ous and important an improvement of the shipping interest, which is said to be yearly on the increase. Let but the people of Belfast seriously look at what has been done in Liverpool, in the way of docks, unaided, I believe, by the legislature, and I think they cannot hesitate to follow the example of so prosperous a community.

Another project was under discussion, which, however, would appear to be less an Irish than a Scotch one, and least of all one in which Belfast itself is likely to be interested. It is that of removing the packet-stations of Port Patrick and Donaghadee to Loch Ryan and Lough Larne. The reasons set forth in a printed paper for this proposed change are, first, that the narrow entrance of the harbour of Port Patrick is so directly exposed to the prevailing and boisterous south-west winds that no ships can get out, sometimes not even a steam-vessel, and that Donaghadee is nearly as objectionable, when the wind blows from the eastward; secondly, that if removed to Loch Ryan, the correspondence from Glasgow and the northern and central parts of Scotland with the northern parts of Ireland would gain a day in the conveyance; thirdly, that ships can pass into and out of the two harbours of Larne and Ryan at all times; and lastly, that the expense would not exceed 4000l. or 5000l. This change, as a government measure, is not likely to be acceded to; for however inconvenient the present ports may be, the enormous sums that have been spent upon

them, not much, if anything, less than 300,000%., and that still continue to be demanded, (23,000%., I believe, having been voted last session for Port Patrick alone,) will probably decide the government to hesitate, before it lends its countenance and the public money to any new project of the kind. I really do not see how Belfast can in any way be benefited by such a change. The annexed sketch will show the relative positions of the two sets of harbours.

You must not expect me to say much of the state of trade and the manufactures of Belfast; such inquiries are foreign to my pursuits, and my time has been otherwise employed. I need not tell you, what is well known, that its rise was principally owing to the linen manufacture; and I understood, which was naturally to be expected, that the introduction of the cotton manufacture was for a time considered as likely to be fatal to that of the linen already established, both on account of its cheapness, neatness, and pleasantness of wear as clothing. however, are now said to be in a thriving condition, the linens by their demand in the United States and other foreign markets, as well as at home, fully maintaining their ground. Indeed, I understood that there are not fewer than twenty linen-mills in and about Belfast, that of Mulhollands being by far the most extensive, employing not less than seven hundred hands, many of them boys and girls.

Both,

It is said that a first-rate weaver, by working at home by the piece, will earn from 20s. to 30s. a week; the wife and younger branches of the females spin and prepare the yarn, the husband weaves it. The neatness of the weavers' cottages, their gardens and potato grounds, and sometimes a small pasture for their cow, show that their earnings are equal to their wants, and to supply them with comforts. The general earnings, however, in the mills are low, except to those employed in heckling and combing, not more, I understand, than 10s. or 12s. a week generally, which are about the wages of common labourers.

The principal branches of exports from Belfast consist of the following articles:-Linen of all kinds; cottons, calicoes, and fine muslins; salt pork, bacon, and beef; salt butter and soap; hides and tanned leather. The principal imports are— Cotton-wool; barilla, potash, pearlashes, &c.; flaxseed; timber, deals, and staves; sugar, coffee, and rum; wines; bay-salt, and coals.

I am told that there has of late been an annual exportation to America of two or three thousand persons, mostly Presbyterians, in vessels appropriated to this purpose, and which sail from Belfast between the months of April and August. The consequence is, that their places will be supplied by Catholics from the middle and southern provinces.

47

LETTER IV.

FROM BELFAST TO BALLYCASTLE.

Abuse in overloading the Mail-coach with Passengers-Carrickfergus-Larne-New Coast-road-Cutting down the Limestone Cliffs-Valley and Town of Glenarm-New School-CastleMr. Macdonnell-The Deer Park-Road passes over the Hill of Cloony-Liberality of Mr. Turnley-Cushendall-Elevation of New Road above the Sea-Cushendon and General O'Niell -Ballyvoy-Benmore, or Fair-head-Formation of-Arrival at Ballycastle.

Ballycastle, 3rd September. ON the morning of the 1st of this month I took my departure from Belfast, in company with your friend Captain Skinner, who had kindly volunteered to see me on my projected tour as far as Glenarm. We had engaged our places (outside) by the mail as far as Larne, about twenty-two miles, for which the fare was something very low; and having a little time to spare, we walked on to look about us, and take a view of the town, the bay, and its two shores.

Long before the rattling of the coach was heard, our ears were assailed by the fearful yells of the driver, one Mr. Flannigan, who bawled at his horses so loudly and incessantly, taking care, at the same time, not to omit the more persuasive application of