The Cottesmore. 91 



THE COTTESMORE.* 



For the truest sporty tlie straightest foxes^ for per- 

 fection of country, for long runs and fast runs, 

 commend us to tlie wild pastures of tlie Cottesmore, 

 A wide spread region scarcely inhabited; ground 

 that carries a scent in all weathers ; woodlands which 

 breed a travelling race; and mile upon mile of un- 

 tracked grass,, where a fox will meet nothing more 

 terrifying than a bullock — no wonder, then, the 

 finest runs of the season are with the Cottesmore ; 

 that more hard riders and grand horses are present 

 when Eanksboro^ is drawn than are ever mustered 

 elsewhere; or that the Punchbowl and Stapleford 

 are names to make us stir in our chairs, even in this 

 listless early August. Surely, if the hunting field 

 can ever claim comparison with the field of chivalry, 

 if ever the doings of the chase can be reckoned with 

 the daring deeds of tournament or joust, it is when 

 three hundred of the best men of the present day 

 sit down to keep the Cottesmore bitches in sight on a 

 scenting morning. Head and hand, heart and horse- 

 flesh, are the first requisites. Some practice, and 



♦ " Stanford's Railway and Hunting Map, "sheets 9, 10, 15, 16. 



