94 The Hunting Countries of England. 



in coacliing days thaii now ; and all are replete with 

 accommodation for man, and for beasts to any 

 number. 



The western half of the Cottesmore territory (in- 

 cluding what we shall term the Melton, and most of 

 the Oakham country) is not only the better moiety, 

 but in our opinion reaches a higher standard than 

 any tract of ground we know. There are woods of 

 manageable size providing the stoutest of foxes in 

 fullest abundance, while, on every side alike, hill and 

 plain offer the same staunch scenting grass, and a 

 bold fox cannot choose a bad line. Exception is 

 sometimes taken to the severity of the hills in certain 

 parts, such as the neighbourhood of Tilton, Launde, 

 Lodington, and Tugby. They certainly test a horse ; 

 but we have never seen hounds run over them so 

 quickly, but that well bred horses could live with 

 them. And, again, foxes seldom cling long to the 

 higher and rougher ground — preferring rather to go 

 for their lives over the smoother country. Then it is 

 that the grand flying runs of the Cottesmore take 

 place. It seldom happens that there is not scent 

 enough to carry hounds along ; and so, once in the 

 open, on fair terms with their fox, they are pretty 

 sure to make a run, of merit more or less. "An old 

 and well established pack, they have had great 

 attention paid to them of late years. Quick, deter- 

 mined, and persevering, they can burst a fox or work 

 him to death, as scent and circumstance allow. 

 And theirs is a country in which they have scope 

 to do it. 



It is on Tuesdays and Saturdays that they are in 



