SHEOPSHIRE. 101 



activity, for whilst, on the one hand, it impinges upon the coal-fields of Wales, it 

 approaches on the other the metalliferous formations of Cornwall, and its eastern 

 affluents mingle their waters, in the very centre of England, with those of the 

 Trent and Thames, which flow to the German Ocean. But this region is peculiarly 

 favoured by the vast estuary of the Severn in its commercial intercourse with 

 trans- Atlantic countries. This estuary is a counterpart of that of the Thames, 

 and lies under the same latitude. Jointly they almost sever Southern England 

 from the northern part of the island, and merely looking to geographical features, 

 we might conclude that the two leading commercial towns of the country would 

 have sprung up on these great natural outlets. Bat whilst London actually holds 

 that position with reference to the neighbouring countries of continental Europe, 

 Bristol has not been able to maintain its superiority in the face of the competition 

 of Liverpool. Its geographical position is no doubt more favourable than that 

 of the great seaport of Lancashire, and during a considerable period it main- 

 tained its rank as the foremost commercial town of "Western England. Geographi- 

 cal disadvantages, however, are more than counterbalanced, in the case of Liverpool, 

 by its vicinity to productive coal, iron, and salt mines, and populous manufacturing 

 towns. 



Topography. 



Shropshire, or Salop, is divided by the Severn into two almost equal portions, 

 that to the north and east of the river beiug for the most part flat or undulating, 

 whilst hills of moderate elevation occupy the tract beyond the Severn. The 

 so-called plain of Shrewsbury, which extends into the county from the borders of 

 Cheshire and stretches beyond the Severn as far as Church Stretton, forms a cha- 

 racteristic feature, and is known for its fertility. On the east it is overlooked 

 by the isolated summit of the Wrekin, the famous landmark of the entire 

 count3^ From Clun Forest, in the west, several ranges of hills radiate like the 

 spokes of a wheel, extending as far as the Severn, and in some instances even 

 beyond it. The principal of these ranges are the Stiper Stones, Long Mynd, 

 Caradoc Hills, and Wenlock Edge. Farther east, and nearer to the Severn, rise 

 the Clee Hills, and before leaving the county that river washes the foot of the 

 heights of the Forest of Wyre. Tillage and husbandry prevail in the north, 

 cattle and sheep breeding in the hilly parts of the county. Much cheese is made, 

 and a breed of horned sheep is peculiar to the county. Shropshire, however, is 

 not wholly dependent upon agriculture, for it possesses productive coal and iron 

 mines. Lead is also raised, but the copper mines appear to have become 

 exhausted. The manufactures are comparatively unimportant. 



Shreusbunj, the capital of the county, is the first town washed by the Severn 

 after that river has left Wales. In former times it was a place of great 

 military importance, and the lofty peninsula, almost encircled by the Severn, upon 

 which it is seated, was strongly fortified by walls and a Norman castle, of which 

 there still exist considerable remains. Perhaps no other town in England is equally 

 rich in fine mediaeval buildings. The market-house dates from the sixteenth 



