CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



Introduction . . 1 



CHAPTEE I. 



THE MARSH AND FOREST PERIODS. 



The Hawk an Acquisition to Sportsmen — Hawk aeries — 

 Hawks according to Degrees — Brook and other kinds of 

 Hawking — Hawking and Hunting — A Shropshire His- 

 torian's charge against the Conqueror — Bishops and their 

 Clergj- as much given to the Sport as Laymen — The Rector 

 of Madeley— The Merrie Days, &c 8 



CHAPTER II. 



MORFE FOREST. 



Morfe Forest one of the Five Royal Forests of Shropshire — Its 

 History and Associations — Early British, Roman, Danish, 

 and Norman Mementoes — Legends and Historical Inci- 

 dents — Forest Wastes — Old Names — Hermitage HlQ — 

 Stanmore Grove — Essex Fall — Foresters — Old Forest 

 Lodge, &c 17 



CHAPTER m. 



ROYAL CHASE OF SHIRLOT. 



Royal Chase of Shirlot — Extent — Places disafforested — Hayes — 

 Foresters — Hunting Lodge — Priors of Wenlock — Curious 

 Tenures — Encroachments upon Woods by Iron-making 

 Operations — Animals that have disappeared — Reaction 

 due to a love of Sport — What the Country would have 

 lost — " The Merrie Greenwood "—Old Forest Trees, &c. . 31 



