far more
probable explanation of their name "Chretiens" is to be found in the fact
that in medieval times all lepers were known as _pauperes Christi_, and
that, Goths or not, these Cagots were affected in the middle ages with a
particular form of leprosy or a condition resembling it. Thus would arise
the confusion between Christians and Cretins. To-day their descendants are
not more subject to goitre and cretinism than those dwelling around them,
and are recognized by tradition and not by features or physical degeneracy.
It was not until the French Revolution that any steps were taken to
ameliorate their lot, but to-day they no longer form a class, but have been
practically lost sight of in the general peasantry.

See Francisque Michel, _Histoire des races maudites de France et d'Espagne_
(Paris, 1846); Abbe Venuti, _Recherches sur les Cahets de Bordeaux_ (1754);
_Bulletins de la societe anthropologique_ (1861, 1867, 1868, 1871);
_Annales medico-psychologiques_ (Jan. 1867); Lagneau, _Questionnaire sur
l'ethnologie de la France_; Paul Raymond, _Moeurs bearnaises_ (Pau, 1872);
V. de Rochas, _Les Parias de France et d'Espagne (Cagots et Bohemiens)_
(Paris, 1877); J. Hack Tuke, _Jour. Anthropological Institute_ (vol. ix.,
1880).

CAHER (or CAHIR), a market-town of Co. Tipperary, Ireland, in the south
parliamentary division, beautifully situated on the river Suir at the foot
of the Galtee Mountains. Pop. (1901) 2058. It stands midway between Clonmel
and Tipperary town on the Waterford and Limerick line of the Great Southern
and Western railway, 124 m. S.W. from Dublin. It is the centre of a rich
agricultural district, and there is some industry in flour-milling. Its
name (_cathair_, stone fortress) implies a high antiquity and the site of
the castle, picturesquely placed on an island in the river, was occupied
from very early times. Here was a fortress-palace of Munster, originally
called _Dun-iasgach_, the suffix signifying "abounding in fish." The
present castle dates from 1142, being built by O'Connor, lord of Thomond,
and is well restored. It was besieged during the wars of 1599 and 1647, and
by Cromwell. Among the fine environs of the town the demesne of Caher Park
is especially noteworthy. The Mitchelstown stalactite caverns, 10 m. S.W.,
and the finely-placed Norman castle of Ardfinnan, on a precipitous crag 6
m. down the Suir, are other neighbouring features of interest, while the
Galtee Mountains, reaching in Galtymo