The Crommelins, the Goyers, and the Dupres, were the real founders of this great branch of industry.[18] As the traveller approaches Belfast, groups of houses, factories, and works of various kinds, appear closer and closer; long chimneys over boilers and steam-engines, and brick buildings three or four stories high; large yards full of workmen, carts, and lorries; and at length we are landed in the midst of a large manufacturing town.

As we enter the streets, everybody seems to be alive.

What struck William Hutton when he first saw Birmingham, might be said of Belfast: "I was surprised at the place, but more at the people.

They possessed a vivacity I had never before beheld.

I had been among dreamers, but now I saw men awake.