anks of thick wood. In
another place they are formed into a large shrubbery, very elegantly laid
out, and dressed in the highest order, with a cottage, the scenery about
which is uncommonly pleasing: and farther on this vale takes a stronger
character, having a rocky bank on one side, and steep slopes scattered
irregularly, with wood on the other. On one of the most rising grounds
in the park is a tower, from the top of which the whole scenery is
beheld; the park spreads on every side in fine sheets of lawn, kept in
the highest order by eleven hundred sheep, scattered over with rich
plantations, and bounded by a large margin of wood, through which is a
riding.

From hence took the road to Summerhill, the seat of the Right Hon. H. L.
Rowley. The country is cheerful and rich; and if the Irish cabins
continue like what I have hitherto seen, I shall not hesitate to
pronounce their inhabitants as well off as most English cottagers. They
are built of mud walls eighteen inches or two feet thick, and well
thatched, which are far warmer than the thin clay walls in England. Here
are few cottars without a cow, and some of them two. A bellyful
invariably of potatoes, and generally turf for fuel from a bog. It is
true they have not always chimneys to their cabins, the door serving for
that and window too. If their eyes are not affected with the smoke, it
may be an advantage in warmth. Every cottage swarms with poultry, and
most of them have pigs.

Went in the evening to Lord Mornington's at Dangan, who is making many
improvements, which he showed me. His plantations are extensive, and he
has formed a large water, having five or six islands much varied, and
promontories of high land shoot so far into it as to form almost distant
lakes; the effect pleasing. There are above a hundred acres under water,
and his lordship has planned a considerable addition to it. Returned to
Summerhill.

June 29. Left it, taking the road to Slaine, the country very pleasant
all the way; much of it on the banks of the Boyne, variegated with some
woods, planted hedgerows, and gentle hills. The cabins continue much the
same, the same plenty of poultry, pigs, and cows. The cattle in the road
have their fore legs all tied together with straw to keep them from
breaking into the fields; even sheep, and pigs, are all in the same
bondage.

Lord Conyngham's seat, Slaine Castle, on the Boyne, is one of the most
beautiful places I have seen; the