Since wheat ripens in these latitudes with a mean summer temperature of r.c.o, it fol lows that the climate of Ireland is quite sufficient for the successful] cultivation of the finer sorts of grain, which are subjected to much less risk in backward seasons than is the case in north Britain, where the summer temperature is only a degree and a half from the extreme limit of wheat-cultivation. Also, considering its remarkably open winters, which lengthen out the period of grazing, its mild and genial climate through all the seasons, and its comparative freedom from droughts, it will be seen that its climate is equally well adapted for the rearing of cattle. These considerations, combined with the fertility of the soil, open up for Ireland, as far as the physical conditions are concerned, a prospect of great national prosperity, based on most remarkable, though as yet only partially developed agricultural resources.
Soil and the middle of last century Ireland was almost exclusively a pasturing country, and in 1727 an attempt was made (unsuccessfully, however) to pass an act compelling land-holders to " till five acres out of every hundred in their poses sion, and to release tenants to the same extent from the penal covenants in their leases against tillage." The result of this state of things is the wretchedly poor system of agri culture, from which Ireland still suffers largely. The natural fertility of the country is nevertheless great.
The estimated produce in 1871 and 1876 was as under: to the census of 1851, the estimated value of the live-stock was £27,737,893; for 1861; £33,434,385; and for 1871, £37,515,211. In 1875 the esti mated value was £52.343,697.
her fisheries, Ireland is supposed to possess an almost inexhaustible mine of wealth, but, strange to say, they are much neglected. The surrounding seas abound with cud, ling, hake, herrings, pilchards, etc., and yet the Irish markets are extensively supplied with cured fish from Scotland and the isle of Man. The number of vessels and boats engaged in the sea-fisheries in 1846 was 20,000, employing 100,000 men and boys; but in 1876 it had decreased to 5,965, employing only 23,693 persons. The salmon fisheries are improving annually, and iu 1877 employed 11,582 men. Their estimated value is over £400,000 a year.
to McCulloch, " Ireland is not, and never has been, It manufacturing country. Its unsettled turbulent state, and the general dependence of the population on land, have hitherto formed insuperable obstacles to the formation of great manufacturing establishments in most parts of the whilst the want of coal, capital, and skillful workmen, and the great ascendancy of England and Scotland in all departments of manufacture, will, there is reason to think, hinder Ireland from • ever attaining eminence in this department." Linen is the staple nuanufacture, of which
Belfast and the surrounding districts of Ulster are the chief seats. The export of linen manufactures from Great Britain was, in 1864, £10,327,000. 'the manufac ture of woolen stuffs is limited to a few localities, as Dublin, Cork, Waterford, _Queen's co., and Kilkenny. Silk and cotton manufactnres are also carried on, but only to a comparatively inconsiderable extent. In 1875 the number of factories (cotton, woolen, worsted, flax, jute, and silk) in Ireland amounted to 235, employing 1,087,968 spindles, 21,050 power-looms, and 67,744 persons of both sexes; of these. 149 were flax factories, employing 925,502 spindles, 17,827 power-looms, and 60,316 persons. A great source of employment for females has of late years sprung up in the n. of Ireland, in the work ing of patterns on muslin with the needle. Belfast is the center of this manufacture, which employs about 300,000 persons, chiefly females, scattered through all the counties of Ulster; and some localities of the other provinces. About 40 firms are engaged in the trade, and the gross value or the manufactured goods amounts to about £1,400,000. Silk manufactures, since their introduction by French emigrants in the beginning of the last century, have been almost entirely confined to Dublin; but poplin is now extensively manufactured there, and in it few other towns.
Commerce and exportation of the agricultural produce of the country has always been the chief commercial business carried on in Ireland. By far the greater part of this trade is carried on with Great Britain. It cannot, however, be traced later 1825, when the commercial intercourse between Great Britain and Ireland was assimilated by law to the coasting-traffic carried on between the different ports of England, except in the single article of grain.
The number of sailing and steam vessels. with their tonnage, registered in the ports of Ireland, in 1871, was 1776 vessels, tonnage 218,162; in 1875, 1703 vessels, tonnage 218,313.
government of Ireland, since the union in 1801, is identical with that of Great Britain. It is represented in the imperial parliament by 28 members of the house of lords, and 103 of the house of commons. The executive government is invested in a lord lieutenant, assisted by a privy council and chief secretary; and the law is administered by is lord chancellor, a master of the rolls, and twelve judges of the supreme court of judicature, which has two divisions—the high court of justice, with several subdivisions, and the court of appeal. County and municipal matters are con ducted nearly as in England, with the exception of an armed national constabulary or police force of about 12.000 men, with 348 horses.