ON SHOOTING. 193 



locally scarce the bird is the greater the desire to shoot him. 

 This is only human nature, but the criminal recklessness which 

 prompts a man to risk, at a rare bird, a shot which he would 

 never think of firing at a common one has been responsible 

 for numerous accidents. In certain company it is desirable 

 to shelter one's eyes at the sound of that demoralising cry, 

 " cock/' while there are occasions when it is better to lie 

 down very suddenly. 



Systematic cartridge-pilfering is said to prevail in some 

 houses whose inhabitants should, and doubtless do, know 

 better. It is one of the few evils I have managed to escape ; 

 but you may be less lucky. " I am sure my servants are all 

 honest," remarked a knowing old cynic, " but I notice my 

 cigars last longer if kept under lock and key." And so will 

 your ammunition, especially when sent out in the cart for 

 replenishing supplies. The driver of such a cart has an idle 

 time and many friends. If you send out a spare bag, tie a 

 label on it setting forth plainly your name and its contents ; 

 loaders in a hurry are apt to open the first bag convenient. 

 The last and most odious episode after a shoot, whether it has 

 extended to hours or days, is usually to tip the keeper or 

 keepers. The near approach of this moment, the anticipation 

 of which is apt to poison or becloud a whole day's pleasure, 

 is to be detected by mysterious muttered consultations 

 among the guests and a semi-clandestine jingle of pockets or 

 rustle of " Bradbury s." Tipping is a detestable business in 

 theory and execution. The box system saves a good deal of 

 unpleasantness (such as the uneasy hanging about of keepers 

 and guests, dodging the host, borrowing change, etc.) and is a 

 boon to the guest who considers his own means or inclination 

 the sole gauge of his proper contribution : a very natural 

 view. To the guest who puts in nothing, it saves unpleasant- 

 ness altogether, bar the feeling that he has done a dirty trick, 

 and probably lied to his fellow-guests into the bargain. 

 But I confess there are many keepers whom I regard as old 

 friends and on them positively enjoy pressing my exiguous 

 present, knowing that the personal element involved in the 

 transaction, and eliminated altogether by the box, means a 

 good deal to them. The intelligent keeper generally, of what- 

 ever nationality he may be, will appraise you by a standard 



