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.
