2 26 IRISH SPORT AND SPORTSMEN. 



behold the foxhounds, faithful to their horn, approaching from 



distant directions, and as they all closed to the point of destination, 



the pack, 'in all its beauty's pride,' appeared on the brow of the 



hill:— 



" ' Oh ! what a charming scene, 



When all around was gay, men, horses, dogs, 

 And in each cheerful countenance was seen 

 Fresh blooming health, and never-fading joy.' 



" The taking his drag from the earth was brilliant beyond 

 common fortune; like a train which runs oif in a blaze, they hardly 

 touched it till they were out of sight. ' Madman,' that unerring 

 finder, proclaimed the joyful tidings ; each foxhound gave credit 

 to the welcome information, and they went away in a crash. It 

 was a perfect tumult in Mr. Newstead's garden ; there the villain 

 was found, and we went off at his brush. In skirting a small 

 covert in the first mile, we divided on a fresh fox ; it was a moment 

 of importance, nothing but prompt, vigorous, and general exer- 

 tions could repair the misfortune ; it was decisive, and he now 

 faced the Commons of Carney, broad and deep was the bounds 

 drain; but what can stop foxhunters .^ The line had been main- 

 tained by five couple of hounds ; they crossed the road, and find- 

 ing themselves on the extensive sod of the Commons, they began 

 to go 'the pace.' A scene now presented itself, which none but 

 foxhunters could appreciate, for its beauty was not discernible to 

 the common and inexperienced eye. At this period, the chase 

 became a complete 'split,' the hounds, which had changed, and had 

 now, from different directions, gained the Commons, could not 

 venture to run in on the five couple without decidedly losing 

 ground, and, to maintain it, instinct directed them to run on credit, 

 and, flanking the five couple, the whole pack formed a chain of 

 upwards of loo yards in breast across the Commons ; but as the 

 chase varied through the hollows and windings of this beautiful 

 surface, the hounds, on the wings, in turns, took up the line, and 

 maintained their stations, as the others had done, so well was this 

 pack matched. Here we crossed walls that on common occasions 

 would have been serious obstacles. The second huntsman, on a 

 young one, following Lord Rossmore, called out : ' What is on the 

 other side, my Lord ?' 'I am, thank God,' was the answer. We 

 now disappeared from the Commons of Carney, and at this time 

 the pack was hunting so greedily that one would think every dog 

 was hitting like an arrow. We now passed Carrigagown for the 



