shells which might be drifted in are soon destroyed.
From the external appearance of Rathlin, exposed on every side to the wild sea-breeze, and devoid of trees, with the exception of those which have been planted in sheltered situations, the list of plants might be expected to be very few, and those of the hardiest species. There are, however, about two hundred varieties, amongst which are a few of the most interesting of the British plants not found in more sheltered and inland situations. Notwithstanding the absence of natural wood at present there is no doubt that trees once abounded in Rathlin. Roots of the fir and oak have frequently been dug out of the bogs, and quantities of hazel nuts, bearing marks of having been long buried in the peat, are also found. In the following list of plants the systematic arrangement of Withering is chosen in preference to that adopted by later botanists.
There are a few relics of ancient times still remaining in Rathlin which leave no doubt of its having been inhabited at a very early period by a race which, in all probability, had its existence during the times of Pagan superstition before Christianity became known in these countries. The remains of raths or forts, stone circles, sepulchral monuments, ornaments of various kinds, together with stone and iron weapons which have been discovered from time to time, prove that even this secluded spot was not uninhabited at a period when it might have been overlooked from its remote situation and few natural advantages.
Dr. Wilde, the author of the “Boyne and Blackwater,” gives an interesting account of the different tribes who formerly inhabited Ireland, and of these the “Tuatha de Danaans” were the most remarkable, being often alluded to in ancient Irish historical tales as famous for their knowledge of arts and especially magic, with which the other tribes were unacquainted. To these people Dr. Wilde thinks we may attribute the workmanship of the bronze or antique metal ornaments and weapons so generally found over the country, and now swelling the National Collection at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.
Amongst the remains of this ancient race still to be found on the island is a mound or fort, situated at a short distance from the cliffs on the northern side, and about a mile and a half from the western extremity. It commands an extensive view on all sides, and is of an oval form, the diameter on the top measuring 156 feet by 105. It was fortified by a wall built of dry stone, from nine to ten feet in thickness, of which the foundation remains. There was also within this wall another building, measuring thirty-nine feet by ten, and the whole seems to have been erected with a view to security and strength. A similar mound, though of a smaller size, occurs nearly opposite to the one just described, facing the Irish coast. The positions of both may be seen by referring to the map.
Near Doon Point, on the east side of the island, are the remains of a circle which may be distinctly traced on an elevated piece of ground commanding a good view of the surrounding scenery..png){kind=spacer}
Circle of Stones, Rathlin Island.
An opinion has long existed that these raths or mounds are of Danish origin, but all antiquaries now agree in believing them to have been pagan structures, erected by the Tuath de Danaan and Milesian tribes, and constructed long prior to the first Danish invasion of Ireland. What the object of their erection was, whether as dwellings or sepulchral mounds, is not accurately known; but it is conjectured that they were the fortified residences of the chiefs or kings (for in those rude ages the terms were synonymous), and not unfrequently these ancient forts were found to contain a central subterranean chamber and passages, in all probability for the purposes of security, and to serve as granaries.
A little more than half a century ago, a number of tumuli were opened in a field which had been newly enclosed, a short distance from the shore of Church Bay. Several skeletons were found in rude coffins, composed of slabs of rough stone placed edgewise, with a covering of the same material. In one of these graves was found, together with the remains, a silver fibula of good workmanship, and a number of beads, which were presented to the museum of Trinity College, Dublin. Urns, containing ashes and calcined bones, were in several instances placed close to the graves, and a number of brazen spear-heads were dug up in different parts of the field. The urns were of baked clay, with various patterns wrought on them; they were circular in form, and very similar in appearance to one which was found in a tumulus near Dublin, a few years ago. It was extremely difficult to preserve them entire, as they were generally broken, or fell to pieces in the attempt to remove them from the earth. Over