INTRODUCTION 3 



reach that standard. Viewing them on the moral side 

 alone, we are only too willing to recognise that for 

 probity and general temperance gamekeepers compare 

 favourably with any other section of society. In fifty 

 per cent, of cases they are sober, honest, good-tempered, 

 and naturally generous, and to all these qualities they 

 add, as a rule, an exceptionally keen sense of humour. 

 But, considering the responsibilities of their profession, 

 the percentage of efficient and trustworthy workmen is 

 infinitely smaller than the figure quoted above. 



This book is written for "all good keepers who 

 know their work, and for the indifferent ones who do 

 not." How competent a person, as a rule, is the good 

 keeper who knows ! He is not only a grand sports- 

 man, but a splendid servant a man who knows nearly 

 everything that is to be learnt of the habits and 

 habitats of game, and of the necessary methods to 

 manage and improve the ground, stock, and shootings 

 under his care, and yet is always on the outlook to learn 

 more. The really first-class keeper is a precious jewel 

 in the crown of sport a man who often puts to shame 

 the knowledge and skill of a well-read and keenly 

 observant master, and this capable servant is the man 

 of all others who deplores the fact that the status of 

 his profession is lowered by men with the sporting 

 knowledge of farm labourers, the energy of vagabond 

 hucksters, the initiative of village loons and who are 

 thoroughly convinced that they know everything. 

 It has been said that the ideal keeper combines 



