GROUND, STOCK, AND POACHING 189 



in Norfolk, undoubtedly, when he took him to 

 Hampshire, provided for him exceptionally advan- 

 tageous conditions. The estate was in magnificent 

 order, a large capital having been sunk in it, the 

 relations between landlord and tenant were, owing 

 to the munificence of the former, of the most friendly 

 order, the labourers were contented, and everything 

 was, as it still is under his son, the present owner, 

 most favourable to the preservation of game. Many 

 other wealthy and liberal landlords exist, I am happy 

 to say, in England, yet we have all seen these con- 

 ditions without the corresponding results, so far as 

 partridges are concerned, even where the owner is 

 keen enough for a large stock and high-class shooting. 

 The high average maintained at The Grange is due 

 to a combination of the above conditions and the 

 system on which the keepers' work is conducted ; 

 and it is here that I think a lesson may be learned 

 by other owners and keepers. First and foremost 

 the latter are taught to treat partridges, and not 

 pheasants, as the first consideration. Here lies the 

 vital point. Partridges require a better and more 

 watchful keeper than pheasants, and if you wish for 

 the former as your principal and most attractive 

 sport, the old-fashioned system of leaving them to 

 take care of themselves in the nesting season, while 



