tion, by which visitors have an agreeable retreat from the vicissitudes of the weather.

About two miles farther north you pass the noble demesne of Mountstewart, the seat of the Marquess of Londonderry. The mansion is large, and although not strictly regular is very beautiful, combining the Greek and Roman styles; the accommodation is ample and convenient. A beautiful little temple, after the model of the Temple of the Winds, with a lofty spire, stands to the south of the house. The demesne contains more than 500 acres, and is said to be well stocked with pheasants.

THE STEWART FAMILY.

The present Lord Lieutenant of the county, Frederick, fourth Marquess of Londonderry, was born on the 8th of July, 1805. He was educated at Eton, and continued his studies at Oxford, and afterwards at Edinburgh. He is descended from the illustrious and royal house of Stewart, both in the male and female line. The rise, descent, grandeur, and antiquity of this family are recorded by many historians. The Stewart, or male, line is derived from Sir John Stewart, of Bonhill, second son of Alexander, sixth Lord Stewart of Scotland, and grandfather of Robert II., the first Scotch King of the name of Stewart.

Sir John was killed at the battle of Falkirk, in 1298, leaving a numerous issue by Margaret, daughter of Sir Alexander Bonhill, in whose right he became possessed of large estates, and especially of the barony of Bonhill.

John Stewart, Esq., of Ballylaun Castle, was the first who settled in Ireland, having received a grant from Charles I., in the fifth year of his reign, under the name of the "Manor of Stewart's Course." Upon his arrival he built a Castle and bastion of stone on the lands of Ballyveagh, and settled the estate with Protestants. On this manor he also built the Castle of Ballylaun.

His descendant, Alexander Stewart, purchased the estate of Mount Stewart, in the county of Down, from the Colvil family, where he resided, and married his cousin Mary, daughter of John Cowan, by whom he had a numerous issue, of whom Robert, the eldest, was the first Earl of Londonderry, born September 27, 1739.

The late Marquess, Charles William, whose brilliant military career is now a subject for history, married, in 1804, Catherine, fourth daughter of John, third Earl of Darnley, mother of the present Marquess, and through whom he is united to the Stewart line through Catherine, only sister and heiress of Charles, Duke of Lenox and Earl of Darnley, of the house of Stewart. The Earl of Darnley was descended paternally from John Bligh, Esq., who came over to Ireland in the time of Cromwell.

John Bligh, Esq., M. P. for Athboy in 1704, was created a peer, by the title of Baron Clifton, in 1721; and next year, 1722, he was created Viscount Darnley of Athboy, and Earl of Darnley. In 1725, his Lordship married Lady Theodosia Hyde, daughter and heiress of Edward, third Earl of Clarendon. By this marriage