SWORDS is 6 m. N. of the capital, on the great northern road, and contains several specimens of antiquity. See the Castle, of which a large square tower with massy fragments of walls still remains; also the ruins of the Ch., with a round tower 73 feet high and 55 in circumference, in very good preservation. Here also were an Abbey and Nunnery, of which some vestiges may yet be traced. At Brennanston, about 8 m. N.W., see Druidical Cromlech, six upright, and 1 horizontal stone, 14 feet long and 12 broad. Lusk, about 5 m. N., is highly deserving the notice of the antiquary for the curious architecture of its Ch., consisting of two long aisles, separated by a screen of seven arches. The east end only is at present appropriated to public worship; but the west end is remarkable for its square steeple with round towers at three of the corners, whilst opposite to the fourth is a round tower insulated, in very good preservation, and loftier than the others. About 3 m. W. on a rising ground near to the bay of Mallahide, is a curious old Castle, pleasantly situated on a rising ground, surrounded by fine timber, commanding a most extensive and beautiful view of the coast, together with a good prospect over the adjacent country; said to have been either built, or to have received considerable repairs and additions, in the reign of Edward IV. Latterly it has been solely used as a family mansion, but formerly as a place of defence. The edifice is large, irregular, and unequal in its height; it is nearly square, and has an area or court within. The entrance is on the east front, by a flight of stone steps; and the hall is large, its ancient appearance corresponding well with the outside. There are ten rooms on a floor; one of which, a parlour, is wainscoted with oak, which presents a curious specimen of antique carving. The lower story is vaulted, founded on a limestone rock, and contains the servants' offices. MINERALS. Crystals:--near Robs Well. Coal slate, full of sulphur mixed with micaceous stones:--at Portrain. Copper ore:--near Castle Knock, Cloghran, Rathbeal, &c. _Gypsum striatum_, answers every purpose of plaster of Paris, and is found in several places. Iron manifests its presence in a coarse reddish earth:--at Turvey. On the S.E. coast of Lough Shinney, between Rush and Skerries, there are large rocks of the _Lapis Hibernicus_, or Irish slate, which in some places exhibit a vitriolic efflorescence. Lead ore:--in the quarry near Stephen's Green; at the Black rock; and at Cloghran Church. Limestone, hard, veined with quartz, impregnated with ferruginous matter, and full of crystallizations:--at Howth. Limestone quarries:--at Malahide. Pearls are sometimes discovered in the Poolbeg oysters. BOTANY. _Agaricus alneus_, Alder Agaric:--in woods. _Alchemilla vulgaris_, Common Ladies Mantle:--in Closes between Glassmanogue and Finglass.