Irish glass is far tougher and stronger than any other, hence its wonderful survival even when in constant use. It takes a severe blow to break it, or even chip it, and I have seen solid pieces fall on a hard floor without being any the worse, beyond "singing" loudly. It has a wonderful elasticity, and actually bounces in a way that I have never found in any other glass. Some time ago the ring securing a large and valuable chandelier to the ceiling of one of my rooms gave way, with the result that the chandelier fell to the ground from a height of twelve or fifteen feet. It was, of course, broken with the fall from such a height, but the centre pendant, a large solid lump of lead glass, weighing 9 lbs., had not been shattered in the least, _though the force of the fall had flattened its point_. THE FEEL OF IRISH GLASS. Irish glass does not feel harsh or cold like most English or foreign, but gives a sense of soft warmth to the touch. There is something of the same distinction as between porcelain and earthenware, though not nearly to such a marked extent. One has to acquire a knowledge of it by experience; and though the tyro may at first perceive little or no variation between the feel of Irish and English glass, if he will cultivate his sense of touch by handling authenticated pieces of both varieties, he will soon find that there is a small but perfectly distinguishable difference between them. THE RING OF IRISH GLASS. I must make special mention of the ring of Irish glass, as this is an important point. All British glass has a clear, definite, bright ring, but to anyone with a musical ear it will be interesting to listen to the peculiar throb in Irish glass, not so much a ring as a rich throb, sometimes (particularly in large pieces) like a vibrato between two notes. I do not say that you get this in all Irish glass, only in the greater part of it. No one, for instance, would expect a candlestick to ring or a salt-cellar, or a thick shallow piece heavily cut. Jugs, as a rule, also have a special dislike to displaying their voices, so, naturally, people must use their discernment. DIFFERENCE IN THE RING OF OTHER GLASS. This peculiar ring of Irish glass is not to be found in glass of alien origin. The foreign copies are quite different. Sometimes they will not ring at all, especially the wine glasses; the better ones give a sound of sorts, but it is very dead, and, if carefully listened to, the note is never true, just a little flat, quite unlike the "singing Waterford." =FAKES= These are innumerable, and belong to all periods, old and modern, since Irish glass first became popular.