126 IRISH SPORT AND SPORTSMEN. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE GALWAY HOUNDS. 



"Now," says my host, "have a weed." 



" Thank you. I must cross-examine you about the 

 ' Blazers,' their history, &c. &c. You know all about 

 my book. I paid a visit to a friend of mine in Kil- 

 kenny Christmas week, and since then spent a few 

 days with an old acquaintance in Waterford, and they 

 gave me a great deal of information about their 

 hounds ; and I am sure you know a good deal about 

 the Galway pack. So I made up my mind the mo- 

 ment I received your invitation to accept it, although 

 very busy, as I am sure you will tell me all you 

 know." 



" Certainly, with pleasure, and will not state any- 

 thing except what I am certain is correct. In the 

 first place, you must know that the present Master of 

 the Galway Hounds, Mr. Burton R. P. Persse, can 

 boast of a distinguished line of ancestors, all of whom 

 were, as he is, decidedly ' men for Galway,' and re- 

 markable for their love of fox-hunting, their popu- 

 larity, many estimable qualities, and sportsman-like 

 conduct at all times. They were celebrated for their 

 knowledge of hunting and good horsemanship. The 

 grandfather of Burton Persse was so distinguished 

 in this respect that he rejoiced in the sobriquet of 

 ♦the Irish Meynell.'" 



"Yes, so I heard; and Mr. Burton Persse told me 



