As Ahadarra lay in the mountain district, it necessarily covered a large space; in fact it constituted a townland in itself.

The greater portion of it, no doubt, was barren mountain, but then there were about three hundred acres of strong rough land that was either reclaimed or capable of being so.

Bryan, who had not only energy and activity, but capital to support both, felt, on becoming master of a separate farm, that peculiar degree of pride which was only natural to a young and enterprising man.

He had now a fair opportunity, he thought, of letting his friends see what skill and persevering exertion could do.

Accordingly he commenced his improvements in a spirit which at least deserved success.