as sixteen to one. The late census accounts the total as 8,304. The northern portion of the parish is bounded by the Feorish river, separating it from that of Kilronan. It has a considerable quantity of reclaimable bog, and an improving system of tillage is being adopted. Limestone and freestone of the best description for architectural purposes abound, and indications of coal have been discovered in Ballyfermoyle, but, though shafts were sunk, no further operations have been continued. The Boyle river runs through the parish, being crossed by a bridge at Knockvicar, where its banks are adorned with some pleasing scenery.

The church of Ardcarne, being the head of the union, is situated at the southern extremity of this parish, at the hill where once stood a considerable village, the seat of the rural Bishop of Ardcarne, and where a great market for wool was held within memory. Vestiges of the town are still traceable, to a considerable extent of walls now sodded over; a very ancient road also marks one of its former approaches. The church, alluded to, is an old and plain, but roomy edifice, lately embellished with a steeple; in the body are pews for the family of Lord Lorton, and for those of Mr. Mulloy and Mr. Irwin; there are no monuments within it, but the adjoining cemetery, which comprises an English acre, exhibits several, especially for the families of Mac Dermott, from 1746; Mulloys, of Hughstown and Oakport, from 1796; Blighs, from 1786; one to Patrick Mac

Dermott Roe, obiit 1810, and his descendants; another fine monument to George Mac Dermott Roe, and Esther Mac Dermott, alias O'Berne, his wife; the former died in 1836, the latter in 1833. Others to Richard Smith, obiit 1827; to Mrs. Hudson, of Westminster, obiit 1813; to Mary Kilkenny, 1765; to Miss Armstrong, of Maguire's-bridge, 1826, &c.; but the most remarkable is that noted by Weld as standing upright, surmounted by a pediment immediately facing the east end of the church. It bears the date of 1668, and, as far as it can be now deciphered, purports to be erected by Cormac Mac Dermott, in honour of his wife Eleanor Crean. Above the inscription stands a coat of the Mac Dermott Roe arms in relief, surmounted by a tablet with emblems of the Crucifixion. The parochial schoolhouses were erected and are supported by Lord Lorton; they immediately adjoin the church, and are opened for boys and girls respectively, while three Sunday schools are held in the parish, two established by the late Lady Lorton, and one by the Misses Mulloy, of Oakport.

Opposite the church of Ardcarne, the boundary of Rockingham demesne (which also extends into this parish) turns abruptly off from the great Dublin road, following for some distance the course of a minor one, which leads to the northern portion of the barony. At the eastern side of this road is situated Oakport, the very beautiful seat of Mr. William Mulloy; the demesne comprises 630A., most

picturesquely undulated, and covered with fine woods, that occasionally open into glades, or drop, in graceful inclinations, down upon the river of Boyle, which, gliding out of Lough Ke, here pursues the loveliest section of its course, sometimes a peaceful stream, oftener expanding into loughs of moderate extent, but varied attractions. The annexed view, taken from a hill beyond the lake, opposite the house, suggests some of the interest of the scene, partly exhibiting, as it does, Ardcarne church and steeple, crowning the height at left, the house and conservatory in front, the windings of the river, traceable to Knockvicar-bridge; the wooded hills in the background; the lake between, with its little islands and pleasure-boats; the beautiful slopes, dropping down to its banks on all sides; the openings in the woods; the breaks of the waters, and the lovely little promontories projecting into them. One of these sweet eminences, called Little Port, fronts the house, and affords a singularly delightful rural panorama, extending from Slieve-an-Erin to Ben-bulben.

As Oakport has long been the residence of a branch of the ancient sept of Fearcal, it seems a fitting occasion here to introduce

A MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY OF "MULLOY," OR

"O'MULLOY."

This very ancient and historical sept derives its origin from that memorable monarch of Ireland, Nial "of the nine hostages," who, immediately before the introduction of Christianity into this country, first assisted the Irish colony that had passed into Scot