enhance the data recovered by in situ sampling. The historical literature contains abundant information on thatching in Ireland and related topics, although more recent writings are often anecdotal and not nearly as botanically or technically 'rigorous' as one might wish. These sources provide the basis for sketching a broad history of thatching in Ireland taking into account many of the social, economic and environmental changes that have occurred in recent centuries. A great deal of information can also be obtained from photographic archives, particularly in reference to the appearance and techniques used for ridges, eaves and gables. Some modern Irish thatchers still use methods and materials that disappeared long ago in England, Scotland, Wales and the Continent. An effort is Eel grass and straw, County Down, Northern Ireland. being made to interview, and when possible record, these practices as most are unlikely to outlive the generation of thatchers now approaching retirement. The older generation's intuitive understanding of thatch and the link between structure, materials and performance is crucial to the success of thatch in the future whether a roof is thatched with rushes, oat straw or imported water reed. The technical basis of thatching has already been sketched in considerable detail by Mr. Letts in his work on thatching in England. Work completed Sampling For the purposes of this study, buildings surveyed fall into three categories: (a) derelict buildings that are sampled and recorded in detail; Turf and marram grass, County Donegal. Context 56 December 1997 (h) inhabited dwellings that are surveyed, but which provided limited sampling or recording opportunities; and (c) buildings with modern thatched roofs (i.e. replaced within the last 50 years). As much time as possible is being devoted to the recording of level (a) buildings as these will soon be lost due to general dereliction. Unfortunately, these buildings are not always easy to locate. Level (b) buildings can also provide data of technical, historical or botanical interest. Recording of the in situ evidence began in the spring of 1996 with a tour of Ulster Province, and has been followed by additional sampling visits to Leinster, E. Munster and N. Connaught. The success of the first Ulster tour was clue to the fact that buildings suitable for analysis had already been identified by the Environment Service of the DoE. Sampling in the South has been less methodical, but nevertheless successful because of the sheer number of derelict thatched buildings that exist in most southern counties. As of September, 1997, 24 level (a) buildings have been sampled and recorded in Ulster Province along with c. 25 in S. Leinster and E. Munster. A further c. 20 have been swveyecl to level (b) in each province. A dozen buildings have been surveyed in North Connaught and a half dozen in the Dublin region. Further sampling visits in October and November will focus on Munster and West Connaught, and the sampling component of the project will be completed by the encl of November. In general, sampling has gone more slowly than originally planned due to logistical difficulties and the need to develop local contacts. Locals are invariably aware of buildings suitable for surveying, whether derelict or inhabited, and home owners are almost always happy to provide access, but these contacts take time to develop and are difficult to pursue during short sampling visits. A number of contacts were provided by Mr. Peter Brockett, a thatcher and thatch instructor, who unfortunately passed away in the summer of 1996. Many buildings have also been located through historians and individuals with a strong interest in vernacular architecture. In contrast, and with a few notable exceptions, the response from county councils for assistance in locating suitable buildings has been less than enthusiastic. On occupied buildings, sampling is constrained by the type of rethatching that is occurring. Traditionally, a new top coat or patch was simply 'scolloped' or 'stuffed' into a weathered coat when required. Older thatchers are always eager to talk about the 'coating' methods they are using, but such roofs do not provide sequential series of samples as they offer access only to surface layers. Contemporary practice often involves stripping roofs completely for rethatching with either water reed or combed wheat reed, and numerous complete series of samples have been obtained from roofs being rethatched by a recently trained younger generation of thatchers. Semiderelict buildings provide the ideal sampling opportunity as they can usually be partially dismantled, recorded and sampled as methodically as time permits. Waterford, Wexford, Kildare and Kilkenny counties have been particularly rich in such 'sampling opportunities', and the additional effort devoted 7
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