circumstance which opens a wide field of conjecture as to date and origin. MOUNTMELLICK, 6 m. N.E. of Maryborough, is a pretty little village, perfectly in unison with its inhabitants who are Quakers. Near it see Ballyfinn, a modern house of the Rt. Hon. W. W. Pole: fine lake; noble lawns; elegant apartments; well wooded demesne; and most extensive prospects. See ruins of Cloneslee and Cuffe Castles; also freestone quarry at Rosenallis. MOUNTRATH, 7 m. W. of Maryborough; pleasant little village on the Nore, with good river scenery. From hence the picturesque or geological tourist may visit the mountains of Slieve Boomy, or Bloom, in the N.W. PORTARLINGTON, 9 m. N.E., stands partly in King's County, (where it has been noticed,) large, populous, and genteel. At Ballybrittas, ruins of Castle, demolished by Cromwell; with numerous country seats in vicinity; particularly Dawson's Grove, residence of Lord Portarlington. Near this town, see Lea Castle, famous in the wars of the 13th century, and standing on a rising ground. This edifice manifests the strength that was given to these dens; for its walls are 8 feet thick in some places, in others 10. It was 60 feet long, 46 feet broad; its arches all circular except one pointed one. The river Barrow secured one side, and filled the ditches of the other; so that it was only approachable by a narrow causeway 100 feet in length, a good defence before the introduction of artillery. See ruins of Morit Castle near Emo, in a wild valley, intersected by a rivulet. MINERALS. Coal and iron ore in Slewmargy; Chalybeate Spa, near Portarlington. BOTANY. Yet unexplored. ROSCOMMON. A small inland county, not remarkable for grandeur of scenery, consisting principally of rich, extensive pasturage, intermixed with considerable masses of bog. There are some pretty views on the banks of the Shannon, which forms its eastern boundary. For the mineralogist there is little to interest, as its basis throughout is almost one continued sheet of limestone. Bounded E. by the Shannon; S. by Galway; W. by Mayo; N. by Sligo; N.E. by Leitrim.