OF THE COUNTY OF KILDARE, WITH OBSERVATIONS ON THE MEANS OF IMPROVEMENT; DRAWN UP FOR THE CONSIDERATION, AND BY DIRECTION OF THE DUBLIN SOCIETY. BY THOMAS JAMES RAWSON, ESQ. A MEMBER. "And he gave it for his opinion, that whoever could make two ears of SWIFT. DUBLIN: PRINTED BY GRAISBERRY AND CAMPBELL, 10, BACK-LANE, PRINTERS TO THE DUBLIN SOCIETY. 1807. HARVARD Jam COLLEGE SEP 27 1917 LIBRARY Gift Bajme This REPORT is at present printed and circulated for the purpose merely of procuring further information, respecting the state and husbandry of this district, and of enabling every one interested in the welfare of this country to examine it fully, and contribute his mite to its improvement. The Society do not deem themselves pledged to any opinion given by the Author of this Survey; and they desire, that nothing contained in it considered as their sentiments; they have only published it, as the Report of the gentleman, whose name is affixed, and they publish it for the comments and observations of all persons, which they entreat to be given freely, and without reserve. It is therefore requested, that the observations on reading this work may be returned to the Dublin Society, as soon as may be convenient, and which will meet with the fullest attention in a future edition. Patt DEDICATION ΤΟ FICE-l THOMAS BURGH, ESQ. VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DUBLIN SOCIETY, &c. &c. SIR, AMONG the very kind partialities you have shown me in numberless instances, during a course of thirty years, you selected me as a fit person to give an account of your much-loved native county. A variety of untoward circumstances, and particularly ill health, prevented my meeting your wishes as early as I ought; I have laboured to make amends, by embracing every object that I conceived most useful. Your great zeal for the improvement of Ireland will induce you to select and cherish whatever may be deserving, and, by kindly pointing out every error and defect, which may have inadvertently been committed, you will add to the very many obligations conferred on Your very devoted Servant, THOMAS J. RAWSON. Cardenton, June 4th, 1807. PREFACE. IT would require the exertions of the most enlightened persons for very many years, and the most liberal public assistance, to be able to answer fully all the inquiries of the Dublin Society. When the Surveyor was honoured by its call, diffident of his single powers, he had hundreds of letters printed and circulated, stating the desires of the Society, and requesting communication on the subjects committed to him; he has not to acknowledge the smallest information; this must plead excuse for any defects or errors in his representations; he shrunk from the attempt, standing alone, and it is only at the very pressing instance of General Vallancey, and several others, who were pleased to overrate his abilities, that he has ventured to come before the public. He |