32 HUNTING AND SPOBT ING NOTES. 



fill for, and much that less favoured counties long for 

 in vain. Here's health and happiness, for many a year 

 to come, to " All Eound the Wrekin " who do honour 

 to two of the blessings of life, ** Horses and Hounds." 



TENTH WEEK— December 29 to January 3, 1885. 



The renewal of the lease of Shrewsbury race-ground is 

 still an unsettled matter. Here is a fine open space con- 

 veniently situated for a population of nearly 30,000 

 people. Here are the stands and all the other appliances 

 of sport. Adjoining it are the nicest meadows, with per- 

 fect fences for steepleehasing, which can, I know, be 

 had for the purpose when required. What is to prevent 

 the formation of a steeplechase, hunt, and general sport- 

 ing club to rent this ground ? A finer natural steeple- 

 chase course could not be found anywhere. Shrewsbury 

 is a splendid centre for the purpose. I have already 

 heard of some good supporters of such a scheme as this, 

 and it is one that will win the smiles of the county 

 families once more if properly taken up. In addition to 

 this, an athletic club is being seriously discussed in 

 Shrewsbury, and where could they find a better locale 

 than here, where, without in the least interfering with 

 each other, biped and quadruped could share the gallop- 

 ing ground paid contribute to the expense, profit, and 

 amusement of the club aud its patrons ? It onlv requires 

 a few able, active, and influential sportsmen to see into 

 this matter, and bring it to a successful termination. 



What can I say of hunting while we are smartnig under 

 the bite of this " shaving " north-easter ? I am told that 

 the Shropshire went to Shawbury on Tuesday, and found 

 in the Old Pool, near Wytheford, running prettily to 

 Ercall, where they either lost or ran to ground. And that 

 again, on Wednesday, they braved the elements (Sir 

 Wat Lin s did not show up at Ruyton on Tuesday). The 

 Shropshire found a fox at Loton Park — ran him away 

 sharply towards the Breiden, and back to Loton, and 

 killed him in tw^enty-five minutes — no find Eowton or 

 Bickley way afterwards. I, C7ini multis aliin^ st lyed at 

 home, thinking hounds would not go, and not relishing 

 a nine-mile ride with disappointment at the end of it. 

 Of course we growled at our own pusillanimity, and swore, 



