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| THE STRAWBERRY BEDS, CO. DUBLIN. -The Strawberry Beds! What Dubliner, or what Irishman has not heard of them? A generation ago, they were almost as famous as the fair green of Donnybrook itself. The "glory," such as it was, of Donnybrook Fair has departed, but the bloom of the Strawberry Beds still remains. They lie along the river Liffey, on the charming road which connects the Phoenix Park with historic Lucan, the long lost patrimony of the patriotic and chivalrous family of the Sarsfields, the greatest scion of which, General Patrick Sarsfield, obtained his title of Earl, granted by James II, from the town. The Strawberry Beds extend over many fragrant acres, in the midst of sylvan scenery, and in the season they are visited by thousands who revel in the luscious fruit, generously "smothered in cream." And no strawberry in the world has the fine flavor of that grown in Ireland! The fruit is not as large as that grown in America, but the lingering "bouquet" of the Irish berry makes one think that it is, indeed, the food of angels! The climate of Ireland is splendidly adapted for the raising of small fruits. Irish gooseberries and currants rival the strawberry in popular favor. When Oliver Cromwell said of Ireland, "This is a country worth fighting for!" he must have been enjoying a dish of strawberries at the "Beds." |
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