I MUST correct Mrs M Large over the points she raised about hare coursing (You Say, Tuesday, May 6).

As I have made very clear before, there are some bookmakers at a few coursing meetings, but there is definitely no betting on killing hares.

Mrs Large fails to understand even the most basic concept of conservation, preferring an armchair view of the countryside.

Dismissing the Burns Report as ''ambiguous'', makes me wonder if Mrs Large thinks she knows better than any of the top scientific analytical and veterinary experts who researched hunting and coursing for the government and found no evidence for a ban.

In respect of coursing, in his report, Lord Burns voiced distinct concern over a decline in hare numbers, should the pursuit be banned.

I must congratulate Mrs Large on her determination not to see the truth about coursing. Refusing my invitation to a coursing meeting was a wise move on her part.

By attending, she would have to admit there are no hares being ripped in two, no betting on killing and no one degraded whether human, greyhound or hare.

JON BURGESS, Malvern.

I SEE we have another expert on hare coursing, namely Marilyn Brown (You Say, Monday, May 5).

Like Mrs M Large, she has vocabulary almost totally limited to words like "barbarous", "cruel" and "disgusting". I have waited months for Mrs Large to make one constructive point about conservation.

Judging by her latest letter, I will certainly have to be patient for a while longer.

Marilyn Brown claims that coursing plays no part in maintaining hare numbers, stating it has no support from any conservationist.

Obviously, this lady has not heard of Robin Page, who leads the Countryside Restoration Trust.

He supports coursing for no other reason that it benefits the hare.

There's also Dr David Bellamy, who believes that field sports are good for the countryside and wildlife.

Before wasting anymore paper and ink, ladies, I suggest you do two things. Learn about coursing and double-check your facts before writing.

ALAN COOK,

Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire.