115 



From Charleville to Tipperary, and thence to Dun- 

 drum, the land is all good, though generally in need of 

 drainage. At Dundrum House I saw Lord Hawarden, 

 who kindly took me oyer his grounds, and also showed 

 me his sheep and cattle. The variety of wood and ever- 

 greens in the pleasure-grounds is very pleasing ; and 

 the rich pasture-lands, extending as far as the eye can 

 reach, interspersed everywhere with fine old trees, and 

 fat beeves and flocks of sheep grazing beneath them, 

 form quite an English landscape. The rapidity of the 

 growth of trees here is surprising. Lord Hawarden 

 pointed out to me three large oak-trees planted by him 

 no longer ago than 1813. Hollies and laurels grow to 

 the size of forest trees ; and these again shoot up to a 

 great height with clear bright stems, showing the rich- 

 ness of the soil and genial climate. There is a great 

 extent of plantations on this estate, which is very un- 

 usual in any part of Ireland farther west. 



Lord Hawarden has about 3000 acres of land in his 

 own occupation, a great proportion of which is in 

 grass. The stock consists of two or three hundred head 

 of cattle, and 1400 sheep. The sheep are bred on the 

 land, and are of prime quality. The cattle are mostly 

 half-bred Durhams, bought in the country as calves, 

 and kept till turned out fat. 200 acres of hay are 

 made annually. 



I accompanied his lordship to a road session, where 

 the gentry were met to pass the accounts for making 



diate order on the tenant to find security for the rent ; and on his failure to 

 do so, may procure authority at once to resume possession by an exceedingly 

 simple process. 



