locality, as well as the capability of the workmen in regard to the use of them, are seldom taken into account.
In this respect our buildings of the early ages present us with fine examples of simple constructive arrangement, being almost always erected with the materials of the locality, to which the design is made subservient: and hence we see a homogeneous effect and local adaptation which greatly enhance the general beauty of these structures. So in regard to the buildings of greater antiquity: in those ruins which have long survived the wear of time, simplicity of construction, and an adaptation of the design to the locality, as well as to the materials with which they are built, are strikingly characteristic. The antiquary may derive most profitable information from the distinguishing characters of the different rocks, and may thence frequently determine the age and other circumstances connected with the erection of the structure he is investigating, more accurately than by tradition and imperfect records. Uniformity of materials or other peculiarity in churches, &c., as compared with that which is found elsewhere, may, with collateral circumstances, determine facts otherwise obscure. The nature of the stone employed in many of the ancient structures originated in later erections, where the same stone was not available, a kind of ornament varying from that which the antiquary would expect or could otherwise account for—a variance at once explained by the difference of materials used in the later structure and that from which it was borrowed." Pp. 6, 10.
To our readers the most attractive portion of the work will naturally be the ancient architecture of Ireland. The subject is treated in chronological order, commencing with the earliest efforts of constructive skill, as displayed in the monolithal monuments, or pillar-stones, circles, cromlechs, and sepulchral remains; amongst these we recognise none equal in magnitude to the noble temples of Avebury and Stonehenge, but large circular enclosures, forts, and moats are described as existing in great numbers, and some very curiously designed examples are noticed. Amongst these we cannot omit to refer to the New Grange, a large subterraneous chamber, of which a plan and section are given; it is considered to have been a sepulchral monument of a very remote age, and consists of a large conical mound occupying an area of about an acre. This mound is composed of an immense assemblage . of stones, covered on the surface with earth, and is now overgrown with trees. In the centre of this mound, and nearly level with the natural surface of the soil, is a bold but rudely domed chamber, of very primitive construction; the height of it is about twenty feet; it is formed by the inward inclination of large horizontally bedded stones, the sides being composed of very large upright blocks. The chamber is approached by a passage about sixty feet in length, formed by upright stones and covered by large horizontally disposed slabs, which make a rude kind of ceiling; this passage is about three feet wide by four to six feet high. Such is the famous New Grange, of which Mr. Wilkinson has given the most accurate representation yet published[1]. Several of these large tumuli occur in the same
- ↑ An interesting description of this remarkable monument has recently been given to the public by an intelligent Prussian traveller, Kohl, in his Tour in Ireland.
