90 PARTRIDGES 



trouble, and a standing attraction to 

 vermin. Then the nesting-ground has 

 all to be thoroughly gone over, gaps in 

 hedges filled, fences repaired, game covers 

 trimmed and their banks strengthened 

 not work that the keeper has actually to 

 do himself, but the necessity for which 

 he must note and point out to the estate 

 authorities, or it is apt to be overlooked. 



Finally, and by far the most important 

 of all, the early spring is the season to 

 seriously tackle the ever-present question 

 of vermin. Desultory warfare there 

 always is between the keeper and the 

 carnivora, but now stoats, weasels, hedge- 

 hogs, and cats must be sought for and 

 trapped with unremitting energy. Crows, 

 magpies, and sparrow-hawks have to be 

 found and singled out for destruction, 

 before other matters begin to press. 

 Each beat-keeper is constantly round his 

 ground at this season, with spade, ferret, 

 and traps. Every trace of his enemies 

 is carefully noted ; tracks, droppings, even 

 a dead rabbit all tell their own tale, and 



