the unfortunate Lord Strafford, whilst lord-lieutenant under Charles II., but never finished.

Kilkenny.

There is no large town in the county. The population of neither of the assize-towns amounts to 5000 souls. That of Athy, the larger, was, in 1831, 4494; and of Naas, 3808 souls. The former of these towns is situated on the banks of the Barrow, which is here crossed by a bridge, and owes much of its small population to its being the point of connection between the still-water navigation of the Grand Canal, which terminates here, and the river navigation of the Barrow. It was incorporated by James I. under the care of a sovereign, two bailiffs, and twelve burgesses. The assizes are held here once a year; and its old castle has been converted into a prison for the temporary detention of culprits. A free school, capable of receiving 270 children, is the only modern public building of any importance. Naas, situated on the Liffey, and communicating with the main trunk of the Grand Canal by a connecting branch, though less populous than Athy, has a better right to the name of the county town, as being the site of the principal prison; besides which, it can boast of a large Catholic chapel, a sessions-house, and a market-house. In other respects it presents nothing worthy of notice. Maynooth is remarkable for several castellated ruins, built at various times by members of the Fitzgerald family; and for being the site of the Roman Catholic College, founded for the education of the priesthood, and supported by an annual parliamentary grant. Its population is only 2052 souls. The other towns whose population exceeds one thousand souls are, Kildare, 1753; Kilcock, 1730; Celbridge, 1645; Monasterevan, 1441; Castledermot, 1375; Clane, 1216; Rathangan, 1165; Leixlip, 1156; Prosperous, 1038.

a liquid measure, containing two firkins.