extinct in Ireland; and the drunken Sir Patrick, the litigious Sir
Murtagh, the fighting Sir Kit, and the slovenly Sir Condy, are
characters which could no more be met with at present in Ireland, than
Squire Western or Parson Trulliber in England. There is a time when
individuals can bear to be rallied for their past follies and
absurdities, after they have acquired new habits and a new
consciousness. Nations, as well as individuals, gradually lose
attachment to their identity, and the present generation is amused,
rather than offended, by the ridicule that is thrown upon its ancestors.

Probably we shall soon have it in our power, in a hundred instances, to
verify the truth of these observations.

When Ireland loses her identity by an union with Great Britain, she will
look back, with a smile of good-humoured complacency, on the Sir Kits
and Sir Condys of her former existence.



CONTENTS:

CASTLE RACKRENT
GLOSSARY
FOOTNOTES

ESSAY ON IRISH BULLS

Introduction
CHAP. I. Originality of Irish Bulls examined
II. Irish Newspapers