I06 KEYTHORPE AND VOWE's GORSE. 



Favourite *♦ Meets" and Coverts. 



When recently requested by the writer to name his 

 favourite hunting appointment and covert, without a 

 moment's hesitation, Mr. Tailby answered, " Keythorpe to 

 meet and draw Vowe's Gorse," and as the latter is rarely 

 drawn blank, and both are not far from home, one can 

 appreciate the reply. 



But although the reputation of the respective coverts 

 varies considerably in the course of a few years — evidence 

 of which is to be observed in the foregoing extracts from 

 Mr. Tailby's Journal--there is generally a favourite side 

 of every covert from which, provided the wind is in the 

 right quarter, the huntsman would prefer to see his fox 

 break, and from which, assuming the scent to be good, the 

 prospect of an extended gallop may confidently be antici- 

 pated. 



Most hunting men will, however, agree that the best 

 covert is the one that holds the best fox, and if it but be in 

 Leicestershire, its particular locality is of secondary import- 

 ance ; and the " Meet " to be preferred is the quietest and 

 most remote — the one which is situate furthest from the 

 iron road and bricks and mortar. The one least likely to 

 be over-run by foot people, or crowded out by carriages — 

 and motors, must now be added ! 



