Statistical Survey of the County of Meath

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Doctor Beaufort's drainage experiment near Collon

   Collon · town · Louth · 1797–1800

   Doctor Beaufort successfully drained a wet, rushy field on his farm near Collon using small stone-filled drains combined with a mole plough, transforming previously unusable ground into productive land within a few years. The improved field produced a more abundant crop by 1800 despite an extremely dry season.

   Read the passage

   On grafs lands, that are dot to be broken up for a length of time, drains are made a foot wide, and eighteen inches deep, on the loweft parts of the ground, and at certain diflances parallel to each other* On the declivity of rifing grounds, thefe are filled, level to the furface of the earth, with loofe ftones, through which the water from the furface runs to the mata drains. In fome inftances, thefe ferve the double purpofe of furface and under draining. I w&s. witseis to the good effeA of drains made in this manner, on a field belonging to Doftor Beaufort, fituatcon a rifing ground, part of his farm near CoUon. I had knowant in a coarfe ruftiy ftate, and fo very wet, -that he was under the neceflity of withdrawing all the cattle irom it during the winter months, to prevent its beiiig poached; upon enquiry he informed me, that he had made fmall drains obliquely on the hill, parallel. to

   each

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 52

2. Girly's Woods Felled by Sir Benjamin Chapman

   Girley · townland · Meath · 1790–1802

   Girly, one of the finest feeding grounds in the barony of Lune, was remarkably well wooded until the trees were cut down within recent years by Sir Benjamin Chapman, Bart. New shoots were springing up and, if protected, promised to restore its beauty.

   Read the passage

   In the northern part of the barooy» from Athboy towards Naraa and Kells, there are fome of as fine feeding grounds, (viz. Drewftowng Girly, Fordftown^ Chamberlsuoftown, &c. &c.) as any in the county. Theie chiefly confift of a deep rich loam, upon a gra* velly bottom; Gbly was remarkably well wooded, nndl the trees were cut down^ within thefe few years, by Sir Benjamin Chapo^ap, Bart.; but if the young (hoots, now fpringing up^ are properly proteAed, they will fbortly prefent a beautiful appearance, and prove a coofideraUe orffament to that part of the country, now (b deftitute of wood.

   This part of Lune has a good deal of marie in the bottoms, of which great and profitable ufe has been made for fome time paft. Somewhat more than half the barony is grazed. Lvne, by the docket, contains 1 5*019 acres.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 13

3. Headfort Demesne Plantations by Earl of Bective

   Headfort · townland · Kerry

   The late Earl of Bective planted an immense number of trees on the demesne of Headfort, which generally succeeded well, though some died from lack of thinning.

   Read the passage

   The late Earl of Beftive planted an immenfity on the demefne of Headfort ; his plantations, in general, have fucceeded remarkably well ; numbers have, however, died for want of thinning, and adnuttmg the free drculation of air through them. Larch, planted by him, would now fquare ten inches, for a length of twerity feet.

   The plantations of the Earl of Flngal are very extenCve, although yet in their infancy ; they feem to thrive remarkably well, and are certainly laid out with much more tafte and judgment than the laft mentioned. Lord Tarah's are ftill more extended, and fomewhat more forward 5 they ihew what effcft care and atten- R 2 tiott

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

4. Navan as the County's Greatest Corn Market

   Navan · town · Meath · 1795–1801

   Navan is identified as the greatest corn market in Meath, with grain prices there running lower than Drogheda due to the added cost of carriage between the two towns via the Boyne canal.

   Read the passage

   The prices of corn, in this county, arc regulated by Drogheda market; all kinds of grain felling at Navan, which is the greateft com market in this county, by the amount of the carriage, lower than they fell ifl^ Drogheda; fo that it has become a trade with th^' owners of luggage-boats, plying on the Boyne canal, to buy corn in Natan market, and fend it to Drogheda in their boats, which muft otherwife ply to Drogheda with ballaft. When cora is riixog, this is a profitable trade, but, when £aUiag| it is the contrary.

   Corn generally advances 10 price, fr4Dm the latter <md --of February, until towards the enfuing hanreft.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Navan in Meath, the greatest corn market in the county. Grain sells here lower than in Drogheda, where county prices are set, the difference being the cost of carriage between the two towns by way of the Boyne canal. Owners of luggage-boats working that canal made a trade of buying corn at Navan and sending it down to Drogheda, profitable when corn was rising but not when it was falling. Corn generally rose in price from the latter end of February until the harvest came in.

5. Bishop of Meath's neat field gates at Ardbraccan

   Ardbraccan · townland · Meath

   The field-gates built by the late Bishop of Meath at Ardbraccan exceeded any Thompson had seen in the county in neatness and simplicity, made of twelve stones each, with the advantage of a quarry located on the Bishop's own demesne.

   Read the passage

   Quicks fhould be chofen clean and fmooth in the bark, four or five years old, well rooted, and| if poffible, once tranlplanted. Where ftone is tolerably convenient, piers are frequently met with, hut in places, at any confiderable diftance from a quarry, a wooden poll or an a(h tree muft ferve. The Meflrs. Roth wells build their piers of two parallel walls, with a reveal in each, the depth of the thicknefe of the gate poft, and fay, that a ditch can be brought better to the back of it than to*a fquare pier^ others build theirs half round, the flat fide of each pier n^xt the ditch for the like purpofe^ but the field-gates built by the late bi(hop of Meath at Ardbraccan, in point of neatnefs and fimpU* city, exceed any thing I have few 'm the county; certainly the advantages were great, in having the quarry on his LordAiip's demefne, but to a perfoQ r^fiding at a diftance, that would be only the difference of the carriage. They are each compofcd of twelve ftones, every two making a courfe of work, one foot high and two feet fquare, and the piers and iron gates may, I tlupk^ even at the prefent price of iron, be had for

   about

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 30

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here at Ardbraccan, the late Bishop of Meath built field-gates that a surveyor named Thompson thought exceeded anything he had seen in the county for neatness and simplicity. Each gate was made of twelve stones, every two stones forming a course one foot high and two feet square. The Bishop had a great advantage, since the quarry sat right on his own demesne, though as Thompson noted, for someone living at a distance that would only be the difference of the carriage. The piers and iron gates could, even at the present price of iron, be had for about a reasonable sum. The surrounding passage discusses how quicks for hedging should be chosen clean and smooth in the bark, four or five years old, well rooted, and if possible once transplanted. Where stone is convenient, piers are frequently met with, but in places at any considerable distance from a quarry, a wooden poll or an ash tree must serve. Some builders, the Messrs. Roth, build their piers of two parallel walls with a reveal in each, and say a ditch can be brought better to the back of it than to a square pier.

6. Carmelite convent founded at Athboy

   Athboy · town · Meath · 1318

   In 1318, William de Londres, Lord of Athboy, founded a convent of Carmelites there, though scarce any traces of it remain at present.

   Read the passage

   In 1318, "William de Londres, Lord of Athboy, founded there a conveht of Carmelites; fcarce any traces of it remain at prefent. About this time alfo, Francis Feipo, Lord of Skreeo, founded there (Skreen) a friary, which he dedicated to St. Auguftin.

   In the year 1406, a parliament was called in Dublin,

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

7. Coal Landed at Slane Quay via the Boyne Canal

   Slane · townland · Meath · 1800–1802

   The quay of Slane is described as a nearly central location for the county, used for landing coal brought up the Boyne canal, illustrating the advantage of water carriage in supplying fuel to the interior of the county in exchange for corn sent downriver.

   Read the passage

   cffeftj vmdd be of ttoft fingukr advantage to the poor» for the purpofe of buying coal whilft at a dietp rate» and retailing it at fome fiaall advance^ merely to defray the expence of landings meafnxing^ &C on the quay of Slane^ which is as nearly as may be a central iCtu^tioa, Thus, in this one inftance, may we percdve what has been mentioned in a former part of this work^ of what peculiar advantage water-carriage is to the interior of a coui^ry, conveying from it the redundancy ci its 4^oduce, and» in return^ fupplpng it vdth fud, from which a power of fertilizing the foii is rendered eafyt through the medium of lime. Upwards of 10,000 barrels of corn have been fent by the canal to Drogheda this feafon, whtdi proves at once the fertfr lity of our county, and ^ increale of omr inietiof trade.

   CHAP.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 79

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Slane there was a quay where coal was landed after being brought up the Boyne canal. The quay was described as nearly central for the county, and coal bought cheap was retailed at a small advance merely to cover the expense of landing and measuring. The writer saw this as proof of how much water carriage benefited the interior of a county, carrying off the redundancy of its produce and supplying fuel in return, from which the soil could be fertilized through the medium of lime. Upwards of 10,000 barrels of corn were sent by the canal to Drogheda that season, which he said proved at once the fertility of the county and the increase of its inland trade.

8. Copper mine worked on Walterstown lands

   Walterstown · townland · Meath

   On the lands of Walterstown, the estate of Nathaniel Preston of Swainstown, miners worked a rich copper ore mixed with hexagonal quartz prisms; Sir John Dillon, Charles Dillon and Nathaniel Preston formed an experimental company to explore the mine.

   Read the passage

   Jn this barony, on part of the lands of Walterftown, the cftate of Nathaniel Prefton of Swainftown, Efq*

   there

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 10

9. Copper vein worked toward the Boyne in Duleek barony

   Duleek · town · Meath

   The vein of copper ore running from Walterstown northeast toward the Boyne was also worked with varying success on the estates of Sir Marcus Somerville and Gustavus Lambart in Duleek barony, though miners were suspected of not dealing fairly with their employers.

   Read the passage

   TWs vein of copper ore runs from Walterftown fa a north-eaft dire^on towards the Boyne, and has been worked with various fuccds upon ' the eftate 6f Sir Marcus Somerville, Bart and on that of Guftavus Lambart, Efq. in Duleek barony, by miners, who, it is fuppofed, did not do juftice to their employers ; and hence, though the quality of the ore was found equal to any in Great Britain, and fuperior to many, yet from ibme fatality, ever attendant op, the generality of VQ!^ of this nature in Irdand, it has lain negieAed»

   when * Appendix, No. 7.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 10

10. Description of Augher's landscape and soil

    near Augher · town · Tyrone · 1800

    John Pratt Winter describes Augher and adjoining lands as an elevated tract separating the regions of the Boyne and Liffey, with numerous springs and a strong deep loam soil, though variable, with some low ground too clayey and moory, abounding in rushes.

    Read the passage

    Aughetj and fbme of the adjoinhig lands, are part of tn elevated traA, which feparates what may be called . the re^otis of the Boyne and LifFey; the ftreams^ which take their rife here, running in oppofite direc^' tionSj north-weftward to the former, and fouth-eaftward to the latter fiver. Nuriierous fprings fupply a fuffidency of water for all the common nfefol pur* pofes 'f while, from the high level of the land, and. fall from it each* way, whatever is fuperfluous is eafily carried off. The furface is pleafingly diverfified with hills, not indeed very lofty or piAurefque, but contri« buting much both to ufe and ornament, and, being for the mod part of very gradual afcent, fcarcely obftru£ling, in any degree, the operations of tillage. The fitu-» ation, therefore, may be regarded as in no fmall degree favourable, and, I prefume, likewife healthy.

    The foil, in general, I take to be what is termed a Urong, deep loam. Its quality, however, is variable ; in fome places being more open and gravelly, but oftener, I think, defeftive, from being too ftiff and clayey ; as in low grounds particularly, and wherever there is not. a quick fall for the water, is very apparent ^ thofe places generally abounding in rulhes, and other kinds of coarfe plants, occafioned by the coldnefs of the foil too retentive of wet. In fome of the bottoms, the foil is of that black, moory kind^ Which feems to have been depofited by the overflow^

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 96

11. Edward Kearney's embankment improvement

    Meath · county · Meath · 1790–1802

    Mr. Edward Kearney improved one of his farms by embanking a stream that had previously flooded and rendered a large tract of bottom-land useless during winter months. He straightened and widened the streambed to accommodate floods, using the excavated material to form the embankment.

    Read the passage

    The principal embankment^ to be found in the county, is on the Borora river^ in its courie through the marflies of Rofinin and £mla> where the above objec*- tions exift to a great degree. Some hints^ likely tgi tend to the improvement of thelib marflies^ are fug-i^ gefted in a former part of this work, under the bead q{ Soil and Sufface of Kelts Barony. Mr. Edward Kearney hais o^ade a gr^at improvement on one of hit farms, by embanking a ftream, which heretofore was of infinite injury to it, by overflowing, and rendering totally ufelefs, during the winter months, an extqafive U'aA of bottom-land. The plan be adopted was» to make the bed of the ftream ftraight, and to widen it, fb as to leave fufEdent room for the greateft floods to flow without oppofition : the ftuC» taken from the bed of the river, formed the embankment.

    I am informed this plan has fucceeded according to his utmoft expeftation.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, this is a county where land improvement was taken seriously around 1790. Edward Kearney made a great improvement on one of his farms by embanking a stream that had done infinite injury, overflowing and rendering a large tract of bottom-land totally useless during the winter months. His plan was to straighten the stream bed and widen it, so as to leave sufficient room for the greatest floods to flow without opposition. The stuff taken from the bed of the river formed the embankment. The plan succeeded according to his utmost expectation.

12. Oldcastle's Monday market, the greatest for yarn in the county

    Oldcastle · town · Meath

    The market at Oldcastle, held on Monday, was by far the greatest in the county for yarn, particularly the finer kind, and since Mr. Henry's Ballinagana mills were erected, wheat was sown more frequently in that part of the country.

    Read the passage

    Oidca/He. This market is held on Monday, «Bd is by far the greateft in Ae county, for yarn, jwu^icularly of the finer -kind; there is but litde other buiinefs done at it, although, iince the eredion of the Ballinaganay mills by Mr. Henry, be io^Mrmed me, that ivheat is more frequently fown in that port of the country than formerly. It is a plentifel ttealmarket, and well fcrppKed vitfa 'potatoes, 9cc.

    ilane. There is a very inconfiderable market hdd Jiere on Thurfiiay, which anfes from its trontigittty to iJrogheda, Navan, and )^ells, irotwMiftanfing the laudable exertions df Lord t^onyngham, iviioSe endeavours for the public good are tmoeafing.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 83

13. Paper manufactory near Navan run by Mr. McDonnell

    Navan · town · Meath

    Mr. McDonnell operated a paper manufactory near Navan, initially producing coarser paper but later succeeding in manufacturing writing-paper as well.

    Read the passage

    Mr..M<Donnell has a m^^nufa^bory n^r Navtn^ for the coarser kinds of paper, which fuccec^isd very wcU^ of late he manufaAures writing-paper. Mr. Cpxon, a^ EnglUh gentleman, is now efeAing a co«ton-mill on the Boyne, below Navan, on a fite belonging to th^ Boyne canaly very favourable to its extenfion, which, if it li^cceeds, will give employment to ibme hundreds of poor duldren, at preient brought up in habits of idlenefst

    for

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, this was where Mr. McDonnell ran a paper manufactory. He started with the coarser kinds of paper, which succeeded well, and later began manufacturing writing-paper too.

14. Picturesque views along the Boyne at Slane and other estates

    Slane · townland · Meath

    The author praises the scenic views along the banks of the Boyne, naming Slane, Beaupark, Farm, Oldbridge, Newtown, Bective, Rathnally, Balinter, and Black-castle as sites whose beauty need not yield to any in the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    together with the rapid improvement in the public roads> from the laudable exertions of the Grand jury, contribute, in no fmall degree, to render it a country, alike fit for the cultivator, manufaAurer, and mechanic. . From the level afpeft, which the country prefents^ it is not confidered as affording lb many pifturefquc views as other counties of Ireland, through which the natural advantages of bill and dale are more generally interfperfed; yet, even in this point, it cannot^ confidered as totally deficient, or even uninterefling : whoever is acquainted with the banks of the Boyne, muft acknowledge the truth of this afTertion ; the views of Slane, Beaupark, Farm, Oldbridge, Newtown, Beftive, Rathnally, Balinter, Black-cafUe, Ardf^Uagh, &c. I believe, need not yield in beauty to many in the kingdom. The grand and highly improved manfions of many refideat ' noblemen and gentlemen befpeak its prefent opulence ; whilfl: the number of caflles in ruin denote the pitch of grandeur it enjoyed, even in the oarlieft periods. A flranger, viewing the towers, abbeys, and monafteries difperfed throughout the county, would be inclined to exclaim, " This was the land of femts indeed '" And from the number of thefe religious foundations, and the remains of towns or villages near each, arifes a fair conclufion, that the population of Meath, in ages far remote, was very confiderable indeed!

    Sect.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the banks of the Boyne open up views that the author of the Statistical Survey of the County of Meath thought need not yield in beauty to many in the kingdom. He named Slane, Beaupark, Farm, Oldbridge, Newtown, Bective, Rathnally, Balinter, and Black-castle among the spots worth seeing along the river. Meath was not generally reckoned picturesque, being mostly level ground rather than hill and dale, but the Boyne made up for it. The same writer noted the grand improved mansions of resident noblemen and gentlemen as signs of present opulence, while ruined castles pointed to grandeur from earlier times. Towers, abbeys, and monasteries scattered throughout the county led him to write that "this was the land of saints indeed," and from those religious foundations and the remains of towns near each, he concluded that the population of Meath in ages far remote was very considerable.

15. Proposal for a house of industry funded by Navan commons

    Navan · town · Meath

    Thompson suggests that if the commons were enclosed and let for public charity, such as a house of industry for the barony, the profits would support the barony's poor in comfort and prevent idle begging.

    Read the passage

    It would be well for the country, if the whole of the commons were enclofed,* and let for the benefit of fome public charity, fuppofe a houfe of induftry, for the barony, in which the commons lie : with very little affiftance from the county, and the profits of thefe commons, I am confident the barony would fupport their own poor in comfort, and in the habits of induf^ try; and the idea of fiich ah cflablifhment would prevent many idly inclined perfons from walking about begging, who at prefent have no other way of maintaining themfelves. There are fome other commons of fmall extent, that might be turned to fome public account in the fame manner, under proper regulations.

    There is hardly any part of the county of Meath, occupied by farmers holding fifty acres and under that quantity, that can be. faid to be well fenced 5 thofe cuts, which they term ditches, being feldom fufficient for any other purpofe, than merely to mark the boundary

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, this town gives its name to a proposal made in a survey of County Meath. The writer, Thompson, suggested that if the commons here were enclosed and let for public charity, the profits could fund a house of industry for the barony. He was confident that with very little help from the county, the barony could support its own poor "in comfort, and in the habits of industry." He believed the very idea of such an establishment would stop many idle persons from walking about begging, who at present had no other way to maintain themselves. He added that other small commons could be turned to the same public account under proper regulations.

16. Waste Ground on the Canal Bank Redeveloped at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    A stretch of wasteland on the canal bank at Navan, part of the estate of Skeffington Thompson, had been damaged by stone-quarrying and flooded by the Boyne in winter. It was let to Mr. Codd of Navan, who built two houses and let sites for nine more, dramatically raising its value.

    Read the passage

    One drcumftance, which came immediately under «iy own knowledge, will fervc to exeibpllfy the rapid rife on the value of land. A part of the banks of the canal at Navan, the eftate ot Skeffington Thompfotf, Efq. had been broken up by (Ju^f rying ftoncs, and in winter the river Boyne c6ntinually flotxicd it formerly. This lot of wafte ground he let to Mr.Codd of N*. van, who built thereon two hdufes,. and let fites for nine more. The ground (ot a twelfth w^s latiely 1^ for five pounds per aotmin more^ ih^n he paid for the whole holding.

    As canals extend into the country, their advantages

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Navan now, in Meath. A stretch of waste ground along the canal bank here was part of the estate of Skeffington Thompson. Stone-quarrying had torn it up, and the river Boyne flooded it every winter. Thompson let it to a Mr. Codd of Navan, who built two houses on it and let sites for nine more. A twelfth of the ground was lately let for five pounds a year more than Codd had paid for the whole holding.

17. William Waller's Oak and Fir Rows

    Meath · county · Meath · 1772–1802

    The late William Waller planted oak and spruce fir in rows about thirty years before, with two fir trees between each oak; his son was now cutting the firs for good prices while leaving the oaks standing, a practice considered excellent.

    Read the passage

    The late. William Waller, Efq. about thirty years fimzG^ planted oak and Jpmce fir; in rows, two fir trees betweenieacb oaki tfaefe £r trees his fon b now cut*^ ^ng^ and felling, at the. rate of from half a guinea to fixteen ihiUin^ each, and leaving the oak3 Aandiog, wlikh were drawn up more quickly by the fir trees, Abu they woidd have been, were they planted by th^nidws; this iscolifidered am excellent prafiice.

    Copfc is cftpfflncd: moft profitable at the age of twelve or fourteen years> asL their prodoce can. then be turned to greater, accoupt, for ribs^ gate-'fiats^ cribs, rakes-handles, Bcc^, than, at any period - prior or lub« ieqnent thereto.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Meath, this was woodland country for the Waller family. About 30 years before the survey, the late William Waller planted oak and spruce fir in rows, with two fir trees between each oak. His son is now cutting and selling the firs at prices from half a guinea to sixteen shillings each, and leaving the oaks standing. The fir trees drew the oaks up more quickly than they would have grown alone, and the practice is considered excellent. Coppice is most profitable at twelve or fourteen years, when its produce can be turned to greater account for gate-flats, cribs, rake-handles and such like than at any other time.

18. Extinct Baron of Screen, died reign of Henry IV

    Skreen · townland · Meath · 1399–1413

    The appendix lists Thomas Maxward as Baron of Skreen, noted as extinct, who died in the reign of Henry IV, among a list of extinct baronies in Meath drawn from old records.

    Read the passage

    Thomas l|Iaxward# Baron of, Skr^ifii^aiuio^t Hw. IV. John Cufadc, Baron of Qonmullen, obnt in anna

    MITety Baron of Lune, extinft in anno 1273.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here was the seat of Thomas Maxward, Baron of Skreen. He held the title in the reign of Henry IV, from 1399 to 1413, and by the time old records were compiled the barony was listed as extinct.

19. Fort of Odder Planted by Sir John Dillon

    Odder · townland · Meath

    The fort of Odder, also planted by Sir John Dillon, was in a most flourishing state with Scotch fir trees that had been pruned with much judgment, thriving better than the Lismullen plantations due to more favorable soil.

    Read the passage

    " Upon a former occafion, I reported to the Society the (late of thofe plantations, for the planting and enclofing of which the proprietors received premiums. The two forts, planted by the Hon, Sir John Dillon, near LifmuUen, containing about three acres, are in a very thriving ftate, although from the elevated fitnation, and the very great aridity of the foil, they have not made as great a progrefs in growth as they would have done, had their fituation been lefs expofed. The fort of Odder, planted alfo by Sir John Dillon, is in a doft flouriftiing ftate j the trees in it are principally Scotch fir, and have lately been pruned with much judgment; as the fituation and foil are more congenial to the growth of trees, their fize is greater in proportion, and their appearance more healthy, than thofe planted on the forts near LifmuUen, Thofe trees planted on the fort of Ramevin, by Sir John Dillon, have thriven much better than thofe planted by Mr. Lynch, on the fame fort, the fame year. But this may be eafily accounted for, by marks of cattle appearing through Mr. Lynches part, whereas Sir John Dillon ha$ in this, as in all his other plantations, been fcru-

    puloui^y

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

20. Kells Barony Roads Kept in Good Repair by Active Conservator

    Kells · town · Meath

    The author notes that road conservators appointed in various baronies generally made little difference to road quality, but singles out the barony of Kells, whose conservator Captain Molloy was extremely active and successful in his duties.

    Read the passage

    firft to IpoU it again in this way, by holding the water on its fuifa^e; and though we have, in fome baronies, perfbns appointed as confervator«, there is fcarcely any difference in the roads of their diftrift, from thofe where no fnch ofBcer exifis, becaufe there is no re*- Qk^Bfibility attached to the appointment. Here I muft except the barony oiF Kells, whofe conlervator. Captain MoUoy, is extremely a6Hve, and his exertions are crowned with fuccels.

    The trade of road-johblng is praftifed to fome extent by many of our little farmers, to whofe horfes and cars it gives employment for a month m fummer, to the very great injury of their fallow grounds, which are always neglefted; a preference being given to roadjobbing, rather than working and jnanuring them.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells in County Meath, this was one barony whose roads stood out. A survey of the county noted that in most baronies, appointed conservators made scarcely any difference to road quality, because no responsibility came with the role. The barony of Kells was the exception. Its conservator, Captain Molloy, was described as extremely active, and his exertions were crowned with success. The same survey also observed that many small farmers in the county practised road-jobbing, putting their horses and cars to work on the roads for a month in summer, to the great neglect of their own fallow grounds, which went unmanured as a result.

21. Mr. Harman's fallowing farm in Duleek barony

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1802

    Mr. Harman of Drogheda held a farm in Duleek barony on stiff clay, which he formerly fallowed every third year. After adopting vetches, clover and the drill machine, he changed to fallowing only every fifth year, with better results.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Harman, of Drogheda, has a farm in Duleek barony, which he ufed to fallow (bdng a ftiff clay) every third year j but, by the adoption of vetches, clover, &c. and the ufe of the drill machine, he now fallows only every fifth year, and, he fays, with better effeft, than heretofore he did every third.

    On the whole, the fubjeft of fallows is one, which is of fuch importance in agricultural calculation, that it ippears to me, the fooner it is decided, whether or

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 34

22. Scarce Gross Oak at Loughcrew

    Loughcrew · townland · Meath · 1802

    Gross oak was noted to be scarce in the county generally, but a good deal existed at Loughcrew in Demifore barony, where one tree had recently sold for twenty-five guineas.

    Read the passage

    Elm and afh dmber fells froni two fliillinga to two (hilUngs and fixpence per foot, according as the timber is ftraight or clean ; and oak at from three fiulliogs to three fhillings and fixpence per foot* Grofs oak is very fcarce in this country, fo much fo, that it is often a dif« ficult matter to procure fpokes for cart-wheels. Deal fells by the tree, at perhaps from one to two fliiliings the foot. There is a good (kal of grofs oak at Loughcrew, in Demifore barony ; one tree ibid, witlun tbefe few weeks, for twenty-five giuneas.

    I cannot dofe tJiis chapter, without once more pre£> fing upon the recolleftion of the Society, the neceffity of encouraging the common farmers to plant timbers trees in hedge-rows. This praftice is confidered the moft likely to fucceed, and is beft adapted to the means of the generality of farmers^

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

23. Sir John Dillon's furze plantations near Ratoath and Skreen

    Ratoath · town · Meath

    To supply the deficiency of fuel near Ratoath and Skreen barony and to protect young plantations, Sir John Dillon sowed all the banks of his ditches with French furze seed and directed his tenantry to follow the same practice, protecting hawthorns from cattle while providing fuel.

    Read the passage

    In or4er to fupply the de^ciency of foel, which e»- ifts i« tbr nef^bourhood of U&iuUeA uk ^kreen ba^' r^y, and with a 4?iew i^ward3 pro^efting pla^t^^ao^a of val^, Sir Jol^a |>ilbn has aU the b^k^.of hia

    ditches

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

24. The Boyne's course from Clonard to Drogheda

    Clonard · town · Meath

    The river Boyne divides the county nearly into two equal parts, entering Meath at Clonard and flowing to the sea below Drogheda, offering numberless beautiful views of a luxuriant, highly cultivated countryside.

    Read the passage

    The river Boyne divides the county nearly into two equal parts, running from fouth-weft to north-eaft. From its entrance into Meath at Clonard, to the fea below Dirogheda, it furnMbea numberlefs beautiful

    views.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Clonard, where the river Boyne enters County Meath. It runs from southwest to northeast, dividing the county nearly into two equal parts. From here all the way to the sea below Drogheda, the Boyne gives what the survey calls "numberless beautiful views" of cultivated countryside.

25. Bere cultivation near Navan distillery yards

    Navan · town · Meath · 1802

    In the deep rich loams around Navan, within reach of dung from the distiller's yard, bere was often sown after barley or oats on highly manured stubble, and potato ground fetched immense prices there due to poor demand.

    Read the passage

    Bere is leldom Town in grounds, that have been fal- |owed« except in bottom land; thofe are generally cropped with wheats as producing the fureft profit. In the deep rich loams about Navan, within the reach of dung from the diftiller's yard, bere is often fown after barley or oats, the ftubble being firft highly manured. Thefe grounds are feldom fallowed; when they become dirty, potatoes are found fuffident to cleanfe them of filth, and they are kept in fuch high tilth, and the demand for pc^atoe. ground is fo great amongfl the poor, that they pay inunenfe prices for it; perhaps from eight to ten pounds per acre, when manured for them.

    When barley is fown after a crop of oats, wheat, or bere, the land is twice ploughed; one ploughing is done in November or December, and the other imjpaediatcly previous to the fowing.. When it is fown

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Navan in Meath, the deep rich loams around this town were once prized for growing bere. Around 1802, farmers here seldom fallowed their ground. Within reach of dung from the distiller's yard, they sowed bere after barley or oats, first highly manuring the stubble. When the land grew dirty, potatoes were used to cleanse it of filth. The demand for potato ground among the poor was so great that they paid immense prices for it, perhaps from 8 to 10 pounds per acre when manured for them.

26. Blackwater joins the Boyne at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    The Blackwater river, ranking next in importance to the Boyne, rises in Lough Ramor in County Cavan and falls into the Boyne at Navan, though it is less suited to machinery due to its hilly course.

    Read the passage

    The Blackwater, in point of importance, ranks next to the Boyoe ; it takes its rife in Lough Ramar, in the county of Cavan, and falls into the above-mentioned river at Navan.

    This river alfo boails of many advantages ; but, run-^ ning a great way through rather an hilly part of tho* country, it is not fb calculated for the purpoles of ma* chinery as -the Boyne; its fupply of water, too, is not lb great or regular. The Nanny-water, the Ryewater, and the Moynalty (or Borora river), have eaciv their advantages, which, together with their feverat tributary ftreams, interfedling the country in a variety of direftions, render Meath a county highly favoured by nature, and peculiarly adapted jto die encourage-i^ ment and extension of its agrfcultural produce. Its proximity to the metropolis, and the Drogheda market, the bed for grain in the kingdom, between which and Navan, the principal and central town of the county, the Boyne navigation affords an eafy communicatioa, B a together

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Navan, the Blackwater river meets the Boyne here. The Blackwater ranks next to the Boyne in importance, rising in Lough Ramor in County Cavan and falling into the Boyne at Navan. It runs a great way through rather hilly country, so it is not so calculated for machinery as the Boyne, and its supply of water is not as great or regular. Navan is the principal and central town of the county, and the Boyne navigation affords easy communication between Navan and the Drogheda market, the best for grain in the kingdom.

27. Dangan and Summerhill Demesnes Richly Wooded

    Dangan · townland · Meath

    The demesnes of Dangan and Summerhill are described as richly wooded, with the timber at Summerhill being nearly full grown.

    Read the passage

    tipn t()^plaat^tiQq& yrill produce, eyeipi oa a poor, huqgxy% 4^P> rya ibiL The demefoes of Daogaa and gjfljpmjs?r-hUl aw |^,. richly wpQ^edi> the timber qjii ^Q la«er h m^f^y. full grown. ■ . i /

    ^. The plani;at|o0^-op the demefhea of £3ane aad Beaufparcfe^F cgve^^^i^ytfeif^g, that I have feeo ia the coui^ jfi noj To jBUfclji on? i account of th^ir extent (thou^ .Hyep.in this xcjfp^they ifterit attrition},- as of thi^f J^TWifol.4ifpofif'»W- Tfee riyer Bpynej the rock of fej^r oi^ its bank^i th^ hill and iown of Slane; thf ^r^ l^lp^cjpf ar^ ob^ejfls that few iituations can boaft l>f : in ibort, wb^tevep way we tui^n pur eyes on thefe 4^efpes,..aQ e:aenfiy;9 rand richly planted landfcape jnif^^ftitftlf-,^ .., , . =.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

28. Diocesan School at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1802

    Besides the charter schools, a diocesan school existed at Trim, part of the educational provision in the county overseen by the Bishop.

    Read the passage

    Befide thefe two fchools, there is a diocefan fchool at Trim, and a fchool handfomely endowed at Navanj* and in every parilh the bifliop (whofc care of, and attention to the morals of every the meaneft individual of the diocefe is indefatigable) has infifted, m his vifi-

    tatioo

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, there was a diocesan school here, noted in 1802. It formed part of the educational provision across the county, overseen by the bishop, whose care for the morals of every individual in the diocese was described as indefatigable.

29. Early English oats prized in Drogheda market

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1802

    The early English or Flemish oats, though thicker-rinded and less productive of meal, fetched the highest market price, particularly at Drogheda, from which it was chiefly exported.

    Read the passage

    yet this grain has heretofore brought the higheft price in market, particularly in Drogheda, from whence it is chiefly exported. The quantity of l^eed Town, and produce per acre, the fame as the white rioUand; yet the early Englifh fliould have a richer and deeper foil.

    I'he Hambro oats, commonly called the amber, is generally grown on the poor exhaufted foils of the county, is very hardy, does not require to be fown fb early, and mult be let to ripen fully before it is cut; the ftraw is not either fo long, or fo ftfong, but its rind is much thinner than the early Englifh, and al- ^ though the grain is hot fo large or plump, it is tnuch morie prbduflive of meal than either of the above mentioned kinds. Generally, two barrels and a bufhel of thiis kind are fowh, and its produce is from teti to fifteen barrels to the acre. It hds a yellow fhining colour, and would appear to a perfoh uhacquamted With it, as it it hid faeated a liftle. Some farmers will aflert, that ^is is the moft profitable kind on any foil.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Drogheda, a town the road passes through. In 1802 this was the great export point for early English oats, a variety that fetched the highest market price here even though it had a thicker rind and yielded less meal than other kinds. The grain was shipped out from Drogheda in quantity, prized enough that farmers grew it despite the poorer return. Other varieties like the Hambro, or amber, oats gave more meal per acre and grew on poorer soils, but the early English still held the market.

30. Embankment works on the Borora River marshes

    Emlagh · townland · Meath · 1795–1802

    The principal embankment in the county was built along the Borora river as it passed through the marshes of Rosinin and Emla, where the river's confinement and crooked bed made banks liable to failure and flooding.

    Read the passage

    The principal embankment^ to be found in the county, is on the Borora river^ in its courie through the marflies of Rofinin and £mla> where the above objec*- tions exift to a great degree. Some hints^ likely tgi tend to the improvement of thelib marflies^ are fug-i^ gefted in a former part of this work, under the bead q{ Soil and Sufface of Kelts Barony. Mr. Edward Kearney hais o^ade a gr^at improvement on one of hit farms, by embanking a ftream, which heretofore was of infinite injury to it, by overflowing, and rendering totally ufelefs, during the winter months, an extqafive U'aA of bottom-land. The plan be adopted was» to make the bed of the ftream ftraight, and to widen it, fb as to leave fufEdent room for the greateft floods to flow without oppofition : the ftuC» taken from the bed of the river, formed the embankment.

    I am informed this plan has fucceeded according to his utmoft expeftation.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 50

31. Friary founded at Skreen by Francis Feipo

    Skreen · townland · Meath · 1318

    Around 1318, Francis Feipo, Lord of Skreen, founded a friary there which he dedicated to St. Augustin.

    Read the passage

    In 1318, "William de Londres, Lord of Athboy, founded there a conveht of Carmelites; fcarce any traces of it remain at prefent. About this time alfo, Francis Feipo, Lord of Skreeo, founded there (Skreen) a friary, which he dedicated to St. Auguftin.

    In the year 1406, a parliament was called in Dublin,

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Skreen, Francis Feipo, Lord of Skreen, founded a friary around 1318, dedicating it to St. Augustin. Not much more is recorded about it beyond that. The same period saw William de Londres found a convent of Carmelites at Athboy, of which, the source says, scarce any traces remain at present.

32. Fuel Costs at Kells to be Eased by Proposed Canal to Bog

    Kells · town · Meath

    Fuel was described as a heavy expense at Kells, but a proposed canal branch to the great bog at Oldcastletown, via the river of Ballybeg, was expected to ease this by allowing easier carriage of turf and sea-coal to the town.

    Read the passage

    Fuel is generally a very heavy article of expence s^ Kells, but this would be done away in a great mea* fure by the facility of procuring fea-coal, and the €ar4 riage of turf from the great bog of Onchm's-town, to which five hundred pounds would make a fide-branch op the river of Baljybeg, the water of which wouUl greatly affift the canal, did it require it, in the fummer months*

    B b a For

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, in Meath, fuel was once described as a very heavy expense for the town. A plan was put forward to ease this burden by cutting a side-branch canal to the great bog of Oldcastletown, running up the river of Ballybeg, at a cost of 500 pounds. This would allow easier carriage of turf and sea-coal into Kells, and the river water would assist the canal in the summer months.

33. Hussey Baron of Galtrim and Nangle Baron of Navan, 1616

    Galtrim · townland · Meath · 1616

    A list of barons or baronets remaining in Ireland in the year 1616 names Hussey as Baron of Galtrim and Nangle as Baron of Navan, showing the noble titles still attached to these Meath places at that date.

    Read the passage

    Huflby, Baron- of Galtrim. Nangle^ Baron of Navan.

    N(h

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog

34. Lord Tara's Thriving Plantation at Ringlestown Fort

    Ringlestown · townland · Meath

    The fort of Ringlestown, planted by Lord Tara, was in the highest state of luxuriance, making the best progress of any plantation the author had seen in the county.

    Read the passage

    The fort of Ringleftown, planted by Lord Tarah, is in the higheft ftate of luxuriance; it has made the beft progrefs of any I have fifen, and the intentions of the Society fecm in every refpeftto have, been afted up to. There are many other forts Icattered up and down the diilriA, which, if planted, would highly ornament the country, as they are generally upon elevated iituations^ ztid vifible from a great diftance.

    Sir Marcus Somerville, Bart, planted ten acres in the year 1800, for which he received a premium {vobbl the Society. The trees feem to thrive yery well. ^

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

35. Mr. Morris's remarkable feeding results at Skreen

    Skreen · townland · Meath · 1800

    On the lands of Skreen, Mr. Morris frequently fed fifty bullocks of eight hundredweight on two sets of forty-eight acres, and in the extremely dry year of 1800 fed seventy-five cows and two bulls on seventy-seven acres of land only seven years laid down.

    Read the passage

    ThoTe parts, that are tiHed, give excellent crops of oats, bere, and* in Ibme fdsces fine red wheat, bur, m geaeral, it ia more fir for the purpofes of grazhtg than tilkige, and is cofifidered for fo much as the beft feedtag gromid in the coonty. Though the lands of DIamcr, and its vicinity, are coofiden?d as capable 6f fattciHBg qnicker, yet taWng the whole of the two ba* «>Bi€a iat^ otnr confiiferation, that of Skreeo leems to take precedence of any other in the county; for il* ftancc, on the knA of Skreen, Mr» Morris has fre* ^«ently on twt> $el*, containing forty-eight aaes, fed

    fifty

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Skreen was considered the best feeding ground in County Meath. Mr. Morris frequently fed 50 bullocks of 8 hundredweight on two sets of 48 acres. Even in the extremely dry year of 1800, he fed 75 cows and 2 bulls on 77 acres of land only 7 years laid down. The tilled parts gave excellent crops of oats, bere, and fine red wheat, but the land was generally more fit for grazing than tillage.

36. Nail-making community near the bog of Garristown

    Garristown · street · Dublin

    Close to the bog of Garristown in Duleek barony, a great number of nailers worked, selling their manufactured goods in the retail shops of Drogheda and elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    . Clofe to the bog of Garriftown, in Dnieek: barony, there are a grea^ number of nailers, who difpofe of their manufaAure in the retail /hops of Drogheda, &c.

    ^ Tan-

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

37. Navan Farming Society founded under Bishop of Meath's patronage

    Navan · town · Meath · 1800–1802

    The Navan Farming Society, though still in its infancy, enjoyed the fostering attention of the Lord Bishop of Meath and was open to members from neighbouring baronies. It hired a room in Navan to hold its papers and agricultural books for members' use.

    Read the passage

    The Society have hired a room in Navan, for hold- , ing their papers, and fiich books or trafts upon agriculture, as a m^'ority, at every general meeting, (hall agree to have purcha&d out of their funds. This room is at all tisotes to be open to the members, but the fecretary, in whofe charge it /hall be, and who is anfwerable to the Society, fhall not fuffer any traft or book to be taken, upon any condition.*

    The Society dircA their principal attention to thi: following objects, viz: — Improvement in the breed of cattle, draft horfes, iheep, and fwine, and the different branches of agriculture ^ the encouragement of the

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, this is the town where the Navan Farming Society set up around 1800. The society had the patronage of the Lord Bishop of Meath and drew members from neighbouring baronies. They hired a room here to keep their papers and any agricultural books the members agreed to buy from their funds. The room was open to members at all times, though the secretary, who was in charge, would not allow any book or tract to be taken away. The society's chief aims were improving breeds of cattle, draft horses, sheep, and swine, and encouraging the different branches of agriculture.

38. Slated cottages of the Marquis of Headfort at Rathnamainham near Kells

    Kells · town · Meath

    A good range of slated cottages belonging to the Marquis of Headfort is noted at a location near Kells, representing improved housing for tenants.

    Read the passage

    - The cotders on the Summer-hill property are well lodged. There is alfo a good range of flated cottages belong^ to the Marquis of Headfort, at Kolinainham near Kells. Guftavus Laoibart, Efq. has his laboarlog tenants well lodged; his houfes arobuik in one taogey

    and

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, the record notes a good range of slated cottages here belonging to the Marquis of Headfort. The survey simply remarks that tenants on this property were well lodged, and says nothing more.

39. Athboy district's fine feeding grounds

    Athboy · town · Meath

    In the northern part of the barony, from Athboy towards Navan and Kells, lie some of the finest feeding grounds in the county, including Drewstown, Girley, Fordstown and Chamberlainstown, consisting of deep rich loam on a gravelly bottom.

    Read the passage

    In the northern part of the barooy» from Athboy towards Naraa and Kells, there are fome of as fine feeding grounds, (viz. Drewftowng Girly, Fordftown^ Chamberlsuoftown, &c. &c.) as any in the county. Theie chiefly confift of a deep rich loam, upon a gra* velly bottom; Gbly was remarkably well wooded, nndl the trees were cut down^ within thefe few years, by Sir Benjamin Chapo^ap, Bart.; but if the young (hoots, now fpringing up^ are properly proteAed, they will fbortly prefent a beautiful appearance, and prove a coofideraUe orffament to that part of the country, now (b deftitute of wood.

    This part of Lune has a good deal of marie in the bottoms, of which great and profitable ufe has been made for fome time paft. Somewhat more than half the barony is grazed. Lvne, by the docket, contains 1 5*019 acres.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 13

40. Drogheda Farming Society

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1795–1802

    A farming society had been instituted a few years earlier at Drogheda, offering premiums and encouragement limited to a circuit of ten miles around the town. Because it partly overlapped Meath but belonged more properly to Louth, the author left its description to the Louth reporter.

    Read the passage

    A FARMING fodety was inftltated a few yean ago at Drogheda, but^ as the objefts of its premiams kad encouragement are Hmhcd to a drcidt of ttren miles round Drogheda> though a part of Meath h comprehended m this extent, it does not fall fo pro^ perly under our notice, as the Inarming fociety of Ma^ van, and I QxvJX therefore leave it for'lhe more able reporter of the county of Louth, to which diftrift It Tnore properly belongs. The Navan Fanning focietj iiE^ yet m its Infancy, but ftich a general ipirit of improvement ha^ pervaded the country, and the objeftsi which the Sioclety purpofes to efffeft, are fuch, that it muft be crowned with fticceft iti itis projeAed plans of improvement. The well being of all fodeties depends^ in a great meafure, upon the perfons appointed to it^ management, and in this particular, the Navan Farming fockty ss pocoliarly fortwate in enjoying the fofter*

    D d^ iflg

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, a few years back this town saw the start of a farming society, set up to offer premiums and encouragement for improvement in agriculture. Its reach was limited to a circuit of ten miles round Drogheda. Part of that circuit took in land from Meath, but the society belonged more properly to Louth, so the Meath reporter left its full account to the Louth man.

41. Hugh Rothwell's Bog Plantation at Sylvan Park

    Sylvan Park · street · Donegal · 1802

    Hugh Rothwell was, as of February 1802, planting ten acres of bog and moor land at Sylvan Park, intending to plant at the rate of 6000 trees of different kinds per acre.

    Read the passage

    Hugh Rothwell, E%. i^ now, Feibruary 1802, planting at Sylvanpark ten acr^ of bog and nsoor hnd, in which he purpofes planting at the rate of 6000 trees, of diiferent kinds, to th? acre.

    When any quantity of ^ber is to b^ di{pofcd of ia the country^ it is genenerally adver^fed, and fold to fome perfon, that n^akes a trade ot bjuying woods, who fellft the timber, and cuts it, up into that Scantling, which the tree will beft anfwerrby this means, there is little or no wafte, as the part of a tree, fit for thewhcel^r's ufe, would not anfwer for other purpofes, and fb in regard to the ufe^ for which; it is intended, and an individual is feldoiQ neceffitatjed to buy more

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Sylvan Park in Donegal, Hugh Rothwell was planting ten acres of bog and moor land as of February 1802. He intended to plant at the rate of 6000 trees of different kinds to the acre, turning waste ground into woodland.

42. Glebe land allotted from Navan common

    Navan · town · Meath

    Forty acres of the Navan common were allotted some years prior for a glebe but never enclosed; the grant was about to be claimed by the Rev. Doctor Beaufort.

    Read the passage

    * Some years ago forty acres of this common were allotted for a glebe, but never cnclofed ; the grant is now, however, about to be claimed by the Rev. Dodor Beaufort.

    Digitized by VjOOQ IC

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan in Meath, there were forty acres of common land set aside some years back for a glebe, but it was never enclosed. The Reverend Doctor Beaufart was about to claim the grant.

43. Loughcrew hills, the county's only mountainous ground

    Loughcrew · townland · Meath

    The Loughcrew hills in the barony of Fore were described as the only part of the county deserving the appellation of mountainous, feeding great numbers of sheep and cultivated to their summits in some parts, rocky and covered in ferns in others.

    Read the passage

    In the half barony of Fowre is to be found the greateft variety of fcoi, as well as forface, of any diCtri£t in the county. In die Qortfaem part of it are the Loughcrew hills, the only part of the county that c4n/ in any degree, deferve the appeUation of mountainous f even thefe fied an immenfe number of iheep, 'and i^ feme parts they are cultivated to the ttty fummit, yet Others are very rocky, where ferns and «verj^ moun? tainous produA are met with in abundance.

    The Moa (he bills, in general, is a dry gravdly day, from twelve to eigb^en inches deep ; ^d in the

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 9

44. Patrick Murphy of Navan experiments with bullock ploughing

    Navan · town · Meath

    Mr. Patrick Murphy of Navan employed bullocks in ploughing for a time but discontinued their use, chiefly because of their slowness. He judged that four good horses were equal in exertion to eight bullocks.

    Read the passage

    f Mr. Patrick Murphy, of Navan, fome time fince employed a number of bullocks in ploughing, yet he l}as difcon-

    tinued

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan in Meath, there's a small agricultural footnote from the past. Patrick Murphy here tried ploughing with bullocks for a time but gave it up, chiefly because they were too slow. He reckoned four good horses matched the exertion of eight bullocks.

45. Well-lodged cottiers on the Summerhill property

    Summerhill · street · Meath

    The cottiers on the Summerhill property are described as well lodged, an example of good landlord provision for tenants.

    Read the passage

    - The cotders on the Summer-hill property are well lodged. There is alfo a good range of flated cottages belong^ to the Marquis of Headfort, at Kolinainham near Kells. Guftavus Laoibart, Efq. has his laboarlog tenants well lodged; his houfes arobuik in one taogey

    and

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 22

46. Fertile lands from Gerrardstown to the Boyne

    Gerrardstown · townland · Meath

    A stretch of exceptionally fertile land, capable of bearing fifteen to seventeen successive crops without fallow or manure, extended across Staffordstown, Gerrardstown, Brownstown, Clonstown, Folkestown and Painstown, reaching from Gerrardstown to the Boyne.

    Read the passage

    fi(ty bullocks of e^ht cwt., apd. in ;thfi year iSoOt which was aa extreme dry year,,'jaad lof courfe miitdiail to upl^d grai^ he fiMted fc?eaty-fl^ cows alid.two bulls on feventyrfcyen acres, at which tinae it was only about feyeu years laid down ; , aad fo ia the fame propordon, with fome hundreds of acres, when the lands were in high feeding condition, before they were broken up a few years fince. Whilft under tillage, he has taken from fifteen to feventeen crops fucceflively, without an intermediate faUow, or the ufc of manure of any kind, though let in corn acres,, and therefore badly tilled: (the land' being at that time nearly out of leafe,) This fertil^y may alfo be applied to feveral farms in the barony, Tiz : Staffbrd9town, Gcrrardftown, Brownftowp, Clpwnftown, Folleftown, Painftown^ in (hort, to almoft all. that part^ reaching from Gcrrardftown to the Bpyne: yet in aiK>- ther dircftion, from Tarah Hill to the Boyne, and fo on towards Be£tive bridge, there is a vein of .poor hungry ground, chiefly a kind of foxy gravel, generally termed a rye foil, upon a cold clay bottom, a good deal retentive of water, but which when well drained and tilled, produces good crops of wheat, Ibme -tolerable oats and here, but fcarcely any barley.

    Not quite two thirds of this barony are occupied in grazing. and meadow.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 10

47. Rabbit warren on light sandy shore land

    Duleek · town · Meath

    Along the sea shore in the barony of Duleek, the soil is very light, resembling sea sand with little vegetative power, capable only of supplying rabbits with food, a purpose to which it is solely applied by Mr. Brabazon.

    Read the passage

    That part of it, vf hich ftf etches along tbe fea Qiort^ is a very light: foil, refembKng iea fand, vrith IHtle or novegetatite powers, ai|d capable only of fupplying rabbiu wkh food, to which purpofe k is fcdely appUod by Mr. Brabaxon.

    It becomes heavier as you proceed inland, and about the great road leading £rom DubUn to the ^ortb of Ifeland k H comfoSbdof a li^t cl^j upon a yellow; day, (saixed Vitb (Kattec ftone) aiMl A OE^ toii. Gfoai

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

48. Excellent feeding ground at Augher near Rahinstown

    Rahinstown · townland · Meath

    The barley ground of the district extends from Derpatrick to Aristown and Minaivy, towards Summerhill and Rahinstown by Augher, where there is excellent feeding ground capable of fattening the largest cattle, though sheep are its most natural stock.

    Read the passage

    Augher^ ♦ where tbtre ia (bm« cxcdlcnt feedkig ground, capable of fattening the largcft cattle, aVthongh flieep feem to be^ its moft natural flock.

    The furface of this part of the diftrid): is beiu^uUy diverfified by gentle riiings, none of them of fufficient hdght to impede the progrefs of tillage. There is fome remarkable fine ground abont Gmnets, from -whence to Rahinftown it is extremely well planticd. I think about two-thirds of this diftrlA are employed in grazing and meadow. I have been tcAd the ufe of clover is not known in this difttift, from an idea that it will not grow, but this proceeds from the flate of filth, in which the ground Is, where the feed is fbwn, more than from any incapability in the foil to pro« iucelt.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

49. Galtrim and Aristown Hills' poor gravelly soil

    Galtrim · townland · Meath · 1799–1801

    A great part of the district of Deece and Moyfenrath is a light, hungry, gravelly soil, exemplified by the Galtrim and Aristown hills and a vein extending towards Trim, which performs well only in very wet seasons.

    Read the passage

    The baronies of Deece and Moyfenrath^ occupy the fouth and weft parts of the county, and extend from its boundaries on the Kildare fide, to the river Boyne, which feparates them from Lune and Navan. A great part of this diftrift may be ^termed a fight, htrngry^ gravelly foil, upon a gravelly bottom, of a mixed kmd, not retentive of the atmolpherical moifture, even in fuch a degree as to hold fufficient nourifhment ta the root of the plant ; fuch are the Galtrim and Arit town hills, and a vein extending from that towards Trim. In a very wet feafon, fuch as the year 1799, tihis kind of ground does extremely well, but in fuch years as 1800, and 1801, for want of depth of ibil and a fufficient degree of reteiltivenefs,' its vegetative juices are exhaled by the iim, and the crops upon its fuiface are fcorched before they arrive at maturity; of courfe, they become flirivdled and unprodiiftive.

    There is no kind of ground in the county, (to ufe the farmeVs piirafc) that ftands hacking worfe than thefe: they have no renovating refburces within themfelves, and the occupant is feldom poflefFed of fufficient capital to enable him to bring extraneous manures upon his farm ; perhaps if he even did, the expence would {b far exceed bis profit, as to leave no inclination in

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 13

50. Neglected slate quarry at Hopkinstown

    Hopkinstown · townland · Meath

    A fine slate quarry existed at Hopkinstown but was totally neglected, and the author suggested it would be a good subject for a speculative company with large capital.

    Read the passage

    f In HopkinVtown there is a fine flate quarry, although totally ncgledled ; a good fubjedl for a Ipeculative company, and, in every probability, a profitable one for the excrcife of 8» large capital.

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    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 9

51. Poor rye soil from Tara Hill toward Bective Bridge

    near Tara Hill · mountain or mountain range · Wexford

    A vein of poor, hungry, foxy gravel soil on a cold clay bottom ran from Tara Hill to the Boyne and on toward Bective Bridge, retentive of water but productive of good wheat when well drained and tilled.

    Read the passage

    fi(ty bullocks of e^ht cwt., apd. in ;thfi year iSoOt which was aa extreme dry year,,'jaad lof courfe miitdiail to upl^d grai^ he fiMted fc?eaty-fl^ cows alid.two bulls on feventyrfcyen acres, at which tinae it was only about feyeu years laid down ; , aad fo ia the fame propordon, with fome hundreds of acres, when the lands were in high feeding condition, before they were broken up a few years fince. Whilft under tillage, he has taken from fifteen to feventeen crops fucceflively, without an intermediate faUow, or the ufc of manure of any kind, though let in corn acres,, and therefore badly tilled: (the land' being at that time nearly out of leafe,) This fertil^y may alfo be applied to feveral farms in the barony, Tiz : Staffbrd9town, Gcrrardftown, Brownftowp, Clpwnftown, Folleftown, Painftown^ in (hort, to almoft all. that part^ reaching from Gcrrardftown to the Bpyne: yet in aiK>- ther dircftion, from Tarah Hill to the Boyne, and fo on towards Be£tive bridge, there is a vein of .poor hungry ground, chiefly a kind of foxy gravel, generally termed a rye foil, upon a cold clay bottom, a good deal retentive of water, but which when well drained and tilled, produces good crops of wheat, Ibme -tolerable oats and here, but fcarcely any barley.

    Not quite two thirds of this barony are occupied in grazing. and meadow.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 10

52. Rich soil from Bettystown to Duleek and Athcarne

    Duleek · town · Meath

    About Bettystown there is excellent ground, and from there to Duleek and Athcarne the soil is deep, rich, and warm, equally suited to tillage and grazing.

    Read the passage

    tillage, however, produces excellent crops here, fomc of thfcm far exceeding thofc grown on farms naturally fuperior. About Baymore, there is Come excellent groMd, from which, to Duleek and Athcarn, the Ibll is deep, rich, and warm, equally Appropriate to tilling and grazing. About Bellewftown, and from that towards Garriftown, is a cold argillaceous clay, retentive of fiirface water, generally efteemed a good rye foil, yet goocb crops of red wheat are grown here. Along the banks of the][Nanny water, are fome excellent meadow and feeding groutuls, many of them capable of irrigation with very little expence, (when the fubfequent beneficial efFcfts arifing from fuch a praftice arc taken into account) both from the bed of the river, and from fireams falling into it from the furrounding eminences* The rye foil continues with litde variation to nearly opp<^it6 Slane, whence, towards Navan, it gradually decreafes, until it joins Skreen barony, wh^ it totally difappears*

    Along the Boyne edge, ahnoft the whole . way, the ground is much colder than when you proceed into the country a little. Umeftone rock, and limeftone gravel, is to be met with through the whole of the barony; wherever lime has been ufed on the rye foil, the moft favourable confequences take place. About DoU^rdftown, Padnftown, and Ardmulcan, there is a kind of marly black gravel, differing litde in effeft (though materially id appearance) from the blue limei ftonc

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

53. Rye soil and red wheat crops near Bellewstown

    Bellewstown · townland · Meath

    About Bellewstown, and from that towards Garristown, the soil is a cold argillaceous clay, retentive of surface water, generally esteemed a good rye soil, yet good crops of red wheat are grown there.

    Read the passage

    tillage, however, produces excellent crops here, fomc of thfcm far exceeding thofc grown on farms naturally fuperior. About Baymore, there is Come excellent groMd, from which, to Duleek and Athcarn, the Ibll is deep, rich, and warm, equally Appropriate to tilling and grazing. About Bellewftown, and from that towards Garriftown, is a cold argillaceous clay, retentive of fiirface water, generally efteemed a good rye foil, yet goocb crops of red wheat are grown here. Along the banks of the][Nanny water, are fome excellent meadow and feeding groutuls, many of them capable of irrigation with very little expence, (when the fubfequent beneficial efFcfts arifing from fuch a praftice arc taken into account) both from the bed of the river, and from fireams falling into it from the furrounding eminences* The rye foil continues with litde variation to nearly opp<^it6 Slane, whence, towards Navan, it gradually decreafes, until it joins Skreen barony, wh^ it totally difappears*

    Along the Boyne edge, ahnoft the whole . way, the ground is much colder than when you proceed into the country a little. Umeftone rock, and limeftone gravel, is to be met with through the whole of the barony; wherever lime has been ufed on the rye foil, the moft favourable confequences take place. About DoU^rdftown, Padnftown, and Ardmulcan, there is a kind of marly black gravel, differing litde in effeft (though materially id appearance) from the blue limei ftonc

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

54. Sir Marcus Somerville's 1800 Planting Premium

    Meath · county · Meath · 1800

    Sir Marcus Somerville, Baronet, planted ten acres in the year 1800, for which he received a premium from the Society, and the trees seemed to thrive very well.

    Read the passage

    Sir Marcus Somerville, Bart, planted ten acres in the year 1800, for which he received a premium {vobbl the Society. The trees feem to thrive yery well. ^

    Hugh Rothwell, E%. i^ now, Feibruary 1802, planting at Sylvanpark ten acr^ of bog and nsoor hnd, in which he purpofes planting at the rate of 6000 trees, of diiferent kinds, to th? acre.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, this county saw planting around 1800. Sir Marcus Somerville, a baronet, planted ten acres that year and received a premium from the Society. The trees seemed to thrive very well. At Sylvanpark in February 1802, Hugh Rothwell planned ten acres of bog and moorland at 6000 trees per acre.

55. Clonee river's rise in the district

    Clonee · town · Meath

    The Clonee river takes its rise in this flat district, though it does not become important until it leaves the county of Meath.

    Read the passage

    Jn this Hat the Clonee river takes its rife; yet, as k does not become of any importance until it leaves the county, I have not taken it into the general account of the rivers. That part of the diftrifl, reaching along the boundary^ of Klildare, is of a fuperior quality, being principally compofed of a deep rich loan;, upon lime« ftonc gravel, and limeftone rock; and in general is employed in grazing, although in fome parts there is 4 good deal of tillage. The chief produce of that part is oat^i fpme here, and a (mall quantity of barley } aU though the principal part of the barley ground lies from Derpatrick to Ariftqwn and Minaivy, and fo on towards Summer-hill, and thence to Rahinftown b|

    Augher^

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonee in Meath, the river that takes its name from here has its rise in this flat district. It is a modest beginning, for the Clonee river does not become of any importance until it leaves the county. The land along the boundary of Kildare is of superior quality, being principally composed of a deep rich loam upon limestone gravel and limestone rock. In general it is employed in grazing, although in some parts there is a good deal of tillage. The chief produce is oats, and a small quantity of barley.

56. Light poor oats near Irishtown, Churchtown and Dunlought

    Irishtown · townland · Meath

    Lands about Irishtown, Churchtown, Dunlought and on toward Trim produced oats, even after manured potatoes, that were generally light and short and did not sell well at market.

    Read the passage

    (whidtis g^neraUy eoi4UUr«l the bcfl prtftk^O great crops of wheat are produced : bat the oats of this part of the barooy, srsn thoD^ grown after dunged pot^uoes, are generally fight and fliort, and not of that idfid, ^iHiich fells beft at market, particularly from drafe laoda abont Iriflitowny Chnrcblown, Dunlougby and fo on towards Trim* The remainder of the b»-

    rony

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 11

57. Copper ore vein worked near Skreen

    Skreen · townland · Meath

    A vein of copper ore mentioned in Skreen barony extends into this district and has been worked to some extent. The text refers readers to the Skreen barony section for particulars.

    Read the passage

    In this diftrift, the extremity of that veto of copper ore, mentioned in Skreen barony, has been worked to fome extent. For particulars fee Skreen barony.

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    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Skreen, a vein of copper ore runs into this district. It has been worked to some extent, though the record gives no detail beyond that, and refers you back to the Skreen barony for particulars.

58. Marly black gravel near Dollardstown, Painstown and Ardmulchan

    Ardmulchan · townland · Meath

    About Dollardstown, Painstown, and Ardmulchan there is a kind of marly black gravel, differing little in effect though materially in appearance from the blue limestone gravel found elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    Along the Boyne edge, ahnoft the whole . way, the ground is much colder than when you proceed into the country a little. Umeftone rock, and limeftone gravel, is to be met with through the whole of the barony; wherever lime has been ufed on the rye foil, the moft favourable confequences take place. About DoU^rdftown, Padnftown, and Ardmulcan, there is a kind of marly black gravel, differing litde in effeft (though materially id appearance) from the blue limei ftonc

    Digitized by VjOOQ IC

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardmulchan, the ground along the Boyne runs colder than it does further inland. Around Dollardstown, Painstown and here, there's a marly black gravel that looks different from the blue limestone gravel found through the rest of the barony, but works much the same. Wherever lime has been put on the rye soil, the results have been good.