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CONDITION AND PROSPECTS OF IRELAND.

CHAPTER I.

Natural features of Ireland-Its advantages imperfectly developedCharacter and circumstances of the people-Ignorance of the English respecting Ireland-The Conquest of England by the Normans contrasted with the imperfect subjugation of Ireland-Confiscation of Munster-Settlement of Ulster-Difference of creed added to other causes of discord-Subsequent contests assume a sectarian character -No serious effort made to convert the Irish to the reformed faithDegrading effects of the penal laws-These laws not strictly enforced -Their relaxation at various periods-Forty-shilling freeholdersPeculiarities in the industrial and social character of Ulster and Leinster as compared with Connaught and Munster.

THE natural features of Ireland are peculiar. An extensive limestone plain occupies the central districts, while the mountains lie in various groups near the sea. The generally tame character of the eastern shores, affording few good ports, contrasts strongly with the bold rocky headlands, stretching far into the Atlantic, and the numerous islands

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