admitted to be an object of great importance," both in an agricultural and sanitary point of view. In effecting it in a proper manner, another most important result may be attained, that of rendering water-power available to an extent almost incredible.

According to the Commissioners' Report, Lough Erne forms the reservoir of a district of 1500 square miles, nearly one million of acres. Mr. Forsyth ascertained that the average summer discharge at the Falls of Belleek exceeded 100,000 cubic feet per minute, which he estimates at 20,000 horse-power on a fall of 114 feet in continuous action as far as Ballyshannon; Mr. Gray estimates that there is thus running to waste 100,000 horsepower, equal at the lowest estimation to £100,000 per annum, lost to those who possess the right of ownership. Surely matters put forward upon such authority are well worth the serious attention of capitalists, if those chiefly concerned choose to remain indifferent.

No efforts have yet been made to carry out these plans. In 1847 the Board of Public Works took up the matter, and directed their able assistant, Mr. Forsyth, to make a survey and report, which he did with great ability, after a most careful and comprehensive consideration of the details of the very difficult subject he had to deal with. His estimate exceeded £100,000; which, it is thought, is much nearer to the mark than that of Mr. Rhodes. This plan was in some measure repudiated by the Commissioners of the Board, who proposed to modify it to such an extent as to incur the disapproba

tion of the parties chiefly concerned; in consequence of which, the matter has fallen to the ground.

Mr. Gray's plan is limited to the improvement of the navigation only; that being, as he conceives, the primary object to be attained; his estimate is under £10,000. The weir at Belleek, and some other desirable but secondary matters, are dispensed with. Taking into account his professional standing and his long experience in the county, and his thorough knowledge of the previous plans, we think his proposal merits a fair trial, especially as his estimate does not exceed the very moderate sum already named.

CHAPTER XX.

THE DERRY AND ENNISKILLEN LINE.

The Foyle, the Mourne, and the Sproule-Strabane-Lifford-Newtownstewart Baron's Court-Omagh-Advantages of Railway Communication-Further Extensions-General View of the Railway System of the North-Commercial Progress of Ulster.

THE beauty of scenery witnessed through the length of this line cannot but attract admiration. The river Foyle, with its lough-like appearance, is succeeded by the Mourne and Sproule; while the waters of the Finn and the Derg add not only to its volume, but to the general brilliancy of the prospect. The distant mountains, with the great variety and abundance of wood, perfect the richness and grandeur of the ever-changing view as the train passes through these several river valleys.

Running along the western side of the Foyle, along the confines of the rich and populous barony of Raphoe, it crosses to the east side near Strabane, and upon leaving that town it takes the general direction of the valley of the Mourne and the Sproule, to Omagh; thus opening up a direct communication between these fertile districts and the seaport and markets of Londonderry.

STRABANE,

which is sixteen miles from Derry, is a considerable town, having a population of 4896. As the great outlet of the export trade of Tyrone and the southeastern parts of Donegal, its markets are well supplied with agricultural produce. The linen market is one of the best in the North of Ireland; and notwithstanding the irregular appearance of the town, and general want of neatness, it is very wealthy and respectable. The Marquess of Abercorn is the sole proprietor; and although a large portion of it is let at will, and consequently in his power, it is not much indebted to his public spirit, there being scarcely any evidence to a stranger of its being the property of one of the richest of our aristocracy.

LIFFORD.

The county town of Donegal is little more than a suburb of Strabane, containing only a few houses and insignificant shops, the greater portion of it consisting of the Gaol and Court-house, and other county buildings. The district of Urney, inclosed between the Finn and Mourne, is one of the richest and best cultivated districts in Tyrone. Its pretty villas and demesnes, and thriving homesteads, make a very pleasing impression upon the tourist.

There are many eligible sites for factories between Strabane and Newtownstewart: should these be occupied, it is the intention of the Company to run sidings

to the mills, to convey the goods for transmission by rail. Between the latter town and Omagh there are still better sites, some of which have been recently occupied to great advantage,; so that, with the convenience of a railway within a few yards of the river, we may expect that the whole valley will soon become a scene of manufacturing industry.

NEWTOWNSTEWART

is a small village, half way between Omagh and Strabane: the situation is fine, and it was once a military station of great importance, as commanding the pass through these valleys to Strabane and Derry. It was anciently called Lisslass, but changed its name on becoming the property of Sir William Stewart, by a grant from Charles I. The ruins of the ancient Castle near the bridge, form the most attractive object to a visitor. It is said that James II. slept here on his way to Derry.

Baron's Court, the seat of the Abercorn family, is situate in the centre of a deep and narrow valley extending more than two miles in length. Three very beautiful Loughs fill the greater part of the space between the slopes, and are called after the names of three of the daughters of the late Lord Abercorn,— Lough Mary, Lough Fanny, and Lough Catharine. The whole vale is densely wooded, and has quite a parklike effect. The house has been greatly enlarged and improved by the noble proprietor, who resides here a