266 TO KEEP UP A GOOD 



In case it should be considered unsafe for keepers 

 to go their nightly rounds without fire-arms, I should 

 rather recommend the use of pistols than guns, 

 though I have little doubt but a fierce dog, and a 

 sabre or a bludgeon, would effectually answer the 

 purpose of defence against poachers. 



The real way to keep up a good stock of game, 

 we may rest assured, is, first, to be well guarded 

 against such incursions as those previously alluded 

 to. Secondly, to get the poachers watched at their 

 own houses*, by concealing people during the night, 

 near both their front and back doors ; also to have, 

 up the road, an eye on the stage-coaches; and, 

 above aC, some spies over the waggoners, who are 

 often their very employers, and who are enabled to 

 smuggle to London both your game and poultry, 

 not only better concealed, than if sent by the coach, 

 but in much greater quantities. Thirdly, to keep 

 on good terms with the farmers, who, it should be 

 remembered, have a right to tread on their own 

 ground, though the nest of a partridge or pheasant 

 be under their feet ! 



In a few words, a gentleman, who, living on his 



* These men often frequent what are called bough houses (un- 

 licensed places, where beer is sold) ; and here it may be contrived 

 to discover the whole gang, by having them closely watched, or 

 buying over, for a spy, or keeper, some well-known old poacher. 

 In short, if these fellows are never lost sight of, they must be 

 taken sooner or later ; but, if only hunted in the Jields and 

 woods, they may escape their pursuers, till they have nearly 

 stripped a manor. 



