black marble is obtained near Ennis; it
takes a high polish, and is free from the white spots with which the
black Kilkenny marble is marked.

The mineral springs, which are found in many places, are chiefly
chalybeate. That of Lisdoonvarna, a sulphur spa, about 8 m. from
Ennistimon, has been celebrated since the 18th century for its medicinal
qualities, and now attracts a large number of visitors annually. It lies
9 m. by road N. of Ennistimon. There are chalybeate springs of less note
at Kilkishen, Burren, Broadfoot, Lehinch, Kilkee, Kilrush, Killadysart,
and near Milltown Malbay. Springs called by the people "holy" or
"blessed" wells, generally mineral waters, are common; but the belief in
their power of performing cures in inveterate maladies is nearly
extinct.

_Watering-places._--The Atlantic Ocean and the estuary of the Shannon
afford many situations admirably adapted for summer bathing-places.
Among the most frequented of these localities are Milltown Malbay; with
one of the best beaches on the western coast; and the neighbouring
Spanish Point (named from the scene of the wreck of two ships of the
Armada); Lehinch, about 2 m. from Ennistimon on Liscannor Bay, and near
the interesting cliffs of Moher, has a magnificent beach. Kilkee is the
most fashionable watering-place on the western coast of Ireland; and
Kilrush on the Shannon estuary is also favoured.

_Industries._--The soil and surface of the county are in general better
adapted for grazing than for tillage, and the acreage devoted to the
former consequently exceeds three times that of the latter. Agriculture
is in a backward state, and not a fifth of the total area is under
cultivation, while the acreage shows a decrease even in the principal
crops of oats and potatoes. Cattle, sheep, poultry and pigs, however,
all receive considerable attention. Owing to the mountainous nature of
the county nearly one-seventh of the total area is quite barren.

There are no extensive manufactures, although flannels and friezes are
made for home use, and hosiery of various kinds, chiefly coarse and
strong, is made around Ennistimon and other places. There are several
fishing stations on the coast, and cod, haddock, ling, sole, turbot,
ray, mackerel and other fish abound, but the rugged nature of the coast
and the tempestuous sea greatly hinder the operations of the fishermen.
Near Pooldoody is the great Burren oyster bed called the Red Bank, where
a large establishment