390 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



This question of the relations between the gamekeeper on the 

 one hand, and the agricultural tenants and their employes on 

 the other, is one to which it is impossible to attach too much 

 importance. The efforts of the most efficient gamekeeper may 

 be nullified by the spite of a hostile farmer or shepherd, while, 

 should a good understanding exist, it will be found that the 

 interests of the moor are studied by all, and that every shep- 

 herd is a self-appointed watcher, and not infrequently the 

 best informed man about the moor. 



Without dwelling further on this aspect of the question, 

 it may be said that whether from the point of view of manage- 

 ment, supervision, or outside help, grave risk is incurred, and 

 no advantage gained, by the transfer of the keeper from the 

 landlord's to the tenant's service. 



As to the exact terms of service, no general rules can be laid 

 down. Wages differ in different parts of the country accord- 

 ing to local customs, cost of living, etc. It may, however, be 

 stated that it is a good policy to pay keepers a fair living wage, 

 not only with a view to securing good men, but also to let them 

 realise that their services are appreciated, and that they have a 

 billet which it is worth their while to keep. 



Zeal may be further encouraged by periodically increasing 

 the wages of a keeper who by his personal efforts has improved 

 the value of the shooting under his charge. When this policy 

 is adopted the criterion should be the net improvement over a 

 term of years, and not the chance bag of one lucky season. 



Though the rate of wages may vary with local custom and 

 individual largesse, there can be no doubt on one point, viz., 

 that the emolument should be in " coin of the realm " and not 

 in " kind." 



The keeper should be a keeper " first and last and all the 

 time." In England a garden or the grazing of a couple of cows 

 may be a desirable addition to wages ; in the Highlands a small 

 crofit may be a necessity ; but in either case agricultural enter- 

 prise should be kept down to the margin of personal comfort, 

 and not regarded as a substitute for wages, nor should it be 



