HUNTING AND SPORTING NOTES 



IN 



SHROPSHIRE AND CHESHIRE. 



SEASON 1884-85. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Mr. Bromley Davenport says with great truth, '' Per- 

 haps no greater anomaly, no more palpable anachronism, 

 exists in England than Foxhunting. Yet it has been 

 called, and is, the National Sport." 



In spite of the march of improvement — high farming, 

 — the intersection of the country by roads and railways 

 — the straightening of fences — the multiplication of 

 dwellings — the democratising of the world — the over 

 preservation of game — the sneers of overburdened in- 

 tellects — and last, though not least, the hard times through 

 which we are passing — hunting wavers not, halts not, 

 ceases not. As one season succeeds another, its votaries 

 are on the increase, its health giving, invigorating, and 

 manly unselfiish influences are more and more apprecia- 

 ted, and it proudly maintains its title to be " The Sport 

 of Kings and people." If one typical character, more 

 than another, that all sportsmen are so fond of quoting, 



