92 PARTRIDGES 



"the goose that lays the golden eggs," 

 and practically farming them on a small 

 scale, to their own profit and the detri- 

 ment of the ground. Reprehensible, no 

 doubt, but very natural, and if instead of 

 paying a shilling for a sparrow-hawk in 

 April you have to allow five shillings for 

 five hawks in August, when all the mis- 

 chief has been done, you have really only 

 yourself to thank. 



While on the subject of allowances, it 

 may also be noted that farming by the 

 keepers is not countenanced ; each keeper 

 may have his cow, but it is considered 

 that his work, if properly attended to, 

 will not allow him spare time enough to 

 keep and look after stock. On the other 

 hand, the under-keepers are well treated ; 

 their wages are above the average, each 

 man getting from l a week, a good 

 house, coals, and a cow's grass. In 

 addition each receives annually a suit 

 of the uniform worn on the estate, a 

 tough and serviceable homespun of dis- 

 tinctive pattern, and a thick waterproof 



