46 MEMOIR OF THE KILKENNY HUNT. 



With the death of Sir John a striking personality 

 was removed from the Kilkenny hunting field and 

 Kilkenny society ; but his son John proved a worthy 

 successor, and the Kilkenny Hunt continued to 

 prosper under his popular and genial sway. Whether 

 in the kennel or in the field, he was unsurpassed. He 

 was an excellent horseman, very observant of the 

 doings of hounds, and very quick when required, but 

 equally patient on a bad scenting day. A very fine 

 horseman, with excellent hands, he could ride a 

 refractory horse better than most men ; and there are 

 many who may recollect how, even in old age, he 

 used to ride a horse called " The Peeler," a big, 

 awkward-tempered customer, as none other could ride 

 him. He had a ringing and most musical voice, and 

 hounds flew to either his voice or his horn. Few 

 there are who recollect his mastership, but those who 

 do (none, alas ! amongst the present Kilkenny field) 

 recall with enthusiasm the fine sport he showed. He 

 was a great houndsman, and loved to spend his days 

 amongst hounds, where, seated in the kennel-yard, 

 cigar in mouth, he would remain for hours criticising 

 or admiring each hound. He was an excellent judge 

 of hounds, and had a strong predilection for a deep 

 hound, and always said that such hounds came home 

 " with their sterns up." Nobody understood breeding 

 hounds better, or did so more successfully, and none 

 were more qualified to speak on kennel management. 

 During the spring and summer he took infinite 

 trouble to protect vixens and cubs, and would visit 

 the various coverts of the Hunt, and satisfy himself 

 that cubs were safe and well taken care of by the 



