GROUND, STOCK, AND POACHING 189 
in Norfolk, undoubtedly, when he took him to 
Hampshire, provided for him exceptionally advan- 
tageous conditions. The estate was in magnificent 
order, a large capital having been sunk in it, the 
.telations between landlord and tenant were, owing 
to the munificence of the former, of the most friendly 
order, the labourers were contented, and everything 
was, as it still is under his son, the present owner, 
most favourable to the preservation of game. Many 
other wealthy and liberal landlords exist, I am happy 
to say, in England, yet we have all seen these con- 
ditions without the corresponding results, so far as 
partridges are concerned, even where the owner is 
keen enough for a large stock and high-class shooting, 
The high average maintained at The Grange is due 
to a combination of the above conditions and the 
system on which the keepers’ work is conducted ; 
and it is here that I think a lesson may be learned 
by other owners and keepers. First and foremost 
the latter are taught to treat partridges, and not 
pheasants, as the first consideration. Here lies the 
vital point. Partridges require a better and more 
watchful keeper than pheasants, and if you wish for 
the former as your principal and most attractive 
sport, the old-fashioned system of leaving them to 
take care of themselves in the nesting season, while 
