ic series of
expansions and loops, with islands between them, known as Lough
Oughter. At this point we pass on to the axis of underlying Silurian
strata that runs from Longford to Donaghadee in Co. Down, and the
country becomes hilly and irregular, culminating about Cross Keys on
the old Dublin coach-road. A patch of granite, indicating doubtless a
core like that exposed at Newry, is seen in a hollow at Crossdoney. On
the south side of this axis of older rocks, we reach Carboniferous
shale and limestone at Lough Sheelin, and here enter on the great
central plain. The extreme south-east of the county includes part of
the Triassic outlier of Kingscourt. The coal-seams and concretions of
clay-ironstone in the north-west area resemble those mentioned under
the head of Co. Roscommon. Anthracite, probably of inorganic origin,
has been mined without permanent success in the Silurian beds near
Kilnaleck, and is traceable freely, associated with veins of quartz
and haematite, at Ballyjamesduff a little farther east.

_Climate and Industries._--The climate suffers from the dampness arising
from the numerous lakes and the nature of the soil, and from the
boisterous winds which frequently prevail, more especially in the higher
districts. The soil is generally a stiff clay, cold and watery, but
capable of much improvement by drainage, for which its undulating
surface affords facilities. Only about one-sixteenth of the total area
is quite barren. Agriculture makes little progress; the extent of the
farms being generally small. Oats and potatoes are the principal crops.
Flax, once of some importance, is almost neglected. In the mountainous
parts, however, where the land is chiefly under grazing, the farms are
larger, and in stock-raising the county is progressing.

Cavan is not a manufacturing county. The bleaching of linen and the
distillation of whisky are both carried on to a small extent, but the
people are chiefly employed in agricultural pursuits and in the sale of
home produce. The soil in those districts not well adapted for tillage
is peculiarly favourable for trees. The woods were formerly very
considerable, and the timber found in the bogs is of large dimensions;
but plantations are now chiefly found in demesnes, where they are
extensive.

The county is not well served by railways. The Great Northern from
Clones to Cavan, and the Midland Great Western from Mullingar in
Westmeath to Cavan, fo