STATISTICAL 309 



may become tainted by such mania as 

 besets the collector. 



So long as your interest in figures 

 remains subjective, so long as it is but 

 an honest feeling of satisfaction that 

 your science and skill have not been 

 applied in vain, all is well; but, alas, 

 from that happy state it is but a step, or 

 rather a gradation of almost imperceptible 

 steps, to the objective interest, the desire 

 to outshine your neighbours, the longing 

 to hold or break the record for your 

 county or country. 



To what divergent lengths these 

 different points of view may lead from 

 the unnoticed parting of the ways, let 

 the sport on two great estates serve as 

 instance. Both can show great store of 

 partridges, both fail to make the best 

 use of them, but after what different 

 fashion. 



On the first, the shooting is a leisurely 

 business; it extends over many weeks, 

 and gives pleasure to many. It is a 

 friendly and hospitable affair ; the guests 



