Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-07-03

public libraries. The most lmpOrtanC, per-
haps, of these is the Belfast Library. In
this collection there are more than 1900
rare volumes. Through the courtesy of a
friend, am honored with the privilege of
visiting this library whenever and as often
as may see fit. In this connection it may
be remarked that Belfast is we'll supplied
with bookstores, and these are well stock
ed with standard works; but books are
dear-very dear-when compared with
what they are in America. | suppose in no
country are books so cheap as in the United
States. In addition to this the general get
up of books in the United States is better
than in any country. Why this is, l do not
know.
The streets of Belfast are certainly superb
or in many respects to any thing have ever
seen. For miles in any and every direction
they are nearly perfectly level. The ground
on which Belfast is built is a valley lying
between the river Lagan and Belfast Lough
on the east, and a range of mountains on the
west. The streetsare we'll paved with small
stones and kept as clean as a floor. Every
morning, not only the sidewalks, but the
whole street, is swept with peculiar broom
prepared for the purpose. Whatever filth
previous day is collected into heaps and
then hauled away by carts. There is no
chance for the streets to become either mud
dy or dusty.
The suburban scenery of Belfast, without
being either grand or picturesque, is charm
ingly beautiful. On the west and north
west there is a short range of mountains
Two peaks, Devils and Cave Hill, are easily
seen from any part Of the city. The north
eastern terminus of Cave Hill presents a
readily discovered profile of the first Napo-
leon. To one who has never seen this be-
fore, the sight produces strange feelings and
stranger thoughts. On the southeastern
slope of Cave Hill stands the seat Of the
Donegal family.
That which makes Belfast an important
city is it's manufactures. 1t is the greatest
linen manufacturing city in Ireland, and, l
think, in the world. Besides the manufac-
turing of linen, Belfast is extensively en-
gagged in ship-building. At Belfast the
steamers of the White Star Line are built.
These are said to the handsomest and fleet
est vessels afloat.
have not the time and much less have
the ability, to describe the many interesting
things which are to be seen in this, the
greatest manufacturing and trading town
in Ireland. Such being the case, will de-
sst, at least for the present. 1t is men and
women that make cities and districts Of
country what they are; hence the question
may be asked, What about the people of
Belfast? In answer to this question, it may
be replied in general way, that physical
ly the people as whole appear to be heal
thy, strong and vigorous. They are Of me-
dium height and strongly built. One would
conclude, from their dress, that by far the
greater number of the inhabitants even of
the laboring class are in comfortable cir
cumstances. All seem to be we'll fed on
good, substantial food. AS is the case in
every county, and especially in all:large
cities, there are some persons who present a
woe-begone aspect. The number of this
class of persons in Belfast is, however, very
small in proportion to the number ofinhab-
itants. Everybody seems to be working
steadily and diligently, but not rushing:
The girls are, if not beautiful, a good deal
more than good-looking. Their faces present
a fresh appearance which paint and starch
cannot give. | suppose l may say that the
people of Belfast are refined people, be
cause they treat every one politely.
I have not seen the face of colored man
since l came the place. l understand that
there are few in the city, and that they
are generally employed as cooks.
The citizens of Belfast, understand, are
making extensive preparation for the ac-
commodation of the members of the Pan
Presbyterian Council. Many of the dele
gates have arrived and are scattered over
England, Ireland and Scotland, engaged in
sightseeing. To-day l expect to 60 to the
country, that may see the Irishman in his
country home. I will take the train to
Ballymena, thence to Ahohil, that may
find the graves of my ancestors.
R. LATHAM.