulty, has been found in increasing the thickness of 
 the metal composing the boilers, which must of course 
 add proportionately to the w^eight of the engine, with- 
 out increasing its efiiciency. The evil here adverted 
 to, has been far more advantageously remedied in the 
 Pennsylvania locomoter in the way just suggested, 
 viz. bygivingto the engine frame the requisite stilfness, 
 without depending on attachments to the boiler for the 
 attainment of this object. 
 
 The boilers, instead of being firmly connected with 
 the frame, are merely suspended within it by the inter- 
 vention of springs, whereby they are exempt from the 
 violent shocks to which other parts of the engine are 
 occasionally exposed. By means of this arrangement, 
 also, the working parts of the engine are relieved from 
 
34 
 
 the vibrations and other irregularities calculated to 
 impair the efficiency, and injure those parts of the 
 engine affected by such irregularities. 
 
 6th. Lightness in the construction of locomotive 
 engines has been regarded as a leading object of this 
 invention. This object, it is believed, has elicited far 
 less attention from those concerned in rail-roads than 
 it deserves, especially when viewed in connexion with 
 rapid transportation. Strong objections have repeat- 
 edly been urged against the employment of light en- 
 gines, on the ground of their not having sufficient 
 adhesion to the rails, to prevent the wheels from 
 slipping. In reply to such objections, it is proper to 
 observe, that it is very seldom that a gross load weigh- 
 ing more than thirty tons, including passengers, bag- 
 gage, and cars, is ever offered for rapid conveyance ; 
 and that an engine weighing only three tons, has suffi- 
 cient adhesion to convey such a load, even on a road 
 slightly ascending. 
 
 In view of the solidity and texture of the materials 
 of which engines must be composed, it is confidently 
 believed that the greatest economical speed for an 
 engine weighing six tons, will not exceed fifteen 
 miles an hour. It is as confidently believed that a 
 greater speed, with an engine of the weight just 
 mentioned, would be attended with serious injury 
 not only to the engine itself, but to the rails and other 
 parts of the road on which it travels. This being 
 admitted, the inference is fair and conclusive, being 
 grounded on the laws of motion, concussion, &c., 
 by which the movements of heavy bodies are go- 
 verned, that an engine weighmg three tons only, and 
 
35 
 
 moving at the rate of thirty miles per hour, will be 
 attended with shocks equally severe, and, conse- 
 quently, that the wear and tear of the engine, rails, 
 &c., will be equal in both cases. Hence, if a speed ot 
 thirty miles per hour must be attained, the weight 
 of the engine ought not to exceed three tons. This 
 may be regarded by some, as a mere matter of 
 assumption, yet facts may be adduced, of a character 
 to corroborate and enforce such a conclusion. 
 
 Having given the foregoing explanations, touch- 
 ing the objects aimed at in the construction of the 
 Pennsylvania locomoter, the writer will conclude his 
 remarks for the present, by recording a few of the 
 general results drawn from numerous and repeated 
 trials of this engine, on the rail-road leading from 
 Philadelphia to Germantown. 
 
 The extent of this road between the two places 
 above mentioned, is six and a half miles. Its ascent 
 from the depot, in Ninth street, to its termination in 
 Germantown, is two hundred and seven feet, or a 
 little more than thirty feet per mile. The steepest 
 ascent, is at the rate of forty-five feet per mile, which 
 occurs in a distance of about half a mile, in German- 
 town. The road is exceedingly crooked, and the 
 evenness of its surface is much impaired by the settling 
 of embankments, and the consequent derangement of 
 the rail-tracts. The number of trips, outward and 
 returning, performed by the engine, is about eighty ; 
 the whole of which were attended with similar results. 
 In no instance has a trip been interrupted for want of 
 sufficient steam ; on the contrary, at almost every trip, 
 the fire-door has been thrown open a part of the time, 
 
m 
 
 in order to prevent the generation of more steam than 
 could be used. 
 
 The only fuel employed was anthracite coal. The 
 quantity consumed in running to Germantovvn and 
 back again, did not exceed two bushels. The quan- 
 tity of water evaporated under a pressure of eighty to 
 ninety pounds per square inch, was about two hun- 
 dred gallons per trip. The engine has repeatedly 
 started with a fresh charge of coal in the furnace, and 
 with a pressure of steam barely sufficient to put the 
 train in motion, yet, on reaching a distance of three 
 or four miles, on an ascending trip, while the train was 
 moving at its greatest speed, the steam was generated 
 in such profusion, as to force open both safety-valves 
 at once. 
 
 The results that will now be noticed, all of which 
 relate to ascending or outward trips only, are as fol- 
 low, viz. 
 
 Three passenger-cars, with fifty passengers, were 
 drawn the entire distance in twenty-eight minutes, 
 including two stoppages on account of way pas- 
 sengers. 
 
 Three passenger-cars, with sixty-nine passengers, 
 were drawn through the same distance in twenty-six 
 minutes, including four stoppages as above. 
 
 Three passenger-cars, with one hundred and 
 twenty-four passengers, were drawn, as above, in 
 twenty- nine minutes, including three stoppages as 
 before. 
 
 Two passenger-cars were drawn, as above, in 
 nineteen minutes, the number of passengers being 
 forty. 
 
37 
 
 To these may be added the three following trials^ 
 with burden-cars : 
 
 A gross load of eleven and a half tons, was con- 
 veyed to Germantown in twenty-six minutes. 
 
 Six burden-cars, each weighing 2SJ cwt., three of 
 the cars being loaded with stones, gross load, by 
 estimate, twenty-five tons, were conveyed upward 
 on the steepest and most crooked part of the road, the 
 ascent on a part of the distance being at the rate of 
 forty-five feet per mile, at a speed, as nearly as the 
 engineer could judge, of at least twelve miles per 
 hour. 
 
 Seven burden-cars, weight as above, two of them 
 loaded with stone, one having about half a ton of iron 
 on board (several workmen rode on the cars), gross 
 load estimated at twenty-five tons, ascended to Ger- 
 mantown in twenty-nine minutes. 
 
 On the 4th of July, six trips were made, each 
 with three cars attached. Average time of ascent 
 twenty five minutes; average number of passengers 
 conveyed, between sixty and seventy. 
 
 By a fair comparison with the results of other 
 engines plying on the same road, and propelled by 
 the use of pine wood for fuel, — the cost of coal 
 required to perform a given service, does not exceed 
 one-half that of pine wood for a similar perform- 
 ance, — less than two bushels of the former being 
 of equal efficiency with one-fourth of a cord of the 
 latter. 
 
 There is still another consideration which entitles 
 anthracite coal to a decided preference before pine 
 wood, or any other fuel employed in locomotive en- 
 
3i 
 
 gines, which is that, in the use of the former, passen- 
 gers are entirely exempt from the annoyance of smoke, 
 sparks, cinders, &c., which are produced and thrown 
 out in great profusion when other kinds of fuel are 
 employed. 
 
 (From the Daily Chronicle.) 
 
 The locomotive engine, called the Pennsylvania, 
 invented and patented by Colonel S. H. Long, of the 
 United States army, has been fairly tried and approved 
 on the Germantown rail-road. 
 
 Recent experiments have shown that the engine is 
 fit to draw thirty-two tons, easily, on a level road, at 
 the speed of fifteen miles an hour. 
 
 The whole weight of the engine is four tons and a 
 half; the boilers evaporate two hundred gallons in an 
 hour, in which time they require the consumption of 
 something less than two bushels of anthracite coal, the 
 only fuel used. 
 
 The wheels are made of wood, each with an iron 
 tire of three parallel, concentric, circular bands, 
 cheap in price, but very substantial, strong, lasting, 
 and efficient. 
 
 Colonel Long has employed himself, for some time 
 past, on experiments for the application of the heat 
 produced by anthracite coal to the production of 
 steam for locomotive engines, and has succeeded in a 
 degree above the most sanguine expectations with 
 which he started. With his arrano-ement of the 
 
39 
 
 furnace and the flue, anthracite coal may be tised for 
 raising steam, more advantageously than the best 
 pine wood. It sends forth no sparks to burn or alarm 
 passengers careful of their dresses ; and emits no 
 disagreeable or pernicious vapour ; and it enables the 
 director to travel without the incumbi^ance of a 
 tender, as the fuel and the water are both carried 
 on the engine. 
 
 (From the United States Gazette.) 
 
 Colonel Long's engine is now in successful ope- 
 ration on the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Nor- 
 ristown rail-road. Colonel Lons" deserves s^reat credit 
 for the genius, patience, and unremitting perse- 
 verance which he has displayed in bringing into 
 operation this beautiful machine. Its principal merits 
 consist in its light weight, and the consumption, as 
 fuel, of 0M7' anthracite coal. The engine weighs four 
 tons and three quarters with her fuel and water, 
 carrying no tender, as her water-tanks are on the top 
 of the machine. Colonel Long has been for a con- 
 siderable time experimenting on the subject of the use 
 of anthracite coal for fuel, and has met fvith repeated 
 failures and disappointments. 
 
 This enterprising gentleman, however, not dis- 
 couraged by these circumstances, persevered, and has 
 at last realised the complete success of this valuable 
 improvement, which not only obviates the emission of 
 sparks and smoke, but establishes a most economical, 
 and, therefore, highly valuable improvement. We 
 
40 
 
 advise our citizens to examine it. The company de- 
 serve credit for the facilities which they have afforded 
 for the development of the invention. 
 
 Applications for engines, and all other communi- 
 cations in reference to the subject, will be forw^arded 
 to the address of the subscriber in the city of Phila- 
 delphia. 
 
 By order of the Company, 
 
 WILLIAM NORRIS, Secretary. 
 November 1833. 
 
 I have thought it of vast importance to L-eland to 
 give Colonel Long's experiments on Anthracite Coal 
 for steam-engines, as immense quantities of this same 
 kind of coal is raised in the South of Ireland, called 
 the Kilkenny Coal. Should it become generally used 
 for engines, it will induce a trade to a considerable 
 extent, and one which will be of great importance to 
 the Canal and River Shannon navigation. 
 
 It is hoped that some of the experiments made by 
 Colonel Long may prove useful to us at home ; and 
 the dreadful accident which occurred lately, by the 
 comino- off of the wheel from one of the steam- 
 carriages, makes me entertain a hope, that the 
 adoption of Colonel Long's crank-axletree, as detailed 
 in page 20, may prevent such accidents in future. 
 
 THOMAS BERMINGHAM. 
 
 23; Dover-street, Piccadilly, 
 4th August, 1834. 
 
 Printed by S. W. Fores, 41, Piccadilly. 
 
^i 
 

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