which are those called Magillicuddy's reeks, computed to be the most elevated in Ireland. In general, the disposition of these mountains is very irregular; but, as they approach the sea, they form short ridges, terminating on the coast in bold and rugged headlands.

This mountainous region abounds with lakes. They are mostly found in the depths of the valleys; but some are situated on the sides of the mountains, at a great elevation, in cavities resembling the craters of volcanos. The one known by the name of the Devil's Punch-bowl, near the summit of Mangerton, in the vicinity of, Killarney, is at least fifteen hundred feet above the level of the sea; and after heavy rains discharges a large stream, which rolls down the mountain in a succession of cataracts, distinguishable by their white foam at the distance of many miles.

Of these numerous lakes, the largest as well as the lowest is that of Killarney. It may be considered, indeed, an immense reservoir for the waters of the surrounding country, supplied by the overflowings of other lakes, by rills from the adjoining mountains, and by rivers which fall into it after having been augmented during their long course by countless tributary streams. The only outlet to this extensive basin is the clear and rapid river Laune, which conveys the surplus water into the Atlantic ocean through the bay of Dingle.

Nor is Killarney less pre-eminent above all the other lakes of Kerry, on account of beauty than extent: for whilst the shores of the latter bear no traces of cultivation, and are rarely distinguished by any striking features from the dreary wastes which surround them, its enchanting banks, singled out as it were by Nature for the display of some of her choicest productions, present the charming variety of a rich and adorned

landscape, contrasted with the picturesque wildness of mountain and forest scenery.

The lake consists of three distinct bodies of water. Of these, the first, which is called the upper lake, lies embosomed amidst the mountains: the others, situated at the exterior base of the chain, are bounded at one side alone by mountains; and in the opposite direction they open to a cultivated country, whose surface is diversified by innumerable hills. The two last divisions are nearly upon the same level, and lie contiguous to each other, being separated merely by a narrow peninsula, and some small islands, between which there are channels passable for boats; but the upper lake stands three miles distant, at the head of a navigable river which flows through a romantic valley or defile. Near the termination of its course, this river divides into two branches, one of which flows peaceably into the bay of Glena, on the great or lower lake; the other, forcing its mazy way through a rocky channel, issues with considerable impetuosity into the middle lake, under the woods of Dinis island.

The first mountain in the chain we have described, beginning at the east, which meets the waters of Killarney, is that of Turk. It forms the boundary of one entire side of the middle division of the lake; from which circumstance the latter receives the name of Turk lake. At the end of this mountain there is a defile in the chain, through which the river flows from the upper lake.

The next mountain in succession is called Glena. It projects, as may be observed on the map, beyond the line of Turk, so as to present two sides to the water: one of them overhangs the bay of Glena; the other opens to the broadest part of the lower lake. Both these mountains rise abruptly from the water, and are marked by numerous bold breaks and projecting rocks. They remain nearly in a state of nature; no roads, no proprietary

boundaries, are observable on their surface, and they exhibit few traces of cultivation.

Tomies mountain, the next and last in succession which is washed by the lake, rises more gradually than the others, and at its base presents to view a considerable tract of fertile sloping ground which is under cultivation.

Not long since, all these mountains were clothed to the water's edge with oaks of large growth; but most of these venerable trees have fallen under the strokes of the axe, which has been plied year after year. On that side of Glena next to the bay, a considerable extent of wood still adorns the landscape: this last surviving remnant of the vast mountain forests of Kerry has, however, been doomed to perish; the woodmen have already commenced their ravages; and in a short period the lake will lose one of the noblest ornaments that it at present possesses. The first destruction of these forests is attributable to the manufacture of iron; a business once carried on with great spirit in various parts of the county, and for which an abundant supply of charcoal was required. As fuel became scarce, the iron-works declined, and at last they were totally abandoned. The woods are now cut for other purposes, as timber in this country is become extremely valuable, in consequence of the prodigal use that was formerly made of it.

The hills which bound the lake, on the side opposite to the mountains, in general slope gradually down to the water's edge; but in one part, between the river Denagh and Castle-lough bay, for a distance of about two miles, there is an intervening tract of low and level ground between them and the lake. This level ground, in itself the least interesting part of the shores of Killarney, becomes of importance to the general effect of the scene, from the striking contrast it offers to the opposite mountains, and the apparent increase it gives to their height.