3G1 



BOOK VI. 



THE GAME PRESERVER'S GUIDE. 



CHAPTER I. 

 DUTIES OF THE GAMEKEEPER 



ONEROUS NATURE OF THE TASK HONESTY KNOWLEDGE OF LAW 



NECESSARY NUMBERS REQUIRED THE KEEPER'S GUN SELECTION OP 



PRESERVE OR SHOOTING CONTRACTS FOR TAKING MOORS OR MANORS 



CERTIFICATE. 



ONEROUS NATURE OF THE TASK. 



There are few offices which require more highly-developed 

 bodily and mental qualities than that of the man appointed 

 to the task which we are now considering. He must be of 

 strong body, yet cautious in the use of his strength. 

 Quick in intellect, so as to be able to counteract the plans 

 of the poacher, he should be also steady in carrying out 

 his own. With a fondness for out-of-door sports he should 

 combine some considerable love of reading, so as to make 

 himself master of what is going on in relation to his own 

 special department in other parts of the world besides his 

 own. He must be a boon companion without being a sot, 

 the former quality being desirable, in order to conciliate the 

 good opinions of his neighbours, while the latter is fatal to 

 his success in many points of view. Of course it is scarcely 

 to be expected that any individual shall possess all these 

 qualities combined in the highest state of perfection, but the 

 nearer he reaches to this, the more fitted he will be for his 

 office ; and the absence of any one will often lead to his defeat 

 or disgrace. 



