xvi. GA'Ortfi S HOOTING (P ART I\ 'INTRODUCTORY' 269 



scientific examination, will stroll into an agent's office 

 and bargain for a shooting he is in absolute ignorance 

 of, save what he is told by the people who are most 

 desirous to obtain him as a customer. 



I have no doubt grouse moors are let every year 

 that have rarely, if ever, produced the total given as 

 the limit to which the shooter may attain as his bag ; 

 but then a limit looks well, and gives the idea that 

 the game is plentiful. 



Yet I am certain that many a grouse moor has 

 acquired a bad reputation merely because the tenant 

 did not shoot it properly, perhaps from the want 

 of well-trained dogs, or in consequence of his walking 

 powers being inferior, or his aim inaccurate. 



At all events, never hire a moor without a careful 

 inspection ; it is the most innocent thing you can pos- 

 sibly do. See everything ; the excursion will only cost 

 a few pounds, and you may be saved not only great 

 vexation, but also a considerable sum of money. 



Remain for a few days as near the moor you pro- 

 pose to become tenant of as you can ; question 

 everybody in a quiet way, especially the shepherds ; 

 take a careful survey of the lodge, its approach in 

 regard to good or bad roads, and its convenience to 

 railway, market town, and post. Sending a mes- 

 senger many miles daily for the post and provisions 

 is often a nuisance and expense w>f previously con- 

 sidered. As to the ' commodious ' and ' beautifully 

 .-ituated ' lodge, with its public and private rooms 



