The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-11
THE PoLo cJUB GROUNDS.
where New Yori's Favoritr sons Of For
tune will Play and nj ,e.

The Polo Clubs grounds, in the north
western portion Of jerome Park, are rapidly as
Stunning shape. much to the astonishment OF the
staid people In Westchester county Mr. James
Gordon Bennett, who introduces the game OF
polo in this country, Ia determined that the club
must have a house, and grounds and ponies
that shall win tho admiration OF foreigners and
be the pride OF American sportsmen. MIR. Ben
nett and Mr.. Lawrence jerome have spent much
time IN personal supervision OF the work. and
probably on the lat Of June the elegant house
will he opened to the members Of the club and
It's guests Jerome Park IL a synonym for
brilliant contests on the turf. and the name re-
calls beautiful women, excited men. champagne
glasses, lunch baskets and fast horses aud now,
with the Polo Club. the park Is bound to be
more attractive than ever.
The game OF polo comes originally from India
There the English officers, who In their younger
DAYS found enjoyment In the old -fashi on ed
game Of shiny" grew wearied OF scampering
they might mount a horse or pony aud play the
game equally welt. They were immensely
pleased with the novelty Of the sport, and It was
soon one q the most popular amusenents for
gentlemen In India. England was next excited
over It, aud now Mr.. Bennett purposes that New
Workers shall have opportunity to display their
agility In the same interesting game. Mr. Harry
Blasson was sent to Mexico to purchase m ustang
ponies Of the best breed. lie started on his re-
turn TO this CITY with q Of the fnest ponies
that money could secure In the neighboriIuod
OF tho Rio Grande. Two OF the animals we're
unable to complete the journey Mr. Blasson
pat them In the care OF persons by the wayside.
The rem ander OF tha ponies were safely brought
TO this city. The mustangs were handsomely
groomed, yet the trip affected them seriously,
and eleven only were taken to jerome Park.
TIE other ten were sent to the stables OF the
Seacaucus race track. The latter were thin, slick,
and weak, and refused to eat. They seemed
not TO understand int they must subsist on
grain and hay, and sought for grass. They
are improving In health, and in day or
two are to be taken TO the grass In Jerome Park.
MIR. Blasson IL the trainer and oyerseer OF the
ponies. and Is constant IN his care OF them. The
ponies were selected for their beauty, sprightli.
ness, and gentlencss, and Will make a splendid
show on the grounds. The limit as 60 tho
height OF the ponies has been fixed ut fourteen
hands, and the mallets TO be used must he four
feet eight inches IN length. The ponies are to
be "hug-maned," and their tails have been cut
short.
Peter Herman contracted with Mr. Bennett
70 complete the fine club house within thirty
days. aud Mr.. Herman says that the contract
shall be fulfilled. The house ~ Of the Gothic
style, with platial verdndah and tall tower.
There Will be fourteen rooms, including a sutcrb
dining hall and ball room forty feet square,
with buy windows. A massive marble mantel,
seven feet In hight ana eight feet wide, Is to be
built In the west side OF the ball room. The
vainscoting, drapery, and cornices Of this room
Will be appropriately rich. Yesterday laborers
", re draining the grounds. and the ponies are
to be sent cut to level the grass with their teeth,