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four factories of 102 horse-power each, for twenty-four hours' work, or for forty-eight factories for twelve hours' work, during the summer months. In winter the power is fourfold, being equal, during the rainy months, to 400,000 cubic feet per minute. Upon the most moderate calculation made upon the average value of water-power, there is thus an unoccupied site, capable of yielding an income of £21,000 per annum; and all this vast supply running to waste in the very focus of manufacturing industry.

It is impossible to look at the map of Ulster without being struck with the physical capabilities of Lough Neagh, and the rich alluvial lands abutting thereon or lying along its tributaries. Compared to the artificial reservoir of Lough Island Reavy, what a noble water head do the two Loughs present! They are, in fact, great compensating basins to prevent the destructive effects of sudden floods upon the Lower Bann. Were it not for such expansion, the sudden rush of waters, after heavy and continuous rains, would be most fearful. It not only prevents these violent ravages, but forms a

source of commercial wealth of almost incalculable extent. It is fondly hoped that these observations may catch the eye of some enterprising tourist, who will take the trouble to visit the scene, and judge for himself.

CHAPTER VI.

THE CITY OF ARMAGH.

City of Armagh-Its ancient Schools-Ancient Palace of-Fergus Fodha-The Navan Fort-Niall Caille-Present State of Armagh Munificence of the present Primate-Observatory-Dr. Romney Robinson-Court-house-Library-Royal School-Improvements of Lord Rokeby-Ingratitude of the Citizens.

ABOUT nine miles west of the thriving little town of Portadown is situated the primatic city of Armagh. The country around is undulating, richly cultivated, and ornamented with numerous demesnes and plantations.

This clean and elegant little city is built upon the ancient hill of Drumsailech, or the "Hill of Sallows." Its apparent elevation is much increased by the lofty and venerable cathedral which crowns the summit, and gives to the whole town a singularly bold and interesting appearance.

The buildings are generally of a substantial character, and most of the streets are built of the beautiful red marble so abundant in this county, and flagged with the same, which, when washed by a shower, has a very curious and sprightly appearance, from the quantity of fossils embedded therein. This town, venerable from its antiquity, and greatly distinguished in the Annals,

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owes its origin to St. Patrick, who founded it in the year 445, A.D., and built a church upon the site of the present cathedral.

In visiting such a renowned locality the well-instructed stranger must feel a chastened and a solemn interest, when he reflects that while the rest of Europe was involved in the darkness of idolatry and ignorance, Armagh was a centre of illumination, sending forth her scholars and her missionaries through the length and breadth of Europe. In the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick we are informed that the first school or college in this kingdom was founded by this eminent missionary about the same time that he built the church, and to so great a degree had its celebrity increased, that in the time of the Venerable Bede, who wrote eleven centuries ago, we are informed that the nobility and gentry of Britain resorted thither for their education; and, in the spirit of a magnificent liberality, strangers were not only educated, but were supplied with books, and gratuitously maintained. His words are: "Erant ibidem multi nobilium simul et mediocrum de gente Anglorum qui relictâ insulâ patriâ vel Dwina Lectionis, seu continuationis vitæ gratiæ eo secesserunt. Quos omni Scoti, libentissime suscipientes victum iis quotidianum sive precio, libros quaque ad legendum et magisterium gratiatum præberi curabant."-Hist. Gent. Ang., lib. iii. c. 27.

We are informed by the learned Camden that "the Saxons flocked to Ireland as the great mart of learning."-Camd. Britan.

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