408
Dr. Forster's Aërial Ascent.

[May, comparable to a balloon at rest. Picture to whom, for his polite attention, in rendering yourself, reader, two persons suspended in a us every possible assistance and accommodasmall wicker basket, slung under an inflated tion, we beg herein to offer our united and bag of huge dimensions, buoyant in the air, sincere thanks. immediately beneath a canopy of mist, and We experienced no other inconvenience in the elevated plane of evaporating clouds, whatever during the voyage than the sensawhose grotesque forms are gradually becom. tion in the tympanum of the ear, notwithing lost amid the shadows of greyhooded standing the constant rotatory motion of evening, in perfect stillness, without any the balloon and car. perceivable motion, and looking down upon I shall now record, for the benefit of my a great and apparently concave amphi- philosophical friends, some observations theatre, divided like a map, and made up of made during the aërial voyage. And firstly objects rendered too diminutive by their with respect to the organ of hearing and the distance to be well defined ;--and you may propagation of sound. I must observe that get some idlea of the sensation produced by at a very moderate elevation, all the sounds a view from a becalmed balloon. One seems below us, loud as they were, became inaudias it were to have been divested of all ter- ble; while it is well known that a lark on restrial connections, and, raised above the the wing above our heads on a spring mornsmoke and stir of that dim spot which men ing is as distinctly heard to sing, when alcall earth, to be breathing, in delicious most out of sight from elevation, as when tranquillity, the purer ether of celestial re- he is near the ground; hence I admit the gions. The thing which at first seems suggestion of Mr. Green, that sounds demost inexplicable is, that at such an eleva- scend better than they rise. tion, persons, unaccustomed to great heights, I had an opportunity of noticing very do not often turn giddy; but I am con- distinctly the manner in which cumuli beo vinced, by both experience and reasoning, low us subsided into fog in the evening, that it is owing to the idea of complete insu- which, stretching over the marshes as it delation. Few people could rock ever so scended along the course of the water, had gently for ten niinutes, sitting on the truck the appearance of white smoke. of a frigate afloat, without losing their ba- On first rising into the air, I observed lance, yet I found I could hang over the that by a sort of deception of vision, the slender osier woof of the car of the balloon earth seemed to recede instead of the balin the air without any sensation of giddiness. loon seeming to ascend. This 1 account In the case of being on the mast, or on a for, from the novel manner of noticing those high spire, the real cause of vertigo is the changes in the surrounding scenery, which consciousness of connection with the tot- suggest the notion of change of place in tering or floating body below us. I proved bodies without us. this by looking up at our connection with When at a great height the prospect bethe flying balloon above us, and then, for low seems concave, the horizon being elesake of experiment, imagining the possible vated all round like the ridge of a bowl, at bursting of the machine, or the snapping of Jeast so it appeared to me. On a mountain, the ropes, which in a moment created all the convexity of our terrestrial support, and the sensation of vertigo, but which did not the peaks of other mountains, probably delast longer than I chose to entertain it.

stroy this effect. To return to our voyage, from which philosophy has induced me to digress, we

We have not room at present for found at about six o'clock that the balloon

any further extracts from the observawas still gently ascending; and at this time

tions of Dr. Forster, who, we underI became conscious again of increased

stand, is contriving an elastic circular altitude by a loud soapping in the ears.

basket, for the purpose of carrying up At length we thought it time to prepare instruments into the air. for our descent, and pulling the valve again got into a faint breath of wind, probably only some stray eddy from the J. W. R. requests us to ask whether any interstices of clouds, or the replenishing

of our antiquarian friends are acquainted breeze of some of those slight electrical

with examples of tenure by cornage; that vacuums which I believe often take place is, of lands held by the service of blowing in variable weather. A second or third pull

a horn ; and what authorities should be made us come down more rapidly, and we

consulted to obtain an exposition of the were soon floating over the pine trees near origin, nature, and use, of this species of Broomfield Lodge. In a few minutes we

tenure, and its varieties? And whether there felt something take hold of the anchor, and is any connexion between cornagium, horoaa boy and some men hauled us down into gium, horngeld, horn with born, horn under the middle of a field of oats, the property

horn, horngarth, &c. and tenure by cornof Mr. James Christy, of Broomfield, to

a

1831.] Ard.fert Cathedral, Abbey, fc. co. Kerry."

409 Mr. URBAN, Cork, April 10. is of red stone, brought many miles ARDFERT, much celebrated for the

from this. A doorway at the northremains of its Cathedral and Abbey, east led into an addition to the Cathe. is about six miles distant from Tralee. dral of a later date, part of which only Stewart says, that “the See is said remains, which in 1668 was purchased to have been founded by St. Ert in by the then Dowager Countess of the 5th century, and it was otherwise Kerry, for her tomb, and has since called Ardart, and was successively continued as the vault of the Crosbies governed by its own Bishops till 1663, of Ardfert. Detached to the west of when it was united with Aghadoe to the Cathedral are two other buildings : the See of Limerick.'

one with the circular Norman-Saxon The common people still call Ardfert arches; the other more modern and Ardaght. The Cathedral stands in sharp arches. The round tower menthe borough of Ardfert, and was dedi- tioned by Smyth, as standing near cated to St. Brandon, a native of this the Cathedral, fell, I was informed, county. The walls of the nave and about sixty years since. choir remain perfect, being, I should The Abbey of Arafert is not half a think, about 120 feet in length, and mile to the east of the Cathedral, and 30 in breadth. The destruction of

stands in a beautiful park of the late the Cathedral is said to have occurred Earl of Glandore's. It is stated by in the civil wars of A.D. 1641. The Smith to have been founded by Thomas great east window may be termed in Fitzmaurice, first Baron of Kerry, the lancet order. It has three divi- A.D. 1253, and reformed to Observants, şions, and is about 26 feet in height, A.D. 1518. The style of architecture which gives it a very bold appearance. is much more modern and elegant than The interior of it is ornamented by the Cathedral. What remains, forms cluster pilaster columns, the effect of a cross : the nave and choir, with a which is light and elegant; on each lofty tower, at the west, a chapel on side is a niche. In one stands the the south, and the refectory on the figure (formerly recumbent) of an north, adjoining which are two sides early Bishop, lately discovered in sink- of the cloisters. The tower was not a ing a vault. It is in very perfect pre- belfry, but evidently the residence of servation, little more than alto-relievo, the Abbot and principal persons of workmanship rude, the dress fully the Abbey. All the arches but one, episcopal, with his crosier in his left (that which leads as a door-way from hand, the right in the act of blessing, the south chapel) are sharp. The great with a ring on the third finger. Near east window is bold, and has five divithis, in the choir, is another of much sions. On the south side, the choir superior workmanship, the head sup- received light by nine windows, under ported by angels. There is no inscrip- which are five arches in the wall, and tion on either.

from their different heights and styles, On the south side, near the altar, were most probably inserted at difare nine windows, ornamented with

ferent periods, as monumental recesses pilaster columns, ending in a trefoil for abbots. In the second is now an arch. At the west end, on the north altar monument, where repose the last side, at a considerable height from the Earl and Countess of Glandore. The ground, are two square windows; great window in the south chapel is opposite which, on the south side, are quite perfect, and the details very three bold arches resting on square handsome. This chapel was connected pillars, which led from the Cathedral to the nave by three noble sharp arches, into probably a Chapel. Besides which supported by massive but peculiarly

a , there are two other entrances into this elegant circular columns. On a butpart of the Cathedral. The principal tress, supporting that nearest the tower, is at the north-west corner.

Here are

one of the stones has been partly still remaining four (there have been smoothed, to admit an inscription of five) Norman-Saxon arches. The centre three es, which has long been the is the largest, and was the door-way. wonder and puzzle of visitors. One The workmanship very coarse. There writer supposes it Ethiopic, and tradidoes not appear to have been any co- tion affirms it Irish. Aided by Mr. lumns, either for ornament or to sup- Lloyd and Mr. Williamson, after port the roof. Much of the building having scrubbed off the moss and dirt, Gent. Mag. May, 1831.

410

The Seat of the Crosbie Family, co. Kerry. (May; and taking all advantages of light and quisitely beautiful; more fortunate shade, we consider the inscription to be than many of Sir Joshua's, it retains “ Donaldes Fitz Bohen hoc

all the vividness of nature. The counDormitor Fecit H - -us (Hoc Opus?)

tenance possesses singular sweetness Orate pr' eo Ao M.CCCC.LIII."

and animation, and it makes a most which we submit to the revision and captivating picture, from the interestcorrection of better judges, as also

ing expression of a face, rather pretty whether Donald was the person at

than handsome. The difficulty of the whose expense the present structure

grotesque head dresses of his day, Sir altogether was erected ? or the south

Joshua has surmounted very happily, chapel only? or indeed whether he but he has not been altogether so forwas only the architect? I should

tunate in the arrangement of the heavy rather incline to the idea that he

and cumbrous drapery, then fashionadded the chapel ; for the buttress we

able. There is also a portrait of the may suppose was originally outside, Earl, painted by Hamilton of Dublin. which would lead to a belief that the

It has great truth and strength, and nave had been enlarged.

reminds one strongly of King George In the choir are several very ancient

the Third. gravestones; on one are the effigies of

Near this is a splendid picture of an Abbot, and on another a cross the present family, Mrs. Crosbie, her composed of two twisted ropes, ending

two daughters and two sons, painted in leaves at the top. Below are two

in Italy by an Irish artist, named Atlines of inscription. The first line we

kins. Mrs. Crosbie is standing lookthought read,

ing at the young ladies, who are danc« Filius Thome Filiai."

ing, and the boys are in the fore

ground, playing with a dog. It is an Near the Abbey stands the mansion

unequal but fascinating picture ; brilof the Crosbie family, who have re

liant, though very unfinished in some sided here since the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The celebrated Col. David

parts. But in the portraits of the Crosbie, who was so distinguished in

Miss Crosbies, so much loveliness is

exhibited, varied by the rather thoughtthe war of 1641, mentions, in his

ful intellect of one and the arch witchclaims to Government in 1653, that

ery of the other, that, in good sooth, the Irish rebels burnt his house at

the hesitating critic is lost in the Ardfert, which had cost him more

charmed spectator. than a thousand pounds building.

The library is extensive, the works The inscription of this erection re

well selected, and the books well premains

served. There is also a great collec“ Hoc opus inceptum ao dni 1633. tion of manuscript papers, but in 6. Et finitum Ao Dni 1635.

complete disarrangement. We spent “ Ubi fides et veritas Deus providebit." several hours in looking through a

The present house was modernized portion of them, and met a variety of in 1620, and has been greatly improved very curious and interesting original by its present occupant, Mrs. Crosbie. public papers, from 1630 to the RevoThe dining and drawing rooms contain lution; autographs of Oliver Croma variety of paintings, mostly por- well, the Duke of Ormond, the Comtraits. The best are- - the Earl of manders of the Irish rebel army 1644, Darnley, father of the first Countess the Earl of Kerry, Lord Broghill, Lord of Glandore; the Countess of Kerry, Inchiquin, the Lords Justices, the mother to the wife * of the first Lord original articles on the surrender of Branden; Viscount Sackville, father, Kinsale 1649, Sir P. Trant, Colonel and the Duke of Dorset, uncle, to the M‘Gillicuddy, and others. With the late Countess of Glandore; Lord Sack- greatest kindness and liberality, Mrs. ville's is by Sir Joshua Reynolds, by Crosbie allowed a selection of these whom also there is a full-length por- and every other paper we met with trait of Lady Glandore, a very choice relative to Kerry, to be made for my specimen of this great artist's abili. friend John James Hickson, esq. of ties. It is painted with equal strength Tralee, who purposes shortly to reand delicacy, and the colouring is ex- publish Smyth's History of Kerry, il

lustrated by a collection of original * She died before his elevation to the papers and information, which he has Peerage.

been many years forming, and which,

养

2

1831.] Original Letters addressed to the Crosbie Family. 411 though primarily interesting to the happy affair which has raised sorrow inhabitants of this county, will afford in many families. The last pacquet great historical information, and throw has brought over somewhat like a much light on the period of the civil settled Ministry, but it can hardly be war. Among those, which, though thought one of any duration, when interesting, are not local, I selected we consider who are dismissed and two for your Magazine. The first has left out. No provision is made for not the date of the year. Sir Maurice Pitt, Temple, and the Grenvilles. The Crosbie was created Lord Branden whole weight of Bedford muster in 1758; therefore it mu have been the opposition, and indeed it is a previous to that period. The writer wonder it did not so happen before, as evidently was the descendant of a it is hard to submit to his violent teme Cromwellian. The seal has the head per. I am assured upon good authoof Oliver, very well copied from his rity, that in a late conversation with shilling, and round it is inscribed the K-, he behaved with so much ar“ The Glorious Protector.”

rogance, that his M

was much

discomposed, and at length said, “I For William Crosbie, * Esq. att Ard- am in your hands, will your Grace fert, near Tralee.

permit me to go to the Queen's My di sweet William, Aug. 23. palace?”

I wish Pitt's terms of accommodaNothing but the greatest hurry should have prevented my answering your

tion were to take place, as they proletter. I wrote about Mr. Fitz Mau

mise honour and permanency to the rice to Bob Hickman, who will cer

administration. He proposed that the tainly take care justice shall be done ministry should be formed out of the him, and should be always proud to

most respectable English families ; execute any com’ands of yours: what that the discarded officers should be with goeing to fairs and regulating a

restored ; that there should be a parlittle disorder'd family, have not yet

liamentary condemnation of general seen one soul in town, but hear that

warrants; and a league formed to at the meeting you will have war (God counterbalance the family compact send it, and downfall to Primats). Is

now so much to be dreaded. But it it true black George is created Lord

seems matters are at present in too

much confusion to admit the establishDover, to screen him from just resent

ment of such wise measures. Perhaps ment? The Almighty damn the Scotch with Lord Rothes at the head, who

Pitt would not have the head of each has been playing the devil in camp.

family employed, b'it some proper Cornet Scott and Dawson in arrest;

person out of it, as he would probathe latter, when told by his Lordship bly prefer Lord Tavistock to his fahe should be broke, replied, “ if soe,

ther, because he might be more tractahe hoped to have the honour of fight, nection by marriage. I never heard of

ble, both from temper, and his coning him.” God send the Cornet good Dowdeswell, till he was appointed luck! I will not trouble you about my

Chancellor of the Exchequer. If Lord entertainment in Kerry, but be assured

Hertford pleases to come home, he of a heart full sincerely of the highest may be our Viceroy, and Lord Albe

marle will succeed him at Paris. If acknowledgments. With best compliments to St Maurice and family then Albemarle will be our governor.

Hertford is pleased with his situation, from my rib and d'Billy's ever

I believe Lord Kildare has certainly oblidged and most affect

J. BURTON.

resigned. Whether this be a voluntary act, or the consequence of Lord Hol

land's disgrace, I will not take upon To the Rt. Honourable Lord Branden.

me to pronounce, as people determine My Lord, Kilkenny, July 19, 1765. the point differently. Many are of

Since I wrote last, I have heard opinion that the Marquis could not

thing from the county Tipperary, survive his friend. Perhaps the pactho' a gentleman promised to give me

quet of this night may clear up matsome authentic intelligence of that un- ters more fully, tho’ the private letters

of best authority confirm the promo* Succeeded his father as Lord Branden tion mentioned in the last, with this 1762, and created Earl of Glandore 1776. addition, that it is the work of the

412

M. de Marlés on the Kingdom of Bactria. [May, Duke of Cumberland. If Lord Hert- conquests, by which he extended his ford visits us, Hume the historian is territories. Shortly after, he was deto be his secretary. Pray present my throned by Euthydemus, who

240. best compliments to Lady Branden, continued the war on the banks the young Ladies, Tubrid, &c. &c. &c. of the Sind, until being attacked in -I am, my dear Lord, your most af- his turn by Antiochus the Great, he fecte humble serv',

was on the point of losing his possesTuos. HEWETSON. sions. Being reduced to implore the

clemency of the conqueror, he sent his Possibly some future visit to the son Demetrius to him; and the king Abbey may occasion another commu- of Syria, according to Polybius, was nication. Meanwhile, I remain, so charmed with the fine personal apYours, &c.

R. S.

pearance of the Prince that he not only

granted advantageous conditions to Mr. URBAN,

Euthydemus, but gave his daughter in St. Servan, France,

marriage to Demetrius. THERE are few subjects in history After having settled the affairs of so imperfectly elucidated as the Greek Bactria, Antiochus prepared to enter kingdom of Bactria, notwithstanding India with his victorious army.

204. the labours of Bayer and De Guignes, He had already passed the chain as well as of Wilford and Gillies. This of the Paropamisian mountains, when last writer, in his History of Greece Sophagasenus, (who then reigned at (from Alexander to Augustus), has so Canoge, or at least over the provinces far sketched the events of that king- of Upper Hindostan), hastened to dedom, as to make a more extended ac- mand peace, on condition of paying a count desirable. M. de Marlés, in his tribute of elephants. Antiochus dicrecent Histoire de l'Inde, has treated tated the conditions, and returned imthem more at length ; and I offer a mediately after into Syria. Demetrius translation of that part of his work, in had succeeded his father Euthydemus, the hope that it may produce inquiry and every thing seemed to promise and discussion among your readers. him a happy and tranquil reign ; but The extract is from vol. 111. p. 303- scarcely had ten years elapsed since 312, or Historical Chapter 11.

the departure of Antiochus, when he

was obliged to partition his kingdom While Arsaces* was labouring to with Menander, the enterprising Greek confirm his usurped dominion, Bac- Prince who reigned in Pattala. It tria, which had long since revolted seems that by this division the Indian

against its Sovereigns, and be- provinces fell to the lot of Demetrius. 255.

come independent under the It is probable that after the death of

new chief of its choice, threat Menander, he possessed himself of the ened the northern provinces of India whole of the territory which unites with invasion ; but a dispute having Pattala to Bactria. Ptolemy mentions arisen between Arsaces and King The- a town called Euthydemia, situated odotus, Jonat was delivered from all between the Hydaspes and the Sind, uneasiness on that head. His succes- but nearer the latter, and built by Desors were less fortunate. Theodotus metrius in honour of his father. After II. having assured himself as to Par- a stormy, but not undistinguished cathia by a treaty of alliance, turned his reer, the Prince ended his days in exile arms towards India, and made some and misery.ll At the age of nearly

B. C.

* The first King of Parthia. C.

+ King of India. C. So Polybius. Sophagasenus, of whom none of the Sanscrit books speak, was probably one of the descendants of Jopa. Feristha says, that this Prioce and his posterity reigned ninety years, but does not name any of his successors.

§ He traversed India with an army, invaded Bactria, and established a connection between the two colonies. His name creates some confusion, as he is often reckoned among the Bactrian kings. C.

|| It is asserted that he had carried his arms beyond the Ganges. Therefore Justin always styles him King of India. Nevertheless, this kingdom of India probably included no more than the provinces through which the Sind passes, extending along a line of four hundred leagues, but far from being the whole of India, as Justin supposes.