166 BREAKING A BIRD DOG 
will pay for it. When the farmer learns how to 
improve his shooting preserve he will find it to his 
interest to make such necessary improvements as 
will insure him an increased revenue. 
In Europe the general public does not invade the 
farmer's lands with dog and gun. The European 
farmer has learned the way of keeping the crowd off 
and getting money from some one who is willing to 
pay for the privilege of shooting on his land. He 
has also learned that game can be made to multiply, 
just as it is possible to increase the chicken flock. 
It was not always so. Prior to 1830 shooting was 
generally open to all. But at that time the owner of 
a large moor in Scotland conceived the idea that 
shooting on this tract of land was worth something, 
and he rented it. 
Game birds like quail thrive and multiply fast 
under cultivation. It is with them just as it is with 
cattle or sheep. A given number will do well on a 
given tract of land. Suitable food, shelter, and 
water are what determine the number that will thrive. 
In a state of nature we may expect a given tract of 
land to support a certain number of quail. With a 
little artificial assistance this number may be easily 
doubled. Quail do not need much help, but they 
respond readily to such little as they need, if it is 
provided. During the cold winter months, when the 
ground is covered with snow in our northern states, 
