106 FOX-HUNTING 



ward step towards dishonesty. No man can serve 

 two masters, and that is what the groom attempts 

 to do when he takes a present from his employer's 

 forage-dealer. The most conscientious groom 

 may hesitate to return forage when the man who 

 sent it has given him a handsome present ; but, of 

 course, this practice puts in the hands of a dis- 

 honest groom an easy way of robbing his master 

 and blackmailing the dealer. 



If stud-grooms would form a union and make 

 it a rule that no member should receive presents 

 from any one supplying his master with goods, 

 they could easily command an increase in wages 

 that would more than compensate them for the 

 loss of perquisites. 



I regret to say the custom of receiving com- 

 mission is not confined only to grooms. My idea is 

 that a thing is either honest or dishonest, and that 

 there is no debatable ground between. I consider 

 it perfectly fair and honest to receive commission 

 from a man when you are acting solely in his 

 interest, but to take commission from one man 

 when you are acting on behalf of the other party 

 to the deal, is dishonest and dishonourable. 



I always think it is absurd to speak of any class 



