HUNTING TOURS. 357 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



THE WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTRY AND COLONEL 

 CLOWES'S HOUNDS. 



The sporting capabilities of Worcestershire 

 are not confined to the pre-eminent and ex- 

 citing pursuit of foxhunting, for the nature 

 of the soil is admirably suited to the preser- 

 vation of game, both fur and feather. The 

 lovers of the leash have fair scope for the 

 enjoyment of their pastime ; while the Teme 

 and other streams which pay tribute to the 

 Severn present abundant opportunities for 

 the enjoyment of fishing, so that with a 

 taste for diversity of amusements, a sports- 

 man never can apprehend the infelicitous 

 condition emanating from deficiency of re- 

 sources. The social habitudes of the inhabi- 

 tants, too, are of that hospitable character 

 that blends all the amenities of life with the 

 sports of the field. At the same time that 

 game is abundantly cultivated, the preserva- 



