THE GAMEKEEPER AT HOME. 



THE KEEPERS KITCHEN. 



The ceiling is low and crossed by one huge square 

 beam of oak, darkened by smoke and age. The keeper's 

 double-barrelled gun is suspended from this beam : there 

 are several other guns in the house, but this, the favourite, 

 alone hangs where it did before he had children — so strong 

 is habit ; the rest are yet more out of danger. It has 

 been a noble weapon, though now showing signs of age — 

 the interior of the breech worn larger than the rest of the 

 barrel from constant use ; so much so that, before it was 

 converted to a breech-loader, the wad, when the ramrod 



