346 THE HILL POACHER. 



A knowing hill-poacher may in this way destroy far 

 more game than the gentleman who has preceded him over 

 the same ground, although enjoying every advantage of 

 dogs, season, and opportunity: and, unless opposed by 

 skilful and determined watchers, may escape detection for 

 years. But when the head-keeper is an active, honest, 

 and clear-headed man, above all, if lie is well supported by 

 his master, it is rarely that the poacher can pursue his 

 trade long. The first thing the keeper does, upon taking 

 charge of a large Highland estate, is to make himself 

 acquainted with the names, persons, and places of abode of 

 all the noted poachers within reach ; for, although he may 

 often be troubled with others from a distance, yet those 

 on the spot do the chief mischief. He then selects his 

 watchers with great care ; if possible, men from a distance, 

 and well known to himself. These watchers are all pro- 

 vided with a telescope and pistol. They are expected, in 

 a very short time, to know the gait and manner of every 

 poacher within their own bounds. They soon become 

 wonderfully expert, with the help of their glass, and, even 

 when they have never had the opportunity of seeing the 

 poacher face to face, will distinguish him with certainty by 

 his mode of walking. Should any of the watchers turn 

 out lazy, faint-hearted, or stupid, his place is immediately 

 supplied by another. 



As soon as the head-keeper has drilled his recruits into 

 a perfect knowledge of their duty, he commences opera- 

 tions in good earnest. He always has a spy to watch the 

 house of the poacher he means to entrap, and thus knows 



