IGNORANCE OF GAME KEEPERS. 213 



fields in the vicinity of the preserves. He fixes 

 his eye on her as she comes skimming over the 

 hedge and marks the exact spot where she drops 

 among the weeds, grass, or clover. If this should 

 happen not to be in the middle of the field, and 

 if anxious to secure his prize immediately, he 

 walks round with apparent unconcern keeping 

 close to the hedge all the time, and never once 

 taking his eyes from the spot until he arrives 

 at the point nearest to the nest, and then 

 stepping up quickly, bags the eggs as expe- 

 ditiously as possible : but should he think that 

 his tactics have been observed or his intentions 

 suspected, he coolly ' takes an observation ' by 

 means of trees, or any other prominent objects, 

 and accurately marking their relative bearing to 

 the situation of the nest, he is then at leisure 

 either to watch for a fresh arrival in the same 

 quarter, or to pursue his avocation in a differ ent 

 direction until the shades of evening enable him 

 to complete his work in security. 



Against such wholesale depredations nothing 

 can effectually contend but a shrewd and intelli- 

 gent keeper, aided by honest and vigilant assist- 

 ants ; yet it is at this season that most preservers 

 are in the habit of dismissing many experienced 

 persons, who have been in constant employment 

 as watchers during the autumnal and winter 



