The Oakley. 419 



Harrold Woods (Lord Cowper's)^ whence they get 

 on to Strixton, where are some nice, and smaller, 

 coverts of Lord Spencer^s. These last are looked 

 after by some very sporting farmers and produce 

 many a run. Nunn Wood is another good draw here- 

 abouts. Odell is named for Odell Wood, and 

 Colworth for Mr. Magniac's coverts. Knotting Fox 

 is the Duke of Bedford^s and a great stronghold. 

 Easton Wood is generally advertised when The 

 Chace (the property of Lord Northampton) is to be 

 scoured ; and round the outsides of these great woods 

 is a good deal of grass, which also extends to Bray- 

 field and on by Newport Pagnell, as above-mentioned, 

 and to Northampton on the north-west. 



Saturday is almost always for the Kimbolton side, 

 where perhaps the best sport is had, and a run over 

 the most favoured of the Fitzwilliam country is 

 frequently looked for. Risley Toll-Bar is one of the 

 best-known meets, and commands Melchbourne, 

 Keysoe Park, or Shelton Gorse. Melchbourne itself 

 is often advertised. It belongs to Lord St. John, 

 who, though not riding himself, is an excellent fi-iend 

 to the Hunt. Keysoe Park is Mr. Crawley's, and 

 well-cared for in the interests of foxhunting. Shelton 

 Gorse is the only artificial covert in the Oakley 

 country, and lies close to Stanwick Pastures, the well- 

 known Fitzwilliam covert, just over the border. For 

 the Kimbolton Woods themselves Kimbolton and 

 Swineshead or Peetenhall are the fixtures. The Duke of 

 Manchester not only has his coverts always full of the 

 stoutest of foxes for the Hunt, but he and all his 

 family take an active part in the field. 

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