| The more I see of Ireland, the more convinced I am of the truth of what is said as to the ancient refinement and learning of the Irish. Mr. A—— showed me to-day, a beautiful silver ornament, a sort of gigantic clasp or brooch, which had been dug up at Rathkeale; and which was used to fasten the heavy cloaks formerly worn. It is very massive, and the workmanship beautifully finished on both sides. I have made a drawing of it, which is just one-third of the original size, and is here inserted. <br>[Image: Gigantic brooch]<br>[p. 111] Mr. A. has seen many ornaments of gold also inlaid with precious stones <br>There is, unfortunately, a strange indifference in the higher orders of Irish, relative to the ancient condition of their country. They are a people who live so much in the present, as to have but little taste for the past. I have met with but few who sympathize with my love for old buildings, castles, and relics of former greatness. Many of the ornaments, coins, and musical instruments which are often dug up in various parts of Ireland, find purchasers only in the silversmiths, and are unfortunately melted down before any antiquarian who could appreciate their value, has an opportunity of seeing them. [Vol. 2, p. 110-11] <br>[Continues with account of trumpets found in a bog near Carrig O’Gunniel] |
