222 FOX-HUNTING IN THE SHIRES 



Oakham is the capital of the county of Rutland, 

 the smallest, but one of the best hunted, counties 

 in England. It is a district of strong woods, open 

 pastures, and stout foxes. There is practically 

 little or no wire in the county. The population 

 favour hunting almost to a man, and from the 

 great landowners to the men who work in the fields 

 every one takes pleasure in the chase of the fox. 

 Owing to the fact that the Noels and Lowthers were 

 the founders of the Cottesmore Hunt, the country 

 has had a larger proportion of local men as Masters 

 of the hunt than some of its neighbours. The motives 

 which would lead a stranger to choose Oakham as 

 his headquarters would be a liking for quiet and 

 a taste for hunting as well as riding. As a matter of 

 fact, and putting aside all theories and fancies, those 

 who hunt in Leicestershire are not, in the majority of 

 cases, less fond than others of the working of hounds, 

 but they like riding too. They like to see hounds 

 working quickly. Indeed, just now, fox-hunting 

 may be seen from Oakham in all its phases at its 

 very best. But he who would hunt from Oakham 

 must take time by the forelock and secure his quarters 

 perhaps a year ahead. There are many other people 

 who are aware of its attractions and equally eager 

 to enjoy the sport of which it is the centre. The 

 man, however, who has been fortunate enough to 

 secure a lodging for himself and stables for his horses, 

 which last should be the very best that he can afford, 

 will spend his week as follows. On Monday he will 

 have a choice sometimes, for the Quorn will be not 

 seldom within reach, though it will necessitate a 

 long drive or ride and an early start. Perhaps a 

 horse-box to Melton would be the easier way of 

 reaching hounds. The Cottesmore, however, have 



