THE history of England is already too familiar to the enlightened mind to render it necessary to enter into it at length; but as it is the intention to prelude each country with some few historical remarks, the rule will be applicable here also. GOVERNMENT. of Lords and Commons. The House of Lords consists of peers, whose titles and seats are hereditary. The House of Commons is composed of members elected by certain classes of the population, and is similar to our House of Representatives. It numbers 658 members: 500 from England and Wales, 105 from Ireland, and 53 from Scotland. The House of Commons votes all supplies of money, but all laws must have the consent of both houses. The Cabinet or Ministry is generally formed of the leading members of the majority in both Houses of Parliament, the Premier At or First Lord of the Treasury, Secretaries of the Home Office, Foreign Office, etc. The House of Lords is the highest court of justice in the kingdom, which is the same as the Court of Appeals. Next in order is the High Court of Chancery, which is presided over by the Lord High Chancellor. Three inferior courts succeed these, over which preside Vice-Chancellors, then Master of Rolls, then the three Tribunals of Commercial Law, viz., Queen's Bench, Exchequer, and Common Pleas. The present mixed population of the British Isles has been the result of the different nations who have successively become their conquerors. The universal opinion of all ancient writers is, that the first inhabitants were some wandering tribes of Gauls, who followed the religion of the Druids, and polluted their worship by the practice of human sacrifice. the time of the invasion of the Romans, they found the same language and the same form of government as existed among the Celts of the Continent. The Romans who landed at Deal, under Julius Cæsar, in the year 55 B.C., were succeeded by the Saxons, afterward by the Danes under Canute, the Normans under William the Conqueror in 1066. The original Celts mostly inhabit the Highlands of Scotland, Wales, and a greater portion of Ireland; the Anglo-Saxon race, of Germanic descent, between whom and the former the leading distinction now exists, inhabit the Lowlands of Scotland and the whole of England. The island first became familiar to the Romans by the Gaelic name of Albion, by which name only is it known among the Gaels of Scotland. The population of Great Britain and Ireland is estimated at nearly 31,000,000. Its manufactures and commerce are unequaled by any country in the world. Lancashire alone contains very extensive cotton mills, employing a great number of hands. Its manufactures of wool and iron are also very large. The iron-works where the ore is reduced into metal are situated in Staffordshire, but the iron manufacture has its chief seat in Birmingham. Shef field is chiefly celebrated for its cutlery, and London for its silver-plated goods. Wool reigns supreme in Yorkshire and the west of England. The form of government is a limited monarchy, the succession to the throne hereditary. The legislative power is shared by the Houses Under Augustine the Christian religion made rapid progress, and although all forms of worship are tolerated, the Protestant Episcopal Church, or Church of England, is the government form, under the direction of two archbishops and twentysix bishops. The seats of the two archbishops are Canterbury and York. The established Church of Scotland is Presbyterian. There are also followers of the Church of England in both Scotland and Ireland, although in the latter the Roman Catholic religion predominates. Although the population of Great Britain and Ireland is only 31,000,000, the dominions of the empire, in various parts of the globe, contain a population of 183,000,000, and 8,000,000 square miles. The population in Asia alone is 150,000,000. We would most decidedly recommend travelers who intend visiting Ireland and Scotland to disembark at Queenstown, the harbor of Cork, visiting the celebrated lakes of Killarney, and going north through Dublin, Belfast, and Coleraine, cross the North Channel to Glasgow, visit the principal places in Scotland, and then work up to London, visiting the principal objects of interest on their way. We advise this course for two reasons-first, there is nothing they will find on the Continent more lovely or picturesque than the beautiful lakes of Killarney, or, indeed, we may say, the whole south and west of Ireland, and which ought to be visited; and, second, if this route be taken, it will save time and expense, and insure this trip's being made, as, nine times out of ten, travelers intending to visit Ireland and Scotland never get there if they proceed direct to the Continent; they always intend coming back by Ireland, but never do. The trip is one the tourist will never regret, and a hasty tour of the principal places in Ireland may be made in ten days. Presuming the traveler will adopt this course, we will commence our description of Great Britain and Ireland with Ireland. IRELAND. The island of Ireland is, from point to point, 300 miles long by 200 wide, and is separated from Great Britain by the North Channel on the northeast, 14 miles wide; by St. George's Channel on the southeast, 70 miles wide; and on the east by the Irish Sea, 130 miles broad. It is divided into four provinces-Munster, Connaught, Leinster, and Ulster-and contains a population of nearly 6,000,000 inhabitants, a decrease of two millions in the last twenty years, and is governed by a lord lieutenant appointed by the crown of England. Its situation, in a commercial and financial point of view, has much improved during the last fifteen years The surface of the country is undulating, half the land being arable, and about one fifth under cultivation. There are no mountains of any importance in Ireland, the highest hill (Magillicuddy's Reeks, Lake Killarney) attaining only to the altitude of 3413 feet. About one half the land is covered with moors and lakes, no country in Europe possessing so large an area of fresh-water lakes in proportion to its size. Lough Neagh, its largest lake, in the province of Ulster, is one of the three largest in Europe, and has an area of over 90,000 acres. The principal river of Ireland is the Shannon, which is the largest in the United Kingdom; its length is 240 miles. The Boyne, Barrow, Suir, Erne, Foyle, and Liffey are also streams of considerable importance. The principal lakes are Lough Neagh, Corrib, Deary, Erne, Mask, and Killarney, the three lakes of Killarney occupying an area of about 6000 acres. Linen is now the staple manufacture of Ireland, although woolens, silks, cottons, muslin, gloves, paper, and glass are produced to a greater or less extent. Ireland is becoming well supplied with railroads, there being some twenty lines in full operation, extending from the extreme north and south, and east and west. In every direction where the railroad does not reach, good jaunting-cars may be procured at the rate of twelve cents per mile for a single person, or sixteen cents for two. The roads are all very fine, and, to the honor of the country, no tolls. The jauntingcars are mostly made for the accommodation of four persons, but there are larger ones which serve the purpose of the stagecoach. In procuring seats, be particular to inform yourself from what quarter the wind is blowing, as these conveyances are uncovered, and, should the weather be cold or rainy, you may sit with your back toward it. A thin water-proof coat and apron are very requisite on these occasions; also a strap to buckle round your waist and the car during the night, in case you should fall asleep. After being landed by the tug, send a porter with your baggage direct to the station for Cork; and, should you wish a comfortable breakfast or dinner, either may be obtained at the Queen's Hotel, a very good house near the landing. Then walk to the station (only a few steps). Cars run nearly every hour to Cork, fare one shilling; the same the porter will demand for each trunk. If you have a quantity, half that amount will be sufficient. Queenstown, formerly called the "Cove of Cork," but changed in honor of Queen Victoria, who landed here when making her visit to Ireland in 1849. It is the harbor of Cork, which is six miles distant, and one of the finest in the United Kingdom, or the world. The entire navies of Europe could float in it, with complete protection from the weather on every side. Its entrance is admirably defended by two forts. one on either side the channel. There is also the Westmoreland Fort, on Spike's Island, which contains a convict prison; the inmates, numbering nearly one thousand, are kept continually at work on the forts. An order from the governor is required by travelers wishing to visit the island. Rocky Island contains the gunpowder, ten thousand barrels of which are kept in chambers excavated out of the solid rock. An order from the commandant of ordnance is required to visit this island. Hawlbowline Island contains a tank capable of holding five thousand tuns of fresh water. No order necessary here. The harbor of Cork is noted principally for its beautiful scenery, and the town is becoming quite important as a watering-place on account of the salubrity and equality of the climate. The harbor is also celebrated for the number of regattas which take place annually. The splendid Inman line of steamers are arriving and departing four times a week for New York. To the west of the town there is a beautiful promenade formed from a substantial quay erected in 1848. It was into this harbor that Admiral Drake, of the British navy, retreated when chased by the Spaniards; then into "Drake's Pool," up a creek called Crosshaven, where he was so effectually hidden that the Spaniards, after several days' search, gave him up in despair, thinking he must have reached the Channel again by magic. Steamers leave Queenstown several times per day for Cork. Although the scenery is very beautiful on the river, we advise taking the cars, which leave nearly every hour for Cork. Steamers sail three times a day to Aghada and Cloyne, where travelers who have time to spare can visit the Castle of Rostellan, the former residence of the princely O'Briens, marquesses of Thomond. In the mcdern residence, which is beautifully situated at the eastern end of the harbor, is kept the ancient sword of the famous Brian Boroihme, who was an ancestor of the O'Briens. The grounds are very beautiful, and visitors are freely admitted. A visit should be made to Castle Mary, the residence of Mr. Longfield, where may be seen one of those Druidical remains peculiar to Ireland, and known as "Cromlechs," supposed by some to have been used as sepulchral monuments, and by others for sacrificial purposes. There are two cromlechs on this estate: the larger one is a stone fifteen feet long, eight broad, and three thick, one end resting on the ground and the other supported by two upright stones; the smaller one is of a triangular shape, and of the same inclination. It is supposed the inclined position was given that the blood of the victims slain upon them might run off freely. There are some to be seen in Wales, and, as in Ireland, they are generally seen near the sea. CLOYNE, about one mile from Castle Mary, is noted for its ancient cathedral of the 14th century, and its round tower, one of the antiquities of Ireland, which was used for the double purpose of a belfry and for safety and defense. The height of this tower is one hundred feet, but the embattlements, which are ten feet high, are modern. Cork is a city of ancient origin, dating back to the ninth century, when the Danes invaded and held possession of it up to the twelfth century, when it was again invaded by the English under Henry II. It was then under the rule of Dermot M'Carthy, prince of Desmond. For several centuries the invaders were greatly harassed by the neighboring chiefs, who, in their turn, retaliated on the surrounding country. During the wars of the Protectorate, 1649, Cork took the side of the ill-fated Charles, but it was surprised and captured, and the cruelties which Cromwell perpetrated upon the poor citizens are almost unparalleled in the annals of warfare. was again besieged for five days by Marlborough in the reign of William III. It Cork contains at the present time about 80,000 inhabitants, two thousand less than in 1851, and the same as in 1841, showing no increase in twenty years. The principal hotel, and the best in the south of Ireland, is the Imperial, finely conducted by Mr. Chas. Cotton. Attached to the house are the City Reading-rooms, to which visitors at the hotel are freely admitted. The city is situated on both banks of the River Lee, which is crossed by nine bridges, all of modern construction and elegant architecture. The principal streets and suburbs are well paved and lighted, but the back and narrow streets are generally in a poor condition. It was formerly the second city in size and commerce, but Belfast now takes that place. There are no manufactures of importance in Cork, but its breweries, distilleries, tanneries, and founderies do a large business, while its export to England of corn, provisions, and livestock is considerable. A large business in the butter-trade is also carried on. The principal public buildings of Cork are the small cathedral church of St. Finbar, which is unworthy the reputation of Cork, with the exception of the tower, which is ancient. It was built in 1735. It is, however, soon to be replaced by a new cathedral. Near it are the bishop's palace, and cemetery. At the western end of the Grand Parade is the court-house, which is much admired for its graceful appearance. The Church of St. Anne is remarkable for its magnificent position, commanding as it does a fine view of the whole city. Its bells are one of the "lions" of the city. Its appearance is very picturesque and very droll, one side built of different colored stone from the other. It is built in stories. James II. heard mass here during his residence in Cork. On the northern side of the river there is a very beautiful Presbyterian church. The Church of the Holy Trinity is a handsome Gothic building, interesting from the fact that it was founded by Father Mathew, the temperance apostle, whose visit to the United States many of our travelers must remember, and whom all must revere, not only for the good he has done in his native country, but also in our own. (We have noticed in traveling through Ireland that the most careful drivers, and those in whom their employers have the greatest confidence, are disciples of Father Mathew, and have drank neither ale nor spirits for twenty years.) The church contains a finely-stained glass window, as a memorial to Daniel O'Connell. A fine monument has recently been erected to Father Mathew in St. Patrick Street. The interior of the Roman Catholic church of St. Mary's is very beautiful. There is also a church built in honor of St. Patrick. The City Jail and County Prison are both very fine buildings, the former built of limestone and the latter of red sandstone. On the southern side of the Lee, on a fine, elevated position, is situated the beautiful building built for Queen's College-seen to an advantage on the way to visit Blarney Castle. Cork, if it had not its Victoria Park of 140 acres, would, in a great measure, be supplied with one by its contiguity to the Groves of Blarney, and its lovely surroundings. The citizens also have a very beautiful walk bordering the river, called the Mardyke, which is about one mile long, and shaded by fine elm-trees, which form a beautiful arch overhead; when lighted at night, it presents a very charming appearance. It was in Cork that William Penn became a convert to Quakerism. He was visiting the city on business relating to his father's property when he was converted. Cork must ever be a place of great resort to travelers, if only for its contiguity to Blarney Castle and the "Groves of Blarney," which are situated some six miles from the city. There are two roads by which to reach the castle in addition to the railway; but as the last sets you down over a mile from the castle, we would advise taking a carriage or car from the Imperial Hotel, and drive by the Sunday's Well Road and Blarney Lane, which winds nearly all the way along the banks of the lovely silver Lee, embracing exquisite views of Queen's College, the beautiful grounds of Blackrock, and richly-clothed heights of Glenmire. Do not allow your driver to return by the short and much less pleasing route of Blackpool and the northern suburbs, unless you have an affinity for tanyards and other nuisances. The noted castle of Blarney was long the residence of the younger branch of the royal race of M'Carthy, by whom it was erected in the 15th century. The ruins consist of a dungeon 120 feet high, with other lower remains less massive, but still so strong as to have rendered it impregnable before the introduction of gunpowder. Do not fail to descend to the basement on the outside, not only to examine the curious caves and natural excavations made in its rocky foundation, but to obtain a proper idea of its original size and strength; nearly the whole mass is charmingly covered with ivy. On the river side the guide will point out the place where its defenders poured down the molten lead on the heads of Cromwell's followers. The great reputation, however, that Blarney Castle has acquired throughout the world has been through the "Blarney Stone," which is said to endow the person who kisses it with such persuasive eloquence, such an irresistible wheedling tongue, that no lady can resist him; hence | shilling; sixpence to the woman at the the song: "There is a stone there, That, whoever kisses, To grow eloquent. To be let alone! From the Blarney Stone." "Gravel-walks there And conversation." lodge, and a shilling to your outside guide, will be necessary. A short distance from the castle lies the lovely little lake of Blarney, to which is attached another tradition. 'Tis said that M'Carthy, earl of Clancarty, whose possessions were confiscated during the Revolution, threw all his family plate into the lake at a certain spot; that the secret is never known but to three of his descendants at a time; that before one dies he communicates it to another of the family. The secret is to be religiously kept until one of the descendants again becomes possessed of the property. "Tis also said that herds of beautiful white cows rise at certain seasons from the bottom of the lake to graze on the bordering pastures! Blarney Castle is the property of Sir G. Colhurst, M.P., and is freely opened to the public. About two miles from the castle is the celebrated hydropathic establishment of Dr. Barter. Since the opening of the railroad between Cork and Youghal, a distance of 28 miles, many tourists ascend the beautiful Blackwater River, not only for the purpose of angling, but for enjoying scenery not surpassed for loveliness in the United Kingdom. The river is noted for its abundance of salmon, trout, and perch. This excursion can be made very easily in one day. By taking the first train from Cork, you have one or two hours to spend in Youghal; then take the steamer to Cappoquin, which is as far as the Blackwater is navigable, returning by the down steam Croker, in his "Songs of Ireland," wrote er in time for the last train to Cork. The situation of Youghal is exceedingly beautiful. The house in which Sir Walter Raleigh lived when he was chief magistrate of this town, in 1588, and where he entertained Spenser while that poet was preparing his Faerie Queene for publication, has been but recently torn down. A luxurious growth of arbutus plants, as well as bays and myrtles, ornament the garden; here also was the first potato planted in Ireland by Sir Walter, and here, for the first time, the air of Hibernia was scented by the fragrant weed of our own Virginia. During the reign of Elizabeth, a large portion of the surrounding territory was granted to Sir Walter, who disposed of it to Mr. Boyle, author and philosopher, in 1602. |