HUNTING TOURS. 209 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE LUDLOW HOUNDS AND COUNTRY. 



There are few counties that have been 

 distinguished from time immemorial by a 

 more brilliant array of talented and enthu- 

 siastic sportsmen than Shropshire. The love 

 of the chase is a special inheritance that has 

 descended through many generations, and from 

 the earliest period, when foxhunting first as- 

 sumed a position as avenatic pastime, this beau- 

 tiful and luxuriant county has been renowned 

 as the birthplace of its warmest supporters. 

 Many other attractions are offered to the 

 sportsman in the way of shooting and fishing, 

 and the hand of hospitality is extended with 

 unbounded freedom. To those who desire to 

 replenish their studs no county is more 

 worthy of patronage. As nearly all the 

 farmers are sportsmen, and as the fences are 

 numerous and varied, a season's education 



