THE EARTH-STOPPER 105 



really do not suppose the difference between what he did pay, 

 and what he ought, would have amounted to more in the year. 

 " Hertfordshire " does not sound much like hunting, and 

 doubtless this is an extreme case, and one that is not likely 

 ever to become general. In fact, none but a rich country 

 could stand such work. A bad custom, however, is much 

 easier introduced than got rid of, and gentlemen in other 

 countries will do well to take warning by Hertfordshire. The 

 mischief here appears to be the "patent office" of keeper, 

 the fees to Earth-stoppers not being higher than in other 

 countries. Earth-stoppers should be well paid. Theirs is the 

 worst office connected with hunting. A little pettifogging 

 economy is badlj' exercised with them. 



Mr. Vyner says that in Warwickshire, in 1830, the Hunt 

 Committee reduced the pay of the Earth-stoppers to half, and 

 the result was, what might be expected, in about half the 

 covers " no find." 



An occasional " tip " to a keeper is all very well, but the 

 regularly "booked demand," described by Mr. Delme Rad- 

 cliffe, "carries absurdity and inconsistency on the face of it," 

 as exposed by the honourable gentleman himself, who says 

 " that it is done, notwithstanding most of the great game 

 preservers in Hertfordshire have as much or far more pleasure 

 in the possession of foxes than of game in their coverts; 

 therefore it appears somewhat absurd that they should be 

 compelled to become parties to the purchase of them from the 

 very servants whose duty it is to protect them. The Master 

 stipulates with his keeper no less for the protection of the fo.x 

 than of the pheasant, and yet allows an extraordinary premium 

 to be paid, a prize to be directlj' awarded to him for the 

 fulfilment of that, in default of which he should, and generally 

 would, be discharged." 



Mr. Delme Radcliffe suggests the following remedy : — 



