THE WARD UNION HOUNDS. 9 1 



facilities for enjoyment. If a lover of foxhunting, 

 he frequently has an opportunity of hunting with 

 the Kildare, Meath, and Louth hounds ; and the 

 "Wards" meet three times a week at a convenient 

 rendezvous. 



If the harriers have attractions for him, Mr. 

 Brooke, of Summerton, Castleknock, has a good 

 pack, about 12 couple, 18 inches high, and he invari- 

 able lays the vejuie for their trysts near the capital. 

 Mr. Thomas Turbett keeps a nice pack of beagles at 

 Finglass ; and by-the-by I was near forgetting to 

 mention that a few gentlemen keep a pack of musical 

 " currant jelly" dogs in that neighbourhood also. 

 Those fond of shooting will find game in abundance 

 at no great distance ; lovers of the leash, too, will find 

 their wants amply provided for ; and disciples of Izaak 

 Walton can kill trout or salmon within a few miles of 

 the metropolis. The *' Phoenix" affords ample oppor- 

 tunities for the training of flat and steeplechase horses 

 or hunters, and it is — par excellence — the finest park 

 in the world — the scenery around it is charming ; 

 and on a fine summer's morning, when the troops 

 are being reviewed, and the sons of Mars are 

 marching, while the bands discourse sweet music, 

 I know of no place of its kind so attractive and 

 picturesque. 



I shall now endeavour to give a history of the 

 Ward Union Hunt : — 



The country over which they hunt is all that a 

 hunting man could desire ; most of the fences require 

 a deal of "doing," but a good, bold fencer will 

 get over them without much difficulty. The " going" 

 is generally good ; indeed the committee, with a wis- 



