422 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



such profusion, we had a fair show of pheasants and 

 hares — quite as many as were required for our own 

 family and friends; but, at that time, not a rabbit 

 existed on the property. Our greatest enemies were 

 poachers, who did not, however, as now, assemble 

 very often in large bands, our preserves not being 

 sufficiently well stocked to pay for such combined 

 nocturnal visitations. Yet were there a few deep 

 artful thieves of this fraternity, who ventured single- 

 handed, or in small parties, to knock pheasants off 

 their roosts on windy moonlight nights. But our 

 keeper at that time proved more than a sufficient 

 match for two or three such men, even unaided, 

 although he always had the command of assistants 

 whensoever they were needed. He had chosen, 

 when young, the prize-ring for his profession, being 

 an active, athletic young man, and had gone into 

 training for this purpose in London, when his uncle, 

 a respectable farmer in our parish, not approving the 

 line of life marked out by himself, persuaded his 

 nephew to return to the country, and occupy the 

 situation of gamekeeper, then vacant, in our family. 

 He accordingly came down ; and, being brought 

 over by his uncle, and highly recommended as a 

 young man of great promise, his services were ac- 

 cepted, and he was forthwith installed in office. 

 Ours, however, not being a house to be visited by 

 rich or poor without an introduction to better things, 

 uncle and nephew were returning home, with heads 

 a little elated, when they must needs make a call 

 upon the host of a small wayside public-house, 

 wherein were assembled a motley group of poachers 



