tracted, its banks more abrupt, and indented by several wooded little bays.

Upon this point, commanding such lovely views, the sight of the House has judiciously been selected, and the architect has in my opinion very happily adapted the character of the building to the features of the scenery. It is in what I should call the castellated Gothic style, and, both in its general elevation and details, evidences great judgment as well as taste. The tout-ensemble of the exterior is certainly grand and effective, while the interior seemed to me to combine an unusual degree of the comfortable with the handsome. The capabilities of the adjacent grounds have also been improved with equal taste and liberality; so that altogether, when the place is completed, it will be a distinguished ornament of the country, as well as a striking feature of the river scenery.

I returned in the evening to Lismore by Cappoquin, and was delighted with the beauty

of the whole drive. Cappoquin itself is an indifferently built town, but it is in a most lovely situation, and is encompassed with elegant residences and magnificent woods, that continue all the way to Lismore.

CHAPTER X.

Clogheen-Cave lately discovered near it-Clonmel-Carrick on Suire-Curraghmore-Waterford-New Ross-Enniscorthy-Arklow-Vale of Avoca-General Character of the Wicklow Scenery-Arrival at Dublin and Conclusion of the Tour.

FROM Lismore my destination was Clonmel ; but I had read in the newspapers such wonderful accounts of a cavern lately discovered near Mitchelstown, that I determined to go round by Clogheen in order to visit it. The distance is less than fourteen miles; but, great part of the road being rough and mountainous, it took me above three hours to accomplish it. The night had been very tempestuous, and was succeeded by that alternation of driving storm and brilliant sunshine so frequently productive of the most picturesque effects in a mountain country.

VIEW OF LISMORE.

235

Almost directly after passing the bridge, we entered a lateral glen, cooped in between precipitous cliffs, clothed with wood from their base to their lofty summits. In parts, this valley is so contracted as to leave barely space sufficient for the road and the stream, which the last night's rains had converted into a thundering torrent. I have seldom seen a more romantic defile on the same scale. But, what pleased me the most of all were the views obtained upon looking back towards Lismore. The Bridge, the Cathedral, the Castle, with the adjoining woods, are alone seen from this point; but under the happiest circumstances and combinations possible. How very imposing must be the effect to one who views Lismore for the first time from this side!

The narrow Vale continues for three or four miles upon emerging from it, the road passes over a wild bleak moor, sweeping gradually down from the Knockmeledown Hills, a shoulder of which we crossed. The descent on the side of

Clogheen was long, steep, and difficult; but a new line is nearly completed, by which the distance will be increased but the declivity considerably diminished.

Clogheen is a poor town, and seemed to have nothing remarkable about it, except two very extensive flour- mills, belonging of course to Quakers. My object being to reach the Caves as expeditiously as I could, I only staid here till I could persuade Mrs. M'Graith to give me a car to take me to them. They are about five Irish miles from Clogheen, and the greater part of the road is tolerable. Almost the only object of interest it presented was Lord Lismore's extensive demesne, round which we coasted for some way; but only from one spot could catch a view of the House, which is a splendid Gothic pile. I stopped at the cottage of a small farmer named Gorman, on whose land the Cave is situated; and, accompanied by him and sundry guides, with torches, &c. immediately proceeded to explore the subterra