HISTORY OF THE KILDARE HUNT 



whole country that yo've got the ugliest swate- 

 heart in Kildare." 



It was a little girl, too, who in the story well 

 known in Kildare gave that sporting explanation 

 of the reason of the strewing of palms on the 

 ground upon the entry into Jerusalem. Upon being 

 asked the question by the school teacher she 

 replied, 



** To tache the ass to lep." 



I find a letter from Lord Clonmell to the com- 

 mittee, which is not dated, but which I think was 

 written at the end of his first season, worthy 

 I think of being set out, as showing some particu- 

 lars of the expenses of management at that period. 



Gentlemen, 



I have lately looked into the state of the finances 

 of the Kildare Hunt with a view to making you 

 acquainted with the expenditure necessary for the 

 keeping up of the country. 



Paying rent for coverts, earthstoppers, etc., it 

 appears to me that at present your funds will not 

 enable you to allow me more than £s^^ P^^ annum 

 for the establishment. 



You must be aware that this sum is quite inade- 

 quate and I feel sure that if you have the power 

 vou will increase it. 



I am so anxious that the country should be put 

 in perfect order that I am willing to keep the 

 establishment for that sum for the ensuing year. 



234 



