n.

The first fact which strikes the observer is that since the potato
famine the West and South have been going through a period of
transition still in progress. Under the authority of the Encumbered
Estates Court a vast area of land has changed hands, and the new
proprietors have only in rare cases succeeded in securing the
affection of their tenants and neighbours, who sit "crooning" over the
fire, extolling the virtues of the "ould masther" and comparing him
with the new one, very much to the disadvantage of the latter. It is
not remarkable that such comparisons should be instituted. The people
have very little to do, and do that in a slovenly, slip-shod way, and
they have therefore plenty of leisure for gossip. As they are ignorant
of everything beyond their own county, it is only natural that the new
proprietor or lessee should be discussed at great length, and all his
acts and deeds be fully commented upon. And it is not remarkable that
the judgment should be adverse to the new man. He is generally North
Irish, Scotch, or English. The two former are hated at once, at a
venture; but the "domineering Saxon" is given a chance, and with a
little tact and good temper can secure, if not affection, at least
toleration.

But it is not easy to get the good word of the people, even when one
is neither a "tyrant" oneself nor the lessee of an "exterminator"; for
the ways of the most just and generous of the new men do not suit
those of the natives like the system, or rather want of system, of the
old chiefs. Even when a demesne only is leased by a "foreigner," and
all risk of quarrelling with tenants is thus avoided, it is hard work
to achieve popularity. As I drove up the avenue of a dwelling thus
inhabited, I asked the driver what he and the country-side thought of
the new tenant of the old house. "A good man, your honour," was the
cold answer; followed by an enthusiastic, "Och, but it was the ould
masther that was the good man! Sorra the bite or sup any one wanted
while he was to the fore!" Now, the "ould masther" was, I understand,
a worthy gentleman, of good old county family, who lived in the midst
of his tenantry for several months every year, and "kept up his old
mansion at a bountiful old rate," like a fine old "Celticised Norman,"
as he was. Like the descendants of the early settlers described by Mr.
Froude, he and his had retained their popularity by concessions to
Celtic habits, not in religion or personal cond