The South Isles of Aran (County Galway)

The author surveys the three main islands off Galway, mapping sounds, shores, and measurements while noting prevailing geology of limestone terraces, cliffs, and moving sands. Natural history chapters describe local flora, seaweed, wildfowl and traditional methods of fishing and bird capture. Antiquarian sections catalogue prehistoric monuments, forts, cairns and early Christian churches, wells and monastic habitats. A historical narrative traces changing ownership and legal incidents across centuries. Social observation highlights islanders' character, health, poverty, schools and public works. Policy chapters advocate reforestation, fisheries reform and forest industries. A final cultural essay records tree- and grove-related superstitions, with appendices supplying genealogy and statistical tables.