INTRODUCTION 9 



ignoramus on all matters, not even excepting the 

 handling of a gun. 



The relationship between master and keeper varies 

 largely on all shootings. In some cases the former 

 takes little or no concern with the details connected 

 with the improvement and management of his ground 

 and stock, and is only concerned with the sport of the 

 days on which he or his friends may shoot. In other 

 cases the master assumes the direction of, and dictation 

 on, all matters affecting his sport, and requires that his 

 keeper should make him conversant with every step he 

 takes in the pursuit of his calling. 



Between these two extremes are found masters, 

 whose interest and attention are keen on some, and in- 

 different on other points. It is chiefly in dealing with 

 the latter cases that the keeper will have to use any 

 discretion and tact he possesses, discerning when and 

 where he is expected to seek or give advice, and when 

 and where this is not required of him. In those cases 

 where the masters virtually assume the whole control 

 of the details connected with their shootings, it is often 

 found that, with a desire to please especially common 

 amongst the courteous Highlanders keepers often 

 hold back any definite knowledge they possess and 

 views they hold which ought to be of infinite value to 

 the master. The intelligent and responsible keeper 

 can always give information, or make suggestions, with- 

 out being dogmatic, and he is but a poor gamekeeper 

 who hides his knowledge and his opinions in order to 



