en the height to which the hawthorn
bushes in Fig. 90 have attained, does not entirely conceal the traces
left by the bill-hook, some years before this photograph was taken.

Posts and rails are often used in the Shires to strengthen decrepit
fences (Fig. 109), and to take their place when no hawthorn bushes are
present (Fig. 110). Their difficulty of negotiation is naturally
increased by the presence of a ditch on the taking off or landing side,
as in Fig. 111. As a rule, they are about 3 feet 6 inches high. A not
uncommon form of posts and rails is a Midland stile (Fig. 112). A
familiar combination of a hedge and posts and rails is an oxer (Fig.
113). The gap in this illustration has been repaired by wire, and I am
much indebted to the ox who kindly allowed us to take his portrait, as
well as the fence which owes its name to his family.

Although the Whissendine is a prominent feature of the Cottesmore
country near Stapleford Park, I need not dwell upon brooks as a form of
hunting obstacle in the Shires, for they are seldom jumped; not from
faintheartedness on the part of riders, but because the ground on the
taking-off or landing side is often treacherous, and the presence of
posts and rails or wire on one or both of the banks is a frequent
occurrence. Also, the width of these brooks and bottoms varies greatly
according to the amount of rainfall. People whose experience of leaping
is limited to that of fences on firm and level ground, like those in a
jumping competition, are naturally apt to overlook the severe manner in
which a hunter is handicapped when coming up to an unknown fence, after
a long and fast run through heavy, rough and hilly ground.

[Illustration: Fig. 106.--A cut-and-laid fence.]

[Illustration: Fig. 107.--A cut-and-laid fence during construction.]

[Illustration: Fig. 108.--A stake and bound fence.]

[Illustration: Fig. 109.--Post and rails to close gap in hedge.]

[Illustration: Fig. 110.--Posts and rails.]

[Illustration: Fig. 111.--Posts and rails with ditch.]

[Illustration: Fig. 112.--Midland stile.]

[Illustration: Fig. 113.--An oxer.]

[Illustration: Fig. 114.--Wire in front of bullfinch.]

Wire (Fig. 114) is terribly common in some parts of the Shires, and
often makes any attempt to ride straight impossible. In countries where
it is prevalent, speed is a much more valuable attribute of a hunter than
cleverness in jumping, because the main object of the rider will then be,
as a