Wyndham Thos. Wyndhamquin, fourth Earl of Dunraven and Mount Earl, was born fifty-two years ago. His father, who was a convert to Roman Catholicism, devoted much time to scientific pursuits, and wrote a book on Irish architecture, which is generally recognized as the standard work on the subject. His mother was a Protestant, and a daughter of Sergeant Goold, the eminent Dublin lawyer, who, although past forty when called to the bar, made both a name and a fortune for himself in his profession. His grandfather on the paternal side supported the Union, but Sergeant Goold, like so many of the leading men in Dublin at that time, more especially barristers, opposed it. Here, then, we have a very fair example of the fact that the prominent men in the counties desired to see the fusion of the two countries, while the chief representatives of the cities held the opposite opinion. [Illustration: LORD DUNRAVEN.] Viscount Adare, the title belonging to the eldest son in the Dunraven family, was educated privately, and although fond of athletics, had few opportunities of joining in cricket, football, rackets, and similar public-school games. At an early age he was sent abroad with a tutor, and while still in his teens had visited and explored many of the principal cities of Europe. In compliance with his father's wishes he stayed some time at Rome. But neither the influence of the priests nor the attractions of the Vatican were sufficient to induce him to become a Roman Catholic. Soon after he returned to England he went to Oxford and matriculated at Christ Church, where he spent the next three years of his life. At college, except holding a commission for a year in the 'Varsity volunteers, he did nothing to distinguish himself from the ordinary undergraduate, and, like many others of his set, came down without taking a degree. He then joined the First Life Guards, and spent much of his spare time steeplechasing. Pluck and nerve, combined with light weight, secured him many mounts from Captain Machell and others. He was christened "Fly" by his brother officers, a name by which he is still known among his most intimate friends.