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II.LUS'1'R.ATED SUMMER TOUR IN THE NORTH OF IRELAND. 31
the advancing tide seethes and roars in the dark caverns and gorges
hollowed out of their naked sides." Many a gallant ship has fallen
a prey to the tempestuous seas that rage with wild-fury among the
sharp rocks. Portstewart wears a sober suit, and attracts the
steady and contemplative by its air of respectability. Further along
the coast is the fashionable and exclusive resort of Castlerock, after
which we reach Downhill, with its renowned castle built a century
ago by the fourth Earl of Bristol. The castle was partially
destroyed by fire in 1851, but was restored by the present owner,
the Right Hon. Sir H. H. Bruce, Bart. The line carries us across
the sandy tracks of Magilligan Point and then hugs the shores of
Lough Foyle, until the tall spire of Londonderry Cathedral tells us
that we have reached our destination.
‘At Mrs. Gibson's Northern Hotel we found very comfortable
quarters during our short “stay. ‘
LOND ONDERRY.
’ Londonderry has its foundation upon a hill whose summit rises
120 feet above the Foyle. The city is surrounded by walls, with
towers and embattlements. From the scarred walls the ground
slopes away into a deep valley, across which the horizon is bounded
by high hills, green with verdure and dotted with prim farmsteads
and neat residences. The lough gives harbourage to ships of
enormous tonnage, and the busy quays, large warehouses, ‘and the
many fine public buildings bear testimony to the commercial pros-
perity of the city. Although Londonderry has a long and honour-
able history, its citizens have cut themselves adrift from the dreamy
past and have placed their hopes in the future. They are keenly
alive to modern requirements, and, while careful to foster ‘trading
pursuits, are not unmindful of the importance of promoting the
intellectual life of the city. Incorporated in 1613, Londonderry
was enclosed within a fortified wall. In 1688 the city was besieged
by the army of James II., commanded by L-ord Antrim, under
circumstances that form part of our national history. The siege
continued from December, 1688, to August of the followingyear,
and it is estimated that 2,300 of the inhabitants died from famine or
violence during that memorable period. The Rev. George Walker,
an Episcopalian clergyman, was the leader of the besiegeducitizens,
and, encouraged by his heroic example and indomitable spirit, they
exhibited a valoiir which effectually kept the soldiers of James at bay.