510 Practical Game Preserving. 



can do this better than a sharp labourer, whose resort to 

 the local ale-house for a gossip occasionally would be unsus- 

 picious. A stray word as to the keeper's whereabouts by 

 him although misleading would be accepted as gospel, 

 and is as sure to gain hints of any projected enterprise as 

 it is to be believed. 



There is a good deal to be learnt as to the proper mode 

 of capturing or interrupting poachers. Nothing puts them 

 off so easily as to know they are being watched or looked 

 for. Uncertainty as to the whereabouts of the keepers is 

 to them a most disturbing influence, and knowledge of 

 where they are is regarded as a boon. In the case of serious 

 raids, when an affray is expected, the keepers should always 

 endeavour to surround and overmatch their opponents. 

 Watchers and helpers should be instructed to work in threes : 

 this gives them immense advantage. Guns should, if pos- 

 sible, be dispensed with ; but we should never allow our men 

 to encounter the determined ruffians who may comprise a 

 gang other than on equal terms, and should freely intrust 

 reliable men with revolvers, to be used, be it noted, solely 

 in defence of life or to threaten. Whenever possible, the 

 aid of the police should be obtained, because they possess 

 many important powers, particularly in regard to the high- 

 way, on which gamekeepers have no power to act unless 

 called upon by a constable. 



The powers of a keeper depend on the possession or 

 otherwise of a deputation from the lord of the manor. 

 Without this his powers are limited to requiring tres- 

 passers sporting to exhibit their licence and to deliver 

 their names and addresses. A deputation empowers him 



