286 EXPERIENCES OF SPORT. 



and as for pheasant rearing I can do any amount, 

 and I never yet see the bird as I couldn't cure 

 of the gapes." 



On the strength of his testimonial and abili- 

 ties, I engaged this fellow at a pound a week, 

 cottage and coals, rabbits for himself, and a suit 

 at Christmas. 



Luckily for myself I only took him on a three 

 months' trial, and said nothing to him of my 

 habit of going round occasionally at night, and 

 daytime as well, to see that all was right. 



He had not been with me a month before I 

 discovered he knew nothing whatever of his 

 calling, was a drunkard, a thief, and a presum- 

 ing scoundrel, and having caught him one night 

 at eleven o'clock in the midst of a heavy carousal 

 with a few choice and kindred spirits, when he 

 ought to have been out watching, gave him his 

 dismissal there and then, and the next morning, 

 Mr. S n took his departure, but not before 

 blackguarding me to his heart's content, and 

 finished by saying, 



" He was surprised as a gentleman as a ought 

 to 'ave been a gentleman should a come a ferret- 

 ing about his covers," and wound up by assert- 



