HUNTING WITH THE COTTESMORE 205 



If we had to name an ideal covert in the Cottes- 

 more country, opinion might be divided between 

 Lamide Wood or Prior's Coppice, from both of which 

 many a history-making run has resulted, for, just 

 the right size, they are always sure finds, and sur- 

 rounded by grand country of quick-scenting grass, 

 hounds generally get away on the best of terms 

 with their fox. 



Of the gorse coverts, Ranksborough, which stands 

 out on a hillside in the vale by Oakham, sets the 

 seal of approval on any day's sport, and is fox- 

 ground that seldom fails to supply a pilot who may 

 lead the way across a line 

 of Leicestershire grass with 

 fair hunting fences, and 

 never so much as a field 

 of plough in the view. The 

 reverse is the case directly 

 hounds cross over to the 

 east side of the Great 

 North Road, for a continuous chain of strong forest 

 is surrounded by a desolate country of alternate 

 grass and plough, which rides deep in a wet 

 time, and retaining a scent, provides the best 

 of sport for those who appreciate good hound work 

 and steady hunting. 



" One of the best hunting runs I ever saw in my 

 life, was hunting the Cottesmore on Boxing Day, 

 December 26, 1902," said Arthur Thatcher, selecting 

 one from many which were quite as good. " We 

 found at Oakham Pastures, rode by Prior's Coppice 

 on the right, ran close up to Launde Park Wood, 

 and turned to the left through Wardley by Upping- 

 ham, leaving Wakley village on the right, by the 

 two Luffenhams, and killed him in the middle of 

 the road at Tixover. It was a great performance 



Ranksborough Gorse. 



