xxii INTRODUCTION 



replies given at the several examinations of gamekeepers and other experts, which 

 from time to time the Committee held. His correspondence amounted to 

 many thousands of letters. Further, he assisted the Field Observer in many 

 ways, especially in the preparation of statistics and the arrangement of tabular 

 matter. 



Mr Leslie wrote the "Notes on the Grouse," and has been in the main 

 responsible for the preparation and seeing through the press both the Interim and 

 the present (Final) Report ; the compiling of the appendices and the index, and 

 the revision of the proofs, were largely his work. 



To his knowledge of Scotland and of sport, and his professional training, the 

 Committee owe many valuable suggestions as to the course the investigations have 

 from time to time taken. They feel they cannot speak too highly of the self- 

 sacrificing way he has thrown himself into the work, of his untiring energy, of his 

 powers of organisation or of his adaptability and tact, which has done much to 

 make the labours of not only the Committee but of all in any way associated with 

 the Inquiry not only profitable but pleasurable. 



The salary that the Committee have been able to otter to Mr Leslie can only 

 be described as derisory. He has, in fact, received but the scantiest payment for 

 the work he has done, and no compensation of any kind for the time he has taken 

 from his profession and given to the Inquiry. But not only has he, like others, 

 given time, skill and knowledge to further the cause of the investigation, but l)y 

 his skilful husbandry of the limited resources available he has enabled the Com- 

 mittee to cover a wider area of research, and to prolong the time during which 

 research was carried on to an extent whicli at first seemed impossible. 



R. B. Fraser was appointed Assistant Secretary in October 1907, when it was 

 found that the work of organisation and correspondence could not be conducted 

 single handed by the Secretary. Mr Fraser has given valuable assistance with 

 the general secretarial work, and also with the additional work entailed in con- 

 nection with the preparation of the Report for the press. 



In addition to those already mentioned the following have given the Committee 

 much assistance in the revisal of proofs and in other ways : W. Berry, B.A., 

 LL. B., M.B.O.U., who has been chiefly responsible for the Index ; W. R. Ogilvie 

 Grant, M.B.O.U., of the British Museum of Natural History ; W. Eagle 

 Clark, F.L.S., F.R.S.E., etc., Keeper of the Natural History Department of the 

 Royal Scottish Museum; L. R. Sutherland, M.B., Professor of Pathology in the 



