Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-17

preston in the rock who can contradict
the rover? The answer to the query OF
what resource has nature given TO this
apparently barren district has been re-
Gently answered by those who claim that
the land is rich with hidden copper, tin
or gold. and that American capital will
eventually change the entire appearance
or that spot, which is famed for beauty.
About century ago the first Earl of Ken
mere worked copper mine on Ross Is
land, near the old castle. but after two
years work. with an output of nearly
four hundred thousand dollars worth of
copper. the nobleman's attention was
given to other matters and the mine was
abandoned So it was that the miners.
who had their humble homes in the viii
lage OF Killarney, We're thrown out OF
work and later migrated to America.
At last 1t may prove that Yankee inter-
ests have gotten foothold in this beau-
tiful district, for Muckross Abbey. which
is considered part of the lakes, was re-
San Francisco. in order that his daugh-
ter. who married Sir Arthur Vincent,
might use the estate for her country
seat. If the lakes are lined with gold, ic
copper Is In the huge rock and il the rich
stratum OF Cornwall tin which goes under
the sea rises In Killarney the opportunity
Tor gaining part Of these treasures is at
last opened to Americans.
= x
the north carries one to the more pros
porous part of the country Large linen
factories around which bolts Of fine cloth
are spread upon the ground to bleach
show clearly that the flax industry en-
livens the prosperous people. Here and
there an old woman spinning at her
wheel or an old man weaving damask at
the loom tells of the work of past genera
tons. 1t seems SO fitting that the largest
and finest ocean liners of the world should
be made in this island country that the
tourist does not comment when he sees
the great shipyards near Belfast. This
city seems the center of activity for the
whole north of Ireland.
Every Irish peasant loves the legends
OF the special fairies and giants Of his
land. and many tell the story of the
giant, Fin Mac0ul. who ruled the island
In the ancient days. Near Belfast there
Is great circular Enclosure which arche-
ologists attribute to the Druids. but 1t ia
placed in folk lore as the gold ring which
Fin Macouls wife threw at him in fit
Of anger. She was ten miles away at
the top of Antrim mountains, but the
lady threw the great gold ring with such
force that 1t buried itself in the earth
and was covered up by fairies in order
that mortals should never find the gold.
Fin must also have INDUCED in the prac-
tice Of throwing at his enemy, for once.
while engaged in his quarre. with his
Scottish giant neighbor across the chan
mel. he threw a great clod of earth at
him. but the monsters aim was SO poor
that the land fell into the sea and formed
the Isle Of Man.
This did not settle the quarrel. for both
giants yearned for personal encounter.
and in order that they might stand ON
the same island each started building q
road across the sea. Today the Island
of Staffa shows the Scottish giants ham
diwork while the Giants Causeway near
Port Rush shows the rocky accomplish
ment or Fin Macoul. Scientists claim
that this geological formation of about
forty thousand columns is of volcanic
origin, but. however that may be, visitors
love the giants story. and SO they seek
the giants organ, the giants punch bowl.
his gateway and his loom. Every ono
sits in the wishing chair, formed by q
group OF rock pillars, for legend dictates
that whoever makes a secret wish in this
seat may get what he desires.
Nearby peasants scramble over The low
est of the rocks to collect duIse or pink
seaweed, which is washed up on tho
shore. 1t may be more profitable for
them to spend their time in this way than
in sitting in the chair made for wishes.
and the dinner they procure may ba
surer, but one taste of the salty seawee6
convinces the tourist that he would rather
take his chances in the world OF legends