102 HUNTING AND SPORTING NOTES. 



Shropshire farmers may go farther and fare worse 

 than in patronising a shire horse, the property of Mr. P. 

 Mmitz, M.P., called " Surprise," that I had the pleasure 

 of looking over to-day at Shrewsbury. A first-rate 

 specimen of a powerful short-legged cart horse, such 

 as is sure to improve the breed wherever he goes. 

 I congratulate the county on his acquisition. 



And now my notes must come to an end. The season 

 for all practical purposes is done. I wish it had told a 

 more flattering tale. We sportsmen are not unaccustomed 

 to failures and disappointments, and, therefore, are able 

 to bear like true Britons this short, frost-bound, bad 

 scenting season, grateful that there is much to look 

 forward to, a few pleasant glimpses in the past, and 

 may hopeful signs in the future. There is not one cloud 

 on the horizon which threatens us with real dangers. 

 Birds of evil omen croak faintly, but we heed them not, 

 knowing that our West Midland Chronicle is likely to 

 survive many an angry scare, and many an imaginary 

 difficulty. 



I have endeavourered to hold " the mirror up to 

 nature," and if the picture has not alway been so fair to 

 look upon as the keenest among us could have wished, 

 do not let us forget Pope's truthful' essay on criticism, 

 wdierein he says. 



Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see, 

 Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be. 



Once more I have been persuaded to publish these 

 notes accompanied by some portraits of local interest, 

 and with sketches by Mr. H. F. Myttcn, which will 

 mark some of the incidents herein detailed. They at 

 least will help to redeem the monotony of an oft told 

 tale, and carry with them, I trust, a few sweet remem- 

 brances of a winter's sport. On the principle of Bis clat 

 qui cito dat we intend the publication to be made within 

 a few days, and to it will be added something of a 

 useful nature as an index to hospitable quarters. 

 Sporting tradesmen, the best shops, and other inforaiation 

 beneficial to our county town and my readers. ''All 

 for the honour of Shropshire!" Adieu ! 



