242 SHOOTING THE PARTRIDGE 
their share of the week’s pleasure by a miserable 
couple of hard-shot rabbits, and dismissed without a 
word of thanks for whatever good-will they may have 
put into a task where so much depends upon the 
existence of this quality—if they are treated in this 
way, what wonder if their attitude towards sport and 
shooters is merely one of sulky if not declared hostility ? 
Is it too much to suggest that something should 
be done at the close of a shooting week which would 
convert it into a joyful occasion for these men, in 
whose hands lies so much of the success or failure of 
what is after all a party of pleasure? As arule J am 
afraid, though they are important members of the 
party, they are not sharers of the pleasure. Would 
not a small distribution of extra backsheesh, or even 
a good hot supper or dinner, be cheerfully contributed 
by the guests who have enjoyed the fruits of their 
labours? If the host did not like to let his guests 
contribute to this, would he not find it politic to con- 
tribute it himself? Would it be a serious addition to 
the heavy expense of entertaining a large party for a 
modern shooting week? And might it not prove the 
best invested portion of his outlay ? 
Again, why should not the guests contribute? 
At one well-known house in Yorkshire there is a 
‘box for the drivers,’ and I have the best reasons for 
