MONAGHAN TREES

Of the extensive forests mentioned by early writers, no vestiges can be traced, except in the stunted underwood so frequent at the foot of the hills, and the numerous trunks of forest trees, found deeply imbedded in almost every bog. The mountains and hills present no remains of timber, and the only woods now found in the county are those belonging to the mansions and demesnes of the nobility and gentry. Those of Dawson Grove and Anketell Grove are more especially worthy of notice. At Glaslough are some of the finest ash trees in Ireland; near Monaghan are several remarkably large beech trees, and some few venerable oaks are to be seen in different parts, so that Monaghan may be said to produce timber nearly sufficient for its own consumption.

Sycamore is in much repute for the shafts of bleach-mills, round which the webs of cloth are rolled and beetled: it never splinters during the operation of the machinery, whereas when other timber is used for the same purpose, it must be cased with horse skins, which do not last long. In the moory bottoms at the foot of hills, groves of sallow and osier are planted, which thrive vigorously, and the wicker-work made of the twigs yields a return which forms no inconsiderable portion of the rent. Fuel is procured in the greatest abundance from the numerous bogs, which are so dispersed in every part that the carriage adds but little to the expense.

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