Concerning the Ambergreece, taken upon the Western Coasts of Ireland, I could ne-|111|ver receive any clear satisfaction, neither of its Odor, nor any other Vertue, nor what use was or could be made of that Stuff which has been so call'd, which is of several Appearances.
What is said of the Herb Mackenbory[1], is fabulous, only that 'tis a Tythemal, which will purge furiously, and of which there are vast quantities in that part of Kerry call'd Desmond, where the Arbutus-Tree groweth in great numbers and beauty.
There be in Ireland not ten Iron Furnaces[2], but above 20 Forges and Bloomeries, and but one Lead-work, which was ever wrought, tho many in view, which the pretended Patents of them have hindred the working of. There is also a place in Kerry, fit for one Allum-work, attempted, but not fully proceeded upon[3].
There are in the West of Ireland, about 20 Gentlemen, who have engaged in the Pilchard-fishing, and have among them all about 160 Saynes, wherewith they sometimes take about 4000 Hogsheads of Pilchards per Ann. worth about 10,000l. Cork, Kingsale, and Bantry are the best places for eating of Fresh-Fish, tho Dublin be not, or need not be ill supplied with the same. |112|
The Clothing-Trade is not arrived to what it was before the late Rebellion[4]. And the Art of making the excellent, thick, spungy, warm Coverlets, seems to be lost, and not yet recovered.
Near Colrane is a Salmon-Fishing, where several Tuns[5] of Salmon have been taken at one Draught, and in one Season[6].
The English in Ireland before Henry the VII's time,
- ↑ S, 'Mackenbuoy.' The last three letters added in Petty's hand.
- ↑ Fitzmaurice says that Petty had iron and copper works at Kenmare. P. 149.
- ↑ 'Petty in his writings makes mention of Allum Works having been formerly erected in this county. But in what particular part of it I could never learn.' Charles Smith, Antient and present State of the County of Kerry (1758), p. 398.
- ↑ Cox, 'That ye Clothing Trade is not arrived to wt it was before ye rebellion, is certainly a mistake now, what ever it was in 1672.'
- ↑ S, 'where..... Tuns.'
- ↑ S, 'and..... in one season.'
