SIR — I must confess to becoming increasingly annoyed by constant comments and innuendoes indicating that all who oppose hunting with hounds are ignorant of the ways and needs of the countryside, such as references to people being "all college and no knowledge," etc.

I am a countryman born and bred. I was virtually brought up on a farm, and could plough, deliver calves and piglets, hand-milk cows, build a hayrick and lay a hedge before even leaving school.

I have knowledge and experience (close observation) of hunting in its various forms and am probably much more of a true country-person both at heart and in past practice than the majority of hunters and hunt followers.

I am also far from happy with the attitude of the Countryside Alliance.

Whilst, due to my rural upbringing, I am in sympathy with the plight of many farmers during and following BSE, foot-and-mouth, etc, the Alliance, which purports to be the voice of the countryside, is indeed not so.

However noble its aims appear under the banner of a fair deal for all country dwellers, it is unfortunately heavily infiltrated by and has become (or has always been) primarily a vehicle for the hunting fraternity.

It concerns me that the eventual banning of hunting with hounds may be compromised due to MPs being influenced by Hyde Park rallies and the like - organised and attended largely by those who have the time and wherewithal to so organise and afford a trip to London or wherever.

Those not represented are the rest of us who are not pro-hunting, oppose all forms of cruelty and are not able to afford the time and expense to organise and attend 'counter' rallies to oppose hunting with hounds.

I will not comment on the current situation concerning the deer population - my views having been already largely expressed by Dr Evans, Miss Scott and Paul Tillsley in your January 11 letters.

The 'pro' and 'con' arguments will rumble on until the final verdict on hunting; but if any of your readers are a 'waverer', don't be fooled by those who argue to retain a 'sport' for the well-heeled under the pretext of total commitment to the welfare of wild animals and their environment.

Incidentally, if one is fortunate enough to afford to own and stable a horse, the argument that the only means of enjoying its ownership is in pursuit of some wild quarry beggars belief!

If there proves to be a recent reduction in the deer population, it is certainly not due to the absence of the hounds. Draw your own conclusions.

Michael G Arscott,

Long Lakes.

Williton.