means of placing the country in a position of independence. In the last chapter, some portions of the pamphlet above alluded to are republished: and the same arguments are frequently repeated throughout the work, with a view of shewing the evils of large encumbered estates, and the necessity of such alterations in the laws, as may give security and simplicity of title; may facilitate and cheapen the means of transfer; may free the land from the various restrictions which interfere with its improvement; and may permit its sale to those who possess the capital indispensable for that purpose. He trusts that the details he has given of the recent calamity, of the means adopted for its temporary alleviation, and of the present position of the country, may prove interesting to many of those who have evinced their sympathy for the sufferings of the Irish peasantry, by the greatness of their liberality. Dublin, 20th of First Month, 1848. CONTENTS. Its advantages imperfectly developed . Ignorance of the English respecting Ireland Contrast of the Norman conquest of England with the imperfect Security of property essential to civilization England has enjoyed this advantage more than any other nation Ireland has improved in spite of all depressing circumstances Agricultural class improved, though still much inferior to that of Extract from report of Land Commissioners on this subject Condition of Irish peasantry the opprobrium of the empire Must be raised to the position of English labourers, or they will bring down the English to their own level Note-Extracts from proceedings of Glasgow Parochial Board Irish emigration to England cannot be prevented under present Greater part of Ireland confiscated since the reign of Henry VIII. Confiscated lands in Munster granted by Elizabeth in large tracts Any serious attempt to break this custom would be dangerous to Estimate of the number of persons supported by con-acre Extract from " 'Digest of Evidence" respecting the labouring Note in illustration of these effects Distress very much mitigated in the Eastern counties of Ireland by their superior resources All classes affected by the calamity Landed proprietors and others interested in land brought into Valuable influence of some of the resident gentry Note on distribution of relief Note on the extent of non-residence Absence of dealers in food in the Western counties Difficulty of ascertaining the circumstances of applicants Objected to at first Extent and cost of this mode of relief |