226 FOX-HUNTING IN THE SHIRES 



and to exchange the feverish anticipation of our 

 personal share in the sport for an observation of the 

 doings of " our hounds " and " our huntsman." 

 Directly we are able to do this, and yet not to be- 

 come slow in a quick thing, we had better hunt every 

 day we can and make our days as long as possible. 

 Our enjoyment of hunting is at its zenith and we 

 shall never have a better time. It so often happens 

 that while we can still ride hard, we do not under- 

 stand the science of hunting ; and when we have 

 learned that, we can no longer ride near enough to 

 enjoy it. But if it be our happy state to be able to 

 do both, we shall be less fastidious about country 

 and take our pleasure with the Cottesmore on Thurs- 

 day wherever they may be. On Friday the Oakham 

 visitor will find the Quorn the most convenient pack 

 to meet. 



Of Saturday I have already written, and this last 

 it may very well happen will be the very best day 

 of the whole week. It can scarcely fail to be full 

 of interest to the sportsman. It is one of the 

 undoubted advantages that Oakham possesses over 

 other centres that it is an easy ride from Wardley 

 Wood and the surrounding country. I have heard 

 this covert called by an enthusiastic and experienced 

 sportsman the best in the whole district. But, while 

 all is so good that it seems needless to compare, yet 

 I agree that Wardley and Stoke are in a delight- 

 ful corner of the hunt. Many a time have I left 

 nearer fixtures and trotted ten or twelve miles only 

 to see this wood drawn by the Cottesmore, and to 

 follow, if so it might be, a hunt over the charming 

 country round about. We may also note that Oak- 

 ham is a peculiarly suitable place for the busy man 

 who can give only one or two days a week to the 



