70 



GROWING GOLD. 



a critical examination of them will prove that 

 they are as unsuitable for this purpose as for 

 growing timber; but, admitting some were 

 made for the former purpose, others ought 

 also to have arrangements suitable to the pro- 

 . duction of timber. En passant — there is one 

 circumstance connected with the preservation 

 of game, which should incite inquiry ; eight out 

 of ten of the murderous battles so frequently 

 taking place between gamekeepers and poach- 

 ers, generally happen when the latter are in 

 pursuit of pheasants ; they are supplied with 

 guns, which are often pointed at those who 

 oppose them, and they trust to the shades of 

 night to secure them from detection. A plan 

 is ready to be submitted to the public for 

 the preservation of pheasants, without night 

 watchers of any kind : it conveys the strongest 

 presumptive proof of its efficacy, and it can 

 also be supported by extensive oral testimony. 

 One hundred brace of birds might be kept in 

 perfect security, in the place above alluded to, 

 from October to March, without the slightest 

 difficulty. When noblemen and landowners 



