326 A YEAR OF SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY. 



So far we have but touched the fringe of a very interesting 

 subject. But now that we have seen a little of what " keepering '' 

 means, it is not strange that the perfect keeper should be a very 

 rare fact indeed. But the well-intentioned, the hard-working, and 

 the obliging keeper is not rare. We each of us know many such 

 in our own little sporting circle. Without the least wish to be 

 didactic, we may be allowed, perhaps, to recommend the following 

 suggestions as the results of long experience : 



It is seldom wise to employ a keeper in his native district. 



It is seldom wise to bring a man from north to south, or vice 

 versa. 



It is never wise to keep a man, however " sober," who frequents 

 the beershop. 



It is never wise to let the local dealer buy your game or rabbits. 



And lastly, when one thinks of the keeper's immense oppor- 

 tunities for studying natural history, one is strongly tempted to 

 add this precept : insist upon your man keeping a general note- 

 book. 



