ed hills-a gentle ripple played over the surface without disturbing its tranquillity, and a grateful breeze issued from the distant heights to mitigate the scorching rays of a meridian sun. In the front ground, and immediately under, is "Point:" which, deriving its name from its sudden intrusion on the Lake, forms, from its crowded plantations, an agreeable residence, and a most picturesque addition to the entire landscape-in near relief, Rinaldo's Isle-the lovely Innisfallen, clad in the verdure of its lofty ash, extends its lengthened front, concealing from observation, the entrance to the narrow defiles which lead in devious windings to the enchanting varieties of the upper Lake. In the distance, Turk-Mountain, vain of its symmetry, and its wooded scenery, rises in stately and undisturbed majesty over its own Lake, of which it might seem to be the gigantic warder. Precisely opposite the course stands beautiful Glenah; next, rugged Tommis-still farther in the back ground, and enveloped in distant obscurity, is the mighty range of M'Gillicuddy's Reeks, lifting their lofty summits into heaven, and struggling with prodigious Mangerton, which swells towards the south east, for dominion over the surrounding scene → on the left, Ross Castle, clad in the glories of traditionary lore, boldly lifts its feudal turrets, reminding the Irish antiquarian of the stern power and unbounded authority of its former chiefs. Close by it, and nearly concealed by the variety of wood which intercepts the view, appears the whitened roof of Reen Cottage, celebrated for having received under its hospitable protection, after a melancholy accident in Innisfallen, Hallam. the polished and philosophical historian of the middle ages. More to the east, Droumhumper Castle peeps from behind a projecting hill, which partly hides it from the view, and the venerable trees of Cronin's Park, proud of their rich and ample foliage, lord it in the distance; while the picturesque inequalities of the Glanflesk mountains, terminating in the towering "Paps," give a noble and imposing completion to the whole. On the summit of the rising ground behind, stands Aghadoe Church, whose ivied ruins give a romantic appearance to this barren and unwooded hill. Turning towards the right, Lakeville becomes a prominent object in the landscape-continuing in that direction the eye passes over the awful beauties of the Gap, and at last rests fatigued by intensity of action on the distant Iveragh hills. Such is the enchanting situation of this delightful course; Is it possible to conceive any scenery more splendid?-Is it in the power of any pencil to sketch the faintest outline of it?-When such a landscape so rich in magical illusion, and again, breathing so fine a spirit of repose and softness, is chequered by the accidental accompaniment of lordly equipages, and brightened by a vast variety of gay and fashionable costume. Yet such was the scene by which I found myself surrounded, when I mounted the stand-house, at about one o'clock to-day.

It is beyond the feeble effort of my pen, which can aspire to nothing more than humble detail, to describe the sensations at the moment, of perhaps too enthusiastic a mind. It appeared as if by the power of Aladdin's lamp, I had been transported into some enchanted region where all my feverish dreams of felicity were about to be realised; my bosom was bursting from the excitement. No wonder I should have felt my own heart expand from the delicious influx of joy at once pure, exuberant and unembittered-rushing in upon me from so many external sources, and mingling with that as yet untroubled and natural current which swells freshly up from the deep fountains of the youthful soul. It would be surprising if

2

I could have resisted the fine influences shed on my mind and feelings by the varied and exquisite scenery which lay before me in dim and distant magnificence, or in the nearer charms of distinct and delicate beauty; or if I could have remained indifferent to the equally potent spells of that moral influence which came from the gladdened looks and radiant counfenances, and animated gestures, and humming voices, and love-revealing whispers, and loud, boisterous mirth of the various groups by which I was at that instant surrounded. This may not come up to the overwrought estimate of happiness conceived by a philosophic dreamer, and sighed for by an ascetic religionist-but, if there be a species of joy on earth that can be at once innocent and social, that does not shut out NATURE and yet cordially links itself to MAN-it was the enjoyment of this day.

Although i looked in vain for that first-rate and gorgeous assemblage of rank and fashion from the more distant parts of the kingdom, which, in my mind, the scene and the orcasion ought to have brought together, still the meeting was by no means trivial or scanty; and if there was not enough to satisfy my patriotism, there was enough to minister to my thirst for rational gratification and amusement. The stand was crowded by the most fashionable residents about Killarney-underneath was a variety of ears, carriages and splendid equipages-scattered about was a vast concourse of the peasantry of the country-in every direction were seen the alert and practised, as well as the clumsy equestrians, moving about this interesting scene of pleasure and pastime, and adding unconsciously to the gaiety of the whole.-I found on my arrival, the Course in a state of pecular animation. Equestrians were seen moving with rapidity towards the starting post-the honest peasantry were pressing with all the anxiety inspired by this novel scene, towards the railing near the winning-post, and the stand-house supported an immovable group of fair fashionables, whose intense gaze in one direction was an additional indication that the sport was about to commence. "Clear the Course;"-" clear the Course," now resounded from all sides;-the long note of Spillane's bugle was at Fast heard, and six horses issued form the distand crowd, and passed, fleet as an arrow, along the northern part of the Course-here the coup-dœil was truly splendid; they appeared to move together as if by the impulse of some exquisitely regulated machinery—so unvaried and equable was their speed, and so fixed and steady were their riders.-But soon they began to separate; the distinguishing colours of the horsemen, were easily discernable, and the mettle of the animals became now a subject for speculation.They had started for the Kenmare stakes, to run two mile heats, round a Course, a mile and half in extent. Clanwillian, Mr. Croker's colt, appeared to me to be the general favourite; next, Fanny, Mr. Studdard's mare; Mr. Hunter's Fib, and Major Crosbie's Lilias. The race was most admirably contested, and exhibited great judgment in the jockies-Clanwilliam, at first holding back, conscious of his speed, but not confident in his strength, and at the second round pressing forward with redoubled energy, Fanny showing both strength and speed, and Fib's Jockey displaying great tact and skill. At last the struggle arrived, the whipping for the post commenced, and Clanwilliam won by a head and neck of Fanny:Fib coming in third, and Crosbie's Lilias, Fourth.-It was afterwards ascertained by the testimony of two gentlemen, that Fanny went inside one of the posts, which, by the laws of the turf, placed her in the same situation

that race.

as a distanced horse, and deprived her of the privilege of running any more After a good deal of discussion respecting the bolt, it was decided by the Stewards that Fanny was distanced. It was the general opinion from the result of the other two heats, that she would have won the race, had not this very unlucky accident occurred.-Age and strength telling against the colt Clanwilliam, Mr. Hunter's Fib won the other heats, and gained the plate.-The day terminated with a badly contested saddle race, and we all returned to Killarney gratified with the events of the past hours, and already revelling in the anticipation of to

morrow's amusement.

A few reflections before I retire to balmy sleep. A person acquainted with the previous treatment of a horse to prepare him for the Course, and with the reducing regimen many an unfortunate jockey is forced to undergo to weight him for the occasion;---or a person, who, uninfluenced by the excitement of the race, can abstract his mind from the intoxicating scene around him, and calmly observe the cruel punishment an unhappy animai sustains while he is exerting every muscle and fibre in his whole frame for the attaintment of victory;---such a person will undoubtedly think that the amusement it produces will very imperfectly counterbalance the inhumanity of man. But alas! how few! how few are there, that permit their minds to entertain such kind-hearted reflections, or allow their conduct to be influenced by such humane considerations. Man, whether his epicurean propensities are to be administered to,---whether his goodly appetite is to be sustained, or his enjoyments are to be promoted, will never allow his humanity to interfere,---it will never prevent the cackling inhabitant of the farm yard from being roasted alive, to procure, by its sufferings, a diseased liver for the tasteless stomach of the pampered epicure,---it will never prevent the fatted calf from undergoing a slow and lingering death, to satisfy the gourmand's eye by the whiteness of its flesh,---nor will it relieve the racehorse from pain, by inducing him to forego the exciting enjoyments of the turf. To the majority of persons, then, horse racing is an object of high gratification, and the English, in particular, have been celebrated since the reign, I believe, of James the First, for their fondness of this sport, and for the perfection to which they have brought this now enviable art. It appears to be peculiar to them, like the bull fights in Spain, and chariot coursing amongst the ancients; if I may except the extraordinary exhibitions during the Carnivals at Rome, where eight or ten horses elegantly and fancifully bedizened, start without riders, and struggle for success, with all the anxiety of rational man. To those, then, who have been accustomed to attend the St. Legers at Doncaster, where they have observed fortunes changing hands with the rapidity of lightning, or the Egham and Epsom races, where they have seen royalty, and nobility, and the lordly cit, in all the glitter of unbounded wealth,---the Killarney races may appear unworthy of attention;---for no money was stirring, no sprig of royalty was

We cannot help applauding the humanity of our contributor, though it be at the expense of his consistency but the obvious reflection is this; that until the whole system of fastes and habits, prevalent in a people, engendered by their circumstances and ministering to their appetite for pleasure,---however morbid and debased that appetite may be---shall baye undergone a gradual and therefore permanent alteration, it will be to no purpose that either individuals lecture them, or senates legislate, them into what is so fancifully termned --humanity to the brute creation.---EDIT.

there,--but Nature has lent her assistance, and her unrivalled beauties must recompense us for the poverty of our purse, and the absence of our aristocracy.

First of July.---Fortunately for the half famished cows, and impoverished crops of the country, this morning did not open so auspiciously as did yesterday. The clouds were thickening in the atmosphere, and occasionally distributed to the parched ground some of the stores of rain they had been hoarding up, during the last three months. After repeated showers, the day, however, cleared, and about one o'clock, the course was gain enlivened by an undimued and uninterrupted sun. Lord Headley's plate of £50, was to be run for. Before I enter into the detail of the proceedings, I most anxiously seize the opportunity of holding up for the example of the aristocracy of Ireland, this intelligent and hospitable nobleman,---this social and polished peer,---this excellent and encouraging landlord, who, retiring from the gaieties of London society, ---quitting the exciting sports of an English country fife, and leaving the intellectual resources of continental travel, has come to live in the quiet enjoyment of the scenery of Killarney, where his hospitality, kindness, and his generous benevolence, have won him the esteem and respect of the whole country. Were Ireland blest with a few more such men, she would not be as she now is, thrown back in the scale of civilization ;---she would not be poor and disconsolate,---she would maintain the rank that Nature intended for her,---her green fields would vegetate with prosperity,---her sons would he no longer aliens in their native land, and the Emerald Isle would be contented and happy. But to return,---Clanwilliam, Fanny, Mr. Beamish's Mercury, and the Kerry Mule Waxend, started for the plate. Clanwilliam, after excellent running, won the first heat. The second, after a desperate struggle, was gained by Fanny, and then came the tug of war for the third heat, when unluckily, Clanwilliam, in the second round, fell, and the young jockey was thrown, which gave Fanny an easy victory. After a very unequal race between two horses for private bets, the day terminated by the amusing operations of qualifying horses for the "hunter's plate" to be run for, next Thursday. To entitle the horses to be entered, they were to carry a rider over a six feet drain, a four and half feet wall, and a sporting doubie ditch. The execution of this task was performed by five horses, with various degrees of perfection, but without exciting our visible muscles by a single fall.

Monday, 3d July.---I Fose this morning, anticipating the utmost gratification from the fine amusement which this day promised to me. had never seen a stag-hunt on the Lakes, but I had often pictured it to my imagination as the most delightful scene possible. I had often taught my fancy to listen to the echoes of the surrounding hills, as they reverberated to the music of the hounds, and I had often painted to myself those romantic heights, crowded with people on foot cheering on the dogs, and the whole Lake covered with boats anxiously pressing forward to the principal point of attraction. The glories of romance in my mind were thrown into the shade by the superior celebrity of the Killarney stag-hunt; and the boasted excitements of the turf, dwindled into common-place insignificance, when compared with the delicious and high-toned enjoyment I was about to Such were my dreams; and the moment arrived, when all those tond imaginings were to be realized. Must I confess it.---I was disappointed!---It appeared to me, on the whole, a tiresome uninteresting ocću. pation--dar, far below the gratification I had ardently anticipated.

taste.

All the boats belonging to the Lake, filled with ladies attired in the gay costume of summer months, were crowded into a narrow creek leading to the upper lake, and there we remained during the entire day, looking anxiousły towards Glenah, where a few sportsmen were seen toiling in the ascent, and whence, the cry of the hounds occasionally proceeded as it was wafted to us by the mountain breeze. The doe attempted to cross over to Turk, where we should most certainly have had a delightful hunt.---She was prevented by the crowd near the gut, and again traversed to the mountain. After a good deal of fagging, for the footmen, as they are called, and without amusement for the spectators, the doe was taken and conveyed to Mr. O'Connell's boat. We then all pressed forward to Glenah bay, where she was to be enlarged into the water and swim ashore---this was the scene which pleased me most. The boats, hitherto cramped up in a narrow pasRage, now widened into a larger circuit, and assumed from their number and company, a most magnificent appearance. The Lake opened into full view, and glistened in the brilliancy of the setting sun.---Tommis exhibited at the moment, all the picturesque varieties of light and shade; and Glenah cottage, half concealed from the distant spectator by two venerable ash trees, smiled in the parting rays of a summer's day.

After the poor hind had reached the shore, quite worn down by toil, we all directed our course to Innisfallen, that" Paradiso terreno," as Scott, in romantic enthusiasm, termed it, where many a heart was lost amidst the giddy mazes of the dance, and many a sigh burst unnoticed amidst the ivied ruins of its silent abbey. Here new scenes presented themselves, and new enjoyments were in perspective. After three or four hundred fashionables had dined on the green turf, with Heaven for their canopy,--we spent the evening in tripping it on "the light fantastic. toe," and leading the nymphs of Innisfallen through the intricate windings of the unrustic quadrille.

Saturday, 7th July,---Since Monday, the remainder of this week, with the exception of the present day, has been spent upon the course with the same company, precisely the same gratification, and nearly the same weather. Fanny again won on Tuesday,---Fib beat Lilias (Fanny not running) on Wednesday :---the hunter's plate was rode for on Thursday:---Mr. Dennahy winning in consequence of the Maid of the Mill, Mr. Fergusson's mare crossing his horse in the second round. Yesterday, poor Clanwilliam who had been hitherto so unsuccessful, in consequence of the unfortunate accidents which twice occurred to his rider, won the plate for beaten horses, and the week of delightful amusement terminated this evening by a well contested boat race on the Lake, for a silver cup. Four boats started; first, a five mile, then a two mile heat; both which were easily won by Mr. Hyde's Water Lilly. Thus ended the first Killarney Meeting. I cannot however close my remarks without doing justice to my own feelings, by bearing testimony to the admirable manner in which the whole proceedings were conducted. The arrangements of the Stewards, whether as regard the Ordinaries, the Balls, or the Race Course, gave universal satis faction.---Every stranger was delighted with the attention and politeness he experienced. The Stewards evinced an anxiety to promote by their civilities the enjoyments of all around them. They have left an impression on the minds of their visitors so favourable to Killarney, that I feel confident The next meeting will be numerously attended.