GAME FOODS.

Samples Post Free,

Write for Illustrated Appliance Price List, with Chapters by
Practical Men on the French System of Hand Rearing Partridges,
also on Pheasants and Wild Duck Rearing.

Free Game Register of Gumelteepers and Poultry men on Application*

SPRATT'S PATENT Ltd.,

24 and 25, Fenchurch Street, London, E.G.

Sole Agents for Hearson's Incubators.

GUNMAKER, BY

APPOINT:

HIS M.
THE
H.I.M

GERMAN ;

This Catalog!
Non-Ejector,

NON-FOULIN(

Nickel c

Contains als

constructed

"driving."

GUN MAKER, BY
WARRANTS OP
!NT, TO

ISTIAN.
BLEAKS.

Ejector, or
nary Guns

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

PRESENTED BY

PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID

Shot Guns
CORDITE"

clean.

ilso newly-

eters" and

Guns and

PRIVATE SHOOTINC GROUNDS, NEAR WILLESDEN JUNCTION, LONDON, N.W.
AND 10 MINUTES' WALK FROM WEMBLEY, C. C. RAILWAY.

"THE ART OF SHOOTING," 7th and revised Popular Edition, 2/6 ; postage 6d. extra

"OATALOGUE.

Established at 151, New Bond Street, W., in 1826. Moved to New Premises at

11, PANTON ST., HAYMARKET, LONDON, S.W.

(Opposite The Comedy Theatre.)
Telejrams; "OVAL BORE LONDON." Telephone; 3691, GERRARD.

Always
the one
result !

The
Great
vermin
Remedy.

Sanford's poisons have solved this
important problem. Rats, Mice,
Moles, etc., are quickly wiped out
of existence, no matter how numerous
they may have been. Hundreds of
farm and commercial buildings which
were over-run with these pests, are
entirely free from them to-day owing
to Sanford's deadly poisons. Testi-
monials from all parts which almost
stagger belief. Try the remedy —
you will be delighted with the result.

Sold in boxes 1/2 to 5/- each of all
Chemists, or from

SANFORD g SON. SANDY. BEDS.

Practical Game-Preserving.

Practical - •*
Gome-Preserving :

A Complete Guide to the Rearing and
Preservation of both Winged and Ground
Game, and the Destruction of Vermin.

WITH OTHER INFORMATION OF VALUE TO THE
GAME-PRESERVER.

By WILLIAM CARNEGIE

("Moorman")

THIRD EDITION

(Revised throughout and considerably enlarged.}

With 13 Plates from drawings by F. W. FrohawK and
A. F. Lydon, and other Illustrations.

LONDON:

L. UPCOTT GILL, BAZAAK BUILDINGS, DBUBT LANE, W.O.

NEW YORK:

CHARLES SORIBNER'S SONS, 153-157, FIFTH AVENUE.

1906.

PREFACE.

THE present work, although nominally a second edition of
the author's " Practical Game Preserving, " is practically a
new production. The length of time which has elapsed
since the first edition appeared has witnessed such great
changes in our system of preservation, there has been such
an increased amount of knowledge gained, and old methods
have had to give place so largely to new ones, that an
entire revision had become necessary.

The aim has been to provide the game-preserver, as well
as the gamekeeper, with a thoroughly trustworthy hand-
book, in which everything is set out clearly and precisely,
and without confusing the issue by reference to alternative
modes of working.

It has also been deemed advisable to exclude some
matters of a comparatively unimportant nature, such as
the trapping and snaring of rabbits, the management of
ferrets, &c., which found a place in the previous edition.
These have been dealt with fully in my small manuals
upon the respective subjects.

Reference to the badger, the marten, and the otter as
vermin is also omitted, as for the most part these creatures
no longer occupy such position.

Everything appearing in the manual is the outcome of
proved practical and personal experience.

W. C.

June, 1906.

LIST OF PLATES.

Prince of Wales' Pheasant (Phasianus principals) and

Mongolian Pheasant (Phasianus mongolicus) Frontispiece

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus torquatus) and p£gne8

Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). . 8

Reeves'- Ring-necked Pheasant .... 26
Copper or Soemmerring's Pheasant (Phasianus soam-

merringii) 36

Japanese Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) . . 5!

Reeves' Pheasant (Phasianus reevesii) ... 64
Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and Silver

Pheasant (Euplocamus nycthemerus) . . 85

Chinese Impeyan Pheasant (Lophophorus 1'huysii) . 90
Resplendent or Monaul Pheasant (Lophophorus

refulgens) 115

Lady Amherst's Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) 1 26
Common Partridge (Perdix cinerea) and Red-legged

or French Partridge (Caccabis rufa) . . 160
Crested Quail and Chinese Quail . . . .237

Ground Vermin . . 352

PRACTICAL
GAME-PRESERVING

INTRODUCTORY.

GAME-PRESERVING as we know it to-day has almost
attained to the dignity of a science. The haphazard
methods surrounded by a fictitious mystery which prevailed
to within half a century ago have given place to care-
fully organised system, in which every detail is thought
out, every eventuality provided for, so that the semi-
artificial state which is set up may be productive and
permanent. Wherever what we know as the balance of
Nature is interfered with, influences will be produced or
magnified which must be combated or controlled. The
fact that close preservation of game does upset this balance
must be clear to everyone. It consequently follows that to
ensure success in operations of this kind nothing must be
left to chance : every development involving an increased
supply of game must be considered from all points of
view. Thus it arises that not only must the modern
gamekeeper be fully competent in every branch of his
work, but that the preserver who is his master must also
possess complete knowledge of the general conditions
which govern it.

Practical Game-Preserving. 2

Without going very far back, it may be safely averred
that the great sportsmen of two generations ago could, for
the most part, have possessed very little idea of the limits
to which game-preservation would reach in the present day.
Originally, game-preserving meant merely the reserving of
the game on an estate to the owner or tenant of that estate.
It was restricted to protecting the game from poaching
and the attacks of predatory beasts and birds. A certain
limited knowledge was possessed by gamekeepers as to the
control of the game, the assistance to be extended to the
birds and animals in their breeding operations, the regula-
tion of the respective quantities of the different sexes, and
the best means of bringing them within reach of the gun.
To-day everything is changed. What may be described as
the experimental period has been passed, and from a vast
quantity of knowledge gained, a system or. rather a
series of systems has been evolved which, if it does not
reach perfection, goes very near to its attainment.

Modern game-preserving may be defined as the produc-
tion, maintenance, and delivery before the gun of the
largest head of furred and feathered quarry which a pre-
serve is capable of producing. To achieve this end the
modern gamekeeper must of necessity be a man of many
parts, and the preserver of many resources. In the old days
the owner of the manor left everything to his keeper, merely
asking that a certain quantity of game should be pro-
vided, and being satisfied if it were forthcoming, taking
no stock of the methods employed. To put it mildly, the
requisitions were upon a moderate scale. Nowadays, the
maximum of possibilities is demanded, and the gamekeeper
must possess the ability to provide it. If he do not, the
preserver is sufficiently master of the situation to be
cognisant of the reason. Thus it comes about that, where
in the past the gamekeeper was able to maintain a sort of

3 Introductory.

mystery as surrounding his calling, in the present day
nothing but sheer efficiency in every detail and branch of
his business commands patronage. Without this he cannot
prove successful. In the same way, unless the preserver
be intimately acquainted with every point which leads to
success, he cannot expect to be properly served. It is,
however, abundantly true that to the latter-day preserver
there is very little unknown in connection with the details
of the work, and he is able to exercise a salutary super-
vision over his servant and his servant's doings. Thus it
is that in modern game-preserving the owner of the estate
and his keeper are inseparably interested.

Obviously, no particular and precise system is applicable
to every estate. It is in the application of general
principles to peculiar circumstances that successful results
can accrue. They require modification here, amplification
there ; but in any case they require working out from start
to finish with a full knowledge of each individual require-
ment. To be able to accomplish this successfully, the
game-preserver, whether in himself or his keeper, must be
thoroughly intimate with the life-history, the necessities
of food, protection, and shelter, of each and all of the
birds and animals that come under his charge. He must
know how to foster them, guard them against natural
enemies, against disease, and inclemencies of weather.
Not only must he know what to do, but when to do it, and
be able to employ an intelligent anticipation of coming
events in the application of the very numerous resources
which are nowadays at his command. Partial knowledge,
the inability to link cause with effect, and the lack of
means or power to remedy or to prevent evil when it
threatens, are bound to lead to failure, and failure in one
direction begets it in others, and, with that, great and
increasing expense.

B 2

Practical Game -Preserving. 4

It is impossible to embark in the preservation of game
without spending money. It is an expensive undertaking
and one necessitating the outlay of capital even in the most
modest circumstances. It is, however, possible to avoid
excessive expenditure, and by judicious economy and the
husbanding of resources to reduce the cost of the game
reared to a reasonable price per head. This fact will
always be borne in mind in the following pages, which,
being intended as well for the novice as for those with some
knowledge of the subject, are based upon the assumption
of not unlimited means. It must always be borne in mind
that directly the limit of a legitimate amount of game is
passed expenses increase at a rapid ratio. Provision is
therefore not made for extraordinary requirements.

Throughout the following pages there will be described
a clear, practical system of dealing with each item in turn,
which, from experience, has proved successful and satis-
factory. Alternative plans and suggestions will be
avoided as tending to confuse, but the intelligent preserver,
acting under the individual conditions which attach to
every estate, will be able so to modify the instructions
given as to fit them to his particular requirements. There
is nowadays no mystery attaching to the preservation of
game. It has become a hard, matter-of-fact business, and
as such must be dealt with in purely practical manner.

CHAPTER I.

PHEASANTS : Their Natural History.— Varieties.— Crosses.

THE pheasants which exist in the woods and coverts of the
British Isles for the most part consist of true or cross-bred
stock of two very similar but distinct species. These are
known generally as the Old English or Dark-necked
Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the Ring-necked
Pheasant (P. torquatus). Although coming from widely-
distant lands originally, they possess, under the influence
of acclimatisation, almost identical characteristics of
haunt and habit, differ but slightly in bodily structure,
and beyond the divergences of plumage indicated by
their names resemble one another in general colouring.
These two species of pheasant represent the main stock
of British preserves, and in the meantime will serve as
the basis of what information is necessary as to the natural
history of this game-bird. Other species of pheasants
will be dealt with subsequently.

The pheasant of the preserves of the British Isles is
mainly a denizen of the woods, but is not notable for
sharing all the characteristics of the winged species, for,
in addition to finding the major portion of its food upon
the ground, it builds its nest, save under very excep-
tional circumstances, always on the earth, while it
adopts as occasion arises either the boughs of trees or
the ground as a roosting-place. In its natural state, that

Practical Game-Preserving. 6

is, in as far as the pheasant has such in these islands, its
haunts are always chosen in or in proximity to woods or
plantations, the most favoured being those where thick
undergrowth of small bushes, shrubs, bracken, and
bramble abound, as it usually does in the woods and
plantations of this country, where the underwood, such
a noteworthy feature of the landscape, is most conducive
to its welfare and contentment.

This game-bird is, on the whole, of a retiring disposi-
tion, and, during the daytime, remains concealed, as a
rule, somewhere amongst the covert it enjoys. Although
individual birds are often seen, the number is small in
comparison to those which do not show themselves. The
pheasant generally chooses for its feeding-times the
periods about sunrise and before sunset, at which hours
the obtaining of food becomes a necessary occupation,
while during the remainder of the day it may, like other
birds, pick up any morsel of provender which may take
its fancy. It has, also, certain defined feeding-grounds
to which it runs. Sometimes they are near to, occasion-
ally distant from, its haunts; but in any case it usually
adopts a terrestrial, in place of an aerial path, making
good use of its legs in preference to flying. In the
intervals of feeding the pheasant lies pretty close in the
covert, spinney, or hedgerow, and although it may wander
about somewhat, its daily existence is invariably within
certain bounds, which are only transgressed under excep-
tional circumstances. At night, the pheasant — except
during a portion of the nesting and brooding season — goes
to roost on some neighbouring tree which offers a horizontal
branch to perch upon, but its preference for the larch or
the oak is very marked, and it is noteworthy that pheasants
at roost on the former tree are very visible from beneath
to any would-be poacher by reason of the scantiness of its

7 Pheasants.

foliage. The pheasant's next favourite roosting resort is the
Silver Spruce, and to this belongs every desirable quality
for the purpose, and were this species universally adopted
for pheasant-preserves, a great blow would be struck at
night -poaching. Ash, holly, and other trees are also freely
resorted to. Pheasants do not roost exactly in company,
side by side, yet not often widely apart, and where one
bird finds a suitable night's quarters, others are not far
distant from the spot.

Just before the female pheasant commences the
preliminaries of her peculiar duties, she frequently leaves
the boughs at night and finds a roost on the ground,
generally ensconcing herself amongst some long grass at
the foot of a tree or beneath a shrub. About the same
time, or perhaps a little before, the male may also adjourn
to terra firma for his night's lodging. The pheasant is,
it is almost unnecessary to say, polygamous, each cock-bird
taking, when in an uninfluenced state, from three to five
hens under his care; but this of course regulates itself a
good deal according to the relative numerical superiority of
the hens. About the first or second week in March the
cock begins his search for mates, heralding the same by a
considerable amount of crowing, and showing increased
brilliancy of plumage and stateliness of mien, which
naturally excites the ire of other would-be cavaliers, the
result being a considerable number of battles royal for the
possession of the hens. The whole of the pheasant's
breeding operations take place on the ground, the nest
being a very simple arrangement, consisting of any suitable
circular depression, either in the ground proper, beneath a
bush or such similar hindrance to discovery ; or it may be
in long clover or grass, or in a clump of sedge or other
coarse herbage. Unfortunately, pheasants have a too
frequent fancy for nesting in long meadow-grass or clover ;

Practical Game-Preserving. 3

consequently, in these days of mowing-machines, the
number of nests and broods destroyed is far larger than
in the time of the scythe. However, a careful, considerate
preserver is aware of this habit, and can take the necessary
steps to ensure safety for his nests, guarding them against
both the human and mechanical mower, or removing the
eggs or chicks to be hatched out and reared by hand.

The nest itself consists of at most but a few leaves or
dry wisps of grass, which go to form the only lining upon
which the eggs, eight to fifteen, are consecutively
deposited. When disturbed, the hen pheasant leaves her
nest reluctantly, and is only " pushed up " when conceal-
ment or safety is no longer possible; otherwise, when
quitting the " nide " or " nid," as the nest is technically
termed, she instinctively scratches a covering of leaves or
grass over it, and will also employ various artifices in
order to disguise its whereabouts from furred or feathered
vermin, by running some distance to or from it, always
approaching or leaving it in a different direction. The
hatching-season extends from the end of April to the
middle of July. As soon as the young are from twelve to
twenty-four hours out of the shell the hen leads them
forth, and the process of rearing — into close consideration
of which there is no need to enter — is diligently carried
on. If undisturbed, the hen pheasant adopts a particular
spot in the neighbourhood of which the young are kept for
some time, and as soon as strong enough they are intro-
duced to the mysteries of the hedgerows, and, later on, to
the corn, root, and pasture-fields. Should the brood
suffer one or two successive disturbances, they are speedily
led to the wood or covert, whence they issue only at feed-
ing-time. By the middle of September the youngsters
should be full grown, when, having moulted off their
fledgeling garb, they don that of the adult bird. Of

tj Pheasants.

course, in the case of later-hatched broods, the poults are
correspondingly backward.

The natural food of the pheasant is of great variety, and
consists during the spring-time of the year mainly of plants
of a succulent nature, roots of various kinds, and numbers
of insects of many sorts. During the summer months the
cornfields provide a great deal of its sustenance. In
autumn and winter it is, perforce, obliged to vary its diet
with acorns, beech-mast, hazel-nuts, haws, the red fruits
of the wild rose and of the hawthorn respectively, any
description of corn obtainable, besides the seeds of a
quantity of plants as varied as are the insects it consumes
in spring, summer, and a portion of the autumn.

Any further insight into the natural history of the
pheasant must be gained by actual observation. The short
outline given of its daily and yearly existence should form
a foundation whereon to build up a thorough knowledge of
its habits.

There are associated with the Old English or Dark-
necked and the Chinese or Ring-necked Pheasants in
British coverts quite a number of other species, some of
which have come into almost general adoption for purposes
of crossing, or as additions to the ordinary breeds. Of
these the Japanese Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) has
already made its mark in our preserves, and may be
referred to in some detail here ; but I shall devote further
attention presently to the consideration of those new
species most suitable for introduction in our coverts.
Meantime, it will suffice to say of the Japanese Pheasant
that it is extremely beautiful, hardy, and remark-
ably prolific, especially when crossed with the ordinary
varieties. It is not necessary to differentiate largely
between either of the commoner species and this one
as regards their habits or their treatment, beyond the

Practical Game-Preserving. 10

fact that where it is proposed to introduce the Japanese
upon a preserve, the pure-bred stock should be kept in
pens for breeding purposes, the surplus birds being
turned away. Once this has been done, they intermingle
so freely with other breeds that it is unlikely that any
further pure-bred birds will be produced, although of
course it is not impossible. Their management in pens
is practically the same as with the ordinary breeds.

Naturally, with such a variety of birds of very similar
species coming into connection with one another in the
woodlands and coverts, the value of each species as game-
birds becomes a matter of some importance, as does also
the question of crosses between the respective species. It
is therefore necessary to devote some attention to these
matters in order that the game-preserver may be able to
arrive at a correct decision upon such matters should
occasion arise.

In recent years the Ring-necked Pheasant received for
some reason what must be described as an inordinate
amount of favour. Subsequently, favour returned to the
Dark-necked bird. Each possesses certain merits. The
first-named is possibly more prolific, the latter is the larger
and better bird. Indiscriminate crossing has been held
to combine the qualities in which they respectively excel.
The probability is, however, that the commingling of the
breeds, without reference to pureness of stock, exerts a
far from beneficial effect upon the resulting progeny, the
birds deteriorating in form and stamina. As a matter of
fact, there is very little to choose between the two, provided
the strains in both cases are well maintained and subject
to regular infusions of fresh true blood when occasion
requires. It will be found, however, that each species
in its turn thrives better in every respect in some districts
than does the other; whilst, again, they will do equally

1 1 Pheasants.

well alongside one another. It must be further noted
that the tendency is, where the Dark-necked birds prove the
more suitable, for the Ring-necked ones, when crossed with
them, to lessen the general size of the birds. This is
obviously an outcome to be avoided.

In connection with this matter it is well to remember that
the Ring-necked bird is the stronger element in any cross,
and that a few cock birds of this species will imprint their
mark upon the whole stock of a preserve, not only in the
first but in the second crosses. In the same way hens of
this species will throw a preponderance of Ring-necked
marked birds amongst their progeny. This inconsequential
crossing of the two breeds is far from being beneficial to
the general stock of pheasants, and it would be well if
preservers would make a point of endeavouring to maintain
a pure strain of one species or the other in their coverts.

The occurrence of white specimens is not infrequent
amongst the ordinary pheasants; whilst pied birds are
of still more frequent occurrence. The white birds
are extremely pretty. As a rule, they are smaller and less
strong than the others, whilst the eggs from them usually
embrace a large percentage of unfertile ones. This colour-
ing as well as that of the pied birds is mainly a sport, and
pheasants of this kind cannot be relied upon to reproduce
their peculiar plumage in their offspring, even when mated
together.

Crosses between the Japanese and either of the common
pheasants invariably largely reflect the former parent-
age. The male P. versicolor is extremely fertile, and will
impregnate a far larger number of hens than any other
pheasant hitherto tried in British coverts. There is no
doubt that wherever the country suits it the Japanese
Pheasant is a very valuable addition to our list of game-
birds. It is hardy, vigorous, and when crossed with

Practical Game-Preserving. «

P. torquatus or P. colchicus produces excellent shoot-
ing birds, larger in size as a rule than the ordinary ones.
When hens of the former species are mated with the
Japanese Pheasant the result is in every way satisfactory.
The hens prove most prolific, and the resulting stock leaves
nothing to be desired.

I would now direct attention to several species of
pheasants which have already been introduced and may
be introduced into British coverts with varying degrees of
success and benefit. Some of them are mainly suitable
for rearing in aviaries or pens and turning away, others
will cross with the ordinary species, and most of them will
interbreed with one another. It is, however, to be
remarked that some discretion should be exercised by the
ordinary preserver in connection with some of these species
whose permanent influence upon birds in covert has not
been wholly proved, for it may be that experiments with
them conducted in connection with aviary birds may not
produce such favourable results amongst the wild stock
of the preserve. At the same time, there is no doubt that
considerable room exists for improvement in much of our
ordinary pheasant stock, and that it is greatly in the
interest of the ordinary preserver to do what he can in
this direction. Many of our leading owners of big pre-
serves have devoted much pains and money both to improve
their general stock and to add to the variety of the quarry
provided for shooting, besides adorning their coverts with
new and beautiful species. With the benefit of their
experience as guide, the generality of preservers on a large
and small scale should easily be able to follow so good an
example.

Prominent amongst the pheasants which have been
introduced into our coverts with a certain amount of success
is Reeves' Pheasant (P. reevesii), but it is questionable

13 Pheasants.

whether it is entirely suitable for turning away promis-
cuously. Although usually classed amongst the true
pheasants, there is but little doubt that authority will
sooner or later be found for excluding it from them.
It is a beautiful bird of almost entirely pheasant-
like appearance; the great length of tail, which some-
times extends to as much as 5ft., marks it as very
conspicuous ; whilst the body -colour ing is distinctly
ornate. The female is coloured in more sober fashion,
and does not possess nearly the same length of tail.
For the most part bred and reared in aviaries for
subsequent turning out, it has, however, been established
with a considerable amount of success upon some preserves,
notably in the North and in Scotland. As a game-bird
before the gun it has a good deal to recommend it, being
a strong and fast flyer. It is also of hardy constitution.

One of the chief drawbacks attaching to these birds is
that they are uncertain and very poor layers, and will
suffer very little disturbance during nesting- and brooding-
time. They will, however, cross readily with ordinary
covert pheasants, the produce in the first instance usually
showing marked evidence of the cross. Unfortunately,
however, the produce cannot be relied upon, as eggs
resulting from a first cross are mainly unfertile, and those
from subsequent crosses almost entirely so. The chicks
resulting from any fertile eggs, even in the first cross,
are for the most part weakly, difficult to rear> and, of
course, rarely reach maturity. Altogether, Reeves'
Pheasant may be regarded as an entirely undesirable form
of cross with the ordinary breeds, whilst upon the other
hand its presence 'per se in coverts provides an exception-
ally welcome addition to the ordinary stock. In view of
the established fact that the cross is more or less sterile,
whether upon the male or female side, as between Reeves'

Practical Game-Preserving. 14

Pheasant and any other species, it is obvious that where it
is held desirable or opportune to introduce these birds into
British coverts, they should be bred and reared in separate
aviaries, and be either limited, as far as possible, to
separate coverts or be killed down annually. Not only
do they produce largely unfertile eggs with resulting sterile
offspring, but they contaminate the hens of other breeds,
and render them sterile.

It would appear, from the information offered, that
Reeves' Pheasant is not a true pheasant; this is made
fairly evident from the above facts. There is nothing of
the kind forthcoming in regard to any other of the true
pheasants of new species crossed with the old. The
probability is that Reeves' Pheasant is more akin to the
Gallinacece than to the Phasianidce.

Inasmuch as I am mainly concerned in these pages in
dealing with what is rather than what might be, I am com-
pelled to leave to one side the consideration of the possi-
bilities attaching to several species and pseudo-species of
pheasants claimed to be suitable for introduction in British
coverts. With many of these the fancier or naturalist
preserver is more concerned than the game-preserver.
Perhaps the best result will be achieved by eliminating in
the first instance those pheasants — using the term in its
widest sense — which have been tried and found wanting
from the practical preserver's point of view, and then
dealing with those which have proved their merit. Of
the really true pheasants, the Persian Pheasant (Phasianus
persicus), the Siberian Pheasant (P. taritnensis), and
Talisch's Pheasant (P. talischensis) must be at once put
to one side, for although interesting enough as new species,
they are much too close to our original stock of colchicus
to render it worth while crossing them with it. In other
words, we have in the true-bred, old English bird so-called,

15 Pheasants.

of pure strain, a pheasant which no crossing with the
three above-named kinds would improve. They will all
freely cross with either the above, torquatus, or versicolor,
and the crosses produce fertile offspring. They will do
this also amongst themselves ; but unless the preserver be
of a mind and possess the means and facility to keep and
to rear these pheasants separately as aviary birds and turn
them sponte sud into his coverts, there is otherwise nothing
to be gained by the proceeding.

The Prince of Wales' Pheasant (P. -principalis) is a
species of not very recent introduction, and is one which
may with every advantage be employed by the all-round
preserver as an improvement upon, or addition to, his
ordinary stock. True that general success has not followed
its crossing with the ordinary breeds, but I put this down
to bad management or probably to the inferiority of the
birds with which it has sometimes been tried. It is a
handsome, hardy, quick-flying, true species, and ought in
good hands to prove an acquisition wherever tried; but
there are preserves where such an amount of indiscriminate
crossing of colchicus, torqiiatus, and versicolor has been
permitted, that nothing more than a race of mongrel birds
has been produced, incapable of improvement and insensible
to new influence. Amidst a stock of this kindred nothing
would exert a beneficial influence except the shot-gun,
freely applied.

Probably at the present time we have nothing better in
the way of fresh type and fresh blood than the Mongolian
Pheasant (P. mongolicus). For really improving a stock
of ordinary pheasants which has degenerated alike in
stamp, stamina, and fertility, the Mongolian species may
be thoroughly relied upon. In connection with its intro-
duction preservers in general are fortunate enough to have
the experience of more than one large preserver as proof

Practical Geme-Preserving. 16

of the suitability of this pheasant for all the purposes
necessary to either an addition to our list of game-birds,
or as a means of improving the general stock. Thanks to
the courtesy of the Honourable Walter Rothschild, I am
able to supply the reader with the results of his extensive
trials of the Mongolian Pheasant upon his large preserves
at Tring Park, and it will probably be much to the point
if I give them in his own words :

' ' At Tring we have had experience of acclimatisation
only with one foreign pheasant on a large scale : the
Mongolian Pheasant. This bird crosses freely with the
ordinary pheasants, and pure-bred, half-bred, and three-
quarters-bred birds alike are very early, strong flyers, and
generally much larger than an ordinary pheasant. This year
(1905) there have been killed over 2000 pheasants having
various crosses of Mongolian birds ranging from one-eighth
to seven-eighths, the latter differing only from pure
Mongolian by the slightly spotted rump. We have at the
moment of writing (December, 1905) about 70 hens and
30 cocks pure Mongolian Pheasants, and about 150 hens
and 100 cocks seven-eighths Mongolian in our breeding-
pens.

" We find all crosses quite as fertile as, if not more so
than, pure birds. The Mongolian Pheasant is certainly
a most useful introduction, and both pure-bred and crosses
give a much better sporting bird and one of a much larger
average size than the ordinary pheasant, which is a mongrel
mixture of the true pheasant, the Chinese Ring-necked
Pheasant, and the green Japanese Pheasant."

I do not think that I can add anything to the foregoing
which would tend to recommend the Mongolian bird
further to the general preserver than what the Honourable
Walter Rothschild has been good enough to allow me to
publish. Here we have the precise results of extensive

1 7 Pheasants.

and prolonged trials, infinitely more valuable to the pre-
server than small experiments made with aviary birds.

It is interesting to note that our authority holds a rather
poor opinion of the ordinary run of pheasants in British
preserves, a fact that I have already pointed out in earlier
portions of this work, and also, if I may be permitted to
mention it, in repeated contributions to sporting literature.

Experiments with the Mongolian Pheasant have been
made successfully in other portions of the country, and
there is no reason to doubt that it would serve its purpose
equally well upon Northern and Scottish preserves as in
South and East Anglia.

Before leaving the subject of the Mongolian Pheasant,
I should like to add one or two items of valuable general
interest which have also been communicated to me from
the owner of Tring Park. He gives it as his opinion as
the result of his wide experience that —

" The best of the true pheasants still to be introduced
are the Oxus Pheasant (P. chrysomelas), the Kohinoor
Pheasant (P. strauchi), and the Ladah (Yarkand)
Pheasant (P. shawi).

" I have personal experience that the common, Talisch,
Ringed (P. gmelini, not P. torquatus in this instance),
Mongolian, and Japanese Pheasants breed indiscriminately
among themselves, and are fertile. The Persian and
Siberian, like Talisch's, are too close to colchicus to make
it worth while bothering about them."

As far as the main purposes of the average preserver
are concerned, it is not necessary to go further at present
into the matter of new species suitable for acclimatisation
with a view to the improvement of the present stock or their
maintenance as additional birds in covert. There are,
however, several other species to which it is necessary to
refer. These are for the most part birds which, to make

c

Practical Game-Preserving. 18

any hand of, must be bred in aviaries or pens and be
turned away season after season, if they be intended to
provide a feature of the quarry of the preserve. Practi-
cally all of them are of polygamous habit, but many
cannot be relied upon for more than one hen, even of their
own species, but this disability cannot be said to apply to
any extent to Lady Amherst's Pheasant (P. amherstice)
or Scemmerring's Pheasant (P. soemmerringi). These
two latter are both very beautiful birds, and are suitable
for crossing with the ordinary breeds; but they are
better when bred by themselves and turned away. The
latter, known also as the Copper Pheasant, is a first-class
sporting bird, and hardy, whilst the same may be said of
the Golden (Chrysolophus foetus) and the Silver Pheasants
(Euplocamus nycthemerus), though they do not provide
the same mark as Scemmerring's or crosses from it.
Impeyans, Monauls, Tragopans, and Elliot's Pheasant.
P. ellioti) will also do well enough in covert when turned
away, but it is necessary to regard most of these as fancy
pheasants, suited well enough to fulfil exceptional require-
ments, but of no great practical value to the ordinary pre-
server. Wherever the preserve may be of a park-like
character, or contains park lands, these pheasants may be
turned to much advantage, both for purposes of sport and as
a special means of adornment for lands of the character
named. It is only possible to maintain a moderate head
of birds upon them, and, as a rule, the character of such
woodlands is more suited to the peculiarities of most of
these fancy species than are the closer and wilder ones
which constitute the main pheasant coverts. The value of
these fancy birds is, too, considerably higher, and it is
not, as a rule, within the means of the ordinary preserver
to extend his desires to such rather expensive luxuries.
It is, of course, necessary to maintain the parent stock

i9 Pheasants.

of these pheasants in separate pens or aviaries; they
require, as a rule, different treatment and management,
and possess peculiarities of disposition and habit which
may render them more amenable to handling in confine-
ment than ordinary birds ; or the reverse may be the case.
To mention a few points in this respect : thus the Golden
Pheasant is very prone to persecute his hen if the place
of confinement be small, and the hen bird will equally
try to destroy her eggs at times under similar conditions.
The same remark applies to the hen Silver Pheasant,
although these birds tend to become tamer than most others
of their kind. The Amherst Pheasant much resembles the
Golden in its habits, and so on. It is, of course, impos-
sible to go into detail of all these little but important
matters in connection with all the individual species re-
ferred to, and it must suffice to say that in the main they are
not very much more difficult to deal with than ordinary
penned birds provided the special accommodation which
they require is accorded them.

In concluding this chapter, I may repeat that there is
ample room for improving the general run of pheasants,
and plenty of opportunity for adding to the small number
of species which at present constitute the main stock of
British preserves. At the same time, anything of the kind
requires undertaking with a full knowledge of the end in
view and the means available to accomplish it.

C 2

CHAPTER II.

PHEASANTS: Introduction upon an Estate.

THOSE who are about to introduce or to commence
preserving pheasants on an estate where hitherto there have
been no birds, or at least extremely few, should not decide
upon so doing unless they have previously satisfied them-
selves that the locality is a suitable one. As a rule it is
the apparent suitability of an estate that gives rise
to the desire to raise a stock of pheasants on it. The
general features required render a lengthy description of
the qualities proper to a pheasant-preserve unnecessary.

The progress of agriculture formerly tended to lessen
steadily the area of covert everywhere; whilst with the
continued lessening of the margin of profit on farming,
everything in the nature of outlying cover, such as wide
and untrimmed hedges, spinneys, small patches of wood-
land and the like, has had to give way before the
demands of the agriculturist. There are, however, very
few districts throughout the country unmarked by suitable
sites for pheasant-preserves, the only requisites being a
sufficiency of woodland, coppice, and other coverts, to-
together with arable land, grass land, brake, and common.

The best coverts are those of young trees, where spruce,
larch, other firs, oak, and ash are well commingled, the
spruce having the advantage if possible in point of
numbers ; and beneath these a fairly abundant undergrowth
of hazel, holly, and other evergreen shrubs such as laurel.

2i Pheasants.

Together with the ubiquitous bramble and bracken, these
trees would present a shelter alluring to the birds.
A chapter will be devoted later to the description,
general management, and improvement of pheasant-
coverts, so that this part of the matter can be left for the
present.

The introduction of pheasants upon land hitherto
destitute alike either of game-birds or of any form of
preserving is a task which is generally difficult and nearly
always expensive.

The chief difficulties which will present themselves on
the first attempt to raise a stock of pheasants are such as
may be expected under the circumstances. In the first
place, we have coverts into which we turn a number of
birds; they find none of their kind already established
there, and naturally seek to find other habitats more suited
to their natural likings. Then, being strange to the place,
they are more liable to be poached off quickly, unless strict
vigilance be kept, while vermin of all sorts will have
previously had their own free will to multiply to an
unlimited extent, and will make their presence felt by
wholesale destruction of the game. Consequently, the
first steps taken must be to destroy the vermin as far as
possible, at the same time using every endeavour to prevent
the birds from straying off. The most effective and prac-
tical manner of gaining this end is to rear the nucleus of
one's stock in a semi-wild state, so that the young birds,
never knowing otherwise, adapt themselves immediately
to the place and attract any old and wild birds which may
be upon the place by their company. The vermin is best
and most easily cleared out to a large extent before any
birds are turned down or reared, and, this matter once
satisfactorily disposed of, a determination can be arrived
at as to the plan for raising the prospective head of birds.

Practical Game-Preserving. 22

The purchase of pheasants " to turn down " is invariably
a very unsatisfactory mode of commencing operations.
Sometimes the birds when turned away, if carefully
watched and considerately tended with sufficient allure-
ment in the shape of daily supplies of tasty food, may be
induced to accommodate themselves to their new domicile ;
but they never seem to settle down, or take to the place,
and invariably decrease to about five-sixths their original
number after one winter. It will be necessary to deal
with two sets of circumstances : one where actually there
are no pheasants at all, the other where there is a small
sprinkling already established.

For the present it will suffice to show how a small head
of birds may be worked up upon what may be a small
estate or a portion of a larger one, with a view to a
steady increase of the stock and an extension of the area
placed under preservation. It must be admitted that there
are more ways than one of going to work, but inasmuch
as the owner of a small shoot must be considered in
these pages as well as the prospective preserver upon a
large scale, if the simple and effective manner of making
a beginning now to be described fail to command approval
the more elaborate methods described subsequently can
be applied in modified form.

A practical and quickly successful way is to form a
large rough pen for the rearing of some birds in a covert
chosen for its suitability for the purpose. Any small
covert possessing most of the features already detailed, and
situated within easy distance and observation of the
owner's or keeper's dwelling, will serve for the purpose.
The actual site selected for the pen must be well towards
the centre of the covert if not a very large one of, say, five
to eight acres extent, and there should be an abundance of
low cover, such as small fir saplings, hollies, bushes, and

23 Pheasants.

briars. To accommodate a dozen or fifteen hens a space
about 3oyds. by 15yds. must be enclosed with wire netting,
attached to posts some 8ft. out of the ground; the
netting to be lin. mesh to 3ft. high, and 2in. mesh for
the remainder. At the centre of one of the sides a door
must be provided, and the whole be covered with bird-
proof tanned twine netting.

The soil within the pen must be dry, well drained, and
produce a fair growth of healthy verdure ; whilst if it be
possible to choose a site for it which permits of a small
ditch of running water passing, or being deflected through
the pen, an advantage is gained. If birds from pens are
turned in, then the months of February or March may be
selected for the purpose ; if wild birds (young) be chosen,
then September is the proper time. Obviously the latter
choice involves greater trouble, and it is not certain that
there is always something gained by it. The circum-
stances of the case must govern this point. The correct
proportion is one cock to five or six hens, but in instances
where the size of the pen is materially increased, a
proportion of one male to four females will be found
necessary. It is advisable to cut their wings before fum-
ing them into the pen, and it will be found necessary to
repeat the process at intervals of a fortnight or so until
the birds become reconciled to their confinement and learn
that they cannot escape by upward flight. The operation
of cutting the wings is a simple one, and is best undertaken
after they have been turned into the pen.

The birds are best and most easily caught at dusk or
dark, and a couple of persons with a lantern can soon
catch and cut the wings of the pheasants, without causing
them much anxiety. Of course, later on, when some
of the birds are sitting, there is no advantage
gained by disturbing them. The hens placed in this

Practical Game-Preserving. 24

enclosure must be fed regularly and carefully, and it is
important that a proper system of feeding be decided on
and carried out. The birds naturally find a certain amount
of food in an enclosure of the kind advocated, but still
their semi- domesticated state will require a large amount
of attention to be bestowed on them. Feeding-time
should be but twice a day — first thing in the morning, and
about two or three hours before dark. The nature and
mode of feeding will be fully detailed in a subsequent
chapter dealing with the treatment of penned birds.

When confined in this manner, good healthy first- and
second-year hens lay from twenty or thirty eggs apiece,
and although some of them may drop them anywhere about
the pen, the majority will resort daily to some particular
spot which will do duty for a nest, consequently they will
be easily collected. Owing to the size of the enclosure,
most of the hens will commence their laying and nesting
operations in the same or similar manner to unrestrained
birds, forming their nids, and proceeding in the usual way.
The aim of the mode of introducing pheasants here
described is that, in addition to the birds hand-reared from
eggs laid in the pen, each hen may herself hatch off a nest
of youngsters, and rear them, thus producing a small stock
of practically wild birds. In a natural state the pheasant
rarely broods more than twelve eggs, but will occasionally
exceed that number. Generally all are hatched out, but
the bird is a bad mother, and seems to be more content with
five or six chicks reared than the full number. Conse-
quently, if the eggs in each nest in the pen be daily taken
until about five-and-twenty or thirty per bird have been
obtained, the nests may then be left for the hen to
complete her sitting and hatch off. One should, of course,
be careful to note that the bird is sitting, otherwise the
eggs would be wasted. They must be collected during

25 Pheasants.

laying-time twice a day — in the morning between ten and
eleven, and in the afternoon between four and five. When
collecting, put them small end downwards in a box of bran.
They should be kept in a tray of this, and be turned every
day. One should then have a number of farmyard hens
of the approved type ready to sit, and as sittings of
thirteen to fifteen are made up, the hens can be set. As
soon as the young birds are sufficiently matured to turn
down this can be done. They are best placed for a fort-
night or so in the enclosure in the covert before having
entire range of the place. The several hatchings of the
penned hen pheasants are left to the tender mercies of the
mother to be reared, and are also given full liberty as soon
as their size and strength warrant it. This mode of
introducing pheasants represents the simplest and most
reasonable manner of making a start in pheasant-pre-
serving. Some points which may not be clear to the
novice will be discussed in subsequent chapters when
dealing with matters on a larger scale.

CHAPTER III.

PHEASANTS : Maintenance and Increase of Stock.

PRESERVES which contain a fair sprinkling of pheasants,
sufficient to give, say, a month of good ' ' rough shooting, ' '
will, unless the ground be extremely unfavourable,
generally make up in natural increase any numerical
diminution which the gun of the sportsman may cause;
consequently, the only aids which are necessary or advis-
able, were it not desired to raise the head of birds above a
certain limit, can take the shape of an introduction of
fresh blood, either by birds exchanged from a distance, or
by the obtaining of eggs from distantly situated localities,
and hatching them out, while in those years when no fresh
strain is desirable, one can profit by the fact of pheasants
laying many more eggs than they rear young birds, and
obtain from the preserves a necessary complement of such
and hand-rear from them. It might also be just as satis-
factory to raise the necessary fresh stock in a covert pen
after the nature of that described in the last chapter. For
this there is no need to give further instructions, as any
modifications would suggest themselves to the preserver
when necessary. Upon the other hand, a proper system
with birds penned for laying purposes, and arrangements
made for hand-rearing upon a suitable scale, is likely to
prove of much greater advantage.

The most practical, and at the same time the most
satisfactory, manner of maintaining the same quantity of

ST

o

§§-

I

1

27 Pheasants.

pheasants annually, is to obtain eggs from the preserves
in the spring, hatch them under fowls, hand-rear, and
turn them out in the summer. In order to supply a
sufficiency of eggs, the preserver must, immediately laying
time comes round, carefully search all his coverts for nests,
looking thoroughly over them, and noting with exactitude
the situation of every nid discovered. According to
what he learns from such examination as to whether
the birds are laying freely or not, so is he able to determine
to what extent the nests may be deprived of eggs. If
these are being regularly deposited, and things appear to
be going on briskly, there can be no harm in taking from
each nest day by day up to six or seven eggs. If
irregularity in laying be observable, then four or five are
sufficient to obtain per nest. In any case, the eggs are
collected daily and carefully transported to a place of
safety till a large enough number is obtained on which
to set the first batch of hens. If necessary, a further
quantity is procured for other hens which may be available,
but the difficulty is oftener to obtain a sufficient number of
broody hens than the eggs.

Buying eggs annually in place of obtaining them as
already described would only become necessary when it
is desired to raise the stock at once to so large a number
that one's own preserve would not provide the requisite
quantity. The bought eggs are of course set off under
hens, and the chicks hand-reared and turned out as soon as
they are matured enough to look after themselves.

Buying birds to turn down is only necessary when the
present stock of pheasants appears to be rapidly dete-
riorating in quality and healthiness. In such case the mere
obtaining of eggs from distant preserves and hatching
them out is scarcely a sufficiently speedy process, and it is
often a better plan to purchase or to exchange a fairly

Practical Game -Pre serving. 28

large number of birds with some friendly preserver whose
estate is situate in a distant county. Possibly he may also
desire a change of blood in his birds, hence the transaction
would be mutually desirable. In purchasing fresh birds
some discrimination is necessary. Tame or semi-domesti-
cated birds are not worth much as a rule, and there is
nothing like a good healthy lot of carefully caught up
wild birds. Moreover, it is always preferable to have an
equal number of cock and hen pheasants, in place of the
usually recommended lot of cock birds only. The best
time of year to turn these birds down is at the end of
February or beginning of March, six weeks or a month
after the shooting season closes. They will then have
time to settle down before mating time comes on. At
first they will require specially feeding a little, but it is
best to let them eventually find their way with the rest,
and so spread well about.

One of the greatest aids to a natural increase of birds
is thorough elimination of all kinds of vermin from the
coverts. It has always been a maxim with preservers
that " to kill vermin is to breed game " ; and unless all
furred and feathered vermin is well killed down, there is
no chance of maintaining a stock of pheasants, much less
increasing it. Poaching, of course, must be kept down,
and not only actual night poaching, but the systematic
robbery of birds and eggs which will obtain if the
preserver does not properly look after his coverts.

A more extended consideration of these several points
must, however, be left over for the present. Suffice it
that what may be described as the preliminary steps
necessary to the establishing and maintenance of a head
of pheasants upon modest conditions have been dealt with
and made clear.

CHAPTER IV.

PHEASANTS: The Higher Preservation.— Penned Birds for
£gg-Supply. — Management of Penned Birds, — Construction
of Pens.— Eggs from Wild Birds.

IN the foregoing chapters has been shown how pheasants
may be introduced and increased upon a moderate scale
and under limited conditions. It is now necessary to
consider matters from a more extended point of view. To
this end it is advisable to hold a brief review of what
may be termed the higher preservation — in other words,
the production and maintenance of the largest head of
game an estate will support.

A preserve of the kind indicated may consist of one or
several estates or manors. It may be one large self-
contained estate, or it may be made up of many estates,
each characterised as a beat, or themselves divided into
one or more beats. Whatever the constitution of the
preserve, whether for the whole or for parts, the system of
going to work is mainly identical, and should be such that
it is self-contained and, if possible, entirely self-support-
ing. By this is meant — as far as pheasants are concerned
— that everything reared upon the preserve should be
produced from eggs provided by the preserve. It is
impossible in a work of this kind to ignore the fact that a
comparatively new feature in connection with game-
preserving has arisen of late years in the remarkable

Practical Game-Preserving. 30

influence which the great number of game-farms now
exercise upon game-preserving in general and pheasant-
raising in particular. Whether the position is beneficial
or not to the great interests involved depends upon the
point of view, but without reflecting in any way upon the
merits or otherwise of these enterprises, it is necessary to
state that the systems of game-rearing set out in these
pages are those in which the game-farm only figures as a
useful resource when, through the outbreak of disease
or by reason of other patent cause, the possibilities of the
preserve itself have been rendered nugatory.

In what I have chosen to term the higher preservation
the matter of pheasant-production resolves itself into two
heads : egg-supply and hand-rearing. Other matters
largely depend upon these points, and determine themselves
according to the system adopted.

Two sources of egg-supply are open to the preserver of
pheasants upon a large scale : the one from birds penned
specially for the purpose of providing eggs to be hatched
and reared from ; the other the collection of eggs from the
wild birds' nests to be similarly dealt with. Or the two
sources may be linked together, one being made sub-
servient to the other. Taking it for granted that the
axiom that every pheasant-preserve should be self-support-
ing as regards the egg-supply be accepted, the means to be
adopted to make this provision must depend upon the extent
of the preserve. For a small estate such as would come
under the denomination a one-man shoot, the arrange-
ments made need partake of but a very simple character,
and need not be of other than semi-permanent character.
Coming to larger preserves, however, where many hundreds
of birds, approximating thousands or more, have to be
reared, something conceived on a larger and more
permanent basis is required ; whilst when the question of

31

Pheasants.

the egg-supply for large sporting estates comprising
several or many beats is involved, the matter assumes an
importance which is scarcely second to that of the hand-
rearing of the birds itself.

We may dismiss with a few words the case of a preserve
requiring annually, or maybe only occasionally, a
hundred or so of eggs. If the means described in the
previous chapters be insufficient of themselves, or as
extended to meet increased requirements, then resort may
be made to some reputable game-farm for the eggs
necessary to make up an adequate supply. Coming,
however, to the case of a preserve requiring, say, a
thousand eggs annually, extending over a period of several
years, something more than a makeshift is desirable
and necessary in order that a proper supply may be
maintained. A proper system must be adopted based
upon the requirements and conditions of each indi-
vidual preserve, and calculated as to expense upon
the basis that the eggs shall be produced at an average
cost of £2 to 305. per 100 over a series of years. Ordinary
pheasants penned for laying purposes may be calculated
to produce a minimum of 100 eggs per pen of six birds —
one cock and five hens. They should certainly produce no
less, and under favourable circumstances ought to produce
from 25 per cent, to 50 per cent. more. I place the
figures at their lowest estimate, as in this and all other
matters relating to game-rearing maximum anticipations
invariably prove fallacious.

According to the number of eggs required, so should
the number of pens be determined. Thus, six pens of six
birds each might, under exceptionally favourable circum-
stances, produce 1000 eggs. It would be far wiser,
however, to provide eight pens with birds and two in
reserve. However many eggs be required, it is impossible,

Practical Game -Preserving. 32

whilst remaining within the limits of reasonable anticipa-
tion, to go beyond this basis of calculation. Nor is there
anything to be gained by varying the proportion of hens
to cocks. The one given generally proves the most
productive. The size of the pens should not be less than
2oft. square, and may be increased with advantage, but
should not necessarily exceed 3oft. square. They should
be not less than 6ft. and not more than 8ft. high. These
are indispensable points in the construction of pens for
laying pheasants. Other matters in connection with them
admit of being varied according to circumstances, but these
do not.

The mode of constructing the laying-pens may be varied
according to circumstances, but the class of pen to be
presently described is thoroughly suitable for the purpose,
and when strongly put together will stand without serious
repairs for a number of years. A series of pens adjoin-
ing one another is better than a number of detached ones,
whilst it has the further advantage of reducing the cost per
pen. The question of movable pens is one which need not
necessarily arise, but inasmuch as some soils and
situations will not permit of birds thriving for more than
one or at most two seasons upon the same piece of
ground, the class of pen here recommended is one that can
be constructed with a view to removal when necessary ;
the sides are then made in sections, and the corner
standards are independent of the framework of the pens.

An individual pen of this description of the measure-
ments already given would have its sides formed either
of 2in. lath-wood, set up vertically 2in. apart, or of 2in.
wire netting, stretched over a framework, or partly of one
material and partly of the other. In cold districts the
first-named material is distinctly to be preferred, and
where a series of pens are set up, the backs — all of them

33

Pheasants.

facing the north — and the outer sides of the two end
ones, may also be formed of the lath- work. Around
the bottoms of the pens galvanised sheet-iron (not corru-
gated) should be fixed to the height of at least 2ft. or
2ft. 6in. above the ground. This sheet-iron ought to be
fixed independently, so that it can be let down 3in. to
6in. into the ground for the purpose of preventing the
ingress of vermin. A door of similar construction to the
side in which it is placed must be provided for each pen.
The tops of the pens must be covered with tanned bird-

Fig. I.— PenI for Laying Pheasants.

proof twine netting, properly stretched, so that it does not
sag unnecessarily in the centre of each pen (Fig. i).

It will be found in practice when more than three
pens are required that, as a rule, it is preferable beyond
the reason of cost to bulk them together, i.e., erect them
attached to one another. Thus, if there were six required,
there would be two rows of three, each backing on to one
another, and so on. But, in any case, the pens should
all front to the south, lath-work sides being placed to the
north of each row of pens, and wholly or partly on the
sides.

Within each pen a large branch of a tree suitably
fashioned should be set up in the centre; or it may be

D

Practical Game-Preserving. 34

replaced or supplemented by a large tree-root, so placed
that the birds can find shelter or hiding beneath it. If
possible, some low thick spruce trees may be planted, one
in each corner of each pen, 3ft. out from the sides ;
failing this, a collection of furze and close-lying tree-
boughs may be placed in two or three of the corners, thus
forming a substitute for the cover the growing trees would
provide. Preferably the pens should be erected some time
before being used ; in fact, if the preserver think fit, they
may very well be put up in the autumn, and this gives the
growing shrubs planted within their limits time to take
good hold. They may also be found to serve a useful
purpose in the meanwhile.

The site chosen should, if any way possible, be one
facing and sloping towards the south. The ground should
be well drained and fruitful, but upon no account be a
clay soil. It is not necessary that it should be arid, but
certainly it must not be damp, and if these characteristics
be secured, pens so situated will serve for several years
provided that as soon as the nesting-season is over, the
ground within be dug deeply — two spits if possible — and
well treated with salt and lime. It may then be levelled
and be re-sown if needed with a suitable form of grass-
seed. This mode of dealing with the pens involves the
removal of the birds ; but if it be necessary to retain any
of them, the advantage of one or two spare pens becomes
apparent.

An alternative plan for securing mobility in the pens
which has been adopted with success, and which may be
applied with advantage in some instances, is to construct
the pens separately, but with one corner standard heavier
and stronger than the others, the body of the pen being so
arranged that it can be slued round the centre standard
in such manner that the pen is bodily removed to fresh

35

Pheasants.

ground at selected intervals without the necessity of
taking it to pieces. The advantages of this plan are
chiefly apparent when the soil is of such character as to
wear or to sicken quickly. Upon really sound and suitable
ground I do not see that there is very much to be gained
by its adoption.

Upon the whole, I am of opinion that there is little
improvement capable of being made upon this class of
pen, though where expense is not a serious consideration,
the nature and quality of the materials may be improved
upon, but the principle remains the same.

The pheasants for laying should be caught up and
turned into these pens early in February, although were
it not for certain disadvantages attaching to the alternative
I should recommend the catching up of birds immediately
before shooting commences. This, however, means keep-
ing the hens in captivity all through the winter months.
The main disadvantage accruing to the practice of employ-
ing February-caught birds is that many hen pheasants have
their fertility destroyed or impaired by shot or accident
during the shooting season, which imperfections only
become apparent when the laying season commences, or
even when hatching is in progress. To counteract this
probability it is to be recommended that 10 per cent, more
hens be caught up than it is intended to draw eggs from, so
as to have a reserve of penned birds to replace the produce
of any unfertile hens, and so keep up the supply of early
eggs, because, after all, it is the advantage in this latter
respect which penned birds possess over wild ones that
adds so considerably to the merits of the practice.

The hens penned should be second-year birds, strong,
healthy, and chosen upon exactly the same lines which
weigh with the poultry -keeper in selecting his pullets for
laying. See that the breasts are straight and true, the

D 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 36

abdomen is full and well developed around the vent, that
the eyes are clear and the feathering around them and
the beak is healthy. Birds not possessing these qualifi-
cations should be rejected ; but unless the preserver or his
keeper has acquired practical experience or instruction
in these matters, it is difficult to discriminate upon the
points named.

Presuming that the hen birds have all been drawn
from the preserver's own coverts, then the cock birds
provided for them should be obtained from other sources.
They, in their turn, must be second-season birds also, and
of pure breed of their sort. Of course, it is perfectly
feasible that birds of opposite sexes from the same
coverts may be so far unrelated to prove sufficiently pro-
ductive of sound progeny ; but there are many chances
that such may not be the case, and it being so
easy a matter to exchange cock birds with other pre-
servers, or to obtain them of undoubted parentage from
other reputable and trustworthy sources of supply, there
is really no reason for failing to make this provision.
Nor is it advisable to lose sight of the fact that in stocking
the laying-pens the opportunity should be taken to acquire
some percentage of pure hens from other sources as well.
It is a fact largely overlooked that it is just as easy — and
it is frequently as effective — to renew the blood of the
pheasant stock through the hens as through the cocks. I
should therefore strongly advise preservers to bear this
fact in mind, and even if they do not avail themselves of
it in the first season, certainly to do so in the second or
succeeding ones.

Sufficient has been said in the dealing with pheasant
crosses for the purposes of the ordinary preserver, but it
may be added here that, if the services of a versicolor cock
be employed for the penned birds, he will suffice for

COPPER OR SCEMMERRING'S PHEASANT

(PHASIANUS SCEMMERRINGII)
A Japanese species that promises to make a good covert

Tnnor. f-iarr*>rl \n\\ is n

7 Pheasants.

from ten to thirty hens, and may be transferred from pen
to pen in turn.

The treatment of the penned birds is an all-important
matter, because upon the correct manner of handling
depends the health of the birds, and consequently their
productiveness. They require to be fed well, but not
fattened up, and with little exception the ordinary diet
recommended for wild birds will mainly suffice. An
addition, however, should be made by giving a good feed of
some well-reputed pheasant meal in the morning, and it is
necessary to add that maize should be supplied with a
sparing hand. Two feeds a day are sufficient — the meal
in the morning, the dry grain in the afternoon. During
all the time they are penned some green food and roots
should be given twice or thrice a week. Chopped
mangel, artichoke, lettuce, and cabbage are the most
suitable, and if the turf within the pens wears and dries
off, throw in a big clod of good rich turf from time to
time. A fairly liberal supply of burnt earth, lime, or
old mortar, mixed with some road sand, must be
maintained, as well as one or other of the shell-making
compounds supplied by nearly all purveyors of game-
feeding materials.

Penned birds require to be kept occupied as far as
possible; it is therefore necessary to see that the pens do
not become waste and unattractive to them. Fresh water,
in regularly cleaned troughs, should be given twice a day.
Enamelled iron- ware is the best kind of trough, and it
should be cleansed every time fresh spring water is given.
If bad weather sets in, cold and wet in continuance, see
that the birds do not suffer, and give them what extra
shelter can be contrived if they appear bedraggled and
weather-beaten.

As soon as the hens show signs of laying, place an

Practical Game-Preserving. 38

artificial pheasant 's-egg under each shrub or bunch of
cover, and leave it there during the laying time. Re-
move the eggs twice daily, at feeding-time, placing them
in carrying-boxes containing bran, and with their small
ends downwards.

Penned pheasants should be disturbed as little as
possible, be fed and attended to by the same person, who
should signal his coming at feeding-times and otherwise
by whistling. Light-coloured clothes are better than dark,
and when the pens are entered, always go round them in
the same direction, avoiding sudden movements as far as
possible. The laying-pens should be well protected from
annoyance by poaching dogs and cats ; they must be well
guarded according to their position, either by a watcher
or by guard dogs attached to wires running round the pens
at a suitable distance. It must be remembered that upon
the safety and success of the laying-pens depends the
outcome of the shooting season, and no possibility must
be offered or permitted for the happening of failure.

Whether regarded as a material source of supply or as
entirely auxiliary, the eggs obtainable from the nests of the
wild birds cannot be entirely ignored upon the big pre-
serves, whilst they must provide the main supply for hand-
rearing upon the small ones. It behoves every game-
keeper to know the whereabouts of as nearly all the wild
pheasants' nests as is reasonably possible; consequently,
the search for them is no additional item of duty except
that it requires to be made more assiduously and at
a very early date. As a rule, the end of April is
sufficiently early for the searching to commence, but the
preserver must be guided by the state of the season and
the movements of his birds. This finding of the wild
birds' nests is, however, no easy matter, and a keeper
requires to be also a good woodman to become adept at

39

Pheasants.

the business. Some seasons nests are much easier to
find than at others; it depends upon the state of the
undergrowth. In any case it is impossible to give any
hints of value upon the subject ; it is a matter to be learnt
only by experience. All that can be said upon the subject
is that endeavour should be made to disturb the laying
birds as little as possible, take a mental note of the time
each bird is on or off, and shape the work accordingly.
When a nest is discovered, the eggs are removed and
replaced by artificial ones, and when a sufficient supply has
been drawn from each nest at the subsequent daily visits,
either the nest may be left to be completed, or be
destroyed — according to how many have been taken — the
hen then making and completing a fresh nide, or maybe
laying to some other one she may discover, or possibly
not nesting at all. A good deal of discrimination and
discretion is necessary in the work, points to be avoided
being the making of too regular a round and consequent
beaten track from nest to nest, unnecessary observance of
the hens when occupied upon their nest, and the too careless
interference with and movement of any covering material
left by the laying bird.

Before leaving this portion of the subject, reference
must be made to those clutches already partly incubated
which are found later in the season, and which it is con-
sidered advisable to remove for completion of incubation
under foster-hens. They require careful handling when
nearing hatching-out point (easily distinguishable by the
peculiar " rattle " the eggs make when being transferred),
so that it is advisable always to have one or two broody
hens on hand for the purpose.

It must always be borne in mind that in the foster-hens
there exists a most serious element of danger to the whole
stock of pheasants sought to be reared, inasmuch as

Practical Game-Preserving. 40

through them the dread scourge enteritis may be intro-
duced. It is therefore necessary when making the selection
of the hens that the cleanest and healthiest birds should be
secured. Unless specially bred and reared for the pur-
pose, under conditions which preclude any possibility of
the germs of the disease existing amongst them, the foster-
hens must be selected from the cleanest and purest yards.
As a rule, hens coming from some of the country cottages
are much to be preferred to those from the farms, as the
conditions under which the former are reared and kept are
far more sanitary than those under which the latter are
maintained. Before the hens are set, their feet should be
washed and dipped into a 2 per cent, solution of carbolic
acid. This process should be repeated before the eggs
hatch out, and again occasionally after the broods are upon
the rearing-field. At the same time a very fine spray
should be thrown over the insides of the coops whilst the
chicks are absent.

The necessity of following this advice closely will be
made more apparent when the chapter on diseases is
reached.

CHAPTER V.

PHEASANTS : Hand-rearing. -Hatching-Houses.— Hatching-
Boxes.— Care of the Foster-Hen.

THE hand-rearing of pheasants for sport has developed to
such an enormous extent of late years, and is carried on
under such varying circumstances, that it would be quite
impossible to include within the limits of this work detailed
information as to what particular scheme of operations
would be most applicable to each particular set of circum-
stances under which hand-rearing of pheasants may be
pursued. It will be more profitable to follow the process
through as applied to the rearing of, say, 1000 or 1500
birds, and point out as the matter proceeds where and how
the general system evolved can be modified.

It being understood that, no matter what the number of
birds being reared, they cannot all be hatched off at the
same time, but must come forward in relays, it follows then
that the first point for decision is how many clutches of
eggs are to be set at one time, to be succeeded week by
week by the other batches as they come along. Of course,
endeavour must be made to have the birds as early as
possible; but inasmuch as it rarely occurs that the
arrangements are such that all birds can be brought off at
the first hatching, it is advisable to extend the whole of the
hatchings over five weeks, which, counting from about the
first week in May, will see the last hatch of birds " off "
by the middle of June ; in other words, partridge-hatching

Practical Game-Preserving. 42

time. Counting seventeen eggs to the clutch, this would
mean setting the hens in relays of twelve birds for each
1000 eggs intended to be hatched over the five weeks
indicated. Let this, therefore, stand as the basis upon
which the subject of hand-rearing has to be considered.
Of course, if desired, this basis of operations can be
modified, but I think that under ordinary circumstances
the preserver will find this the most workable arrangement
to adopt.

Before going further, we must revert to the matter of
the eggs. As these are produced they must be placed in
boxes filled with fresh bran, be laid upon their sides, and
be turned half-round every day till they are required.
Eggs laid upon the same date should be assembled
together, and endeavour made when the time comes to
make up the clutches of each hatch -'from eggs of about
the same date. Arrangements must, of course, be made
beforehand to have a sufficient supply of broody hens of
the necessary type on hand. . Any medium-sized, well-
feathered, clean-legged fowl will serve; but in the case
of large preserves it is advisable and profitable to run a
poultry-yard in conjunction with the pheasant-rearing so
as to be sure of having all that is required. In this case
half-bred Silkies or Silver Wyandottes are the best strains
to maintain, as they brood freely, and being also fairly
good layers, there is always a plentiful supply of fresh
eggs on hand. It is a poor plan to be dependent upon
others for broody hens and for fresh eggs, and where any
quantity of pheasants are reared, provision in this direction
must be made beforehand, and in the manner named.

Reference may be here made to the use of incubators
for pheasant-hatching, because it may be that the inex-
perienced preserver may be led into expense and disap-
pointment in connection with them. There is no difficulty

43

Pheasants.

about their use as far as hatching-out the eggs is concerned,
but there the matter ends, as young pheasants will not
take to the artificial mother : they stray away, become lost,
hungry, and die. At the same time, a small incubator
kept on hand will prove useful at times to complete the
incubation of a forward clutch of eggs, or to hatch off a
reserve for making-up broods to a level complement.
Outside of these merits the incubator is of no great
assistance to the pheasant-rearer.

Two methods of dealing with the sitting hens are
open to the preserver. They may be either set in separate
hatching-boxes in the open, or a suitably constructed or
arranged hatching-house can be provided. Decision in
this direction must be taken according to the conditions
prevailing. The nearer Nature can be followed in regard
to the incubation of the eggs, the better; but if it be the
case that the surroundings do not permit of the foster-
hens being set out of doors under circumstances which will
ensure their health and the necessary freedom from disturb-
ance, as well as afford the conveniences for feeding and
airing the hens when they come off their nests, then the
provision of a suitable hatching- shed becomes necessary.
Before dealing with this part of the subject, however, the
question of hatching-boxes must receive attention, for, in
any case, the same class of article is employed.

At the outset it is necessary to point out that, however
wholesale the hatching of pheasant eggs may be effected,
a series or long rows of hatching-boxes are quite opposed
to the necessities of the case. Each box must be separate.
The type does not signify so much, so long as the boxes
are roomy and separate. True, the cost is greater, but
the better hatching results will easily recompense any extra
outlay. The main features are that they should be not
less than i6in. square and 2oin. high, inside measurement.

Practical Game-Preserving.

44

the bottoms must be open and covered with rat-proof wire-
netting, and it must be possible to get at the hen from
the top of the box. According to whether the hens are to
be tethered or not when taken off for feeding, 'so the boxes
must be fitted with a run or not — if the hens be set in the
open or even in a hatching-shed ; but if the latter be
available the runs may be dispensed with. Hatching-boxes
to meet the requirements named can be obtained from
several manufacturers, but in case it is found more con-
venient, and possibly less expensive (which is doubtful),
to have them made on the premises or at home, I annex a
sketch of a suitable hatching-box (Fig. 2), with measure-
ments and sufficient description to enable this to be done.

Fig. 2.— Hatching-Box and Run.

Measurements of Box : i6in. square by aoin. high.
,, Run : 2ft. 6in. by i6in.

In cases where it is necessary to resort to the provision
of a hatching-house, it is always possible to adapt an
already existing structure to the purpose, in which case it
must be so arranged that it embodies the requisite points
which go to make up a suitable erection of the kind. It
must always be borne in mind that anything which does
away entirely with the natural surroundings associated with
the hatching of pheasants' eggs would not prove suitable.

'n o-»

•r, <j.Q

WFj

§ s,S"

*!f

3

TV'

V

C

0

0

0

E

' I

15 FT --

Practical Game-Preserving. 46

At Fig. 3 is given the ground-plan of a hatching-house
which can be erected at very moderate cost, and withal of
substantial construction. Designed to be a permanent
structure, it can be utilised at other times for many other
purposes, such as aviaries for special kinds of pheasants,
for storage of coops, runs, and other materials, or as a
hospital for sick and ailing birds, mature or otherwise.
The measurements are those suitable for twelve nesting-
boxes, but would serve for half as many again if required.
Further details of the construction are here given than are
set down in the references. The back may be a stone or a
brick wall, or even wood, as are the sides and divisions
(a a a a), and should not extend right up to the roof, a
space of i ft. being left open. The side and front portions
marked b are of wire netting, boarded up 2ft. high all
round, as shown at Fig. 3 ; while the outer roof (a, Fig. 4)
is of the same material. The inner roof (b, Fig. 4),
which extends only half-way across the pen, is of board
overlapped. At e e e (Fig. 3) are doors by which to pass
from one division of the pen to another, the object of
dividing them being that when the sitting hens are let off
in the morning the worry and disadvantage which would
accrue were the whole lot of hens turned off together, are
avoided, or were it necessary to let out but two or three at
a time. Furthermore, the small limits of the separate
pens preclude any unruly hen from eluding capture
when she shows a disposition to allow her eggs to
become cool.

In a hatching-house of this description, although the
boxes are figured as being each supplied with a run, the
latter is not necessary in every case, although where the
means exist, a run to every hatching-box is a decided
acquisition. At the same time, they can be easily
dispensed with.

47

Pheasants.

Each box should be supplied with a square of clean, dry
turf, sufficiently large that when it is gently forced down
into position it forms a slight hollow in which the eggs are
placed. The dimensions given are ample for the reception
of the fifteen or seventeen forming the clutph, and the
broody hens can be conveniently set upon them at such
time in the morning after they have been fed. The doors
of the boxes are then closed until feeding-time next day ;
but it is advisable to take an observation of them during
the afternoon, so as to be assured that the hens are sitting
comfortably and are quiet upon their nests.

lit. FT

Fig. 4.— Section of Hatching-House.

Practically the same procedure obtains when the hens are
set in the open air, but it naturally follows that care and
discrimination are required in the choice of the position
assigned for the nesting-boxes. The facilities at command
in this respect will decide whether it is better to employ runs
to the boxes or to tether the hens when they come off to feed.
A hatching-house should back to the north if possible, and
the hatching-boxes in the open must be similarly placed ;
there should also be a level, open space in front of them
where the runs may stand, or where the hens are placed
for feeding. Good, sound old turf is far and away the

Practical Game-Preserving. 48

best surface, and the necessary grit for the hens may be
scattered over it from time to time as required. When
runs are used, the process of feeding and watering the
hens is simple enough ; but for the purpose of tethering
them a stake must be driven in for each hen. To secure
the necessary margin of room the stakes must be in two or
more rows, fixed alternately 2yds. apart. The tethers for
the hens should consist of a ring round the stake, to which
a leather thong is attached. This thong should be about
%in. to ys'm. wide, with a slit cut at the extremity through
which the thong is served, thus forming a loop to go round
the hen's leg. It is advisable to initiate the broody hens
a day or two beforehand into this process of being tethered,
but they speedily accommodate themselves to it, and when
taken to the stakes offer little trouble. They should be
taken off in the morning, as soon as is reasonably possible,
and be kept off for about a quarter of an hour, during
which they are fed — on soaked grain — and given water.
Dust-baths may be provided if necessary.

The question of damping pheasants' eggs is a vexed one,
but a medium course can be adopted with the greatest
advantage. According to the state of the weather so the
course to be pursued must be mapped out daily. In
very dry weather water round the edges of each nest with
a very fine spray, and with the water at loodeg. In fairly
dry weather, water freely when the hens are put off and
a few minutes before they return to the nest, and if the
weather be muggy and damp, or the dew heavy and
clinging, do not water at all.

From the seventh to the eleventh or twelfth day the
eggs may be tested for unfertile ones, which must be
replaced from the reserve eggs, either under hens or in the
incubator. The testing to be effective must be thorough
and carefully done. Rule of thumb in this matter is quite

49

Pheasants.

useless, and it would serve just as good a purpose to leave
the eggs untested. A skilled person can tell them against
the sun, if it be bright, by holding them towards its light
with one hand and screening it with the other ; but a better
plan is to have a piece of stout cardboard (Fig. 5), about
i ft. square, provided with a hole the shape of, and slightly
smaller than, a pheasant's egg. Convey each clutch in
turn to where it is sufficiently dark and convenient for the
purpose, and by means of a bright lamp scrutinise each

Fif. 5.— Mode of Testing Pheasant*' Eggs.

egg in turn as it is placed against the hole in the card-
board, and so as to receive the full light of the lamp. The
fertile eggs will be perfectly opaque, except the small air-
chamber at the larger end. All others are unfertile, and
must be removed and replaced. Where many eggs have
to be tested, a small apparatus embracing these details may
be constructed, a neat wire holder being affixed to the
cardboard to keep the egg in position whilst being examined.
A use may sometimes be found for the unfertile eggs if
they have not become seriously tainted.

E

Practical Game-Preserving. 50

It is necessary to point out that where the hens are set
in boxes placed in the open some protection must be
afforded to the hatching-boxes and to the hens in them at
times of severe weather. Thus, heavy rain or very cold winds
or frost are calculated to lower unduly the temperature of
the sitting hen, and, maybe, also affect the eggs. Some form
of covering should be thrown or placed over each box
under such circumstances, so as to protect them from the
wet or cold, but not to interfere with the ventilation of the
nest -boxes.

Incubation should be completed upon the twenty-fourth
day, but it is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast
rule as to the day or even the hour when the eggs should
commence to hatch out. Sufficient that they may be
expected to do so upon the completion of full twenty-four
days' incubation. At the end of this time examination of
each nest may be made, and if the eggs have already com-
menced to hatch out, just such observation without inter-
ference may be exercised as seems advisable. Speaking
roundly, the less interference the better until a further
twenty-four hours has elapsed after the first chick is born.
You may here and there save one from being crushed, but
you will probably contribute to three losing their lives for
every one succoured.

Some difference may be made in regard to the treatment
of the broods in boxes provided with a run ; but even in this
respect a certain discretion should be exercised. However,
no harm can be done by placing a little food within the
run, so that any chicks which may — as some of them do —
find their way from the hatching-box to the run shall have
something to occupy them.

CO O

w 8

E

W
CO

W

CHAPTER VI.

PHEASANTS: Hand-rearing.— Coops and Runs.— The Rear-
ing-Field.— Transfer of the Poults to Covert.— Disposal in
the Coverts.

THE care and rearing of the young chicks must now com-
mand attention. I shall not, however, treat of the question
of their food and feeding at the present stage, but devote
an entirely separate chapter to these matters.

The best type of coop to employ for rearing young
pheasants is a subject upon which game-rearers generally
appear to have agreed to differ. Every style and type,
from extensively provided coops and runs to the simplest
forms (Fig. 6), have been advocated for adoption as alone
contributing to success. The matter, however, lies upon a
simple basis, which has the nature and the position of the
ground as the chief points to influence it ; whilst the
amount of labour available, and the possible attacks from
vermin — furred and feathered — may be regarded as
secondary points bearing upon the subject. Wherever it
be possible, the simpler, in reason, the form of coop adopted
the better, but it is necessary that a certain adequate
quantity of suitable runs should be provided (Fig. 7).
Under normal circumstances, when it is possible continu-
ously to watch the coops by night and by day, the simpler
form of coop proves abundantly serviceable. The actual
type does not, however, matter very much, provided it

E 2

Practical Game-Preserving.

Fig. 6.— The Payne-Gallwey Coop.
A cheap and simple style of coop.

embodies those features which are essential in every really
serviceable article of the kind. These essentials are as
follow : The size of the coops should not be less than 24^1.

wide by 2oin. deep,
and 24in. high in front
by i2in. to i4in. high
at back. The bottoms
must be covered with
vermin-proof wire-net-
ting, and each coop
must be provided with
a serviceable shutter,
and with a false roof,
if possible, which will
slide out from under
the roof proper, and
afford shelter from sun and rain to the young chicks.
These two latter necessary features can be merged in one
if the shutter be hinged at the top, with means to suspend
it as a shelter when required (Fig. 8). The coops must be
well ventilated with-
out being draughty,
they must be strongly
made, but light and
well balanced for
handling, and be pro-
vided with the neces-
sary means for holding
when they are lifted.
A sliding-bar must also
be provided to let the foster-hen out when required.

Holding, as I do, that the healthiest pheasants are
reared from chicks which roost on an earthen floor, I
stipulate for a wire netting bottom to the coops; but

Fi«.*7.— Rc&ring-Coop for Pheasants.

The shutter is hinged, and serves also

as shelter from sun and rain.

53

Pheasants.

inasmuch as these will have to be moved whilst contain-
ing the broods, other means than the wire netting must be
found for retaining them. To this end a number of
movable wooden bottoms in loose sections, or hinged by
means of felt, must also be on hand, so that they can be
fitted into the coops at the time of removal. In cases,
however, where more than one person is occupied in the
moving of the coops, some squares of roofing-felt may be
utilised, which, by being slid under the coops, effect the
purpose desired, and afford at the same time a support by
means of which the removal may be accomplished.

Fig. 8.— Rearing-Coo? with Sliding Double Roof.
The sliding roof with folding shutters forms shelter from sun and rain.

It may be mentioned here that very considerable
advantage may be obtained by the more general use of
roofing-felt in connection with pheasant-coops, and under
certain circumstances of not exceptional occurrence it
proves most useful. In cases of continual wet weather,
whether the coops are standing in their old places or
whether just removed to new ground, if pieces of this
felt be provided for each coop, and placed beneath it, the
chicks will remain dry, and the dampness arising from a
moisture-sodden soil will be prevented. It is cheap
material, and in wet seasons should always be available
for employment in the direction named.

Practical Game-Preserving.

54

As regards the question of runs for the coops, a great
deal depends upon circumstances ; but in any case a
certain number of runs suited to the coops should be pro-
vided. The number of them should be the same as that
of the batches of broods brought off at the same time.

Fig. 9. Rearing-Coop and Run.

Probably the best type of run is that made of straight
galvanised wire- work, with a hinged top, about 3ft. long,
and in width and height accommodating to the size of the
coops, i.e., 2/j.in. by 24in. (Figs. 9 and 10).

Fig. 10.— Rearing-Coop with Cage-Run.

The conditions which render the employment of runs
indispensable are those which do not provide for the con-
tinual watching of the broods in the rearing-field. These
conditions usually arise in the case of small preserves, or
where only a small number of birds are reared. Under

55

Pheasants.

such circumstances, or when it is impossible to cope with
the attacks of vermin, runs must certainly be provided for
the protection of the chicks. It must always be borne in
mind that the runs to prove effective must be vermin-proof,
they must fasten securely to the coops, and, if need be,
must be fixed to the ground so that poaching cats or dogs
cannot push them on one side.

It will be observed in connection with this subject of
coops and runs that beyond treating of the general and
particular principles which must govern their construction
and form I have given a few illustrations of different types,
but have not recommended any particular coop or run as
being of general utility. The reason why I have adopted
this plan is that there are so many reputable firms catering
for this class of appliance that a mere perusal of their
catalogues will enable the preserver to select the type
most suited to his requirement and his means. If an
attempt were here made to illustrate all types, the result
would tend only to confuse instead of to simplify the
matter.

We must now transfer our attention to the subject of the
rearing-field or fields. Upon the exercise of proper dis-
crimination in the choice and management of the rearing-
field or fields depend the healthiness and stamina of the
birds produced. It will depend also upon the nature and
the constitution of the preserve how the rearing-fields must
be organised. In any case it is far better to err upon the
side of too much ground being apportioned to the purpose
than too little. Indeed, it is to the failure to recognise
this fact that want of success in rearing healthy birds, or
a proper proportion of poults from the chicks hatched, is
directly due. In the case of a single self-contained
preserve it will be possible to do very well with but one
rearing-field ; but where the preserve is composed of a

Practical Game-Preserving. 56

number of separate beats, then it is very necessary that
separate rearing-fields should be provided for each beat.

The ground chosen for the purpose should be, if
possible, a thoroughly sound and fruitful pasture, quick-
growing, but not rank, in which grasses of free seed-
bearing character predominate, together with good clovers.
Any sound, well-drained soil, except a clayey one, will
serve, and the ground should face, not necessarily slope
severely towards, the south-south-west or even towards the
west. It is an advantage, a very great one, if it be well
sheltered from the north, but it should be open to receive
the early morning sunshine, without being unduly exposed
to the east. Good, sound, clean-cut, well-kept hedges
should surround it, and there is no objection to — on the con-
trary, there is an advantage in — one of the coverts form-
ing a portion of the boundary of the field, provided always
that the covert in question does not shelter vermin or offer
them a point of vantage from which to make inroads upon
the ranks of the young pheasant chicks. The field or fields,
moreover, should be of such conformation as to render it
possible to watch every square yard of them from one point
of observation. If a single field of sufficient dimensions
cannot be secured, then two or more adjoining ones may
be brought into requisition.

Provided the ground chosen be thoroughly sound and
productive, it may be employed for the same purpose
in consecutive seasons, but in any case it should be
mown all over after the birds have been removed, be then
harrowed, and at the proper time be dressed with a thin
covering of earth and lime, mixed, in the proportion of
three to one. It must be chain-harrowed again in the
spring, and twice rolled in cross- wise directions. There
should be if possible no ditches alongside the hedgerows ;
but if such exist, either wire netting must be run along the

57 Pheasants.

field side of them, or else they may te made to slope
gently if they happen to be dry. If provision of this
kind be not made, many young birds will be lost.

Of course, once ground has been used for the purposes
of a rearing-field, it is far more advantageous that it
should not be employed again for this purpose, if there has
been the slightest sign of disease other than that normal
to pheasant chickenhood, until at least three years have
elapsed. If it were possible, this should be made the
rule in all cases.

As before stated, practically any soil, if well drained,
dry, and healthy, may be considered if not suitable,
anyhow adaptable to the purposes of the rearing- fields ;
but if it be possible specially to prepare such, and suit it
to the exact requirements of the purpose, then a well-
broken and rolled fallow, or a field or two, according to
size, of specially -sown seeds, in which the long and rye-
grasses and suitable clovers predominate, grown upon a
sandy loam or other poor soil of similar character, but in
no case a peaty one, should be provided.

I may here mention in passing that rich loams under
old pasture are those most likely to favour the produc-
tion of gapes ; they also act similarly as regards enteritis
when heavy dews prevail, and are provocative of one
of the forms of cramp during a cold spring. Clay
soils are worse in every one of these respects, and are
equally likely to produce the other and worse form of
cramp. With these facts before him, the preserver has
every reason for exercising the greatest prudence in the
choice of the sites for his rearing-ground.

The minimum satisfactory allowance of ground to each
brood is five square rods, but it is greatly to be desired that
nearer eight square rods should be allotted. This latter
allowance would permit of twenty broods to the acre,

Practical Game-Preserving. 58

which is quite close enough quarters, and one which may
very well be exceeded if the conditions permit. In fact,
upon preserves where the circumstances obtaining do not
allow of the broods being removed, or, anyhow, a portion
of them, at an early age, it will be necessary to provide
more ground per brood than is here specified. Upon some
preserves it is the practice, and a very good one too,
where possible, to remove the more forward broods from
the rearing-field proper in batches, and at regular stages,
towards the coverts they are intended to occupy. This
system is, however, only feasible when the preserve
is of park-like nature, and it is possible to maintain
constant watch over them and be assured of their
freedom from interference by farm beasts or vermin of
whatever description. I do not mention this as an alterna-
tive system, but a practice that may be resorted to when
the rearing-ground accommodation is perforce limited.

When the time comes for the rearing-ground to be
prepared for the reception of the young chicks, it will be
necessary to mow such portions of it as shall be destined
for the coops and as running-ground for the young birds.
The exact manner in which it is best to regulate this must
depend upon the configuration of the ground ; but inasmuch
as each rearing-field will, if combining the desiderata
referred to above, possess a general slope towards the
south, so spaces should be cut across it from — roughly
speaking — east to west of a width of from iaft. to i5ft.
or more. At intervals of twice this distance, cuts about
6ft. to 9ft. in width should be made at right angles to the
other paths. The resulting grass must be removed from
the ground.

The coops and runs — where the latter are employed —
will then be set out upon the mown spaces at regular
distances, ready for the reception of the newly-hatched

59

Pheasants.

chicks. The coops should be in position a day or two
before they will be occupied, as this gives time for any
excess of surface moisture to work off before the young
chicks tenant them. As mentioned at the end of the last
chapter, removal of the broods from the nesting-boxes
should take place twenty-four hours after the hatching
commences, as at this early period it is rather warmth than
food which is required for them. For the purposes of
removal proper carrying-boxes (Fig. n) must be provided
for the young chicks, so that they may not be chilled in the

Fig. II.— Carrying-Box for Pheasant Chicks.

process. The broods being removed in batches of five or
six at a time, if there be any distance to be covered it is
advantageous to provide a suitable crate to take that
number of foster-hens, and carrying-boxes to contain the
corresponding number of broods. The latter should be
provided with a sliding lid, and some soft felt be placed
in the carrying-boxes, in which the compartments should
measure i2in. long by 4in. wide by pin. high, to accommo-
date clutches of fifteen chicks. Care must be taken that
no mistake is made in delivering the proper broods to the

Practical Game-Preserving. 60

respective foster-hens. It is necessary to exercise dis-
cretion in regard to both the time of day when the removal
of the broods takes place, and also the opening of the
coops after they are placed in them. If the weather be
generally favourable, they may be opened an hour or so
after the broods are disposed in the coops, it being always
advisable to allow the hen to mother the chicks a little
before the latter receive liberty to leave the coop. It is at
this time that I recommend the general use of runs for the
broods for the first day or two, and it will be obvious to
anyone that the keeper employing them stands at a distinct
advantage over those who do not.

As food and feeding will be dealt with fully in the
following chapter, there is no necessity to touch upon that
matter now, and we can follow, therefore, the course of
existence of the chicks until such time as they are trans-
ferred to the coverts. Unless any of the broods be
removed for the reasons already mentioned, the young
pheasants will continue to occupy the coops until they
begin to develop their second tails and become too
large to enter them freely, which will be when they
are about two months old. It then becomes necessary
to effect their transference to the coverts, where they will
remain permanently. This may be accomplished in one
moving or in several ; but the birds must be brought
to suitable sites along the covert-side or in the rides
at such time as will ensure their first attempts at
roosting outside the coops being made upon the handy
trees or high, strong bushes adjoining the coops. When
choosing the positions for these it is advisable to select
sites as open as possible — that is, where there is little or
no thick ground-growth — otherwise the young poults are
more likely to roost amongst this at first than in the
trees. In any case, they will not go far from the coops,

6 1 Pheasants.

but it is desirable to get them up on the trees as
soon as possible, because it is precisely at this period that
they are exposed to the attacks of ground-vermin.

Wherever there are good broad rides in the coverts, the
proper respective quantity of broods must be disposed along
them, at such suitable points as will ensure practically the
same surroundings as fall to the lot of those outside the
covert. There is sure to be very considerable waste of
the young poults if the coops be placed adjacent to low,
thick cover. Many will wander and lose themselves, and
probably fall victims to any chance vermin. It is therefore
necessary to select the positions for the coops along the
rides, where not only do the latter offer them a free run,
but where the nature of the woodland behind the coops is
free and open as well. I know that regular rows of coops,
at nearly equal distances, carry a smart and pleasing
appearance with them ; but if the welfare of the birds is
to be sacrificed for that, there is nothing gained in the
process.

It will only be necessary to retain the coops with the
foster-hens just as long as any members of the individual
broods continue to enter the coops at night. As soon as
all are roosting outside, these may be taken away, and
the young poults left to shift for themselves. Of course,
they will require careful watching, considerate feeding,
and so on, until they " feather up " and commence to
reach maturity.

Before passing to other matters it is necessary here to
discuss the subject of the disposal of the hand-reared
birds amongst the various coverts upon the preserve. As
is well known, or, at any rate, ought to be, although hand-
reared birds are in a way tame enough in the early stages
of maturity, or approaching maturity, they become later
in the year most restless, far more so than the wild-bred

Practical Game-Preserving. 62

birds, and at times it is almost impossible to prevent them
from straying. This is notably the case in open seasons
when natural food is plentiful. Bearing this fact in view it
follows that the bulk of the hand-reared birds should be
disposed in and around the coverts lying away from the
boundaries of the preserve. It is a too frequently adopted
practice almost entirely to denude the outlying coverts of
eggs and nests during the laying season ; consequently it is
almost certain that if hand-reared birds be put down in
these border coverts a large proportion are bound to stray,
as they will find few wild birds there to associate with and
restrain their wandering propensities. When this is the
condition of things prevailing, it is better rather to over
than to under-stock the centrally-situated coverts, and leave
the outlying ones comparatively sparsely provided. It is
necessary to differentiate between the actual home coverts
upon a large preserve and the main in-lying ones, because
inasmuch as the former will in all probability not be
shot until quite late in the season, they do not enter into the
main subject of these remarks.

Some coverts, irrespective of acreage, will carry many
more birds comparatively than others, and it will be
necessary to ascertain by close observation to what extent
birds can be put down. It is scarcely possible to place
in writing what indications may be taken as a guide in this
direction ; but, as a general rule, the prevalence or scarcity
of wild-birds' nests in the respective coverts may be taken
as a sign of their capacity to hold birds. Of course, it can
only be ascertained by actual experience, more or less of
an experimental character, extending over two or three
seasons, how many birds the coverts in particular, and
the ground in general, will carry. It is possible to give
actual figures of what has been and can be done, but
I am afraid that any facts which I might offer in this

63 Pheasants.

respect would be more likely to prove misleading than
instructive.

To a large extent the same remarks which apply to the
separate coverts upon a preserve or a beat are relevant to
the separate beats which may go to make up one large
preserve. Given two or three, it is almost certain that
some of the beats will be of their own nature less pro-
ductive, or of less carrying power, than others. Their
possibilities in these directions can only be definitely ascer-
tained by actual experience, but may be fairly gauged at
the outset by evidences available to even the moderately
experienced. It is usual, however, for so many eggs to be
allotted to each beat, and the under-keeper in charge is
entrusted with the hatching and rearing of the resulting
birds, just as if it were a separate preserve. Acreage of
the beat and the coverts cannot, however, alone be taken
as a guide of what can be done or ought to be done. A
good deal of bickering occurs, and blame is apportioned
over apparent discrepancies in the results secured upon
different, but apparently identical, beats ; but it is certain
that if the possibilities of them were properly ascertained,
it would be found that their capabilities were not of the
same calibre. It is necessary that these facts in connection
with rearing should be brought home to the preserver,
otherwise disappointment and possibly injustice might
follow.

CHAPTER VIL

PHEASANTS: Food.— Feeding and General Management.

THE nature of the food to be given, and the manner of
feeding pheasants from the time they break the shell until
they are ready for shot, is one of the most complex matters
in the whole system of game-preserving. It has been one
which has vexed the minds of keepers, preservers, and
experts ever since hand-rearing became a general practice,
and is one which is likely to remain a matter for conflicting
opinion for a long time to come. Numberless systems of
feeding have been worked out and put into practice with
varying success. It would, however, be a profitless task
to attempt to discuss them in anything approaching detail,
and it must suffice for our purpose to work out one main
system of feeding and treatment, it being conceded that
local circumstances may warrant its modification in some
respects.

In connection with the feeding of pheasants it must
always be remembered that the soil upon which they are
reared, and the conditions of their natural environment,
are bound to exert a very pronounced influence for good or
for evil 4ipon the health and stamina of the stock. With-
out a due appreciation of how these influences react upon
the birds from the shell onwards it is impossible for the
preserver to obtain adequate ultimate results from his
hatching operations.

REEVES' PHEASANT

(PHASIANUS REEVESII)

A very hardy Chinese species, capital flyer, and the

65 Pheasants.

It is impossible to address one's self to the important
subject of pheasant-feeding without reference to the many
forms of foods placed at the disposal of preservers by a
large number of thoroughly reputable firms, whose manu-
factures are the result of long and carefully worked-out
experiment, and have proved their worth under wide-
spread practical employment. Where so many possess
great merit, it would be invidious to select any one
for recommendation; but if, in working out a proper
system of pheasant-feeding, I happen to ignore them, it
is not because I am not appreciative of their merits under
certain conditions.

In dealing with pheasant-foods we must divide them
into those applicable to the several stages of pheasant-
life, comprising early and later chickenhood, the poult
stage, and semi-mature and mature birds. These I deter-
mine as (i) up to a week or ten days ; (2) from a week to
three or four weeks old ; (3) from one month to two months
inclusive ; (4) from two months to six months.

We will consider each of these periods in turn. The
first food given to young pheasant chicks should consist of
a form of custard made in the manner I shall describe.
Experience of my own and others confirms the opinion
that hard-boiled egg is not really a suitable food, and
unless carefully handled and fed to the birds, is likely to
prove actually deleterious. It is much to be desired that
its use become less extensive, and be replaced by custard
made as follows : Beat up thoroughly as many fresh eggs
as are required. Place a corresponding quantity of new
milk in an enamelled saucepan, and bring it to boiling-
point, when the beaten-up eggs are poured in, and the
whole is slowly stirred till it thickens into a firm form of
custard ; it should then be turned into a thoroughly clean
glazed ware bowl. The respective quantities are a dozen

F

Practical Game-Preserving. 66

eggs to each pint of milk, which provides sufficient food
for two clutches for one day. The custard must be made
afresh each morning, and be kept in a cool place. When
feeding it to the chicks, rub in a table-spoonful of very
finely-ground oatmeal with each quantity of custard.

This should constitute the sole food of the young chicks
for the first two days, then gradually increase the amount
of oatmeal day by day till the end of the first complete
week. Feed the chicks six times a day during this period,
giving the first meal an hour after sunrise — not daylight —
the second and following at regular intervals, and the last
an hour before sundown. If runs be employed, as they
should be, give the first and last meal within them, if the
chicks be given liberty during a portion of the day. The
food should be given on clean sheets of plate glass, on
slates or slabs of stoneware. I have a preference, however,
for very shallow troughs, with just sufficient side to prevent
the chicks from scattering the food over the margin. En-
deavour at this period to prevent by all possible means the
chicks from having access to dew, and shelter the runs and
the fronts of the coops so that the birds may not be need-
lessly exposed to rain or to bursts of brilliant sunshine. At
the end of the week discard the runs, and employ them for
following broods. Water drawn from deep wells or from
springs where they issue from the ground and are uncon-
taminated should be given in absolutely clean glazed ware.
If there is an even remote possibility of taint about the
ground, plunge every drinking-vessel in boiling water
each morning before putting it down to the chicks,
which should be done when they have picked up their
food. Employ a properly-cleaned can for bringing the
water to the coops, and treat it similarly to the drinking-
vessels if necessary. As soon as the chicks have been fed
and watered, empty the drinking-vessels and remove them.

6; Pheasants.

The foster-hens should be fed and watered at the same
time as the chicks receive their first and last meal of the
day.

In laying emphasis upon the absolute necessity of
extreme cleanliness and foresight at this very early
period of pheasant life, I do so with the conviction that
it is at this time that the seeds of disease — enteritis, cramps,
and gapes — are most likely to be sown in the bodies of the
young pheasants. Do not commence to exercise this care
and attention only when the stock is " making nice
young birds," for it is then often too late to prevent the
malady. Upon having the birds strong and healthy from
the very start and keeping them so depends the success
of the whole season's work.

Every rearing-field should have its hospital, away from
the field and away from any hatching-nests. For the
purpose select one or more foster -hens, and give them a
few chicks to look after. Hens which have hatched out
reserve broods will do for this purpose. Then whenever
a sick or an ailing chick is seen, take it away at once from
its own brood and transfer it to the hospital for separate
observation and treatment. Better to lose a dozen or two
this way than to run the risk of contaminating a whole field.
If any of the chicks in the rearing-field die, take them
right away and burn them, unless it is desired to open them
and investigate. If the rearer knows enough of the in-
ternal economy of pheasant chicks to make this investiga-
tion, he should do it away from everything, at the same
time taking care to disinfect himself before returning to his
charges. If they are to be sent away to competent
authorities for investigation, adopt the same precautions,
because the rearer may carry the infection from coop to
coop and field to field just as easily as if a lot of infected
birds were set running riot amongst the healthy ones.

F 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 68

What I have said here must be regarded as instructions
necessary of observance throughout the whole course of
the rearing period. If the preventive means be relaxed or
neglected at any period, then blame for the outbreak of
disease and loss of chicks is entirely due to the faults of
the preserver or his keeper.

We will now pass to the second stage of pheasant chicken-
hood as before determined. Throughout this period the
custard must remain the basis of the food given, but the
feeding times may be reduced to four per diem and gradu-
ally lessened to only three. Instead of the plain oatmeal
hitherto mixed with the custard, one or other of the
specially prepared meals supplied by the manufacturers
must be substituted for it up to the end of the first fort-
night of the chicks' existence. If, however, the preserver
should prefer to make up his own meal instead of
purchasing it, here is a suitable formula to work to :

(i) Medium oatmeal 24 parts.

Finely ground rice 16 ,,

Maize meal 16 ,,

Bruised hempseed 3 ,,

Linseed meal i ,,

Prepared desiccated meat 4 ,,

64 parts.*

This and other meals must be made up with boiling
water stirred in with them. There is, however, a right
and a wrong way of doing this, and to be effective the
boiling water must be gradually poured over the meal so
that all of it is in turn submitted to the effect of the

* The formulae for pheasant foods are made up on the basis of two
bushels, so that one part represents one quart.

69 Pheasants.

water. When thoroughly incorporated, the meal should
be in a fairly dry, crumbly state, and the addition of the
custard will complete the food. Two parts of custard
should be added to each part of meal. If the mixture
clogs at all it should be rubbed through a sieve suitable
for the purpose. As soon as the chicks are large enough
to feed from feeding-troughs or pans these should be
provided. They must be of enamelled or glazed ware,
and should be removed, together with any surplus food,
after each meal. Food left either in pans or upon the
ground soon becomes sour and unfit for the birds' con-
sumption.

As soon as the chicks have completed a fortnight's
growth they may be put on to grain feed. At first this
should be given only at the midday meal, then at this and
the evening meal, and finally at all, when the custard may
be discontinued, which will be about the time when they
are one month old. By grain feed is not meant a simple
diet of whole grain ; on the contrary, the grain feed of
young pheasants must be of the varied character and form,
as far as possible, that they would discover for them-
selves in a natural state, and may be compounded on the
following lines : —

(2) Coarse oatmeal 16 parts.

Broken wheat 16 ,,

Millet seed or dari 8 ,,

Canary seed 4 ,,

Hempseed 2 ,,

Linseed 2 ,,

Crushed blue peas 8 ,,

Crushed maize 8 ,,

64 parts.

Practical Game-Preserving. 7°

At first this mixture should be given after being scalded
as previously described, then give it dry at the midday and
morning meals until by the time the chicks are two months
old dry feed may be given at all three meals.

At this period provision must be made for the supply
of such forms of meat food and green stuff as the
chicks require. The desiccated meat will have to be
replaced by a cheaper substitute, such as greaves. It is

Fig, 12.— Meat-Chopping Machine.

necessary that the greaves supplied be of the best quality
of mutton greaves chopped finely. An addition to this
may be made of suet, also chopped finely, but the latter
must not be given in any great quantity. Where rabbits
are plentiful then flesh may be given with advan-
tage, and is best prepared by being boiled until it comes
away from the bone; remove the latter and chop the flesh
up finely, incorporating it with the grain feed in the
proportion of the flesh of two rabbits to each bushel of
grain feed.

It must be here observed that it is far better to provide

7i Pheasants.

a chopping or a mincing-machine (Fig 12) for preparing
the meat. If it be chopped up on a board, unless this be of
very hard wood indeed, small splinters are sure to work in
with the meat, and these, if taken up by the birds, will cause
inflammation of the bowels and death. The proportion of
chopped greaves should be two quarts to each bushel of
grain feed.

The amount and the nature of the green food to be
given must be regulated by the growth upon the rearing-
field, and should consist of lettuce for the most part, but
green buckwheat grown for the purpose is an admirable
addition or substitute. To ensure an abundant supply of
the former the brown cos lettuce planted out in the late
autumn is sure to provide abundant supply. The buck-
wheat, if cultivated for the purpose, will be in its best
condition for the use intended when the supply of
lettuce is running out. Both of these should be given in
a finely cut form if possible, and in just such quantities
as the birds will pick up. In addition, from time to time
a small preparation of chopped onion may be provided
for the birds, notably during cold or showery weather.
Where garlic is grown, a few of the cloves of this vege-
table may be chopped up also and given. It is at once
beneficial and enticing to the birds; garlic seed, it may
be mentioned, and the essential oil produced from it, being
the " secret " factor in most of the draws advertised for
the purpose of enticing birds over the boundary or keeping
them from straying.

Before passing to the final stage of pheasant- feeding,
I will give the particulars of two other mixtures of grain
feed which may be given occasionally as being of a more
stimulating character.

These mixtures, it is necessary to point out, must not be
regarded as being in any way of the nature of spiced

i *

Practical Game-Preserving. 72

foods. Their merit lies simply in the fact that they offer
a change of diet.

(3) Broken wheat 12 parts.

Coarse oatmeal 12 ,,

Hempseed 4 »

Linseed 2 »

Crushed peas 4

Crushed maize 8

Crushed barley 12 ,,

Millet or dari 4 »

Buckwheat 6 ,,

64 parts.

(4) Broken wheat 20 parts.

Millet seed 8 ,,

Crushed peas 8 ,,

Crushed maize 8 ,,

Dari 4 ,,

Crushed rice 8 ,,

Locust bean meal 8 ,,

64 parts.

In considering what should be the main system of
feeding adopted for pheasant poults and the mature birds,
the chief point is how much natural food the birds can
pick up, and what will be the nature of it. Once birds
have got a footing in the coverts and the ground surround-
ing them, they will commence to discover food for them-
selves and afterwards to seek it. Under a high system
of preservation the woodlands, &c., will not provide one-
tenth the quantity of food the birds require. There will
be some which they will find very much to their taste, and

73 Pheasants.

it will probably be in search of this when it gives out that
they will evince that strong disposition to stray which is so
marked a feature of hand-reared birds. The keeper must
therefore feed his birds accordingly.

Great diversity of opinion also prevails as to what are
the best grains for pheasant-feeding ; but if it be remem-
bered, as I have before pointed out, that upon the nature
of the soil depends to a very large extent the nature of
the birds reared and maintained upon it, it will be amply
clear to everyone that a system of feeding found to be
entirely effective and beneficial upon one preserve or upon
one beat may not prove so upon another. Of late years
there has been a great deal more maize used for pheasant-
feeding than was previously the case ; but I am far from
agreeing with those who maintain that maize is the best
all-round food for covert pheasants. In fact, I go
further and hold it for true that it is very easy to err in
too great use of, or too close adherence to, maize for the
purpose. In the first place, the varieties of maize
obtainable on our markets differ considerably in form and
quality, and although the various sorts do not offer
sufficient difference when given ground and scalded to
young pheasants, discrimination is necessary in selecting
the kinds to be given whole to mature birds. For this
purpose the best sorts are those known as Odessa, Galatz
or Foxanian, and River Plate maize. These are all round
moderately small sorts, but not so small as Cinquantino
maize coming from Odessa or the Danube, which, although
the finest qualities there are, run so small in the grain that
they unduly encourage and permit their consumption by
small wild birds when fed to pheasants in covert. When
choosing maize for pheasant-feeding, it is necessary to
pay proper attention to the condition of the grain, as if it
has been heated on the voyage it may not be fit to feed to

Practical Game-Preserving. 74

game. The presence of slight mould upon the pithy side
of the grain is evidence of its having been heated.

Leaving home-grown grain on one side, a few further
remarks may be made for the guidance of preservers
purchasing foreign grain for game-feeding purposes.
Thus many of the cheaper foreign wheats of harder
character than home-grown are equally suitable for feeding
in covert. Foreign feeding barley, notably those sorts
which have been clipped, is equally good and cheaper ;
foreign oats, especially the cheap sorts, are for the most
part unsuitable. Syrian dari is superior to other sorts,
as is also Danubian millet. Canadian white peas are
very suitable and of moderate price, the coarser linseed is
the best for game-feeding, and the price of canary seed
varies many shillings a quarter, according to the time of
year when it is purchased. It is possible also to secure
at a very moderate cost, from the firms dealing in grain
offal, mixtures of the impurities which come out in the
process of dressing some foreign wheats. These screenings
afford a cheap and an excellent form of food for pheasants
and partridges at all stages, and are especially suitable
for feeding the progeny of wild nesting birds when
natural food is scarce.

Another matter which it would be as well to refer to
here is the supply of grit for the birds. It is of little use
feeding them properly if the means for masticating the
food be not provided. Ground heavily stocked with
pheasants, even the coverts on some lands, will become
depleted of surface grit, and the birds will resort to all
sorts of substances to replace it, mostly deleterious to
their well-being. In the rearing-fields, therefore, and
later about the coops when birds are being transferred to
covert, ample provision of a supply of grit should be
made, whilst if there be any shortage of it in the

75

Pheasants.

coverts, loads of suitable grit should be scattered along the
rides and the outsides.

Speaking generally, a mixed diet or a varied diet is far
more suited to either pheasant poults or the mature birds
than one of one character. Thus in corn countries — i.e.,
those where the preserves embrace large areas of arable
ground — there may be a larger proportion of maize fed
than upon purely pasture ground, where wheat, oats, and
barley should predominate. Peas and beans should be
fed to the birds during cold and wet weather. The
practice of giving what may be called highly spiced food
to pheasants as a stimulating factor has very little to
recommend it, and is best avoided altogether. It certainly
may have a transitory effect, but the reaction is corre-
spondingly bad. At the same time, in periods of very
hard weather or long spells of wet and cold, an admixture
of a very small quantity of peppercorns and pimento may
be given with the other food.

In feeding pheasants, either forward poults or the
mature birds, in covert, the keeper has a difficult task
before him, because unless the quantity of food placed for
the birds is properly adjusted to the number to be fed,
either there will be a large waste or else the birds will be
insufficiently fed, and consequently deteriorate in quality
from a shooting point of view. According to the number
of birds in covert, the way in which each covert may be
divided by rides or even by flushing-trigs, so the
scheme of feeding must be determined. It should be the
aim of the gamekeeper to adopt such system of feeding
as shall not lead to bringing his birds in too great quanti-
ties to one or more centres. The tendency with pheasants
is to start roaming about as soon as they have satisfied the
first cravings of their hunger. It should be his aim, at the
same time, to feed birds as little1 upon the outsides of the

Practical Game-Preserving. 76

coverts as possible. To this end it may be necessary, as
it certainly is advisable, to divide the feeding among one
or more hands, according to the form and extent of each
piece of woodland. Accordingly, when feeding takes place
the keepers should enter simultaneously at the different
points, and using their calls, scatter the food upon
both sides of the rides or along the trigs. To be able to
judge correctly the amount of food required, it should be
the practice to scatter it sparsely at the first passage
through the cover, then, giving birds time to feed, pass
back, and according to whether they have dispersed or not,
so offer additional food or withhold it. Upon succeeding
days more should be offered until the correct quantity
required has been ascertained. By the presence of uneaten
food the fact that more than sufficient has been given is
made apparent ; but consideration must be had for the
fact that not all the birds will have come to feed, and as
the season advances it will be found necessary up to such
time as shooting occurs to increase the quantity offered
them.

Provision will also have to be made for shy feeders, of
which there are sure to be a fair percentage amongst the
stock. While shooting has not commenced, or is still
proceeding, it is not advisable to provide anything in the
form of permanent food-supply within the coverts, such
as food-shelters, or by placing corn in the straw, unless
the weather should set in very hard, in which case
advantage may be taken to stock the former and provide
the latter. It is always an advantage to the shooting to
defer anything of this kind till as late as possible, as it
concentrates birds at certain points within the woods with-
out reference to shooting needs.

The times for feeding should attune themselves all
through the season to those which — granted that natural

77 Pheasants.

food be abundant — would be followed by the wild birds ;
in other words, as soon after daylight as is possible, and
about an hour or hour and a half before sundown. In
the latter respect, it is better to err on the score of earliness
than lateness, and where any great range of woodland has
to be gone over, the work must be so arranged as to ensure
all birds having ample daylight for the purposes of their
afternoon meal.

Of course, do what one may, it is impossible to prevent
some loss of food by wood-pigeons and small birds, and
within reason I am not disposed to recommend much
notice being taken of the fact ; but where the matter
becomes serious, steps must be taken to deal with the
nuisance. I shall refer to this subject at a later stage.

The feeding of pheasants, in fact of all game, during
severe weather in winter, and generally throughout the
winter months, is a matter for the most part quite distinct
from their ordinary feeding, and takes place mainly
within the limits of the coverts. There may be, and
in some cases actually are, large numbers of outlying birds
which, preferring the brakes and spinneys, will scarcely
ever require attention from the preserver in respect of extra
food, and which for the most part may be left out
of consideration. These birds, if pressed during
unusually hard weather, will surely find their way into the
coverts for both shelter and food. Consequently there is
rarely necessity to make special provision for their require-
ments, except upon those preserves which contain a con-
siderable quantity of small spinneys and patches of wood.

Several considerations must weigh with those responsible
for the scheme of feeding adopted, more especially in
relation to the particular period when the food is being
provided. Once the shooting season is passed, the question
of the influence upon the birds ceases to be of importance ;

Practical Game-Preserving. 78

but up till then it is necessary that the provision of winter
food should not too materially affect the movements of the
birds in covert. What must be avoided is the drawing of
the birds all to one point, or portions of them to several
points around which they will congregate, and possibly
remain, to the detriment of the general shooting over the
coverts. Bearing this possible disability in mind, there is
no reason why the several modes of winter feeding of
pheasants, presently to be described, should not be prac-
tised with advantage.

There are several systems upon which pheasants may be
fed in covert beyond the ordinary means by the keepers ;
but whichever be adopted a considerable amount of time
and trouble must be involved. Chance and casual manner
of providing food serve but a poor purpose. As a rule,
more food is wasted than is consumed by the game-birds
for which it is intended, or else it only actually reaches a
portion of the birds, the remainder benefiting by it in no
degree. The main points to be taken into consideration
are the quantity of birds to be fed, the distance of the
coverts from the keepers' headquarters, and the extent of
them, together with the question previously referred to —
namely, when the shooting ends, whether before or at the
expiry of the lawful season. On some preserves the
shooting is so governed that it is confined to a few weeks,
and then finishes for all practical purposes. In other
cases it is spread over a longer term, and may extend in
more or less desultory fashion right up to the last day of
January.

Wherever large numbers of birds are congregated in
coverts, whether for purposes of shooting in season or as
stock to be held over for the nesting-time, the best means
of dealing with them in hard weather lies in the provision
of such numbers of food -huts as the requirements of the

79

Pheasants.

case may determine. The less in reason the number
of birds brought together at one common feeding-place
the better. Consequently it is better to err on the side of
too many feeding-huts than too few. The size of the
covert, its distance from other coverts, and the number of
birds, must be the guide in this respect.

The most suitable sites for the huts, so-called, will be
where the covert is dry and warm, where the situation is
well hidden by the tree growth from other birds passing
over, and where the undergrowth is not too dense, so that
the pheasants can easily find and come to it in the first

Fig. 13.— Food-Shelter for Pheasant-Coverts.

instance. The presence of rides and paths centring upon
the place is a matter for guidance in the selection of a site ;
whilst generally speaking the selection of a central
position, one to which birds may be considered likely to
find their way intuitively, may be taken as indicating the
most suitable situation.

The form of shelter-hut most adapted to these consider-
ations is as follows, but the dimensions may be varied to
meet requirements (Fig. 13): — Six posts of rough 4.in. fir-
poles should first be set up to form an oblong about i5ft. in
length by 6ft. in width. They should stand firmly, and

Practical Game-Preserving. 80

about 4ft. to 5ft. out of the ground. Roughly-sawn
rafter-planks, 4in. wide by 2in. thick, should be nailed to
the top, and the actual rafters, 2in. square, be fixed across
the rafter-planks. Both the rafters and the rafter-planks
should project 6in. from the limit of the oblong formed
by the uprights, and the whole roof should then be
thatched with either heather, gorse, or broom, and finished
off with straw or rush thatching. Along the sides nail two
lengths of smaller poles, and serve one end in the same
manner. These poles should be laced in and out with
some form of branches — either spruce, withy, gorse, or
broom, whichever is handiest. The thick ends should
lodge upon the inner side of the rafter-planks, and the
extreme ends extend to the ground, leaving sufficient spaces
between for ingress and egress of the pheasants. The inter-
lacing should be of such nature as practically to exclude
rain from beating through into the hut. The end left
open must be provided with a movable hurdle upon the
same lines to close that also, but permitting entry when
required.

Within the hut and along its centre a low framework
must be set up, which is used as support for the
unthrashed grain, which should form the chief portion of
the food supplied. Instead of a framework, pointed
stakes driven into the ground will serve the purpose; but
the greater efficacy of the framework usually warrants the
extra trouble it entails.

As a guide to the selection of the size most suited, it
may be stated that a food-hut of the dimensions given
offers ample provision for the feeding of from one hundred
and fifty to two hundred pheasants during such in-
clemencies of weather as necessitate proper protection of
the food set down.

These huts are not so much intended as shelters for the

8 1 Pheasants.

birds as for the food provided ; but of course in stress of
weather they offer a very accommodating shelter to the
birds themselves, whilst when the weather is fine and dry
the food may be provided as well about the covert as
within the huts.

The food-huts, when employed in large coverts, may
serve as centres for an organised scheme of winter feeding
for pheasants, worked in connection with smaller food-
shelters spread here and there throughout the coverts.
These may be of several kinds; but, being of a less
permanent nature than the larger huts, less time and
trouble need be expended upon them. As a rule, their
size does not require to be more than sufficient to protect
one or two sheaves of corn or beans in the haulm from the
rain or snow. They may be constructed on similar lines
to the huts previously described, or they may be formed
of three fir-poles, the smaller ends fixed together and the
larger extended in the manner of a tripod, with two or
three pieces fixed crosswise to maintain the uprights in
position. Long withies, with the leaves on, or spruce
branches should be lashed on to them, extending down-
wards to within a pheasant's height of the ground. The
legs of the triangle formed should extend to about 4ft.
apart, thus leaving ample space for setting up one or two
sheaves of unthrashed corn within the shelter.

Another kind of food-shelter for pheasants may be
formed by setting up either one or more single hurdles in
a line, or leaning them together in couples, at the same
time forming a rough thatch of withies or spruce branches
in the manner already suggested, to provide the necessary
protection from rain or snow.

In connection with all food-huts or shelters which may
be set up for the winter feeding of pheasants, there is one
important point which must not be overlooked, and that

G

Practical Game-Preserving. 82

is that the ground chosen must certainly be dry, and that
where the actual huts are formed the thing should be so
organised that it forms also a cover and shelter for the
birds in severe weather. When the thatch covering for the
huts or shelters is well managed and well put on, practi-
cally no rain should be able to pass through it, and the
surface of the ground beneath should become thoroughly
dry and dusty.

It is a good plan when the huts or shelters are first
erected to scatter some sound, dry chaff, with a fair
proportion of grain amongst it, upon the ground beneath

the shelters, more as a means
of attraction than for any
other specific purpose, and
when it is at first sought to
bring the birds to a knowledge
of the whereabouts of and
to feed at these food-shelters,
it is not a bad plan to lay
thin trails of grain for a
Fig. i4.-PheasInt Food-Hopper, hundred yards or so in

different directions through

the coverts, but centring upon the respective feeding-places.
The trails should be taken through those parts of the
covert only where wood-pigeons and other despoilers of the
pheasants' food are not likely to discover them when flying
over.

The practice of feeding pheasants in winter by simply
strewing the corn or other food upon the ground at certain
chosen spots is one very generally adopted, but none the
less unsatisfactory. Food-hoppers, such as shown at
Fig. 14, may also be employed. There occur, of course,
numerous conditions under which this mode of feeding must
necessarily be carried out, especially during the shooting

83 Pheasants.

season, when it is very undesirable that the birds should be
congregated at certain points in the coverts instead of
being spread over the whole of them ; but once shooting is
at an end, then the practice of feeding indiscriminately
upon the ground should be discontinued as far as possible.
True, there is a certain merit in being able to " feed your
birds all over the place "; but the arrangement does not
work out well in other directions — the loss or waste of
food is tremendous, and it is almost impossible to place
any proper check upon the way in which the food is dealt
with.

Endeavour should be made to feed with a view to the
least loss of food possible, and with the further aim that
what is used is as equally divided as possible amongst the
birds to be fed. Whatever may be their actual needs, or
however hard, in reason, hunger may press, there are sure
to be a large number of very shy feeders amongst the
birds, which will hang back to such a degree that they will
miss their share. This is one point which will have to be
considered when distributing the food, whilst the other is
that it should not prove, by the mode of its offering, a bait
to the birds to entice them from one cover to another —
unless specially so directed — or cause them to concentrate
upon that portion or those portions of the covert only
where the food is set down for them. More or less open
spaces, where the surface is even and dry, should be
chosen. These may be either upon any paths or rides
intersecting the coverts, or, as is frequently the case, there
may be small clearings or expanses void of undergrowth
which will serve the purpose.

It is customary with most keepers to employ a whistle
to call their birds together for feeding, and, although the
practice works well enough, it has its disadvantages when
unduly extended. A far better plan is to let the food and

G 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 84

the feeding-time serve their own purpose in this respect,
and once the birds have learnt — as they will do in a few
days' time — when and where to look for the special
provender, they will not fail to keep their meal-times.
The efficacy of this mode of proceeding depends entirely
upon its regularity. The use of the whistle is frequently
an excuse for irregularity.

CHAPTER VIIL

PHEASANTS : Water-Supply.

THE matter of water-supply for pheasants, whether the
birds be hand-reared or birds in covert, is one which
must always demand the close attention of the preserver.
Of course, opinions differ widely upon the advisability of
even giving young pheasants water at all, but it is more
than probable that whatever may be the conditions prevail -
ing in individual instances, a well -protected and carefully-
arranged supply of water from deep well or spring is far
more trustworthy than that obtainable by the chicks or
poults from dew, drains, or small streamlets, and is vastly
preferable. It must be remembered in this respect that
it is the object of the preserver to prevent, as far as
possible, his young birds from being exposed to heavy dews
or rain, and that in providing them with the necessary drink
from this source he is needlessly exposing them. There
is further the fact that much of the disease to which
young pheasants are liable is assisted by varying condi-
tions of dew-fall, and that while it is in his power to
control the purity of the water-supply he provides, he is
not able to deal with that obtainable from such and other
natural sources.

It is, therefore, infinitely to be preferred that the water-
supply for young birds should be in the hands of the
keepers, and be properly provided for. In the chapter on
feeding I made passing reference to this subject, but it

Practical Game-Preserving. 86

is necessary here to elaborate the details somewhat. As
mentioned, the supply of water should be drawn from
deep wells, or from springs, where they issue from the
ground, when the chances of contamination are very
remote. Of course, when I say deep wells, those only are
meant where the water-supply is pure and not stagnant,
such wells usually having a constant rise in them, which
finds an outlet at the level which the water attains.
Fresh water should be taken every morning from these
sources, and only such receptacles employed for its con-
veyance as can be submitted to correspondingly frequent
purification. Anything in the form of a water-cart or
a water-barrow is unsuited for the purpose, but barrels
which can be thoroughly scoured will serve.

As regards the drinking-vessels provided, there is no
objection to be offered to the use of one or other of the
many forms of fountains manufactured for the use of
poultry and pheasants, as far as penned mature birds are
concerned, provided they are regularly cleaned and re-
plenished. For the use of chicks and poults, however,
there is nothing superior to pans of enamelled iron or
glazed earthenware, which can be treated daily as pre-
viously recommended.

In connection with the rearing-field it is obviously of
little avail to provide a supply of pure and uncontaminated
water, if means be not also taken to prevent access
by the chicks and poults to other water which is of con-
taminated character. Where anything of the kind
exists, wire netting must be employed for the purpose
indicated ; but as, in all probability, any water of this
kind which may be present in the rearing- fields will occupy
the ditches from which it is necessary to protect the
young birds, one service""7 will provide for both
contingencies.

87 Pheasants.

The water-supply for birds in covert is a far more
important matter than is generally supposed, and a great
deal of the non-success in maintaining birds in some wood-
lands may be directly ascribed to the want or shortness
of a sufBcient supply of palatable water. It does not
appear to occur to keepers and perservers that water-
courses may run dry, springs give out, and ponds dry up.
All of these accidents occur at times, not only in high
summer, and the same effect may be produced by periods
of dry frost. Next to provision of a proper food-supply
comes that of a proper water-supply, and if the natural
conditions of the ground under preservation be such as to
restrict or actually not to offer the same, then adequate
means must be taken to rectify the want.

The best and simplest means to adopt are to divert any
possible water-courses, and run them through the coverts
in artificial channels. This is not a difficult matter, once
the system of taking the necessary levels is understood, and
providing the ground is not of such nature as to allow the
streams produced to lose themselves. Quite a small source
of water can be utilised if the channels are formed so as to
ensure a free run of water, which at intervals can be held
back if necessary to provide larger and more easily acces-
sible drinking-pools for the birds.

Where, however, there exist no means of diverting a
stream of water through a covert, and it is otherwise devoid
of a supply, then other methods must be adopted to provide
it. As a rule, most waterless coverts lie upon a slope,
and this being the case, it is usually possible to form one
or even a series of surface cisterns, which, by the aid
of small channels cut through the woodland, can be
supplied with a sufficiency of rain-water, caught and led
into them.

In order to provide an effective supply of pure water

Practical Game-Preserving. 88

the position of the cistern or cisterns will have to be
towards the lower centre of the covert; but a good deal
depends upon the natural trend of the ground, and the
catch-channels should be directed accordingly. Where the
ground to be served is of any great extent, a series of
channels and cisterns can be formed, which will ensure
a fair supply for the whole of it. Naturally, care is
necessary in making the former so that they shall really
carry the water to the latter and not lose it in their course.

The cisterns are best formed in the following manner,
the size of them being, however, regulated by the possi-
bilities of the flow of water — an oblong space of, say,
loft, by 4ft. wide, and of such depth as shall ensure a
level bottom to it when finished, and giving a depth of
water of 3in. or 4in. When the space has been suffi-
ciently hollowed out, the soil taken being banked up
around the lower portion, beat down a foundation of
heavy clay, shaping the basin to be formed, in the first
instance, of this material, and allowing it to dry
thoroughly. Upon this lay a coating lin. thick of concrete
of equal parts cement and sand, finishing off with a Jin.
facing of pure cement. At each of the upper corners
form an inlet for the water coming from the channels, and
on the lower a shallow outlet for any surplus which can
be similarly conducted to other tanks or cisterns.

In cases where a water-supply can be led through the
coverts, but where also this may prove of intermittent
character, cisterns or tanks of this kind constructed to take
any surplus, when there happens to be a free flow of
water, serve very well as reservoirs when the water-course
runs dry.

The maintenance of a water-supply during periods of
frost cannot, of course, be guaranteed by any means of this
description, and birds must be provided with such a

89 Pheasants.

necessary at feeding-times in troughs or fountains, placed
in the rides, or adjacent to any food-shelters, or in any
similar way. The best means of preventing the water from
freezing in troughs and fountains is by means of thick
furze boughs, placed over them in such manner as still
to permit access by the pheasants.

At times of long-continued wet and cold it is a salutary
practice to place a little powdered sulphate of iron in the
water, in the proportion of £oz. of the sulphate to a gallon
of water.

CHAPTER

PHEASANTS : Diseases and Parasites.

THE majority of the diseases from which pheasants suffer
limit their attacks, for the most part, to hand-reared birds,
and to wild birds in the earlier stages of existence. The
most fatal diseases are mainly epidemic in character, and
result, more or less directly, from unfavourable conditions
of weather. When reared in a natural manner from eggs
laid by the wild birds, the pheasant is an extremely hardy
bird, and very free from disease — more so, probably, than
any other of our game-birds; but this hardiness is, to a
large extent, due to the principle of the survival of the
fittest of those hatched out in the natural broods, for
unless they are well up to the standard of excellence of
strength and constitution, they soon lose the necessary
maternal care, are neglected, and die, or fall victims to
vermin. Consequently, only the strong, healthy chicks are
reared, resulting in hardy birds eventually. With coop-
reared pheasants the case is altered. The weakly and
sickly birds are usually helped on with the rest, and if
there be a chance of any disease or ailment, these unfortu-
nate youngsters are sure to prove the easiest victims, and
spread the disease, if infectious, to their neighbours.
Under normal conditions, the chief cause of pheasants'
ailments is met either in the form of long-continued humid
weather or a natural dampness of the ground. When,

9i Pheasants.

however, we come definitely to fixing the cause of most
pheasant diseases as they exist to-day in more or less
widespread activity, we have to look to other reasons.
Unless these be brought into prominence, and be well
understood by the preserver, some of the most fatal of
them are sure to run riot through his stock and render his
rearing operations abortive.

It must be recognised from the outset that the state of
things set up by close preservation, which involves a far
larger number of birds and animals seeking to exist upon
a certain limited area of land than that area could possibly
carry under purely natural conditions, creates an artificial
situation which will permit of this undue increase. Sooner
or later, unless the most stringent and far-reaching
measures be taken, unseen and unfelt influences, which
are always at work, will, as it were, arise to remedy
or neutralise the artificial state set up, and restore the
proper balance of Nature.

In order that anything of the kind may be avoided, or
at least mitigated, it is necessary that the circumstances
which are calculated to produce conditions favourable to
the outbreak of disease should be known, so that they may
be met and remedied at the very earliest possible moment.
Of course, expert, almost semi-scientific, knowledge of this
kind may or may not be possible with the gamekeeper or
even the preserver, but to the extent possible to the indi-
vidual it should be. Upon the other hand, I am not with
those who would burden the gamekeeper with knowledge
of a kind which it is not within his capacity to assimilate.
To the ordinary individual of his class it should be
sufficient if he be cognisant of the patent conditions likely
to cause disease, and be sufficiently right-reasoning to seek
to remove or to remedy them. More than this it would be
unfair to expect.

Practical Game-Preserving. 92

There is, however, a pleasing absence of precise know-
ledge amongst the fraternity, which tends to lump one
malady with another, or to connect totally different diseases
and attribute them to identical causes. Then, again, the
most familiar ones — which means those of which they
possess most knowledge — are counted as the most fatal, and
altogether the wonder is that as many birds are reared as
there are, and that, it must be added, is a poor enough
percentage in many instances.

I think it will serve the best purpose if we take the more
familiar diseases first, and thus lead up to those of more
deadly but less familiar character.

The affliction known to every rearer of pheasants as the
gapes must claim first consideration. The symptoms are
only too well known, but there is no harm in describing
them. In the first instance there is a peculiar gaping of
the mouth, giving one the idea that the bird is tired of
doing so, which is probably the case. The neck is stretched
forward, and there is a wheezy sound emitted, which soon
develops into a cough. At times froth shows round the
mouth, and also at the nostrils, evidently produced by the
efforts to cough up the worms which cause gapes acting
upon the saliva. As the worms gather in strength the
efforts to produce them become more frequent and
stronger, but by degrees the failure of energy in the
afflicted bird, together with the inflammation in the throat,
contribute to render the gaping and coughing impossible,
and the bird is suffocated or dies from actual exhaustion.

Gapes is due to the presence in the windpipe, or, it may
be, in the bronchial tubes, of a Nematode or Round-worm
popularly known as the Red-worm and Forked-worm
(Syngamus trachealis). Not only do the pests infest
pheasants, fowls, and turkeys, but they are also found in
several species of our commonest birds — rooks, wood-

93

Pheasants.

pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and linnets to wit. A
curious fact in connection with the life-history of this
worm is that male and female are usually found in cop.
inside birds affected with gapes. Indeed, it is this
remarkable characteristic that has given rise to the
popular name of Forked-worm; while that of Red-
worm is due to the colour of the parasite. The
female is very much larger than the male. When the
former is mature, and full of eggs, she with her partner
are expectorated by the affected birds. Eventually, after
lying upon the ground, or maybe already in the bird's
throat, the eggs are distributed, hatching out into
embryo worms, which will develop into either sex of the
mature worm. Inasmuch, too, as numbers of both
embryos and eggs are taken by earth-worms, these, when
swallowed by birds, act as intermediaries. Extremes of
wet and cold are apparently avoided by the eggs or
embryos remaining in the alimentary canals of the earth-
worms during the autumn and winter. Wet weather is
favourable to their development in the respect that earth-
worms containing the eggs or embryos are frequently
forced from the soil during its continuance, and thus
spread the seeds of the disease.

From what has been stated, it will be obvious that
directly gapes shows itself in a pheasant chick the proper
course to pursue is to eliminate the brood it belongs to
from the rearing-field, to lime the ground heavily where
the coop stood and in its vicinty, and to transfer all
adjacent broods to a distance. The one or two or more chicks
should also be separated from the remainder.

There are many cures for gapes; but I doubt if any
prove more effective than those in the form of fine dust
which are blown into the coops or boxes provided for the
purpose by means of special bellows (Fig. 15). The dust

Practical Game-Preserving. 94

enters in the form of a very fine dry mist, is breathed by the
chicks, and stupefies the worms, which are easily coughed
up. The simplest form of cure of this kind is ordinary
lime reduced to a powder of the consistence of flour.
When using anything of the kind, the coop or coops
must be made sufficiently air-tight to render the application
of the powder remedy effective; but it is better to be
prepared with the handy apparatus, which many of the
firms who cater for preservers supply at reasonable prices.
When fumigating birds for gapes, it is well not to overdo
it. Young chicks are better treated in two or three mode-

Fig. 15.— Dusting-Box and Bellows for Gapes.

rate applications, older ones and young poults in one or
two more drastic dressings. The stronger the birds are, the
less liable are they either to acquire or to succumb from
this malady, and again, as they advance in age, so their
freedom from infection decreases.

For reasons which the life-history of the Gape-worm
makes sufficiently apparent, ground once infected by the
pests should be rigorously treated, and avoided in the
future. To render it again fit for the purposes of
pheasant-rearing it must be thoroughly broken up, heavily
limed, and not brought into use again for at least four
years' time, even if then.

95 Pheasants.

Under the elastic term " cramp," two, if not three,
quite distinct diseases are usually denominated by numbers
of gamekeepers, one disease being regarded as an advanced
stage of the other, and the whole being lumped together as
similarly caused, and remedies applied accordingly.

There is one form of cramp in pheasants of which very
little is known, and is usually fatal, but not always so.
It is mainly local, and at times more prevalent in the
North of England than anywhere else; but I have known it
both in Essex and in the West of England. It is much
akin in its symptoms to the main form of cramp — presently
to be described — but a good many birds recover at times,
though it leaves them crippled and weaklings. It appears
to occur during long periods of cold north-east winds
and dry weather, and attacks the early-hatched birds
almost solely. There would appear to be no recognised
cure for it, but I have known many birds recover when
given a few grains of rice soaked in spirits of turpentine.
It is only possible to get the birds to take one or two
grains at a time by throwing them down casually, but
they certainly improve upon the treatment. Fortunately
or unfortunately, I had not very many cases to deal with,
but the information is given for what it may prove to be
worth.

True pheasant cramp is a clearly-defined disease, due
to a bacillus emanating from a damp-ridden soil, or the
moisture present in it, notably that covered with old
pasture, and overshadowed by trees — oak, elm, or ash —
indiscriminately. To prevent it, it is only necessary to
avoid trying to rear birds upon ground thus characterised ;
but, of course, all old pastures with overspreading trees
do not contain the bacillus, and, consequently, may prove
quite harmless until the particular one is found to provide
the trouble. There is no cure for it, and the onlv wav to

Practical Game-Preserving. 96

make sure of avoiding it is to have the rearing-fields upon
fresh ground. If it makes its appearance then again,
the only possible means of restricting its ravages is to
remove the coops and birds to an entirely fresh site of the
description recommended.

The symptoms do not admit of any misapprehension,
and as the disease so speedily runs its course there is no
reason why it should be confounded with any other.
It generally makes its appearance when the chicks
are about a fortnight old. The chicks then appear as if
one or both of their legs were numbed or cramped. The
muscles are affected, and in from quite a few hours, at
times, to a full round of the clock, birds will be seen
struggling about with one leg broken, or it may be with
both, and lying practically helpless. The effect of the
bacillus upon the bird is to inflame the membrane covering
the bones of the leg, and also, but not always, of the thigh.
The bones from this cause become exceedingly brittle, and
break at the pull of the cramped sinews. Death, of
course, follows at an earlier or later moment according
to the stamina of the chick affected, but as it is invariably
the finest and best birds which are attacked, they may
linger some time. As I said, there is no cure, and birds
affected are best killed and their remains burned. I have
noticed that in a season when bright hot sunshine alter-
nated with cold, strong showers, the disease ran a quick
and violent course.

The other so-called " cramp " is really due to sun-
stroke, which causes the young chicks smitten to run
a little way with a staggering gait, when they fall
over and lie kicking upon their backs. This action, which
is apparently quite spasmodic, may be repeated two or
three times, but they soon die from suffocation, the result
of the convulsions induced by the sunstroke. If taken in

97 Pheasants.

time, and the birds be quickly placed in deep shade in a
cool place, and be given fresh cool water to drink, the
probability is that they will recover; but so long as they
remain exposed to the sun, there appears to be no chance
for them. This malady must not, however, be confounded
with froth, a totally different thing, in which, however, the
symptoms are at first somewhat similar.

Under the circumstances it may be as well to describe
the latter affection now, so that by immediate comparison
the difference may be made more apparent. Froth, which
affects other game-birds besides pheasants, is due to the
larva of the Cuckoo Spit or Froghopper. The larva or grub
which produces the spit or spume upon grass and plants
when swallowed alive by pheasant chicks will kill them
in from four to six hours. The symptoms are, as
mentioned, similar to — but not identical with — those of
sunstroke. The larva passes alive into the crop, producing
irritation, and more or less fills them or causes them to
be filled by a secretion of sticky liquid. This and the
froth or spume from the grub enter the lungs, causing
congestion and suffocation. The Cuckoo Spit in this form,
particularly when young, is most dangerous to young
pheasant life ; but if killed by the chick in the process of
being swallowed is practically harmless. Once the birds
are dead it is easy to ascertain whether sunstroke or froth
has been the cause of death by an examination of the crop.
In the former case this is usually full, in the latter nearly
empty, and the presence of the larva — it is rarely that
more than one is swallowed — in the crop will be abundant
proof.

The only thing that can be done is to provide any chicks
affected with supplies of fresh cold water, and offer them
every inducement to drink.

When there occurs what is called sometimes a " heavy

H

Practical Game-Preserving. 98

fall " of Cuckoo Spit, a happening more likely on the
younger grasses, &c., of a good rearing-field than upon old
pasture, the best means of removing it is to ' ' cross and
again " brush the ground with thorn and gorse bushes
under a chain-harrow well weighted. The coops should,
of course, be removed, but may be returned when the pest
is no longer present in the larva stage.

The worst disease which has affected pheasants of late
years, and which I am very much afraid is steadily gaining
ground, is the fell scourge known generally as enteritis.
It is identical with or akin to chicken cholera, which has
more or less always existed in dirty and insanitary poultry
yards, and when occurring among pheasants is probably
the form which that disease takes among game-birds. It
is what is termed an epizootic disease, and is caused by
a microbe which sets up a state of extreme inflammation
throughout the bird affected, rapidly causing death.
There is no properly denned cure for it, and all that can
be done is purely preventive. In the chapters on feeding
and water-supply I have shown to a large extent what the
means taken should be to prevent an outbreak of this
disease, and if it occurs the fullest steps must be taken to
stamp it out effectually. Provided the soil of the preserve
upon which enteritis appears is reasonably pure and fresh,
no great difficulty should be experienced in doing this.
Of course, the first thing is to kill off and burn the bodies
of all affected birds. It is no use hesitating upon this
point; the trouble must be dealt with in a drastic
manner. The contaminated ground must be treated to a
thorough watering with a solution of carbolic acid — a 10
per cent, one usually suffices — and then be dressed with
a mixture of gas-lime and sulphur. It is, however,
necessary to point out that in dealing with the land in this
fashion the carrying out of the work must be placed in

99 Pheasants.

experienced hands. For the most part, however, when
there is a serious outbreak of enteritis it occurs upon soils
of such nature as to be scarcely worth troubling over, they
being of a character as favourable to the disease as they are
unsuited to pheasant-rearing.

The contagion of enteritis undoubtedly emanates mostly
from dirty and insanitary poultry-yards; but the con-
ditions being favourable, it is presumably bred in foul
pheasant aviaries and rearing-grounds which have been
used again and again for the same purpose. From the one
it can be brought by the foster-hens if they be carelessly
chosen and treated, or upon the hands, clothes, or boots
of the keeper or person supplying and bringing them to
the preserve. From the latter as well as the former it is
disseminated in a dozen ways — by actual contact, in the
water, on the wind, may be mentioned as the most salient
and patent. For its development and spread, cold nights
and dewy mornings are the most favourable conditions of
weather. For its prevention, pure fresh soil and pure
fresh water are the two sole necessities, backed up by
extreme cleanliness of all vessels, materials, and dead
stock employed in connection with the practice of rearing
in all its details.

Simple cold or catarrh in pheasants is in itself not very
serious, but if neglected renders the birds very susceptible
to roup, a highly contagious and fatal disease, which,
however, may break out without any assistance from simple
catarrh, which citrate or sulphate of iron — i drachm
to i pint of water — in the drinking-water usually cures.

Roup is a virulent disease, and affects the inner
membrane of the mouth, windpipe, and crop. The first
symptoms are those of a cold. The affected bird sneezes,
and there is running from the nostrils. This soon turns
to a viscid discharge of offensive odour, then the face

H 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 100

swells up, and there is a running from the eyes. Loose
patches resembling cheese form upon the mouth, throat,
and round the nostrils and eyes. With the disease in this
advanced stage, death soon supervenes.

Roup almost from the start of the disease is very
infectious, and becomes highly so when the period marked
by the viscid discharge is reached.

As will be seen, roup is easily detected in its earlier
stages, and the treatment consists of complete isolation of
all affected birds and destruction by burning of all dead
ones. Directly the disease is detected the parts affected
or likely to be so should be washed at repeated intervals
with a 10 per cent, solution of boracic acid, and a i per
cent, solution should replace the ordinary drinking-water.

It is only in the very early stages that it is of any use
whatever endeavouring to cure roup, and birds in any
advanced stage of the disease must be destroyed and
burned. There is nothing else for it. All other birds
likely to be contaminated should be treated as above,
whether showing signs of the affection or not.

There is another disease, or a form of this disease,
which is of a tuberculous nature. In this, the lungs and
liver are more directly affected. It is much less common
and usually slower in producing fatal results, but equally
certain. I have observed it frequently in the wood-
pigeon or ring-dove in certain seasons, and it is probably
more frequently communicated to pheasants through these
birds than in any other way. It produces extreme
emaciation in birds so affected, and is apparently beyond
the reach of cure.

Diarrhoea, frequently termed scour, is sure to occur
amongst some of the pheasants at one time or another.
Wherever hard-boiled egg — against which I have written
— is employed, it is likely to be of continual occurrence.

i oi Pheasants.

In any case, directly it makes an appearance dispense with
all egg-food, and substitute for what has been given a diet
purely of barley-meal of the finest grinding and quality,
or in bad cases of pure wheaten flour. This should be
made up into a crumbly state with the liquor in which lean
mutton (from which all fat has been removed) or rabbit
flesh has been well boiled. If this fail to act as desired,
a little rice water may be given. Scour of this kind must
be distinguished from another form which is set up by the
pheasant chicks consuming the leaves and seeds of the
Mountain Flax, which is in a state of growth attractive to
the birds from the middle of June to end of July.

Liver disease, which is due alike to absence of grit in
the coverts — a matter to which attention has already been
drawn — and to excessive, or even on some soils ordinary,
feeding with maize, may be prevented and alleviated by
removing the cause. In cases where it makes its appear-
ance, plenty of fresh green stuff, such as lettuce, kale, or
cabbage, should be strewn about the coverts. Birds die
very speedily from liver disease once it takes hold of them.

The tubercles which are apparent in the livers of some
dead pheasants are due to scrofula, a disease not often
met with nowadays, except where birds are severely
in-bred, or are the resulting produce of unhealthy parent
stock.

Scurfy legs, from which pheasants suffer at times, is
almost invariably communicated to them in early life by
farmyard and other foster-hens already affected. If the
hens be treated as recommended in the chapter on Rearing
(vide p. 41), scurfy legs will not be in evidence. It is
due to a parasite, and is cured by an application of
carbolic ointment, followed by daily dressings of vaseline
and castor-oil in equal parts.

The infantile condition of vent-binding must be looked

Practical Game-Preserving. 102

for and treated with sweet oil or vaseline outwardly
applied.

Tapeworm is an affliction of fairly frequent occurrence
amongst pheasants which may be mentioned in passing.
The entrails of birds so suffering should be destroyed.

Three species of tapeworm affect pheasants, and as
one of these species passes a portion of its existence —
that of the larval state — in the common fly, it may very
well occur that birds acquire the parasite from consuming
these insects. The necessity of keeping the rear ing -
grounds free from any refuse likely to attract flies is
therefore evident. Insufficiently or badly fed pheasants
have a habit of searching out any kind of dead animal
food possible to find, which fact will account, either
directly or indirectly, for a good deal of the tapeworm
occurring amongst them.

Another occasional but fatal disease is a form of blind-
ness of enzootic nature. The contagion is usually acquired
from foster-hens brought from foul poultry-yards.

This completes the long list of pheasant ailments, to
many of which other game-birds are subject ; but before
concluding it may prove advantageous to draw attention
once more to what is, after all, the chief cause of the
outbreak of most of them, viz., insanitary surroundings or
insanitary treatment. It will be seen that whilst the
originating poison producing some of the worst diseases is
known, the means of cure have not been established, and
that we are dependent mainly upon preventive measures
for avoiding them. These may be summed up as pure
soil, pure water, and pure surroundings ; but it is necessary
to point out that whilst we can with comparative immunity
rear almost excessive stocks of healthy birds, it is not
possible to maintain anything like such quantities all the
year round. Heavy stocks of birds left over during the

Pheasants.

winter cannot be maintained ; the breeding stock must be
reduced to a minimum, and the ground be given its proper
and necessary rest to clean and rehabilitate itself under
Nature's infallible direction.

If preservers themselves would fully grasp these facts,
and firmly instil them into the knowledge and belief of
their keepers, far more and far healthier birds would be
reared than is the case upon a very large percentage of the
British preserves of to-day.

CHAPTER X,

PHEASANTS: Coverts.— Management and Planting.— Sport-
ing Rides.— Flushing-Trigs.— Hedges.

ANY work upon game-preserving would be incomplete
without something more than passing reference to the
various descriptions of woodlands which come under the
general denomination of pheasant -coverts. It is, however,
manifestly impossible to include in a work of this kind any
elaborate description of the formation of new coverts,
although the improvement and regulation of existing ones
must receive adequate attention. The planting of land for
the purpose of providing cover for game upon any material
scale involves the expenditure of such large amounts of
capital that anything of the kind is not usually undertaken
by the ordinary preserver. Upon the other hand, some
small or even moderately extensive additions to existing
coverts become necessary, and may be undertaken by him.
To these it may be advantageous to refer ; but beyond this
it is hardly necessary to go in the present volume.

The choice of ground for a pheasant-preserve must, of
course, mainly depend upon the quantity and suitability
of the woodland upon it ; but as will have been made
apparent by remarks in earlier chapters, unless the soil
and situation be of the right nature, the coverts may
be, for all their apparent worth, practically useless for
the purpose. Granted that soil and situation be adapted,
the nature of the woodland must be also in its turn of such

105 Pheasants.

character as to fit it for its purpose. In the case of old
woods, the all-important matter of undergrowth will in all
probability be fully met, deciduous as well as evergreen
trees will equally provide portions, and we may expect to
see a sprinkling of hollies which, with spruce and other
fir, serve as protection to the birds from inclement weather,
as well as from vermin and poachers.

Coppice of almost any character is well suited to
pheasants, especially where plenty of mature trees have
been left unfelled. Oak, hornbeam, chestnut all serve
very well as coppice ; so that where woods are regularly
felled the new growth appearing is in every way adequate
as coverts.

Coming to fir-woods, it is necessary to remember that
larch, although much loved of pheasants, is by no means
always the desideratum in either old or new coverts which
is sometimes supposed. Birds affect larches very much for
roosting purposes, and except the trees be reasonably
sheltered by others, they offer the easiest task to the
poacher working at night. Besides this, they are the cause
of great restlessness amongst birds in rough weather.
Spruce and other fir when young require a good deal of
cutting out to fit them for use for roosting purposes by
pheasants. There is, of course, no better cover for these
game-birds, especially through the winter months and as
sanctuary coverts ; still, pheasants do not always take kindly
to them, as they are, unless properly cut out, awkward for
the birds to negotiate, and, as a rule, there is little attrac-
tive undergrowth amongst them.

As regards undergrowth other than coppice, it is always
preferable where any berry- or fruit-bearing shrubs pre-
dominate. Thus hazel-bushes are very attractive in a
pheasant-covert, so are whitethorn, wild rose, besides
briars and wild raspberries. The rhododendron possesses

Practical Game-Preserving. 106

considerable attraction for pheasants, though for what
particular reason it is difficult to determine. The absence
of undergrowth in any plantations or woods intended for
pheasants is, except in the case of fir-woods, a practically
insurmountable objection, and even with a heavy summer
growth of bracken, briar, and such-like, directly they die
down in the autumn birds will commence to seek fresh
quarters.

These are some of the points and considerations which
will make themselves apparent and felt in connection with
pheasant-coverts, and must always be provided for or
against, as the case may be, when it is sought to improve
existing or establish new ones. In the case of park-lands,
however, the matter is different, as birds are usually reared
where they remain, and accommodate themselves instinc-
tively to the nature of their surroundings. Not infrequently
a preserve or a beat — more usually a small than a large
one — will lack that cohesion between the coverts which
is so necessary in the former case, and often works greatly
to the advantage of the shooting in the latter. Thus there
may be several woods, &c., lying towards the outer
portions of the estate, and possibly no main covert towards
the centre; or, on the other hand, there may be relative
disproportion between the woods and the open land which
it is sought to remedy, or to connect up the coverts one
with another when they are too far apart and do not work
in well one with another. All or any of these reasons may
present themselves from time to time to the preserver and
warrant him in planting with a view to future requirements,
although the time may prove considerable before he may
be able to realise any considerable benefit for his enter-
prise. However, for the benefit of any so inclined or
compelled, a few hints upon the formation of pheasant-
coverts may prove useful as a guide to the work.

107 Pheasants.

The best aspect for a pheasant-covert is a south-west
one, and the best position the side of a hill, or on
undulating ground facing the south-west quarter. The
land should be dry, without being sterile, and must be
intersected by running water at intervals. If there be a
spring anywhere near the highest points, it may be utilised
by being held back in dead-level leats, cut through the
covert.

When planting, two descriptions of trees must be put
in — one to form the wood, the other to provide a cover
in the shape of undergrowth. Of the former, the bulk
must consist of thick-growing trees, to provide, not only
shelter for the birds from cold or wet, but roosting places
and protection from the eye of the night poacher. As
explained already, the larch must not be used alone when
laying out new plantations; it and other similar trees
should be combined with those of thick dark foliage, so
that the one may form a protection to the other.

A preliminary, prior to planting out your land, is to
render it somewhat uneven in its surface, such irregularity
possessing many desirable attributes. This is best effected
by shaping the land into fairly abrupt ridges. The next
step is to plant or sow in places with such descriptions of
berry- and fruit-bearing bushes as will provide ground-
cover and food for the birds. It is not unusual for the
contrary plan to be advocated as regards berry- and fruit-
bearing trees, on the score that they provide reasons for
loafers and small hawkers entering the coverts to obtain
them or to make this a reason for petty poaching ; but the
circumstances must be exceptional to give reasonable
ground for dispensing with such a very considerable attrac-
tion and benefit to the pheasants.

Then commence the planting, selecting from amongst
the following trees : oak, ash, beech, hornbeam, chestnut,

Practical Game-Preserving. 108

Silver fir, spruce, Scotch fir, larch, holly, hazel, birch,
sycamore, using and apportioning them according to the
locality. The best guides one can have as to the most
suitable trees to plant are those which prove the best
growing and most successful in any woodlands already
existing. Then, again, some parts of the country are more
suited to one sort of tree than another, a fact which must
be always observed and turned to profit in the choice of the
main body of the covert trees. There is no doubt whatever
that if a thoroughly protective pheasant-covert be required,
the resinous trees must occupy an important portion of it ;
and the hard-wood and undergrowth trees be provided
rather as a relief from the monotony of the others, so as
to lend variety to the plantation. There is, probably, no
more difficult task than to produce an undergrowth in a
wood where none exists; consequently shrubs, briars, and
the like should be carefully encouraged as soon as the trees
commence to make headway. It is much easier to cut them
out later on than to introduce them. The young trees
should not be allowed to grow too thickly, and any which
show signs of dying are best cut out at once.

The improvement of existing coverts is a matter which
must always command the attention of the preserver, and
in acting with that motive he must bear in mind that three
ends are to be kept in view — actual improvement of the
plantation, the rendering of it more adapted to sporting
purposes, and the offer of greater inducement to pheasants
to frequent it, with protection for them when doing so.
On the first it need only be said that the preserver should,
unless fully qualified, consult the correct authorities for
any information he may require for the improvement in
his woods ; but on the second, more may be said, and the
chief point of interest is the formation of drives or rides.
The non-sporting landlord, in general, has acquired

109 Pheasants.

certain peculiar notions with regard to these drives or
paths, and if the unhappy preserver happens to be tenant,
and not owner, of his estate, he will meet with endless
opposition should he seek to cut out these paths ; however,
tact and resolution in pursuing the desired end will work
wonders. There is this advantage, moreover, that a
tenant rarely goes to work in the wholesale manner in
which some owners do, the result being more harm than
good. The chief aim in cutting a drive is to secure
positions from which fair shots can be had at either furred
or feathered quarry, and to provide easy access to such
portions of the covert as may be desirable. The great evil
to be avoided is the opening up of the covert to the
weather. There is a bad quarter everywhere, and the
storms from this quarter should never be able to hit straight
into the heart and home of the stock and the centre of the
covert ; otherwise there is an end to anything like a head
of game and a thriving wood.

The next point is the thinning out of, and adding to, the
trees. Wherever there is a vacant space it may be utilised
by being filled up, or it may be left unplanted for use in
connection with the rearing or feeding of the birds. Such
vacant spaces, if properly situated, frequently prove very
useful in more than one direction. The thinning out is a
more involved affair than many think, and the preserver's
scheme of doing this may in many instances be found at
variance with those of the forester or others responsible for
the woodland.

In the first place, the manner in which the woodman
thins out the trees and cuts out superfluous growth may
not be acceptable to the game-preserver ; whilst again the
former, in his ideas as to keeping his woods clean
and clear, may be quite opposed to those of the
latter. There is no doubt that one of the chief assistants

Practical Game-Preserving. no

to the night poaching of pheasants is found in those
particularly clear and well-kept woodlands which are the
joy of the up-to-date forester ; but without going so far as
to claim that coverts should be kept as " a tangled brake/'
the more small dead wood there is on the ground, the more
regular the carpet of low-growing briar, and the more
general the fringe of small twig-like branches on the firs,
&c,, the less likely is the night poacher to risk a raid.
His every step and movement are, under such circumstances,
signalled through the covert to any keepers or watchers
listening for them. Then, again, the ideal game-covert,
without being in any way dark, should be thinned and cut
out with some considerable reference to the birds roosting
in the trees, both as regards sufficient protection from
the weather and also from the shooting poacher who may
seek to raid the coverts during such conditions of weather
and moonlight as permit the possibility of successful
operations.

Before dealing with the subject of the regular sporting
rides through the coverts, what I may call keepers'
paths require to be mentioned, as I rarely see any
particular reference made to these useful means of thread-
ing the coverts. I do not mean the ordinary trodden paths
distinctly marked, and by which anyone can pursue his
way, but irregular, ill-defined ones, only marked by the
absence of anything in the way of dead wood, briars, &c.,
which might give notice of approach. Any gamekeeper
with even the slightest instinctive knowledge of woodcraft
who marks out for himself some of these paths through his
woods will be able to thread his way by them at almost all
times, and provided he removes all such obstacles as those
named, there will be — except to him — no marked track,
and his coming or going will be practically as silent as
he likes to make it. The advantage of the plan is

Ill

Pheasants.

perfectly plain, and vastly conducive to the benefit of the
interests the keeper has under his care.

What can be written upon the matter of the regular
shooting- rides must be mostly of a speculative or negative
character, so much being dependent upon the size, forma-
tion, and character of the woodlands to be dealt with.
Except upon the very best organised shootings, it is of
frequent occurrence to find the shooting-rides, be their
formation what it may, wholly inadequate for the purpose
for which they are provided. The reason mainly is that the
ride is formed with more regard to its width on the ground
than its width over what may be called the fire-zone, and
also in regard to the description of trees flanking the ride.
Given a fairly open covert — speaking with more reference
to the thickness of the upper-growth of the trees than their
closeness to one another — then the width of the ride may
be less than if the reverse be the case, when the upper-
growth is heavy and overhanging. The point to be con-
sidered is the scope offered for clear shooting at birds
rising from or passing over the ride, not the actual width
cleared or left clear of trees. In this respect a good deal
depends upon the height of the trees, and in the case of
young woods it will, whatever the spaces left unplanted
for the rides, be necessary to increase the width as the
trees grow up, if insufficient space be provided when the
planting is done. Wherever there is a fairly abrupt bend
in the direction followed by the ride, it may also be
necessary for purposes of shooting to reduce this also, or
considerable interference in the sport may be occasioned.

These are the chief points which the preserver must con-
sider in relation to the rides through his coverts, and that
affect practically all of them; but in regard to their
direction and number he must be guided by purely local
considerations. But it may be mentioned that where they

Practical Game-Preserving.

112

are driven round the bend of a hill or sloping ground, there
is, as a rule, little advantage gained by levelling, i.e.,
correcting the slope of the whole width of the ride; it is
usually sufficiently effective if the higher side, to the
extent of 6ft. or so, be so treated, thus forming a path for
the guns to traverse, and suitable foothold for shooting
from when birds are coming down. A similar one, though
not necessarily of the same width, should be formed on
the lower side for shooting purposes when the birds are
coming in the contrary direction.

What are known as flushing-trigs generally are series of

Fig. 16.— Section of Flushing-Trig. Scale J4in- = I foot.
a, Support for Netting or Sewin.

dry ditches and mound alongside ; these are run through
the coverts for the purpose which their name implies.
Sometimes, however, they are far less pretentious, and
are represented by small narrow belts, a few feet wide,
from which all undergrowth and low cover have been cleared
off. Their purpose in any case is to cause birds to rise
before the guns, and the duty of providing them falls
upon the game-preserver. They are formed either parallel
to the rides, at a distance of some thirty to fifty paces,
or are driven through the coverts at equidistance from
ride to ride, between these and the boundaries, or a few
yards within the boundaries. They are trusted to effect

i j 3 Pheasants.

the necessary flushing of running birds of their own and
simple effectiveness ; or this is made assured by sewin, or
netting run along them. Upon the whole, however, and
where the practice can be properly carried out, a system
of well-established flushing-trigs should always be pro-
vided where necessary, to secure good shooting. A section
of how the ground should be taken out for the purpose is
given as a guide (Fig. 16).

The provision — if such does not already exist — either by
planting or by adapting one or more existing ones to the
purpose of dark or night coverts, is generally necessary
upon most preserves. These are coverts which are never, or
very rarely, shot over, and remain practically undisturbed.
Situated centrally, or as home coverts, they should consist,
or be made to consist, of closely-planted spruce and Silver
fir for the most part, with a slight sprinkling of suitable
deciduous trees. Many birds which leave the shot coverts,
and, never returning to them, would certainly stray, will
find sanctuary in such dark coverts, and remain there.
The matter is one of importance on some preserves,
and where wholly or mainly wild-bred birds are reared,
the system is capable of being extended and worked very
successfully.

The last matter in connection with pheasant-coverts is
that of the hedges which may surround them. In this
connection a great deal may be accomplished for the
betterment of the woods, &c., particularly those of some
age, which, as a rule, are surrounded by more or less
broken-down hedges and hedgerows. Speaking generally,
wherever new plantations are made, the actual hedges or
hedgerows necessary to provide the boundary for them
should be put up from i2yds. to i5yds. from the borders
of the trees, and the same plan should be followed when
it is possible or necessary to remove and renew old

r

Practical Game-Preserving. 114

hedgerows belonging to the coverts. The reasons are several,
and sufficiently plain; but if the harbour they offer to
vermin, the assistance to trespassers and poachers, and the
interference they offer to shooting be mentioned, the neces-
sity for open sides to the coverts will be apparent. Of
course, in exposed situations, a stout and high hedgerow
serves a useful purpose upon the bad-weather side, but
even then a fringe of dwarf beech, planted as a protection
hedge between the wood and the actual hedgerow, serves
an adequate purpose.

Almost without exception, the best hedge for game-
coverts is formed of whitethorn or some other quick-grow-
ing, thorn-bearing plant, such as Myrobalan Plum, or
similar suitable productions. On the outer side a ditch
should be dug, but distant enough from the hedge not to
interfere with its growth and subsequent development.
The nature of the material employed, and the manner of
forming the hedges, are usually governed by local consider-
ations, however, and it is usually advisable to follow the
practice which shows itself to be most suitable and
successful.

Old straggling, rabbit-worked hedgerows are the worst
possible boundaries to game-coverts, and should always
be thoroughly and permanently put in order, or be im-
proved out of existence and replaced in the manner
previously described. For all that, I suppose they will
be allowed to continue to exist. There is, however, no
reason why they should not be maintained in proper con-
dition, and also, under almost all circumstances, why the
rabbits should not be cleared out of them, or, anyhow, be
kept under severe control.

RESPLENDENT OR MONAUL PHEASANT

(LOPHOPHORUS REFULGENS).

One of the species belonging to the Impeyan group. It is gorgeous
as to colour — gold, blue, and green — turkey-like in appearance,

CHAPTER XI*

PHEASANTS : Protection of the Bird*.

FROM the moment when an estate comes under the care
of the preserver he will find enemies of many kinds and
upon every hand marshalled to prevent that success the
full measure of which is the avowed object of his
endeavours. The chief opponents of his purpose will be
found in vermin and poachers, both of which, in the case
of pheasants, appear to possess a favourable and an
extended field for their operations.

Regarding mating and nesting-time as the beginning of
the preserver's year, he is at once beset by enemies of
both classes ; but I think it will be better to deal with the
probable ravages of vermin in the first instance, and with
those of human marauders subsequently. During the
nesting-period the pheasant, equally with its clutch of eggs,
is more likely to suffer from attacks by winged vermin
than from four-footed creatures. At such times the
pheasant, in common with most game-birds, loses all, or
nearly all, its natural scent, and thus escapes the atten-
tions of poaching dogs and cats to a large extent, and
also in a measure those of smaller four-footed vermin.
Of course, the actual nest is well concealed, but the hen
pheasant is as likely as not to place it in hedgerows along-
side the high-road, adjacent to well -frequented paths, in
exposed spinneys, and a dozen other places similarly ill-
chosen from a protective point of view. Were it not,

I 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 116

however, for the remarkable provision Nature makes, such
nests would be discovered and destroyed time and again
by poaching dogs and cats. For all that, the preserver
would do well freely to draw upon them, and as soon as
the hen bird broods, the clutches should be removed and
hatched out under foster-hens ; for whatever immunity she
may enjoy during the earlier period of her nesting
operations, the chances are all against a successful
incubation or rearing of such broods in their entirety.
The reason that small vermin, such as stoats and weasels,
and in a measure rats, do not interfere seriously as a rule
with nesting pheasants, is due to the fact that these vermin
are not much on the move at this season of the year, whilst,
in addition, they find an easy and fruitful supply of
provender in the numbers of small birds and young
rabbits which are at such times obtainable.

The worst enemies of the pheasant at nesting-time are
winged vermin, notably crows and rooks, magpies and
jays, and it is against these that the game-preserver
must be chiefly on his guard. Where jackdaws abound
they prove equally destructive, and once the young birds
are hatched out the sparrow-hawk will come upon the
scene. Look-out, too, must be kept for the workings of
the hedgehog. These complete the list of vermin which
will attack and destroy the eggs and chicks of the wild-
bred birds, if steps be not taken to protect them.

In a subsequent portion of this work the means and
manner of destroying vermin will be adequately dealt
with, as also the steps to be taken to prevent foxes from
interfering with the sitting pheasant. At the moment I
propose to call attention only to the dangers from which
birds may suffer, so that the necessary steps, to be detailed
later, may be taken to protect them. Directly a nest is
attacked there will be evidence in the shape of egg-shells,

u7 Pheasants.

moved eggs, and general disturbance of the sitting hen.
Damage of this kind is invariably due to crows, rooks, or
magpies. These also and the other vermin named more
frequently attack the young birds. From this period
onward the work of vermin will become of a more general
character as regards the wild birds, and will be dealt with
when the occasion arises.

Coming to the hand-reared birds, those in the rearing-
field must first receive attention, for from the very start
the young chicks will require all the protection which can
be afforded them, being exposed as they are to almost
every kind of danger. The means to be taken to protect
them should be as largely preventive as possible, for
whatever the class of vermin attacking them, it is far
easier to deal with them before they make inroads upon
the birds than after they have been made the subject of
attack. Inasmuch as the vermin do not spring from
amidst the coops, it is plain what are the main steps to be
taken against them. The hedges and ditches around
should be searched for signs of rats and other small
vermin, and, wherever there may appear reason for it,
small run traps should be placed in any likely positions,
baits being used to attract them. The probability is that
if rats scent the rearing-coops, as they are sure to do if
they be at all plentiful about the estate or the buildings
thereon, they will make their way into the field through
any gates providing means of egress or ingress, through
any drains, or along surface ones passing through the
hedgerows. These places should be properly served with
traps, and, in addition, they should be set about the outside
rows of coops. It is, however, very little use employing
traps at all unless they be carefully set at first and
regularly looked after. Of course, this means taking
trouble ; but to an extent this may be avoided if the coops

Practical Game-Preserving. 118

be properly protected and so constructed that rats cannot
get into them at night. Upon the other hand, the young
chicks, when let out by day, may also be snapped up by
some of these vermin which may be in hiding, consequently
close watching is very necessary.

At this early period, as already stated, stoats and
weasels are not much on the move, and not much to be
feared except at night-time, when, if the opportunity for
them to get into the coops exist, they are almost certain to
take advantage of it. Naturally the traps cannot remain
set by day, but it does not occupy a great deal of time to
set and reset them daily, and the process ensures security
for the stock.

Most of the losses which may occur from vermin
amongst very young pheasant chicks are due to more or
less persistent attacks by winged vermin. In this cate-
gory, crows and rooks (so inclined), sparrow-hawks, and
occasionally kestrels (when nesting early) will prove the
most likely delinquents. As a rule it is daring and
cunning individual members of these species which inflict
the most damage, and it is equally the case that the gun
proves the most effective weapon to employ against them.
At the same time, well-placed traps, attractively baited,
set around the outskirts, will frequently account for
them, but, as said before, the gun is invariably necessary
to cope with winged vermin working upon these lines,
because it is generally at the most unexpected times and
in the most daring fashion that the young chicks are
carried off. It will be frequently observed that winged
vermin bent upon raids of this kind will regularly prospect
the ground beforehand, and if steps then be taken to
settle them, such enterprise may be nipped in the bud.

Wherever the rearing-field or fields are of any extent,
it will be impossible for one keeper effectually to supervise

Pheasants.

the whole of the coops, and it may be necessary to put
down two or three extra hands for the purpose j but prob-
ably the best service in this respect will be provided by
one or two active guard-dogs attached to wires (Fig. 17)
led up and down the outskirts of the lines of coops (Fig.
1 8). It must not, however, be expected that the same dogs
as may be employed at night-time can be utilised by day :
there must be a change of service.
Trouble is also likely to arise from the attentions of

Fig. '17.— Guard-Dog attached to Wire.

poaching cats and possibly marauding dogs — the former
by day and the latter by night. Poaching cats will occa-
sionally get amongst the coops at night, but finding them
secure, lie up in the hedgerows or even in the long grass
of the rearing-field, and work stealthily and successfully
amongst the young chicks wandering — for them — far afield
from the coops. Marauding dogs will sometimes get
amongst the coops at night and overturn them, but with
careful watching anything of the kind should be
impossible.

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

n
n

n
n
n

D

n

121

Pheasants.

This brings us to the subject of keepers' huts (Fig. 19),
of which there are a number of patterns upon the market at
reasonable rates. The essentials of a keeper's hut for the
rearing-field are that it should be easily portable, light,
and conveniently provided with all the essentials he may
require for his work. Included in them must be a small
stove, burning oil for preference, with which he can provide
boiling water and otherwise prepare the birds' food. The
advantage of any-
thing of the kind
will be apparent ; but
upon small preserves,
where the rearing-
field is within easy
access of the keeper's
quarters, its use may
be dispensed with.
It is necessary in
connection with this
matter to point out
how very frequently
a hut of this kind is
allowed to become
the site of an ac-
cumulation of all
sorts of disease-bearing refuse, which proves an attraction
to rats and other vermin. All such offal should be
removed or burnt, and the position of the hut changed
from time to time.

The present is a favourable opportunity for mentioning
the great assistance in his work a keeper obtains from the
possession and employment of a good pair of binoculars,
especially when fitted with night lenses. Both for the
purpose of examining his young birds without disturbing

^Wjfl*5 ^_f.

FFg. 19. -Keeper's Hut.

Practical Game-Preserving. 122

them unnecessarily and for detecting the presence of
vermin from a distance, such an acquisition is invaluable.
I think that such should form an item in the impedimenta
of all gamekeepers.

Turning to the protection of pheasants from poaching,
the preserver is confronted at the outset of the season with
a variety of it for which there is no necessary reason,
namely, egg-stealing. If there were no buyers the prac-
tice would cease to exist, and although of late years,
through various causes, the evil has considerably declined,
the dishonesty of dealers, and, I regret to say it, the indis-
cretion— to employ no harsher term — of a certain class of
keepers, continue to encourage the practice. It will best
serve the purpose if I point out the means which exist for
the disposal of stolen eggs, because then the preserver who
keeps his eyes and ears open will be aware of the possi-
bility of a traffic existing in his property of this nature,
and thus be in a position to prevent it. Probably
in the present day the worst offenders are the owners of
pseudo-game-farms — men who, with a few pens of phea-
sants, buy eggs from anyone who may offer them and then
re-sell to those ill-advised enough to purchase without any
reference or inquiry as to the standing and trustworthiness
of the source from which they are obtaining their supplies.
There is really no excuse for anything of the kind, as
where eggs require to be bought there are a score and
more of game-farms of the highest repute to which to
apply. The dishonest higgler is usually the medium for
this traffic as between the egg-stealer and the wholesale
buyer, and the regular appearance of gentry of this kind
in a district is generally a sure sign of something illegal
or underhanded being in progress.

The sale and purchase of eggs as between one preserve
and another should always be effected by the preservers

123 Pheasants.

themselves, or with their full cognisance; nor is it always
advisable for even the exchange of eggs to take place
without their approval and full knowledge. There is a
kind of keeper — it is no use blinking the fact — who by
his actions reflects very adversely upon an honourable
class, and who contributes to a large extent to the evil of
egg-stealing. These are men neither successful nor
competent in their calling, who occupy positions as keepers
or under-keepers upon large and small shoots where the
control is lax, who sooner than allow the fact of their
incompetence or want of success to come to the knowledge
of their superior will pay for eggs out of their own or
indirectly out of their masters' pockets, and these men
constitute a class largely responsible for egg-stealing.
They will go to the unauthorised dealer or encourage the
labourers, loafers, &c., to bring them eggs from adjoining
beats and neighbouring preserves. The remedy in such
case is obvious, and lies with the preserver himself or the
head keeper.

The casual or regular egg-stealer is usually found in the
ranks of the discontented farm-labourers or the village
loafers — they are much on a par, but I count the latter
the lesser evil of the two, for he will only steal and sell,
whereas the latter will destroy as well as steal, and some-
times practise the former alone, stamping out every clutch
he can discover in a foolish attempt to assert his " rights."
In all probability the best plan to counteract an) thing of
the kind is liberal payment for all nests discovered and
reported to the keepers. Payment for same is usually
made at the rate of is. per nest, but the plan should be,
as stated, on liberal lines, and endeavours to evade fair
pay for a fair find be avoided, or the nests found are more
likely to be destroyed or removed than reported. The
system is liable to abuse if carried too far, however, and

Practical Game-Preserving. 124

nests reported other than within fair view of the roads
and paths should not be paid for. A free display of
notices of substantial reward for information as to egg-
stealing, issued by either the Protection Society or by the
individual preserver, exercises a very salutary influence
at nesting-time.

The young birds as well as the mature ones will require
protection right up to the commencement of the shooting,
because the chance always exists of young and old birds
being poached alive. In fact, in certain districts this class
of game-stealing is very prevalent. The poaching which
occurs during the shooting season is of a different nature,
and will receive due attention in another portion of this
work; but it will be as well to deal with the kinds of
spoliation sometimes practised during the rearing season
now. They comprise, besides egg-stealing, hingling and
netting.

Hingling is sometimes most extensively carried on, and
often proves very successful. It consists simply of driving
the birds into previously prepared snares. Either the
poachers walk the birds forward through the covert, or
have dogs trained to do so. The general idea is that the
snares or springes are placed at one end or side of the
covert. This is erroneous; most execution is done by
laying them about the centre. By this means the birds
are more thoroughly and safely driven backwards and
forwards, which is often done several times in succession.
In the early part of the year, when birds are being bought,
they are taken in fixed springes alive, otherwise in the
common snare.

Plain snaring may take place wherever there is an
outlying pheasant or two — along hedges, on the sides
of the brooks and wet ditches where the birds drink, or
around the feeding-spots. This kind of poaching is easy,

125 Pheasants.

expeditious, and wholesale, so the watch kept on the
coverts must be continuous. Alarm-guns are very useful
by way of prevention in alarming the poachers, and giving
timely notice to the keepers of the kind of work being
carried on.

Netting is similarly practised. A long-net is spread,
and the pheasants are driven into it by dog or man. It is
not so effective as hingling, but it is a murderous procedure
in experienced hands.

The chief means of protecting the birds from the several
modes of day poaching alluded to must consist in continual
and careful watching of the preserves. Nothing succeeds
like this, and the keeper who is always turning up at odd
times, and quite unexpectedly, on different portions of the
estate, is more feared, and at the same time produces a
more beneficial effect on any persons inclined towards
these practices of poaching, than anything we know of.
It is the practice of some keepers to have particular rounds,
which they traverse at certain intervals, with the result
that it is extremely easy for poachers to avoid observation,
and to shape their courses according to where they know
the keepers to be.

CHAPTER XII.

PHEASANTS : Miscellaneous Matters.

IN connection with the preservation of nearly all game
there crop up from time to time a number of matters of
minor or side importance which cannot be ignored in a
work of this kind, but which it is considered best to deal
with in a general chapter rather than interrupt the main
issues by interpolating details likely to confuse.

Ants' Eggs. — Young pheasants ought to be provided
with a supply of ants' eggs (so-called) if possible. There
are many substitutes ; but the real article is very much ap-
preciated, and beneficial to boot. As a rule, a fair supply
of them may be provided in most countries if pains be taken
to do so. They will keep for a long time, and as the
chief supply is available from the ant-heaps when the
demand is largest, it is possible to secure an adequate
supply. Where nothing of the kind is available locally,
sufficient quantities may be obtained from tradesmen who
make a speciality of the article. A substitute which I
have employed with success is found in broken wheat
which, after being soaked in chamber- lye for two or three
days, is then dried off over a stove. A small quantity,
say i part added to each 64 parts of chick-feed, given
occasionally, meets the necessity of the case.

Insect Food. — The provision of a suitable substitute
for insect food when absent is not wholly met by the

i2y Pheasants.

recommendations I have given in the chapters on feeding
and rearing. Most of the firms who cater for preservers'
requirements supply preparations specially designed to
meet the want, and I should like to be able to single out
one of them as being entirely satisfactory and likely to
prove suitable to the average preserver; but this is im-
practicable where so many nearly achieve what appears at
present to be the impossible. I am inclined to think that
an efficient substitute will be found in some preparation of
dried fish, probably in some of those forms of sun-dried,
unsalted fish-roes which are a cheap and an abundant
commodity in some portions of Europe and elsewhere, and
of whose merits in this respect I have some experience.
As things go, however, it is impossible to do more than
offer suggestions, because whatever may be recommended
to replace natural insect-food, it must fall short in one
direction or another, and it is likely that if preservers
would depend much more upon correct choice of rearing-
fields in regard to this point they would serve their
interests far better than in endeavouring to find a satis-
factory substitute.

Catching-up Birds. — When pheasants have to be caught
up for penning purposes, or for one or other of the reasons
besides which make this operation necessary, they should
be secured by those means most unlikely to cause un-
necessary fright or inconvenience to the birds. When hen-
birds are turned away from the laying-pens, others will
have to be caught up again sooner or later. The first-
named should be marked in some effective but simple
means, so as not to be included in any future catching
which may be undertaken, as fresh birds should be
provided each season.

There are many forms of traps upon the market for
taking single birds; but this is often a troublesome and

Practical Game-Preserving.

128

tedious process before the necessary number of the proper
birds required are secured. I have employed a far better
and more wholesale way of catching-up birds, which gives

6 ft.

Tig. 20.— Plan of Pheasant-Catcher.

little trouble and entails small expense. Of this I give a
plan and dimensions. It consists of a double open-ended
cage or pen (Fig. 20), constructed of wire-netting upon

Fig. 21.— Burgess's Pheasant-Trap.

wooden or iron frame, thoroughly portable by one man,
and made to fold and pack away in a small space.

This pheasant-catcher consists of a wire pen, 6ft. by
2ft. wide by 2ft. 6in. high, made of galvanised wire
netting attached to an iron or wooden framework. The

129

Pheasants.

side netting extends to about 8ft. in length, the end-pieces
being partly laced together, and turned inwards to form
the entrances shown. Sufficient of the end-pieces is left
unlaced to admit of the entrance of the birds, which, having
passed into the catcher, cannot make their way out. The
supporting standards are made sufficiently long to admit
of their being driven into the ground.

The dimensions given
may always be ex-
tended if the number
of birds to be caught
up be considerable ;
but the sizes given
provide a very handy
trap, which may be
readily set up and
moved from place to
place as required. Some
dari or maize placed
as food within the
catching-pen, and with
one or two lines of
scattered corn leading
up to the entrances, is

Fi

Wood-Pigeons or catching-up Pheasants

lure the birds easily

into the trap. It may be used successfully to take
almost any kind of bird, if the mesh of the netting and size
of the entrance-places be altered to suit the quarry. I
have employed it most successfully for wood-pigeons.

There are, in addition to this manner of catching-up
pheasants in large numbers, various kinds of pheasant-
traps which take a single bird at a time, and may be
employed with advantage where it is not necessary to

K

all that is required to Fig" «•-*««•••'• p*'«nt Bo'-T~>

Practical Game-Preserving. 13°

catch-up large quantities quickly, or for securing odd and
outlying birds. I give illustrations of two of the
simplest and most effective of these traps (Figs. 21 and 22).

Pro-portion of Cock- and Hen-Birds. — The question
frequently arises as to what is the most advantageous
proportion in which to have the birds at the end of the
season, and how to determine what that proportion should
be. It is frequently evident that the relative number
of hens left over in covert is too large for the number of
cocks, with the result that a large percentage of unfertile
eggs occur amongst the wild-nesting birds, and many of
the hens receive but scant attention. I think it will be
found that a better proportion of cocks to hens for
the breeding-stock in covert would be one to three. It is
a matter of considerable importance, particularly where
few or no penned birds are maintained, and one that
requires careful consideration by the preserver, and it will
be found an excellent plan if from about the first or
second week in December one small covert at least upon
each preserve or beat be selected for reservation for the
breeding-stock or the main portion of it. In this way,
by careful feeding and coaxing the birds it will be
possible to assemble in this particular part — of course it
should be central — of the preserve such numbers of birds,
in the proportions of one cock to two or three hens at the
most, as shall suffice for practically the whole breeding-
stock for the coming season.

The Fusion System of Hatching Pheasants. — This
system, initiated by the Duke of Graf ton upon his Euston
estates, is one which, though not largely adopted, has been
greatly discussed, and has for its aim the rearing of
pheasants practically wild, but without the disadvantages
attaching to hand-reared birds, such as tameness or poor
flying qualities, or equally to avoid the losses to the

I3i Pheasants,

nests of wild birds through disturbance or by larger
vermin. The practice followed at Euston is to take all
the eggs from outlying nests, or where birds are liable
to be disturbed, and either add them to the nests of birds
nesting under more favourable conditions, or to incubate
them under hens until near the time of hatching, when they
are transferred to the wild birds' nests.

Carried out in a thorough and workmanlike fashion as
the system is at Euston, it has proved eminently satisfac-
tory, and the quality of the shooting has exhibited a
decidedly improving tendency. Of course, the quantity of
birds annually produced by this system cannot extend to
the same limits as where birds are hand-reared, and the
amount of trouble and labour expended is greater ; whilst
the standard of keepers necessary for carrying out what is
rather ticklish work, requiring great care and observation,
must necessarily be higher than in the case of ordinary
preserves.

The Duke of Graf ton's birds are noted for their fine
flying powers, and skilled shots revel in the increased
quality of the shooting they offer, as against the greater
quantity but less sporting value of birds hand-reared
in the ordinary manner. Personally, the system appeals
very strongly to me; but it is one which can scarcely be
applied to the average preserve, although its adoption by
many preservers is easily possible.

White and Pied Pheasants. — It is a not unusual prac-
tice amongst preservers to secure quickly any specimens of
white or pied birds which may occur amongst their wild
stock ; but these birds may be made to serve a very useful
purpose, particularly amongst the boundary birds, because
it is self-evident that, so long as these prominently -
coloured birds remain, they and the rest of the neighbour-
ing stock are not being interfered with by poachers or

K 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 132

otherwise. It is a very good plan, whenever any of these
sports occur, to employ them in the direction named,
instead of keeping them as show birds, as is usually done.

In the same way, a few cock-birds of other than the
ordinary breeds, utilised as sentinel birds in this manner,
always serve a useful purpose.

Food-Losses through Wood-Pigeons, &c. — Most of the
loss of food fed to pheasants on the open ground is due
to its consumption by Wood-pigeons and Stock-doves
(where the latter exist in any quantities). It is a difficult
matter to deal with, but I have found that neither of these
birds will go in under wire-netting when it is stretched
horizontally about ift. above the ground. It need be
fixed only high enough to permit the game-birds to go in
and feed underneath it, and should be laced together in
pieces from 4yds. to 5yds. square and be stretched upon
short, thick stakes, driven in the ground, or from tree to
tree. The mesh may be determined by the size of the
birds it is necessary to keep away from the corn or other
food put down. They will feed under netting the mesh of
which they can go through, but will not do so otherwise.

Condiments for Pheasants. — It will have been noticed
that in the chapter on Feeding scarcely any reference
is made to the use of condiments or stimulating foods for
pheasants. Personally, I am of opinion that a great deal
too much resort is made to the employment of highly-spiced
feeding materials, many of which, possessing a temporarily
strongly stimulating effect upon birds, produce a corre-
sponding reaction, with attendant deleterious effects. At
the same time circumstances certainly arise occasionally
when judicious employment of something of the kind
may serve to combat and overcome the influences of long
spells of bad weather, sudden and unseasonable changes,
and the like, which set up a more or less debilitated state

133

Pheasants.

of the stock, whether young or old. Against some of the
specifics and materials of stimulating nature supplied by
manufacturers of such articles there is little to be said, if
preservers would employ them only according to directions,
and cease their use immediately the state of affairs prompt-
ing resort to them had passed away. This, however, is
not by any means usually the case, and stimulating addi-
tions to the diet are continued until serious injury
results to the general health of the stock.

There are one or two materials to which but little
objection can be raised, and in periods such as have been
named, when long-prevailing wet and cold, singly or
combined, or sudden spells of the same occur, recourse may
be had to them temporarily with advantage. Ordinary
mustard condiment of best quality, such as that manu-
factured by J. and J. Colman, is a useful material for this
purpose, employed in the proportion of Jib. of the
mustard to each bushel of the ordinary soft food given.

Other spices which possess a value and do not leave
bad after-effects are powdered fenugreek and powdered
cummin-seed. Peppercorns and pimento may also be used
without hurt in not greater proportion than 2oz. of either
of the others together, the same quantity of fenugreek —
4oz. of all — to each bushel of food. When given to young
chicks it is better that the spice be reduced to powder and
incorporated with the meal in the proportions named.

It occurs occasionally that hand-reared birds which have
come along all right and under favourable conditions,
reach a stage when they seem no longer to progress, and
11 go off their food." At this time a little of some or all
of these condiments may be given in the event of an entire
change of diet failing to secure the needful result.

CHAPTER XIIL

THE PARTRIDGE: Natural History.— The Common
Partridge.— The French Partridge.

WE have in the British Isles two species of partridge —
that which we know as the Common or English Partridge,
and the so-called French or Red-legged bird, an importa-
tion of comparatively recent times. Both species resemble
one another in some respects, as they are dissimilar in
others. The former is by far the superior game-bird, and
lends itself to the influence of preservation far more easily
and readily than does the latter. It possesses many
claims upon British sportsmen of all descriptions, for
besides being practically indigenous, the sport which it
affords extends alike to the most modest and to the most
exacting of game-shooters. Of late years the systems of
preservation to which it is subjected have been greatly
extended, however, and in many districts the partridge
occupies a position quite unthought of not very many years
ago. It is, however, as the popular game-bird of British
preserves that it is chiefly held in esteem, and as such it
is first necessary to deal with it.

The partridge's beau-ideal of a home is an essentially
English spot in the landscape. A bright warm wheat
stubble, a pasture growing such grasses as form its best-
liked cover, with a little expanse of broken ground, over-
grown with brake, hard by, and you have just the locality
a partridge loves to haunt. In character, it is a quiet

135 Partridges.

easy-going bird, and one that is little concerned when
bustled about, provided always that the bustling be not
overdone.

It is no difficult task to specify the localities suitable to
partridge-preserving; it would be far less easy to name
any portion of our country where one might not find it
possible to raise a covey of birds. If it be given a fair
chance and afforded some inducement to establish itself,
the partridge is quite capable of doing so. It needs little
help, and is far less dependent on the protection of man
than the pheasant or the grouse. Any locality where
there is a fair sprinkling of arable land, and where the
ground is not, although wholly pasture, of a partially
uneven and broken character, will serve — a low bit of
brake here, and a few rods of common there, alternating
with close-cropped hedges to form the divisions. But
where it is painfully evident that the land is used for
grazing purposes only, by its stiff walled hedgerows and
monotony of meadows, then the partridge coveys may be
few and far between. Upon the high bleak moors, too,
it finds a habitat agreeable to its taste, and in Wales,
Scotland, and even the wild islands on its northernmost
coast. On the dreary, inhospitable waste of Dartmoor it
is found, thriving, yet solitary, far from the cultivated
fields on its outskirts. Thus, it lends itself under all
favourable conditions to the desires of the game-preserver,
and no great expense or trouble is needed upon his part
to ensure a fair supply of these birds.

The habits of the partridge are very interesting. In
the early spring it frequents the fallows and the pasture-
fields, rarely quitting them, except for the low copse or
spinney to sun and dust itself, or to shelter in during
severe weather. In the first week of February the mating
season commences, and by the middle of the month pairing

Practical Game-Preserving. 136

is in full swing. A good deal of disagreement and
fighting amongst the males characterises the pairing of
partridges, whose mating is, however, somewhat fickle,
depending for the comparatively long continuance until
the nesting-season, upon incidences of weather. In this
way pairs may be broken up more than once before then,
and mating have to be renewed. A great deal of the
success attending partridge-preserving depends upon these
matters, which have in the not very remote past been mis-
stated or misunderstood. I shall, however, deal with
these points presently, as they do not occur in seasons of
fairly normal description with sufficient force and in such
universal manner as to affect the ordinary natural history
of the bird which is at present being dealt with. Of
course, under nearly all conditions the mating is later in
the rougher, less protected parts, the nesting season being
correspondingly less early.

Partridges, unlike pheasants, are strictly monogamous,
the hen forming the nest and incubating under close atten-
tion by the male. The nest-making is a by no means
lengthy or elaborate proceeding, the chief cause of anxiety
seeming to be the choice of site, and the birds will often
search for weeks before selecting one possessing all the
necessary qualifications. The nest itself is a very simple
affair, and consists of a plain hollow scratched and formed
under some shelter. It is adorned with a certain amount
of lining, which may consist of dead leaves and grass, bits
of fern and straw or the like. The site chosen varies
considerably, but always exhibits certain characteristics.
When situated in grass, clover, or corn-fields, it is invari-
ably beneath some specially thick tuft of growth, and at
a spot slightly elevated above the surrounding parts. It
may be at the foot of a tree, or a bush, or a post, in the
rough weedy growth in the angles of the field, or beneath

137

Partridges.

the hedgerow. Sometimes it is in a spinney, or the broken
ground and low covert beside a field, or just within a
plantation, or on a moor — if so, not far from a damp place
or mire. Occasionally, also, very eccentric spots are chosen.
The eggs vary greatly in number, up to twenty -two, but
the average is probably about fourteen. Incubation
requires twenty -four days, during which time the male
keeps vigilant watch, but never assists in the sitting,
although doing the most he can to protect the nest.

As soon as the young are hatched, or within a few
hours, they are ready to move out. This will be from
the middle of June to the commencement of July, but the
hatching-time with partridges varies so very much, conse-
quent on the nature of the season, locality, &c., coincident
with the final mating, that it is difficult to lay down a
hard and fast line as to the time. Immediately the young
move out, the old male bird commences to take his share
in the protection and feeding of the youngsters. The
partridge is naturally a hardy bird, and the percentage of
birds reared to eggs must be large. It suffers mainly
from wet weather at brooding- and hatching-time. The
partridge and its young roost on the ground in similar
spots to those where they nest. The young repose beneath
both the paternal and maternal wing until too large, when
they pass the night in a bunch, heads pointing outwards.

The birds begin to move early in the morning, when
the sun rises, and start to feed. Their food is multi-
farious, varying according to the season. During spring
and early summer it consists of blades of grass, &c., all
sorts of seeds, chiefly of those plants coming under the
denomination of weeds. In addition to this form of food,
the birds subsist to a very great extent on insects of many
kinds and in various states, preferring, however, ants,
wireworms, and members of the aphis family ; they also

Practical Game-Preserving. 138

like spiders and slugs. In late summer and autumn corn
is also eaten by the partridge, but it rarely pulls an ear
of corn down which is not within its reach, so that during
the time our cereal crops are ripening the partridge,
although a constant frequenter of the fields, does no
damage to the grain. Its express aim in being there is to
feed upon the thousands of insects always present and
upon the seeds of the many weeds now ripening; but, of
course, if there be any ears of grain within reach it soon
empties them. It is after the corn is cut, however, that
the partridge consumes most grain, for it lies, some in
the few fallen ears and some shaken out on the ground,
the food for any bird that likes to consume it.

As soon as feeding is completed, the birds repair to
some particular place to pass the day. In winter this is
generally some grass field or low brake where they find
good shelter and warmth, but it often occurs that food is
so scarce or so difficult to obtain, that they may pass the
whole day before obtaining sufficient to make a meal.
During the remainder of the year and according to the
particular part of the season, clover, potato, or turnip
fields, short gorse, or broom covers, or the edge of the moor
if it be near, and last but not least the stubbles, are all
acceptable as midday retreats. Towards evening the birds
again go on the feed, and generally make their " squat "
for the night about sundown, when they " jug " or
" juck," the technical word for the cry they make at this
time. The brood and the old birds remain always
together until the next mating-time, when the covey breaks
up and the pairing begins. Sometimes two or more coveys
will join together and so remain in peaceful unison, and
at the end of the season they " pack " like grouse, forming
into, comparatively speaking, large flocks.

Hen partridges, probably more than any other game-

39

Partridges.

birds, are in the habit of using one nest for two birds, the
progeny being sometimes divided into two broods, but in
most cases such clutches pass into the care of one pair of
old birds.

The partridge is extremely neat and careful in its habits
and attentive to its appearance. A considerable time each
day is devoted to dusting and cleaning the feathers. The
site chosen is generally a sunny bank, but often a road.
If the former it is used for some time, and the spots to
which the birds resort for this purpose are easily distin-
guished by the foot-marks, termed " roads," on the fine
dust produced.

The partridge has several cries which are easily caught
by the practised ear and known to denote certain pro-
ceedings by those possessed of sufficient acumen to discover
them. The call and answer of the birds at mating-time,
and the evening " jucking " of the coveys, should be well
enough known.

It has come to be recognised of late years that there
exists in some portions of the kingdom a rather pronounced
variety of the Common Partridge which may be classed
under the title of the Moorland or Mountain Partridge.
As a rule the individual birds as well as the coveys run
smaller, the birds are of a lighter, sandier colour, and are
imbued with a locally migratory instinct which prompts
them to long flights at certain seasons. The result is that
at times coveys of these partridges appear on lands far
from their proper habitat and disappear again in a like
manner. Incidentally, I may remark that the same variety
of partridge exists in large quantities in Hungary, which
may account for the rapid disappearance at times of these
birds when turned down. As far, however, as I can state
with certainty, it is to be noted that these smaller mountain
or moorland birds mate exclusively amongst themselves.

Practical Game-Preserving. 14°

Of the Red-legged Partridge it is difficult to speak
without running contrary to rather pointed opinions held
in many quarters. As far, however, as their general habits
go, they differ immaterially from the ordinary bird.
Their mating-time and practices are the same, but they
nest in quite different manner, the eggs being deposited
at odd times over a lengthened period, one or two being
laid, and sometimes no more dropped for a week or ten
days, and the remainder in desultory fashion. The birds
prefer, as a rule, rougher and less cultivated ground —
commons, short coppice, and the like — for nesting places.
They choose, moreover, higher ground for the purpose, are
hardier, and suffer far less from wet seasons. They pack
more readily towards the close of the season, and speaking
from the point of shooting over dogs, are decidedly
inferior birds, by reason of their running powers and
propensities.

At the same time, none but those of ultra-conservative
taste and prejudice should object to the French Partridge.
It is a strong, healthy, hardy bird, whose defects have
been largely exaggerated, notably the one which is laid to
its discredit of causing the ordinary partridge to die out
wherever " Red-legs " become established. It is very
probable that many of the merits of this game-bird have
been severely and unjustifiably overlooked.

As in the case of the pheasants, the Hon. Walter
Rothschild suggests that there are several species that with
advantage might be acclimatised. First on the list are the
Snow Partridges (Tetrao gallus), two other species of Red-
Legged Partridges (C. saxatilis and C. melanocephala),
the Bearded Partridge (Perdix daurica), the common
Francolin or Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus),
two species of Sand Partridge (Ammoperdix bonhami and
A. neyi\ &c.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PARTRIDGE : Higher Preservation.

PRECISELY as was the case with pheasants, it is necessary
nowadays to distinguish between the ordinary system of
preservation extended to the partridge and what I
have termed the higher system. In fact, of late years
there have been some remarkable developments in the
latter direction applied to almost purely partridge
estates, so widely different from the ordinary run of affairs
that it will be necessary to devote quite special attention to
these features of the business. The conditions, moreover,
which surround and permit them are such as to be really
exceptional compared with the average run of partridge-
preserves, so that I think it will serve a better purpose to
ignore them for the time being, because they would
scarcely appeal to and would certainly not affect the
average preserver. It will also be best to reserve any
pointed reference to the Hungarian birds until the oppor-
tunity arrives to deal with that matter in detail. I shall
therefore confine myself, in the first instance, to the means
available to and the methods by which the ordinary pre-
server may work up a head of partridges and maintain
them upon his manor.

The partridge is so ubiquitous that it would be difficult
to find any large expanse of these islands, except we go
to the most northern portions, where it is not present.
Consequently the introduction of these game-birds on

Practical Game-Preserving. 142

lands where they have hitherto not been preserved in some
mode or other, nor were present, is an operation seldom
necessary. The first matter for consideration is,
naturally, the aspect of the country, and, unless that
be suitable, it will be found impossible to introduce
partridges. As a rule, exceptions to which do not often
occur, it may be said that where partridges already are,
they may be increased, and an occasional covey or two in
a given locality may always be taken as a proof that it is
a suitable one whereon to attempt their increase. This
may consist very well in turning away a number of couples
of birds in the early spring about mating-time, say the
months of February and March. Indigenous partridges
may be obtained almost anywhere, and at a reasonable
figure, and the only point in their selection which requires
observing is to obtain birds from localities possessing
similar, but not necessarily identical, features with the
district in which it is purposed to introduce them. When
turning the birds down, the best plan is to place two or
three pairs within a short distance of one another, so that
the usual calling for mates and jealousies of the males
over their chosen hens may be duly gone through. The
best spot to put down partridges in spring is in a dry,
rough pasture, more particularly if there be a small
expanse of low uneven brake adjacent. Put them down
towards night-time, as they will then have no disposition
to fly off, and after a night's rest will probably settle down
and stick to the near neighbourhood of their first resting-
place. For the first day or two a little grain — oats,
barley, or wheat — scattered about may help them along,
but it should be given in but small quantities, and for but
one or two days, as it is almost unnecessary to remark that
favourable open weather must be chosen as the time for the
purpose.

143

Partridges.

In such case, where Hungarian birds are employed, the
mode of dealing with them is somewhat different, and
will be described later on.

The introduction of partridges may furthermore be
made by acquiring eggs and hatching them out under hens.
From a pecuniary point of view this is usually the most
satisfactory mode, while the successful rearing of some
few dozen of young birds would provide a nucleus of a
future large stock. It is, however, a process involving a
considerable amount of trouble, but the ordinary preserver
has his keepers and can breed the birds fairly easily, and
rear them with ordinary attention. Some keepers seem to
consider the hand-rearing of partridges rather beneath
them, and fight shy of anything short of pheasants.

Of course, partridge-rearing is rarely as extensive a
business as the production of a stock of pheasants, except
upon the big preserves to which reference has been made.
There is this, moreover, to be remembered, that once a
fairly good stock of partridges has been worked up, they
will, unless under the effect of bad seasons, maintain
themselves at such level without any great extraneous
assistance, whereas with pheasants the circumstances are
different, and each recurring year must witness repetition
of the same scheme of hand-rearing, &c., if the same
quantity of birds is looked for. For this reason, the
arrangements for the hand-rearing of partridges never
require to be on the same scale as those for the more
aristocratic game-bird. The hand-rearing of partridges
may be undertaken by the large preserver or the owner of
quite a small shoot. In either case, all the appliances for
the annual pheasant-breeding on hand can be utilised, if
available, or may be supplemented to meet the increased
requirements.

The first step is the acquisition of eggs. These may be

Practical Game-Preserving. 144

bought from a recognised reliable source, arranged for
with the neighbouring preservers — not their keepers, be it
remarked — or taken from the nests on the place. Like the
pheasant, the partridge invariably hatches out more birds
than it rears. The percentage of birds to eggs depends
mainly upon the season. The remainder die off from
various causes, rarely purely natural ones. Consequently,
if at nesting-time the partridge nests are sought out and
relieved of any superabundant eggs, those left stand a
much better chance of producing full-grown partridges
eventually, and the hen bird can expend all her maternal
energies on the less numerous progeny. At nesting-time
a thorough keeper and an observant farmer always know
where the nests are. Consequently, a daily round to
collect from all unset nests the eggs in excess of ten or
fifteen, according to the season, will be an easy matter,
and result in providing a good store of eggs for setting
under hens. The hens should be of a similar type to those
that hatch out the pheasant eggs. From fifteen to nineteen
eggs may be put under one hen, but I think seventeen
preferable. The hens are best set in nesting-boxes
out of doors, and the treatment up to hatching-time is the
same as with pheasants, but the subsequent course of
operations varies somewhat. It is highly important that
the eggs should be thoroughly aired every day, and a
sprinkling of water as applied to pheasants' eggs is neces-
sary, more particularly from the eighteenth day of
incubation onwards.

As soon as hatched the young partridges are placed in
the rearing-coops, and treated in the same way as
pheasants, with the exception that their food must consist
more of an insect character if possible than in the case of
the latter. Of course, the natural article in the shape of
the eggs of the small yellow meadow-ant is much to be

145

Partridges.

preferred; but in view of the fact that if hand-reared
partridge chicks be given ants' eggs mainly from the
start, they may reject their other food offered them at a
later date, it is necessary to commence with a mixture of
the insect food — if available — and such other as may be
determined upon. This may take the form partly of the
custard already described, and either lettuce, chickweed, or
groundsel, chopped finely, the unripe seed of the plaintain,
rice broken small and lightly boiled, and very small
quantities of any small bird seeds. The best way is to
make a thin custard — with fewer eggs, that is — and add
the other food and ants' eggs in equal proportions until it
is fairly dry, and of about the consistence of fresh bread-
crumbs. Any one or two of the green foods will suffice,
and in the absence of the insect food Spratt's " Crissel "
or good desiccated meat, ground or pounded very small,
will prove very good substitutes. The food formula for
young partridges for the first week stands as follows :—

(i) Ants' eggs or desiccated meat ... 8 parts.

Thin custard 16 ,,

Green food 12 ,,

Millet seed 8 ,,

Canary-seed 8 ,,

Linseed or rapeseed 8 ,,

Boiled rice 4 ,,

64 parts.

For the first week or ten days the young chicks require
feeding every three hours, commencing an hour after day-
light and finishing an hour before sundown. This will
give five feeds a day to commence with, to be reduced to
four, and eventually to three when the birds are three
weeks to a month old.

Practical Game-Preserving. 146

At from a fortnight to three weeks the food may be
varied, and thence onward until they are two months old
the following diet may be given in place of the above, the
custard being gradually dispensed with : —

(2) Desiccated meat 8 parts.

Green food 12 ,,

Millet or dari 16 ,,

Canary-seed 12 ,,

Hempseed 4 »

Linseed or rapeseed 2 ,,

Crushed blue peas (fine) 2 ,,

Crushed maize (fine) 8 ,,

64 parts.

Where any number of partridges is sought to be reared,
it is better on the whole to rely chiefly upon the
partridge meal specially prepared by trustworthy manu-
facturers of such articles. In this case, the custard and
the green food would be added to the meal in such
proportions as are requisite. The food of young partridges
should be varied as much as possible day by day, but if
they always have a few insects and plenty of green stuff,
the choice of food may be left to the preserver. It is a
mistake to place young partridges on a grain diet too soon.
In a natural state they scarcely touch any at all until two
or three months old, and it certainly cannot be beneficial
to force them to the consumption of dry wheat, barley, or
oats before they are prepared for it.

An important part of the hand-rearing of partridges is
that the coops and runs confining the chicks be moved
twice daily on to fresh ground. This is a most necessary
proceeding, for although somewhat less liable than
pheasants to the many little ills which attack coop-reared

147

Partridges.

youngsters, they have not their hardihood, or, rather, do
not lend themselves so easily to an artificial life, and are
consequently less easily reared. Gapes, roup, catarrh,
and cramp are the maladies most affecting them. The
means of prevention, and the steps necessary to be taken
to effect a cure, are the same as with pheasants, as is,
indeed, every portion of the process of hand-rearing not
entered into here. The business is so similar that it would
be superfluous to give a separate explanation for each.

As soon as the young partridges are half -grown, which
is determined by a full development of the feathers and a
general sturdiness of body, the coops must be removed
with their broods of hens and chicks to the edge of a corn-
field, and placed in a dry spot — just within the wheat or
oats is to be preferred — and the young birds be given
their liberty, the hens alone being confined. For a few
days the partridges will remain about the coop, and
perhaps nestle beneath their foster-mother's sheltering
feathers, but probably before a week is out they will have
thrown off all trammels of domestication and dependence,
and struck out a course of life on their own account, when
they may be left to take their chance. Young partridges
should only be turned out in fields which are reasonably
secure from vermin. There is no doubt that, looking at
matters from this point of view, oat-fields are the most
suitable rearing-grounds for the young birds, as they offer
far more cover and security from winged vermin and
more opposition to the progress of ground vermin than
wheat-fields. The same may be said of barley, but I
prefer wheat or oats. Another consideration is not to put
the broods down sufficiently near to run into one
another, otherwise they will pack to some extent, and very
large coveys will be the undesirable result. One brood to
every two acres is a sufficiently thick stock.

L 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 148

Once turned away, young partridges require no more
looking after beyond the usual attention from the keeper,
but he ought to watch, without necessarily disturbing each
brood turned down, until the birds become too large for
regular watching. While the meadows and hayfields are
being mown, whether by machine or the scythe, the keeper,
or someone that may be trusted, should be present, attendant
either on the mowers or following the machine, with a view
to the discovery of any hard-set nests beyond those of
which he should already possess full cognizance and have
marked out for avoidance and non-disturbance. Not
infrequently, however, nests will be so disturbed that the
hen bird deserts them, or are considered so certain to be
so treated that it is the best course to transfer them to a
nesting-box, and leave the further process of incubation to
a foster-hen. Provision must, of course, be made for
anything of the kind, so that the clutches which the
partridges would otherwise desert may be quickly brought
in and placed under the fowls. By carrying this practice
out systematically, a large number of nests will, in
general, be saved, and particularly on extensive partridge
shootings ; the eggs will be hatched off, and even if only
fifty per cent, of these be brought in they will result in
full-grown birds eventually, and the small amount of
trouble will be repaid.

This brings us to a point beyond which it is not
necessary to go in regard to the hand-rearing of par-
tridges on an ordinary shoot where these game-birds are
held secondary in importance to pheasants. Before deal-
ing with essentially partridge manors, there are other
matters which must claim attention, and may better
be dealt with here.

Not many partridges die during an ordinary winter from
exposure and disease, and very few from hunger; they

149 Partridges.

always manage to pick up enough to evade starvation.
But when a long spell of wet, frost, or snow comes,
food proves scarce for several days in succession,
and the poor birds are at their wits' end for a
sufficiency of nourishment and warmth, particularly the
former, and their condition may sometimes become so low
that death must supervene. It, therefore, behoves every
preserver to take the necessary steps for providing food for
the game-birds he has brought together on his estate. It
may be considered a duty of every preserver to provide
food for partridges in times when the earth is bound up
with frost and snow. In a subsequent chapter the ques-
tion will receive further consideration.

Disease sometimes makes its appearance among the
partridges, particularly in wet seasons, when they suffer
considerably. Tapeworm will affect them and kill off
a small percentage, and the presence of this animal
within the body quickly reduces the birds to very poor
condition, so much so as to render them unfit for table
purposes.

Another disease which, seemingly, hand-reared par-
tridges alone suffer from is roup. It is evidently a
different form of that malady from the one which
attacks the broods of young pheasants, as young
partridges still under coop rarely suffer from it, and
scarcely ever die in consequence. On the other hand, fully
matured birds acquire it, and ofttimes die off by dozens.
The most noteworthy symptom is the presence of large
swellings on each side of the head, sufficiently prominent
to be noticeable during the flight of a covey or individual
members of it. Wet seasons serve to account for it. The
naturally-reared birds escape its ravages, simply because
they are wild birds, whereas, on the other hand, those
reared under a barn-door fowl and in a coop do not possess

Practical Game-Preserving. 150

the natural strength of constitution and peculiarity of
habit which enable their less pampered congeners either
to escape the malady or to withstand its attack.

Another cause of loss among the ranks of the " nut-
browns " is one which must call up a sympathetic feeling
in the breasts of sportsmen — namely, the formation of clay
balls upon the feet of young partridges present upon
lands of a clayey nature. In damp weather the soil clogs
on the little birds' feet, often to such an extent as to
render movement impossible, when they must needs lag
behind the brood, drop down, and die of exhaustion or
starvation, or from both combined. Nothing can be done
for it beyond watching the coveys closely, and driving
them some little distance carefully ; any encumbered chicks
will soon be noticed, when they can often be caught and
relieved.

CHAPTER XV,

PARTRIDGES: Hungarian Birds.— The Continental System.

IT is, comparatively speaking, only of recent years that
partridge-preservation upon a more extended scale, and in
a kindred manner to pheasant-preservation, has been
adopted upon many of those larger estates which have
established a record and furnished a model to many of
less extent. Two or three causes have contributed to the
change of practice. In the first place, driving, for one
or more reasons, has almost entirely superseded shooting
over dogs, and it naturally follows that where the sport
is quicker and more concentrated, as it is when birds are
driven, a greater quantity of quarry is required to make it
more than a passing incident, as it would be if old methods
were relied upon. It is not, however, given to more than
a few to discard them, and what is, after all, the everyday
practice of the great bulk of preservers could not be
entirely ignored. At the same time, the newer and more
successful methods must slowly become almost general
upon any shootings laying claim to up-to-date methods.

Then, again, we have for more than a decade suffered
severely from recurring bad partridge seasons — so much
so that, commencing with the importation of Hungarian
and other foreign-bred partridges, various remedies have
been sought for recouping past losses, and for increasing
the stock of birds, so as to bring partridge manors proper
up to latter-day requirements. Following upon the mere

Practical Game-Preserving. 152

importation of foreign birds — at most a costly and only
partly-profitable procedure — we have had the adoption by
preservers of what is known as the French — it ought to be
Continental — system of partridge-rearing, and its adapta-
tion to British requirements, upon lines which have im-
proved and benefited it. The establishment of partridge
sanctuaries is another comparatively new feature of the
higher preservation upon large estates, so that, altogether,
partridge-preservation, in England especially, may be said
to have taken quite a new departure with the arrival of
the twentieth century.

Inasmuch as the importation of Hungarian birds may be
regarded as appealing to the great majority of preservers,
it is advisable to refer to this traffic and its influence and
utility in regard to partridge-preservation in the first
instance. In doing so it is necessary to point out that
there are several features in connection with this matter
which do not altogether lend themselves to approval,
and that it is just as necessary to exercise the closest care
in obtaining them as in dealing with all other supplies
of game-birds or eggs. To put it plainly, Hungarian
Partridges, so-called, are not always entitled to be so
described, and even if they be of Hungarian origin, they
may not always be of the kind suitable to British preserves.
Hungary is, to say the least, an elastic expression, and the
partridges coming from that country may easily be of a
character quite unfitted for profitable use in our preserves.
The districts where they are obtained, the manner and time
of their being taken, and the kind of bird secured may,
as a matter of fact, entirely unfit them for employment
for the purpose for which they are chiefly intended in
these islands. Far more than anywhere else in mid-
eastern Europe are the partridges of the Hungarian plains
and mountain slopes endowed with the migratory instinct.

153 Partridges.

Their inborn, ingrained habits are such as quite to unfit
them for establishment upon our preserves, and there is
certainly a very large percentage of the truly Hungarian
birds which are brought over here quite unsuited for
turning away in this country. Then, again, birds are
brought over here from Bohemia, other parts of Austria,
and Germany which have no right to be classed in the
same category j so that, altogether, whatever measure of
success may have followed upon — and no doubt has
followed upon — their introduction and employment, has
been due not to the intrinsically meritorious lines upon
which the traffic has been conducted, but rather to the good
fortune which has attended some of those who have
embarked in this direction. The probability is that not
one-tenth of all the Hungarian and allied partridges put
down in this country have survived to exercise any material
benefit upon the home stock. That there are legitimate
sources of valuable supply there is no doubt, and if they
can be tapped with certainty it is equally indubitable that
the influence of birds from them when turned down is
entirely beneficial. Whether, however, it is an economi-
cally sound policy remains to be seen.

It thus follows that any preserver determining to turn
away Hungarian Partridges must, in the first instance,
satisfy himself as to the source of his birds, and the
nature of them. It is quite easy to obtain birds of the
right sort from trustworthy firms. By the right sort is
implied birds of similar stamp and race to our own, of
thoroughly healthy stock. That birds commanding these
qualifications will be hardy is assured, and that they should
prove prolific there is no valid reason for doubting. True
Hungarian birds should be available for delivery here in
England in November and the first portion of December,
or even during all December. They will then, in all

Practical Game-Preserving. 154

probability, be freshly -caught birds, in the best of condi-
tion, and come as straight from their place of origin as is
possible under the circumstances. The fact that they
may arrive to cold weather here does not influence the
matter, as the foreign birds would, under natural condi-
tions in their own country, come into much greater cold
about the same time than they would be exposed to in this
one. It is unnecessary to detail the reasons why Hun-
garian birds should not be obtained at a later date;
sufficient to state that December is the latest time of the
partridge season when they should be on hand here.

If the birds arrive upon the preserve late in the day or
at night-time, they should be allowed to remain quietly
and undisturbed in the hampers until next day. The
hampers should be placed out of doors, or in an open
shed, but in such position that they may not be exposed
to draughts. In any case, do not interfere with them till
daylight. Then they must be placed in pens. Provision
in this respect must be made beforehand. The pens
necessary for the purpose must be movable ones, and as
large as possible, say i2ft. long by 4ft. wide, and
3ft. 6in. high. They must be boarded up along the sides
and ends to about half their height, and covered otherwise
with twine netting of about Jin. to fin. mesh. Wire
netting is quite unsuitable for the purpose, as the birds are
sure to injure themselves against it when first released.
Three or four pairs are sufficient to place in each pen of
the size named, and it will be found better to duplicate the
pens than to increase the size of them and the number
placed in them.

As soon as the birds are released, water and flint grit
should be provided them, and if the pens be upon turf
as they should be, the partridges will soon commence to
feed from the grass, as green food is more essential to them

155 Partridges.

at first than grain. Do not allow the birds to drink exces-
sively if they show a disposition to do so, and give them a
first meal of broken wheat, dari, and crushed maize in
equal proportions, to which a little canary-seed and some
finely-chopped greaves have been added. Thoroughly
scald the food before giving it, but give it cold and
moderately dry. This food should be continued for two
or three days, and should serve the purpose of thoroughly
setting up the birds after their long and exhausting
journey. As soon as it is assured that they are picking
up, the necessity for scalding the food and crushing it no
longer exists, and they may be given whole grain consist-
ing of wheat and buckwheat, dari, very little small or
crushed maize, but some sort of green food must be pro-
vided, and a cut swede or kohl rabi given them to peck
at. When fit and ready to be released, the pens, if not
already there, must be removed to the place where the
turning away is to take place, and where also they may be
left for a night or two. If there be any native birds
handy, they will be attracted by the strangers, and be
furthermore encouraged to frequent the spots by having
similar feed put down for them to the penned birds.
When the latter are released, let them out a pair at a time
from each pen upon consecutive days, and continue to feed
a little outside the pens. If the directions given have
been followed, the birds are more likely to remain about
the neighbourhood where they have been released than to
stray far afield. Then, if the birds be of the right sort,
they will speedily fraternise with the local birds, and
success will attend the operation.

In cases where it is not considered necessary, or may
not be convenient, to provide pens for the Hungarian
birds, they may be liberated straight away from the hampers
in which they arrive. As a rule, the hampers which

Practical Game-Preserving. i56

contain them are covered on top with canvas. An opening
large enough to permit a single bird to come out is pro-
vided, and the partridges are then best left by themselves
to find their way out. Water, &c., with food as described,
being placed within easy access near the hamper, the birds
soon discover this for themselves, and will, without going
to any great distance, make their way about, and, so to
speak, find a footing upon the place. It is to be remarked,
however, that they certainly do better when placed in the
pens at first, a larger percentage of birds turned out from
the hampers direct tending to stray far afield, whilst those
which have suffered most from the long journey have less
chance of recovering themselves.

Once more let it be remembered that Hungarian, &c.,
partridges should always be turned away in the morning
and never at night, a fact which has more to do with
successful results in this business than almost anything else,
although I have frequently noted the reverse practice is
recommended.

It is frequently claimed by those having to do with
them that they can easily distinguish the Hungarian birds
from the others, but I am perfectly convinced that — if
the right sort of birds has been put down — once the two
sorts have properly commingled, this is quite impossible
unless some special mark be put upon them. This mark-
ing may be carried out in one or two ways, but the least
desirable of all is the placing of rings upon the birds' legs.
For the purpose of identifying the birds alive there is no
better way than to cut the tails squarely across. This
mark will make itself abundantly apparent all through
their first season, for whether on the nest or in flight the
imported birds so treated show up quite distinctively
against any others. In order to identify the birds when
dead, or in a second season, a small punch, such as is used

157 Partridges.

for ear-marking sheep, but lighter and smaller, should
be employed, and a small hole punched through the web
of one wing. This is easily done if two persons assist at
the operation, and, beyond a little stiffness, causes little or
no inconvenience or pain to the bird operated upon. The
mark left is sufficiently distinctive, and can be varied in
its position on the web or the right or left wing according
to circumstances which may influence the case, such as the
beat upon which the birds are turned down, or whether
neighbouring preservers are pursuing a similar policy or
not and it is desired to mark both lots of birds but in a
different manner.

Let us now consider what role these imported birds may
be made to play upon British preserves. In the first
instance, there is the fact of the infusion of an entirely
new strain of blood. The effect of this upon an exhausted
or stale stock must always be very marked ; but unless the
proper steps be taken to see that the imported birds do not
mate with one another in the first season, little effect will
be apparent until the second, and then probably to a reduced
extent. It will be found that it is more effective at times
to turn away about twenty-five per cent, more hens than
cocks, and by not killing off the cock birds of the indi-
genous stock quite so closely as is usual a more extensive
and effective mingling of blood is obtained the first season
than would otherwise be the case.

Other circumstances which make the turning away of
Hungarian Partridges a valuable procedure are those which
arise during or following very bad partridge years, such
as was, for instance, the case in 1903 over a widespread
district of England. In this instance the great destruc-
tion was amongst the young birds, although many old
birds fell victims to the visitation. In cases such as this,
local or general, the turning down of Hungarian birds in

Practical Game-Preserving.

sufficient quantities is calculated to rehabilitate the
preserve largely by the next season, and probably a better
effect is produced than if native birds were obtained and
put down, or attempts were spasmodically made to achieve
the same result by hand-rearing or by making an effort
upon the lines of the Continental system of partridge-
raising — an important subject which must now command
attention.

In dealing with what is known as the French or Con-
tinental system of partridge-rearing, it is necessary to point
out that the original system has been very largely modified
and altered. At the same time the principle remains
largely the same. If, therefore, it be succinctly described
as in its mainly original form it will serve as a basis upon
which to found adaptations of it to British requirements —
adaptations, moreover, which have served to increase the
effectiveness and usefulness of the original plan.

The main object of the system is to increase the pos
sibilities for successfully hand-rearing partridges, and at
the same time to maintain the parent birds under condi-
tions calculated, with ordinarily good fortune, to ensure
prolific mating. Under this system, too, effort is made
to imitate natural surroundings and habits as much
as possible. To this end, numbers of pairs of birds are
confined in a combination of pens, placed in such a situa-
tion upon the preserve as shall ensure an abundance of
cover of the description affected by partridges such
as one finds in the rougher districts. The arrangement
consists of one main pen or aviary, circular in form, and
calculated to accommodate from, say, twenty to a hundred
birds, according to the circumstances influencing this point.
Substantially constructed of fine-mesh wire netting, set up
on standards about 9ft. high, and covered with small
bird-proof twine netting, supported where necessary, this

59

Partridges.

structure provides a main aviary of, as mentioned, circular
form, into which the birds are turned after having been
caught up. It is found advisable to avoid sharp corners
when erecting these aviaries, as the birds, when first turned
in, are prone to injure themselves in squarely-built ones
(Fig. 23).

The site chosen for one of these structures should be
a dry one, and not too exposed ; in fact, a good deal of any

_ n n n

Door.

Fig. 23.— Plan of Enclosure for Partridge Rearing in the Continental
System— a a a, Side Pens.

success achieved will be largely attendant on the suitability
of the position chosen. A partridge aviary of this kind
must be placed amongst cover of what may be described
as rough scrub. In fact, nothing would suit better than
a site within a young mixed plantation of firs, oaks, hazel,
and the like, the saplings of which have not yet
reached a greater height than 5ft. to 6ft., and are not
more closely planted than from 6ft. to pft. from one

Practical Game-Preserving. 160

another. It is not only necessary that the aviary should
contain some such cover within its limits, but it should also
be surrounded to some extent with similar growth, reach-
ing to some not inconsiderable distance from the aviary
upon all sides. The object of having the enclosure so
provided will be evident.

According to the dimensions decided upon for the main
enclosure, one or more working doors must be provided,
and if it be considered necessary in any way, it should
furthermore be furnished with an i8in. high border of
galvanised sheet-iron, banked up on the inside with turfs
carrying a good rough growth. If, however, the conditions
be such that this protection against undue fright by poach-
ing dogs or foxes may be dispensed with, all the better.

At intervals round the main enclosure movable pens
should be placed, adjusted to corresponding openings
(which may be closed by sliding doors) in the sides of
the former. These pens should be not less than 4ft. wide
by pft. long, and about 4ft. high, and are intended for the
use of sitting birds, and should also be provided with a
hinged door at the outer end. The position and number
of these sitting-pens may be regulated according to the
natural cover which they may be made to contain and the
quantity of birds put down in the main enclosure.

Towards the close of the autumn, in October or
November, a sufficient quantity of partridges, in equal
numbers of cock and hen birds, are turned into the main
enclosure, the smaller pens being meanwhile shut off.
It is probably preferable to add one or two odd cock birds
to the stock turned away. These confined birds are care-
fully fed and looked after during the winter months, and
gradually accustomed to the conditions of semi- domestica-
tion under which they are confined, and also to the move-
ments of the keepers who have charge of them. Judiciously

\

!6i Partridges.

handled, the birds soon become less fearsome and more
reconciled to their peculiar surroundings, and learn to know
those who feed and attend to them. It is necessary,
however, that the birds should be fully protected from
disturbance and fright from vermin and possible
intruders. The novelty of the system excites interest, and
unauthorised persons and visitors are very prone to seek
close acquaintance with what is going on, a fact which
should be carefully guarded against.

As soon as it is evident that the birds have thoroughly
settled down and become accustomed to the moderate
confinement imposed upon them, access may be offered
them to the smaller pens ; but this must not be done at too
early a stage, otherwise they never seem to settle down
properly. From the time they are turned in, the birds
must be regularly and properly fed with suitable grain,
and be supplied with the necessary drinking-water. Corn
in the straw may be provided for them, and loose grain
scattered about the pen. With but ordinary attention they
then do well throughout the winter months. As soon as
the mating season approaches, which in the case of
partridges thus handled comes earlier as a rule than with
wild birds, or, at any rate, is not interrupted so severely
by spells of bad weather, the birds begin their mating,
exactly as do those in a free and untrammelled state. As
soon as the fact becomes evident, it will be necessary to
catch up any unpaired birds and turn them adrift, or to
try them in separate and smaller pens.

It is now that the advantages of this system first become
apparent, because before the actual nesting commences
amongst the birds the majority of the hens will drop eggs
promiscuously about the enclosure. Some of them also
will lay to the same nest, or rather laying-place, and
altogether the birds are found to lay much more freely than

M

Practical Game-Preserving. 162

in a state of nature. The state of semi-domestication
evidently influences the partridges in a favourable
direction in this respect. Thus, a number of eggs, of quite
considerable importance, may be picked up in the main and
side pens, whilst as soon as the birds commence laying to
a separate nest, after a certain number of eggs has been
produced, from six to ten may be withdrawn from each
nest without any effect upon the laying bird or any
diminution of her eventual brood, exactly almost as is the
case with pheasants, only to less extent. In this way the
clutches may be regulated so as to ensure more regularly
numbered broods of greater average size than is usually
the case with wild birds. The result in this respect from
this system is a net gain of from thirty per cent, to fifty
per cent, in eggs over what would be obtained from wild
birds; whilst the losses which would subsequently occur
under ordinary systems of hand-rearing are greatly reduced.

Directly the confined partridges seriously begin their
nesting, the majority of the birds find their way to the
side pens for the purpose of brooding. As soon as this
occurs, the individual pairs are shut off in the small pens
which they take to themselves, and here they remain until
the eggs are hatched out, being duly fed and watered
during the time. Not all the pairs will choose or find
accommodation in the small pens; some will brood in the
larger enclosure. It will, however, be found as a rule that
the small ones generally command occupation in the first
instance, and that the large enclosure offers ample accom-
modation for the remainder if only the minimum amount
of space mentioned as necessary for each pair of birds be
provided.

As soon as the broods commence to hatch out, one of two
courses is pursued — either the birds are left for from
twenty-four to fifty-six hours in the pens as they stand, and

1 63 Partridges.

then given their liberty, or the pens are removed with the
broods to such rearing-places as may be decided upon.
The former practice possesses the advantage in some
respects, but it is not always convenient or advisable to
give so many broods their liberty at one centre, and distri-
bution of them over the manor is inevitable. Where the
latter course is necessary, the old birds must be caught up
at night in small flat baskets with side doors, specially
provided for the purpose. Round ones are best, about
i Sin. diameter, 6in. high, and fitted or lined with a canvas
bottom. The pair of old birds are placed in the basket,
and the chicks in a carrying-box, as described for
pheasants. The pens having been carried to their new
position, the basket with the old birds is placed within
it, and the chicks are carefully introduced. The door is
then left open, and the old birds and brood will be found
settled down again when next morning arrives. Some
suitable meal should be thrown down for the young chicks,
and food and water provided for the parent birds. Dis-
cretion should be exercised as to when the birds are
given full liberty after removal to their new quarters,
according to how the parent birds show themselves,
the class of ground they are placed upon, and, conse-
quently, the amount of natural food available. In any
case the fourth day will be quite long enough to keep them
confined, and either upon the morning of that day or
sooner the pen should be opened and the birds invited to
take their liberty. It may be, but is not very likely, that
they may return for one or two nights to the pen, but there
is nothing gained by leaving it for them after once it is
opened. Practically the same course of procedure applies
to the pens when left alongside the main enclosure, and as
soon as the first of the nests which are being brooded within
the latter is hatched off, one or more of the openings about

M 2

Practical Game-Preserving, 164

the enclosure may be left open during the day-time, so that
the parent birds may lead out their broods when so inclined.

Once the birds with their youngsters leave the enclosure,
they require no further attention than is accorded to wild-
brooded birds, except that at first it may be advisable to
provide a small supply of suitable food in such places
where they are likely to discover it. It will thus be seen
that, whatever the conditions under which the birds are
hatched out, they are reared under purely natural ones.
The birds thus hatched prove as hardy and as good
before the guns as any others, the percentage of birds
hatched is larger than with the wild ones, and they
exhibit none of that tendency to " pack " which is so
marked a feature of partridges hand-reared in the ordinary
manner. Of course the surplus eggs collected have to be
dealt with under the latter conditions ; but, as will be
shown presently, there are means available for successfully
combating this difficulty.

There is an alternative plan, which has much to recom-
mend it in the case of preserves not offering the conditions
of site mentioned in the foregoing, and where, for
reasons of one kind or another, it is not possible to
spread the birds about in the big coops. In this
instance a large enclosure of quadrate form is provided
(Fig. 24), having at two or more of its corners smaller
pens, 1 2ft. by 6ft. wide, and 4ft. to 6ft. high, with a
hinged door on the inner side. These smaller pens
must be shielded from the main enclosure by walls of
sods of turf, bracken, or rough litter, to 3ft. or 4ft.
high, as must be also the case with the walls of the large
enclosure, unless it be set up amongst such thick, low
cover as I have described. In such case the birds will
require pinioning with the leather and rubber clips which
are manufactured for the purpose.

Entrances.

Practical Game-Preserving.

166

In addition to this enclosure it will be necessary to erect
a series of small hatching-pens, i4ft. by Qft., formed of
sod walls, something upon the plan shown at Fig. 24. The
idea worked out under this scheme is that as the birds pair
they find their way into the small corner pens (Fig. 25),
when they are caught up and transferred to the separate
pens in the series. Here they brood, hatch off, and are
maintained for eight or ten days, when the old birds are
caught up, the pinioning removed, and placed in a small
rearing-coop. This should be done in the late afternoon,

Door.

Door.

Door.

Entrance.

Fig. 25.— Plan of Partridge Enclosure with Corner Pens.

so that the old birds call in the young, and the birds roost
in the coop. Before daybreak next day the coop is removed
to the field — a cornfield for preference, and so arranged
that by means of a long cord the coop can be opened at
daybreak, when the old birds lead their brood out. The
long cord, &c., is necessary, as the birds must not see the
person who liberates them.

The pens erected in the series should have open wire-
netting fronts, turfed up to a height of i8in. or 2ft., and
be each provided with a small gate, preferably of wood.
The tops should be covered in with bird-proof wire- or

167 Partridges.

twine-netting. If necessary, the central space may be
utilised for extra pens.

From the description which has been given of this
system in its main features, it will be observed that it is in
no way to be compared with that of hand-rearing
pheasants, nor is it in itself a system of hand-rearing
partridges. It is, however, of considerable value, and
provides a reserve of birds under circumstances such as
have been only too frequent and widespread of late years,
when birds have been drowned out by the hundred,
especially upon the lower lands. The sites for the
enclosures being adequately chosen, parent birds, the
eggs, and the chicks at very early age, are placed beyond
the reach of floods, and, to a large extent, protected from
spells of bad weather, so that, even should disaster overcome
the bulk of the wild birds upon a manor, there would still
remain a sufficient reserve partly, if not wholly, to make
good the loss for the following season, without incurring
the great expense which disasters of the nature mentioned
cause.

It stands to reason that the initial expenditure entailed
by the adoption to any extent of this system is somewhat
heavy, and would scarcely be possible upon anything but
a partridge manor of considerable size; but there is no
doubt that it can be applied to some extent, and in
possibly modified form, upon smaller partridge estates.
In any case, however, the initial cost would have to be
spread over a number of years when counting results as
compared with expenditure.

What has been written so far concerning the Continental
system has been descriptive of what may be termed the
idea as originally determined ; but it may well be that all
the surroundings necessary to full and complete success
may not be present upon a British preserve, and it has to

Practical Game-Preserving. 168

be varied and modified to suit particular requirements.
These modifications are generally due to an effort
to fit the plan to less pretentious requirements. The
end then held in view is to secure the mating in con-
finement of such a number of pairs of birds as may be
deemed necessary, and their eventual nesting within the
limits of a pen. It will "be easily seen how this may be
achieved by turning down a much larger number of pairs
of birds within a main enclosure) and then as soon as they
commence to pair to draw them off into movable pens
of sufficient size in which they remain and brood. Of
course, up till such time as the hen commences to nest, the
pens require regularly moving twice or three times a week,
according to what class of ground they are placed upon ;
the birds require very careful feeding, and the amount of
time and trouble consumed is correspondingly greater. On
the other hand, the plan is less expensive, but it is equally
less successful, nor can the same amount of additional
eggs be drawn for hand-rearing purposes. The great
point to be observed in these matters is to disturb the birds
as little as possible; but where the movable pens are
employed the reverse is largely the case, with correspond-
ing disadvantage. Personally, I do not see that much is
gained by thus modifying the original system over ordinary
hand-rearing as regards numbers and safety of the broods ;
but there is less packing, it is true, and the youngsters are
reared under more natural conditions.

The feeding and general management of penned
partridges will be dealt with in the following chapter, and
it is now necessary to devote attention to another system
worked in connection with the higher preservation of
partridges, namely, that of sanctuaries.

A partridge sanctuary is, speaking roundly, a portion
of a manor reserved from the rest, and upon which, except

169 Partridges.

under particular circumstances, no shooting takes place.
Of course, upon the average preserve, or even upon an
ordinary but possibly extensive partridge manor, any-
thing of the kind is practically out of the question. It is
only upon estates specially requisitioned for partridge-
preserving upon a very large scale, and where the sport of
shooting driven partridges has been brought to a degree
of perfection unattainable elsewhere, that the institution
of these sanctuaries is feasible or necessary. Two main
reasons may be adduced for the establishment of these
sanctuaries — that of a refuge for the birds during the
shooting-season, upon the one hand, and that of a nursery
from which the manor may be restocked, upon the other.
Generally speaking, a partridge sanctuary may take the
form of a more or less wide belt of country sandwiched in
between the several beats. Its boundaries may be either
artificial, or secured by the natural divisions of the ground
by hedgerows or otherwise, and the width may be that of
two or more narrow fields, or of one of sufficient breadth.
The planting and tillage of the ground covered are made
subservient to the requirements of the game and not to those
of the agriculturist, although, of course, it is sought to
assimilate the two interests where such may be necessary.
It will be apparent that a reservation of this kind may
be employed in either way, and that once birds commence
to take refuge in such, it can afford a means for assembling
large quantities of birds for occasions of special shooting
importance. The circumstances, however, which permit
or encourage the institution of partridge sanctuaries are so
exceptional in the ordinary run of game-preserves that it is
beyond the scope of this work to deal with them in detail,
and more than passing reference to such a comparatively
unique feature in partridge-preservation is uncalled for.

CHAPTER XVL

PARTRIDGES : Food and Feeding.

IN a preceding chapter the feeding of partridges was
dealt with up to the stage when a purely grain feed may
be offered them, i.e., to the time when the age of the
hand-reared birds reaches, say, three months. From this
time onward partridge poults may be placed, as far as
food goes, upon the same level as mature birds, except as
having regard to the fact that the former at this period
will, or should, have such a plenitude of natural food
before them as should make the provision of any extra
provender unnecessary. The tendency, however, of hand-
reared partridges to become very tame, the absence of the
mother bird, and an occasionally rather pronounced want
of self-reliance, prompt them to look for a continuance
of the preserver's assistance in this respect, and it is neces-
sary— at times only, maybe — to make provision for them.
Once they leave the coops, it is in the interest of the
preserver, as well as of those who shoot, that the birds
should become entirely self-reliant, even at the expense of
the loss of a few of the least fit, so that the provision of
food other than they can of themselves discover in the
fields should not be made too readily, and then only at
evening, when they feed for the last time before roosting.
In regard to partridges, I can find far less objection to
the use of maize than in connection with pheasants ; but
moderation in its employment for feeding is to be recom-

i7i Partridges.

mended. The smaller kinds are the best, and with it the
screenings of inferior quality — but not inferior condi-
tioned— foreign wheats are by far the best material to
employ. That is, in regard to the hand-reared birds as
and when they leave the coops. At a later stage, when
the fields become bare of grain, insect-food is running
short, and the innumerable multitude of weeds are dying
down, the young partridges having matured, it is practic-
ally only mature birds which have to be dealt with. It is
then that the partridges require most care and most feed-
ing. So long as the circumstances remain favourable, and
the weather keeps open, the birds suffer no particular
hardship, but except under special conditions, as provided
upon the great partridge manors, the modern practice of
agriculture is entirely opposed to the requirements of the
partridge. As stated previously, I place more import-
ance upon the proper care and provisioning of partridges
during the winter months, in regard to their prospective
health and fertility, than upon anything else connected
with the preservation of these game-birds. It is for this
reason that particular attention is devoted to what may be
termed the winter feeding of partridges.

It is a widely-prevailing error that, except under very
abnormal circumstances, where a considerable stock is
maintained, partridges require little care during the winter
months. It is an entirely mistaken idea, and responsible
for many instances of " poor partridge prospects." As a
matter of fact, partridges will frequently starve and die
under adversities of weather which only subject pheasants
to comparatively short commons. The latter possess a far
larger dietary than do partridges, and where they require
winter feeding to keep them in good condition and up to
the mark, the smaller game-birds require it actually to
keep them alive.

Practical Game-Preserving. 172

Unfortunately, the winter feeding of partridges is more
difficult and less satisfactory an operation than the winter
feeding of pheasants. It is easy enough to provide the
right description of food; but it is quite another matter
to bring it to the actual birds that require it ; for, unless
disposed in proper fashion, you are as likely to feed all
the fowls of the air as the particular game stock in view.
The state of the weather is, of course, the chief guide to
the necessities of the partridges, and must also bear upon
the manner in which the food is provided for them. Very
wet weather, with cold driving winds and periods of heavy
snowfall, are those conditions which affect partridges
most adversely in their search for food. During the first-
named conditions, they will lie so closely, and stick so
obstinately to their places of shelter, that they become
emaciated and weak before they start out in search of
much-needed food, frequently finding then that their
strength of wing and limb is unequal to the task of ade-
quately providing for themselves. In times of snow,
especially when it is followed by severe frost, and every-
thing becomes practically ice-bound, partridges suffer
severely from the inability to obtain sufficient or any food
at all, and with a continuance of it die in large quantities.
The scheme of pheasant-feeding which I have already
detailed is quite unsuited to the case of partridges, in
dealing with which quite a different mode of procedure for
providing food in winter must be followed. When bad
weather sets in, the preserver must make himself
acquainted with the exact localities of his birds.
They will be there, either as whole coveys, remnants
of such, or in larger or smaller packs. These will
be found to pass the night at or near the same spot, and
with this for guide it will be no difficult task to deter-
mine their prospective feeding-grounds. During hard

173

Partridges.

weather they will be along the hedgerows (the lee sides),
in rough broken ground, brakes, and the like, and upon
any stubbles — in fact, in any places where the nature of
the ground is calculated to break the mantle of snow or
frost. Having ascertained where the birds seek their
food, arrangements may be made to feed them according
to the nature of the places chosen.

If it is a hedgerow or a stone wall which has to be
dealt with, a kind of
food -store is necessary.
To form this, drive some
stakes, from 2ft. to 3ft.
in length, into the hedge-
row. The stakes should
be driven in at an angle
of about 45deg., and be
in couples, sufficiently
close to admit of two or
three battens, 3in. wide
and |in. thick by about
1 5ft. long, being laid and
fixed between them (Fig.
26). In and out between
these battens, bunches of Fig' 26'~?0enc£°Je
heather, broom, gorse, or
spruce branches should be laced, with their ends sloping
upwards against the hedgerow, and the other extremities
extending towards the ground, which they may just
touch here and there, but not closely enough to prevent
the ingress or the egress of the birds coming to feed.
In this way a form of sheathing is constructed along
the lower side of the hedgerow, giving ample room for
partridges to pass freely along, and beneath which the food
may be scattered. It is, in fact, a miniature sloping-shed.

Practical Game-Preserving.

A length of about i5ft. is sufficient, but where more
accommodation is necessary, several separate ones should
be put up at distances of some yards apart, or on
different sides of the fields.

The spots chosen should be dry, and naturally selected
with a view to suitability for the purpose intended. The
food should be scattered beneath the sheathing, and sparse
lines of it dropped, so as to attract the birds to the ends
and any openings in the sides. Barley, tares, hemp, and
millet-seeds, with a small quantity of maize, are the best

foods to provide for
the purpose.

In those parts
where earth hedge-
rows and stone walls
give place to quick
hedges of thorn and
other growth, the
form of food-shelter
already described
would be impractic-
able ; consequently,
another means must
be employed, where
the partridges may be successfully fed in winter. To this
end, some open frames in the form of inverted troughs
must be constructed (Fig. 27). They should be from i2ft.
to 1 5ft. in length, about i8in. or 2ft. high, and the ex-
tremities of the sides about ift. apart. Lath-wood is the
most suitable material to employ, and the shelters should
be roughly thatched with wheat or oat straw. The easiest
way of doing this is to employ a long, curved needle, and
to sew the thatching, as it were, on to the framework. The
ends of the thatching should be left loose, and should

Fig. 2 7. -Section of Ridge-Shelter for
Partridges.

175 Partridges.

just reach to the ground. For the places of disposal of
these food-shelters, choose the best protected and warmest
corners of the fields or expanses where the partridges
congregate, and feed beneath them with similar food to
that already named.

Where the partridges frequent brakes, commons, and
rough spinneys, in their search for food, there is always
considerable difficulty in reaching them in severe
weather. Under certain circumstances, food scattered
about in likely places may serve good purpose; but it is
better not to rely upon this. A better and more trust-
worthy plan is to secure some stakes about 4ft. or 5ft. in
length and about 2in. in diameter. Sharpen these at both
ends, and drive them into the ground. Upon these thrust
small sheaves of oats, barley, or wheat, but ears down-
wards, and just reaching to the ground. The sheaves
must be very tightly bound, or some obstruction must be
placed upon the stakes to prevent the sheaves from slip-
ping too low. Then the ends of the straw should be bent
outwards and downwards, so as to form a mushroom-
shaped covering for the ear-ends of the grain. The
sheaves should be specially bound up with the bind-rope
nearer to the ears by one-third of the length of the straw
than to the other extremity.

In some districts, partridges appear to roam continu-
ously, especially in open country where there is not very
much nor very general cultivation. These birds are very
difficult to provide for, and the only means of assisting
them with food in winter is by scattering loose grain where
they are likely to find it. In this connection, it may be
mentioned that the neighbourhood of gaps and gates
usually prove most suitable for such purpose.

As to the best time for putting down food for partridges,
it will be obvious that varying circumstances must serve

Practical Game-Preserving. 176

as the guide. Generally speaking, it may be said that
partridges in winter will be in search of food, as a rule?
very shortly after daylight, and again an hour or two
before sundown; but in view of the fact mentioned, that
they stick very closely to cover during severe and stormy
weather, a break in the condition of the elements, if of
any promised or likely duration, will also offer them the
opportunity for which they have been waiting.

Of course care should be taken as far as possible to see
that the food is actually consumed by the game-birds it is
intended for, or that they at least secure their fair share
of it. Naturally, if other birds are scared away, the
partridges are as likely as not to disappear with them;
consequently, it may be necessary at times to feed the
other birds too.

The feeding of partridges under the French system)
whether in the main enclosure or in the separate pens —
movable or otherwise — must also command some attention,
although this portion of the subject has been dealt with
already to some extent. It will, however, only be neces-
sary to make reference to one or two points. Birds
penned in the main enclosure require a certain amount of
meat to replace the insect-food which, under the circum-
stances, will be absent, and, according to the capabilities
of the ground upon which the enclosure is situated, so
will green food have to be supplied in small or large
quantities. When such is the case, it is best to mix it
up in a finely-chopped condition with the grain given
them, feeding it to the birds in shallow pans. The grain
best suited to penned birds will be wheat, dari, and buck-
wheat, with a little canary- or hemp-seed from time to
time. Maize may be given also in moderate quantities ;
but in any case the diet should be varied as much as
possible from day to day, or every two or three days.

177 Partridges.

Under all circumstances in connection with the feeding
of partridges, whether in pens or coops, it is most neces-
sary to remember and observe the greatest care as to
cleanliness and freedom from infection. What was said
in this connection with regard to pheasants holds equally
good concerning partridges, as also do the remarks with
reference to a provision of grit. Sharp, clean flint or
other sharp grit is necessary. Ordinary gravel or road-
scrapings, &c., in which the grit consists of rounded
stones, is of no value whatever to the birds for the purpose
intended. The important matter of water for partridges
must be dealt with precisely in the same manner as with
pheasants.

CHAPTER XVIL

PARTRIDGES : Protection.

THE protection of partridges is a very different business
from that of protecting pheasants, the various items of
which have had due attention and consideration given
them. Partridge-preserving is just what its name implies
for the most part, and the protection afforded the birds
is the mainstay of their powers of increase. Unless
partridges are protected they die off. All the means
recommended for increasing the stock of birds may
be employed, but unless some sheltering aid is afforded,
the birds will not increase eventually, nor even maintain
their numbers, but will slowly decrease to a mere scatter-
ing of coveys, few and far between.

Besides this, partridge-preserving is dependent upon so
many side issues for successful results. Any landed pro-
prietor who has suitable coverts can rear pheasants and
preserve them, but partridges require far different
conditions for existence, which are mainly found in the
cultivated fields of the farmer, whose ideas of what is
necessary very often differ from those of the landlord, or
the proprietor of the shooting. The result of this diver-
gence of opinion respecting game-preserving may prove
most unpleasant. Of course, there are more farmers who
support game-preserving than find it a grievance, and
who are first to look after the partridges' weal ; but it
must be remembered that there are men who imagine that

179 Partridges.

by placing their foot on a nestful of olive-brown eggs they
strike a blow in the cause of tenant-right or labourers'
grievances. It is against this sort of thing that the
partridge-preserver may have to contend, besides the
poacher and the vermin, and tact in this respect is neces-
sary. If the man who owns or rents a shooting over the
land of farmers who take the unkind view of things
attempts to deal in any harsh or overbearing manner with
this kind of poaching — for such it is — he will have prob-
ably poor sport for his pains, and suffer losses which might
otherwise be avoided.

I have referred to this matter now, because it is in the
preserving of partridges that it comes most to the fore,
and because good sport in the month of September can
only be expected when good feeling prevails between the
cultivator of the soil and the preserver of the game.

The partridge suffers more from attacks by vermin than
any other of our game-birds. It is the least difficult for
winged and furred marauders to capture and destroy, and
it possesses less means of defending itself against their
rapacity. From the eggs to the full-grown bird, every
varmint that runs or flies is on the look-out for them.
The polecat, where still in evidence, kills the hen bird
on her nest, and the broods of young; the stoat carries
on the same practice, while both of these vermin may
destroy a covey in the night ; weasels are for ever on the
look-out for the eggs, and cats have a nasty knack of
killing the females whilst sitting. Foxes are equally
delinquent, whilst the poaching dog is responsible for the
loss of many birds and broods.

Of the feathered marauders I need say little, but it will
be to the point. They are all equally bad — hawks, crows,
rooks, magpies, and jays. Even the common snake can-
not resist them ; and young birds, as well as the eggs of

N 2

Practical Game-Preservinf. 180

partridges, are at times destroyed by it. I have even
known the mole to abstract the eggs, and take them
underground, but for what purpose I cannot say with
certainty.

I fancy the moles burrowing under the nests are
attracted by the warmth of the sitting bird in the first
instance. Weasels working — as they so frequently do — in
mole-runs will carry the eggs off through the runs ; but
I have more than once found moles doing the same thing.

The next cause of diminution in partridges is poach-
ing; but as the preserving of this game-bird differs
from that of the pheasant, so the style of poaching them
differs. Poachers rarely shoot partridges except they
belong to that class of men who poach for profitable
sport. The partridge poacher who works for the money
it brings in alone does not care for shooting. Netting
and snaring are more to his taste, and a remarkably good
hand he is at the business as a rule. Crafty to a degree,
he generally makes the game pay — literally. His netting
is mostly a night performance, snaring or hingling a day
one; he knows where every covey " jucks," and can act
accordingly. Either the long-net drawn across the fields,
which involves the presence of two or more of a gang,
or the small net worked by one or two, is chiefly used,
the services of a suitably-trained dog being also often
brought to bear.

To prevent this mode of netting, all fields where there
are partridges must be " bushed." Bushing consists of
fixing any kind of obstacles in the ground by which the
net may be torn, caught, or entangled. Bushes may con-
sist of any kind of thorny shrub, branches of blackthorn,
whitethorn, and thick brambles, the last-named fixed thin
end downwards. Plain stakes provided with a few pro-
jecting nails may also serve for bushing. Gamekeepers

i8i Partridges.

should know where their partridges nest, and bush
accordingly. The proper way to do this is to place the
bushes, fixing them, some firmly, some loosely, from
2oyds. to 3oyds. apart each way, so that the bushes of one
line come opposite the intervals in the other. Netting
partridges only pays the poacher in the early part of the
season, and extra vigilance is therefore necessary during
the two or three weeks or so subsequent to the " First."
It is, however, during the week previous that the largest
depredations are carried on, and early in the morning on
the " First," when shooting will go on unless one is on
the look-out to prevent it.

Snaring or hingling is chiefly indulged in by labourers
and ne'er-do-wells. The dusting- and nesting-places are
the most suitable and most favoured spots, and the business
often proves very successful. Only systematic vigilance
and observation on the part of the keepers will prevent it,
and on that alone can one rely. It is a simple but very
effective style of poaching and much worked, so that no
man should flatter himself that his birds are not being
snared. Boys can do it as well as men, and an eye should
therefore be kept on everybody.

Egg-stealing is another style of poaching; it is prac-
tised to greater extent nowadays than with pheasants, but
is carried on by the same class of people. Its prevention
is simple ; never purchase any partridge eggs except from
recognised sources; do not allow people to gather " wild-
flowers ' ' during the nest season of partridges, and
summon someone who is trespassing if you can get the
chance. Taking it for granted that the keeper knows all
the nests, if one goes, put on a watch to catch the thief of
any others. Vermin leave the shells.

Egg- destroy ing is also prevalent, and is as mean a
trick as one man can play on another. Labourers who ask

Practical Game-Preserving. 182

for a rise of wages and do not obtain it, or those who
have been discharged for idleness or bad behaviour ;
people who have been warned about trespassing; farmers
who consider bad seasons and low prices are caused by
their landlords or due to game-preserving — these are the
kind of poachers who step on a partridge's nest or kick
a brood of young ones to death. They are poachers, and
of the meanest sort.

The necessary protection of partridges from the various
modes of destruction so far detailed is obvious enough.
The gamekeeper's duty, pure and simple, must be the pre-
ventive, and the remedy more certain vigilance for the
future. Partridges must in addition, however, be saved
from themselves, as we have already stated. Old and
bachelor cocks must be done away with if the stock be to in-
crease, and not to stay at a certain quantity year after year.

Bachelor cocks are either those which have become effete,
or for some reason do not pair, and separately or collec-
tively prevent other birds from bringing their breeding
operations to any material result. These bachelors should
always be destroyed, as well as what are technically termed
" hen cocks " — that is, birds which suffer, as hen
pheasants do also, from a disease of the ovary that
precludes their breeding, when they assume the colouring
of cock-birds, and act in the manner of " bachelors."
These must also be killed off, for they worry the nesting-
hens to such an extent that the latter are often unable
to deposit two eggs on the same spot. Everyone has
found single partridge eggs lying about in any and odd
places. This is usually the result of the presence of
" bachelors " and " hen cocks " on the preserves.

During the nesting season it should be one of the most
important duties of the keeper to " beat " the clovers and
meadow-grass with a view to the discovery and marking of

1 83 Partridges.

all partridge nests situated within them, so that when the
fields are being mown for hay a yard or two square may
be left round each nest not brought off. To beat clovers
successfully two men and a boy are necessary. The
men stretch a line looyds. or more in length, and draw it
gently and evenly along the top of the verdure, the boy
walking a few yards behind carrying a bundle of sticks,
each one having some distinctive mark fixed to one end.
Whenever a nest is found it is marked by placing a stick,
not near it, but at a certain distance off in a certain
direction, these being the same at each nest in every field,
or varied from field to field. Thus in the old pastures
the mark might be placed fifteen yards to the right of each
nest, in the clovers an equal distance to the left. Before
the field is mown the keeper can, of course, mark out each
nest distinctly ; meanwhile, the sticks prove no guide to
egg-stealers, &c.

The proper time for bushing fields must depend upon
the crops growing in them. In barley fields the bushing
must be done as soon as the crop has been rolled, oats the
same, wheat immediately when sown. For these, brambles
are the best to employ, because when cut green and stuck
in the earth either end first they continue to grow, and
being of the same colour as the corn are almost unobserv-
able. Turnips need only be bushed after they are hand-
hoed for the last time; fallow land and stubbles, when-
ever birds lie in or visit them.

Before closing this chapter it is well to repeat that the
preservation of partridges upon the average estate differs
largely from that of other game, being dependent on the
one hand on the ever-watchful care of the gamekeeper over
his birds and the destruction of vermin ; and on the other,
to the cordiality of relations between class and class which
is so necessary and delightful a feature of rural life.

CHAPTER XVIII;

PARTRIDGES: General Management.

THERE are one or two points in connection with the pre-
servation of partridges which hardly lend themselves to
discussion in detail under the general headings of the
previous chapters, and which it is necessary to consider as
bearing upon the successful preserving of these birds.
One of the most important of these is the numerical
relation of the sexes and the mating habit amongst
partridges.

It has been practically conclusively shown that the
relative numbers of male and female partridges in these
islands are as sixty-five to seventy-five, which, seeing that
the birds are strictly monogamous, points to an actual
excess of hen- over cock-birds. This is not an
unusual feature amongst birds which pair annually
or for life. Taking into consideration the manner in
which it is usual to kill down the old cock-birds, not
necessarily effete, it is by no means surprising that of late
years the cry of barren birds has been a frequent and a
widespread one. This has been the case to far larger
extent upon the ordinary preserves than upon the large
partridge manors, and is due to one or two somewhat
widely differing causes. It is attributable to some extent
to the shooting of driven birds where driving is not
thoroughly understood and carried out, and also to the

!85 Partridges.

practice of dealing with what are loosely termed the " old
cocks" upon lines more akin to those which are applied
to pheasants than what should be the case as regards
partridges. The eventual result in either case is that a
preponderance of hen-birds is left, and — what is to me
rather curious — a packing in small quantities of cock-birds
just about mating-time. The remedy for this state of
things must partake of a twofold nature. In the first
place, shooting should finish at the end of December, and
the killing of all the really old cocks be left to the keepers
during January, and then, according to the season, if late
or early, the whole of the stock should be beaten up and
the pairs already made broken, either at the end or middle
of February. It must be carried out in wholesale manner
to be effective, and each beat or the whole preserve be dealt
with at one time. A general round-up of the birds should
be made, driving them to a common centre, and then
dispersing them again, or they should be driven from one
side of the beat or preserve to the other upon one day, and
back again the next. The result of such manoeuvres is
exactly opposite to what those unacquainted with the pro-
cedure might suppose, and although the birds mated up to
that point may be sundered, the eventual outcome is a far
less percentage of barreners than would otherwise be the
case. There results further a far greater commixture of
the partridge blood there may be upon the estate than is at
all likely under ordinary conditions.

Another point necessary of elucidation is that relating
to the brooding of the partridge. It is a very common
error to suppose that this game-bird broods a second time.
Late broods mean late nesting. Once a partridge has
incubated her eggs, if only for one twenty-four hours, she
does not, if her nest be disturbed, destroyed, or if she
by any reason of weather or otherwise be caused to

Practical Game-Preserving. 186

desert it, nest again that season. It may be, but it
is not always the case, that if before a partridge has
ceased laying that particular nest be disturbed, causing
desertion, or be destroyed, the bird will nest again;
but this is all that can be counted on. It is necessary to
make these facts clear, because so much depends upon the
successful mating and brooding of the partridges upon the
average preserve, and if by reason of an unfavourable
season anything occurs seriously to interfere with it, there
is no possibility, except from outside sources, of rehabili-
tating the preserve until the second year following. It is
under these circumstances that the Continental system
proves its value, and that resort may be made with much
advantage to the introduction of Hungarian birds upon the
manor depleted of breeding- stock.

What is generally spoken of as the Euston system is also
applied to partridge-rearing where and when the chances
of losing whole clutches by stray dogs, foxes, and other
vermin are somewhat pronounced. In connection with
partridges, the nests are sought out and the eggs taken as
they are laid, the actual ones being replaced by artificial
substitutes or by rotten or unfertile ones, until such time as
the partridge broods, when the eggs are simultaneously
placed under hens, which sit on them until incubation is
about to be completed, when they are replaced under the
hen game-birds, the dummy eggs being removed. The
eggs are then speedily hatched off and wild-reared.

There may or may not be a great deal to recommend this
system; but it is certainly one which the ordinary game-
keeper does not take to kindly, and personally I doubt
whether it be at all suited for general or even partial
adoption with success. The time consumed and labour
expended in prosecuting it are alike excessive, and I am
convinced that if greater attention and care were given to

187 Partridges.

protecting the nests of the wild-nesting birds, a greater
measure of success would accrue than is likely with this
application of the Euston system.

What is infinitely easier and far more effective is to
seek out all partridge nests, as is necessary for bushing
purposes already, and wherever it be possible, to place
a circle of 4in.-mesh wire-netting — the ordinary sheep-
netting — round the nest at a distance of from 5ft. to 6ft.
from it ; 3ft. to 4ft. is sufficiently high, and the
wire should be fitted round the nest when the bird com-
mences laying. The hen partridge will, if undisturbed,
pass in and out through the wire without any compunction ;
but in almost every instance neither passing dog nor fox
will go within the limits of the circle of wire-netting. As
against this plan, however, is the fact that where egg-
stealing goes on, the poacher has a good mark to guide him
to his loot.

The fact that the cock partridge will prove as good a
mother to the brood as the hen herself, should anything
happen to her, is sometimes taken advantage of by keepers
hand-rearing partridges under the modified Continental
system. Instead of trusting them to a foster-hen, they
allot some of the penned cocks to broods so hatched, and
it is found that the cock partridge will take to them and
rear them as well and as wildly as a hen-bird, and that the
packing of the broods is so avoided. This is an interest-
ing and instructive practice which might be more largely
worked when partridges are reared from penned birds,
and where there may be a surplus of eggs.

CHAPTER XIX.

RED GROUSE: Natural History.

To the ordinary game-preserver the natural history of the
Red Grouse — or, to adopt the usual appellation, of the
grouse — is unimportant compared with that of the
pheasant, the partridge, or even the Black Grouse, in-
asmuch as of all game-birds Tetrao scoticus has most right
to be denominated wild. The whole system of grouse-
preservation nowadays is so much an art that a mere know-
ledge of the habits of the bird, such as may be imparted
in the limits of the present work, can but serve as a start-
ing-point from which its life-history may be gathered.

When dealing with the Red Grouse, we come to a
totally different form of preservation from that by which
partridges and pheasants are maintained ; so much so that
the knowledge acquired by a Highland keeper, with a
life-long experience upon certain moors, is something that
he cannot impart to others upon any hard-and-fast lines
of instruction. The man with intuitive faculties in this
direction, reasoning perhaps largely by analogy, will be
able to grasp precisely what certain moors require, and
extend that particular form of preservation towards them
which will bring permanent success. Another, lacking
these instincts, will be incapable of grasping the situation,
and all the teaching in the world will not enable him to
preserve grouse satisfactorily or successfully.

However much, moreover, the preserver may desire to

i89

Red Grouse.

know and to seek to inform himself as to the manner of
grouse-preservation, he cannot, under anything approach-
ing ordinary circumstances, be otherwise than wholly
dependent upon his keeper for the carrying-out of his
wishes. He may certainly touch the fringe of the science
— for such it is — and he may make himself thoroughly
conversant with the general principles which govern grouse-
preservation ; but it is the keeper who from day-in-day
out, yearly, long observation alone can gauge the
signs and portents which govern his every action. The
grouse-keeper, whether of the English and Welsh or of
the Scottish moors, is born, not made, and it is rare indeed
for a Southern or an ordinary gamekeeper to pass success-
fully to the care of a moor.

I shall, however, continue to follow the scheme pursued
in dealing with other game-birds, and place as much
information before the reader as can be profitably given
in print without dropping into any of those theoretical
disquisitions so dear to the average grouse- shooter.

The grouse is indigenous in all parts of the British
Isles. In England it prevails to more or less extent on
the moors of the four Northern counties of Lancashire,
Yorkshire, Derbyshire, sparsely in Staffordshire, and in
appreciable extent in other counties. In the mountainous
parts of Wales it is also a staple bird of sport, as also on
most of the great Irish moorlands ; but nowhere is it so
abundant as in Scotland, particularly in the North or the
Highlands, and in the large islands generally on the
Western coast.

The reason of this abundance is not far to seek. The
grouse is emphatically a denizen of the moor, and it is,
moreover, a thoroughly wild bird, which, although amen-
able to preservation to large extent, resents intrusion by
either man or beast upon the uncultivated, unfrequented,

Practical Game-Preserving. 190

almost desolate lands which are its sole habitat. Wherever
the improving hand of man encroaches, the moorcock flies
before him. It is not because the heather-covered lands
of Aberdeenshire, of Sutherlandshire, and elsewhere,
possess inherent peculiarities that they become acceptable
to the grouse ; it is because shepherds and sheepdogs do not
daily scour them, because the heather is not burned solely
to make way for the growth of pasture, and because the
many other conditions are not present which mark the
progress of agriculture. The grouse seems to have little
preference as regards the nature of a given moor, provided
its haunts be sufficiently free from intrusion, and present
the well-known characteristics of abundant heather and
dry waste land. It evidently prefers land of a medium
description, between the barren stony wastes where
ptarmigan may be sought for, and the marshy low tracks
of moor, bog, and young plantations which seem chiefly to
suit the tastes of Black Game. It must not be imagined,
however, that grouse do not lend themselves to some extent
to altered conditions of existence which may be forced
upon them. On the contrary, the labours of game-
preservers in introducing hand-reared birds have certainly
been successful in retaining grouse in the neighbourhood
of cultivated ground, and despite the presence of flocks of
sheep and their belongings on the moors. The successful
establishment — although upon a small and experimental
scale — in Suffolk must also not be overlooked. It is difficult
to specify the peculiarities which cause one moor to be held
in more favourable regard than others by the birds, but
there is no doubt that such is the case. The chief
desiderata, it may be assumed, are that the formation of
the ground serves to some extent to shelter the slopes prin-
cipally frequented from heavy inclemencies of weather;
that any rain falling be readily carried off, leaving a

I9I Red Grouse.

quick-drying surface ; that the cover be thick ; that there
be frequent inequalities of surface ; and a good supply of
food besides that from the heather. Grouse have no par-
ticular spots which they frequent as roosting-places, but
will roost in one particular spot or close to it for several
nights, sometimes for a week or so in succession. They
are, however, very uncertain birds, and shift their quarters
apparently without reason or aim.

Curiously, the Red Grouse is monogamous, so strictly,
indeed, that I believe the instances of departure from this
rule are curiosities of zoology. This appears as a singular
characteristic, for both Black Game and the scarce caper-
cailzie are polygamous. The birds pair in the early
spring, or rather at the end of winter, and by the end of
February all the mating is over. By the end of April
laying is in full progress. Sometimes birds will pair as
early as the first week in December, but these premature
matings are apparently ended on the first severity of
weather. The nest is made in any slight hollow beneath
or in the centre of a tuft of heather, where no water can,
or rather should, accumulate. The furnishing of the nest
is very slight — some bits of moss, or ling, and bents
scraped together from near at hand. In this apology for
a nest the eggs are deposited, varying from four to thirteen
or fourteen, but the average is probably between seven and
ten. As soon as the young are hatched, the hen alone
completing the incubation, they are taken care of by both
parents, the hen assuming immediate charge, while the cock
watches assiduously to protect his progeny from the attacks
of vermin. The brood remains with the old birds until the
autumn, when the family is broken up, and the birds
pursue their respective courses, although remaining to some
extent in consort till the "packing" of winter begins,
when the broods become finally spread.

Practical Game-Preserving. 192

The daily routine of the Red Grouse's existence has
features of its own. It is decidedly an early bird, and
takes its first meal betimes in the morning, resorting sub-
sequently to those spots where the day is passed in basking
and other quiet occupations, after which, in the afternoon,
it seems to turn its attention to feeding again, and goes to
roost early. In an undisturbed state grouse rarely fly at
dusk, much less afterwards, nor are they to be caught
napping among their haunts at sunrise. Their food
consists for the most part of some of the natural vegetable
products of the waste lands which they frequent, and
comprises chiefly the following : the tender portions of the
ling or heath, commonly termed ' ' heather " ; of the
heather proper (Erica cinered), generally called " heath " ;
several kinds of sedge and other grasses, and various
descriptions of mountain berries, among which may
be mentioned, as the commonest, the whortleberry,
the cranberry, the crowberry, and the red bearberry ; also
the shoots and leaves of these according to the season. To
enumerate all the plants upon which grouse feed would be
difficult. During winter they often become, like many
other birds, very short of food, and when the supply is too
scant on the weather-beaten moors, they have recourse to
the fields and stubbles of farmers, and to outlying planta-
tions. It has of late years become recognised as a neces-
sity that grouse be fed with corn, &c., during severe
weather, and seeing the numbers of birds which some
moors have to support, the practice must have approval,
alike from a humane and a practical point of view.

It will be seen that though a hill be wanting in heath or
heather, it may still prove an attractive place for grouse
to feed, owing to its producing other suitable food. This
bird is one that alters its habits to a very inappreciable
extent according to the season, and unlike its more sombre

193

Red Grouse.

congener, will frequent precisely the same expanse of
ground from one Midsummer Day to another, unless ousted
by sportsmen or other irresistible cause, and the mere
shooting of some members of a brood will not create any
impulse to migration in the remainder. This matter of
migration must, however, receive attention at a later period.
Not much, perhaps, would be gained by going further
into the natural history of this member of the
Tetraonidce here. As was said before, a real insight into
its mode of life and idiosyncrasies is only obtainable by
personal observation in its moorland haunts.

CHAPTER XX.

RED GROUSE : Introduction and Maintenance of a
Stock.— Feeding.

THE introduction of Red Grouse upon a moor is a very
different matter from that of pheasants into existing
coverts. The first obstacle to the establishment of a moor
would probably be found in the acquisition of a suitable
expanse of land. Nowadays deer-forests, so-called, are
very much on a level with sheep-farms, or, at least, it is
sought to make them so, and the question is often debated,
Which would be the more successful, commercially con-
sidered? But, whether rightly or not, grouse-moors are
regarded as an expensive luxury, and as affording com-
paratively no recompense in rent to the owner of the land.
Consequently, it is much easier to acquire a moor than to
obtain an expanse of hill land, for the purpose of
introducing and maintaining a head of moor game. It is
a case of "first catch your hare." First acquire your
moor not preserved, but ready and suitable to commence
work on. A suitable moor must have two qualifications :
first, and of chief importance, a natural adaptability of
soil, situation, and general character for the rearing of
grouse; and, secondly, unlikelihood of being rendered
practically useless by reason of its surroundings.

The soil of a grouse-moor is the first matter for con-
sideration, for unless that be suitable, it is useless seeking

to maintain grouse upon it. Either it may be incapable
of producing the variety or quantity of natural growth
necessary, or it may drown out the birds in wet weather
by reason of its holding instead of running off the rain.
It is, doubtless, true that moorlands all bear much the
same character in respect of soil, but it is also true that
they vary more considerably than is generally imagined.
It will often be noticed that, notwithstanding a very
sheltered position, some portions, often of large extent,
exhibit a sterility quite extraordinary, beside another
occupying a most weather-beaten aspect. That this is
due to the soil to some extent is certain, but more probably
to the distance of the surface mould from the underlying
rock. One side of a hill exposed to all the roughest
storms of wind, rain, and cold may be thickly clad with
heather, ling, and berry-bearing plants ; the other, occupy-
ing the side of a sheltered valley, scarcely bear a blade of
grass or a tuft of heath. It is, therefore, necessary, as
the first step, to discover whether the moor be capable
of producing, or, in fact, does produce, a sufficiency of the
indispensable cover and food for the birds, embracing in
large proportion the several plants enumerated in the fore-
going chapter.

In a wet season, partridges, chiefly the young birds, are
drowned out to enormous extent on the clayey lands ; and
the same causes which bring this about effect, in similar
fashion, the deaths of thousands of young grouse or
"cheepers." Moorlands at any time are not the least
rainy parts of the country, and when for five or six days
in succession the deluge is repeated, they become neither
the driest nor the cosiest of outdoor habitations. On un-
suitable moors, or those which by reason of their nature or
situation are unable to run off the surplus water quickly,
the ground becomes soddened, every little depression

O 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 196

becomes a pool, and every gust of wind scoops the water
out of the holes and flings it over the upstanding tufts and
expanses ; so that the grouse of mature age are hard pressed
for shelter, while the young of all ages and sizes find it
terrible work to withstand the wet, and in bad places go
down before it in tens and hundreds. The necessity,
therefore, of choosing a quickly-draining moor is evident
to the most inexperienced. The essential character of a
moor may be said to consist in its unevenness of surface.
A very slightly undulating expanse of closely -heathered
land is rarely so much affected by the birds as one abound-
ing in abrupt irregularities, a good " up-and-down sort of
place," in fact, where the projecting granite stones are
found in clusters, surrounded by luxuriant growth of moor-
plant, and where the brooks and burns are plentiful. In
the more frequented and cultivated districts a belt of
plantation, old or young, between the parts frequented by
man and the domain of the giouse, is not only a great
advantage but an allurement to the birds, although they
are not given to frequent wooded land.

Another very important matter is the surroundings of a
proposed grouse-moor. It may be very well to acquire a
tract of land, and say you are going to rear grouse, &c. ;
but when your neighbours happen to be sheep or cattle
farmers, with a host of active stock on all sides, and for
ever straying on it, or crossing it, or being driven at a
wild gallop out of it, the matter assumes another aspect.
It is not possible to have a wall to keep them out, and it
follows that unless neighbours are agreeable, grouse-rear-
ing is out of the question. The best advice to anyone
wanting a moor is to acquire one in a part where grouse-
rearing and preserving and shooting are the only business.
It may involve a tedious wait, but sooner or later one is
sure to drop on the right thing in the right place, and if it

i97 Red Grouse.

be not already used for the multiplication of Lagopus
scoticus, so much the better, as the interloper will earn the
gratitude of his neighbours who pursue the practice.

The establishment of grouse on land where for some
time previously they have not been preserved, or scarcely
ever been seen, is a work of some difficulty. That it may
be done has been proved over and over again, as witness
the large head of grouse on many manors where there were
formerly none or very few. But it is a matter requiring
a far greater amount of care, attention, and experience than
the introduction of pheasants or partridges upon a wooded
estate or an ordinary manor. It is one, moreover, which
requires considerably more finesse than most people
suppose. Highland and the North-country keepers
certainly bring a fair share of experience to work, but they
bring as much tact and wiliness, which stand them in good
stead in obtaining and keeping birds upon their lands.

Grouse to be turned down upon land must be obtained
from places possessing similar characteristics of locality
and climate to those upon which they are to be introduced
— at least, as much so as possible, for unless they are, the
likelihood is that a large percentage will fail to establish
themselves. The first months of the year are the most
favourable time for obtaining birds, and the autumn the
next desirable. If in the former, the earlier the better,
as there is then good opportunity offered the birds to mate
quickly and remain. In autumn young birds may be
obtained and turned away sufficiently early for them to
learn the ins and outs and resources of their new lands.
The birds are best conveyed to their destination late in the
day, and liberated at dusk. Some food may be scattered
around in case it be required at first. Of course, the diffi-
culty is found in the securing and conveyance of the
birds. There are many grouse-moors held as commercial

Practical Game-Preserving. 198

speculations rather than exclusively for sporting purposes,
whose owners would be but too glad to earn the highly
remunerative rates live grouse would bring them. The
transportation is most easily effected in dark hampers and
baskets; but as the birds will probably neither feed nor
drink while confined, it is of paramount importance that
the removal be as expeditious as possible. I would,
however, rely far more on the hand- rearing of birds than
on turning down, either for the nucleus of a head of game
or for the increase of the present stock. They are mode-
rately easily reared, and under any circumstances this is
sure to be found the most practical mode.

The maintenance of a stock of grouse depends chiefly
upon the assiduity with which vermin is killed down and
upon the careful protection of the game from poachers,
but also to a considerable extent on guarding the birds
against the evils incidental to sheep-farming and on the
periodical introduction of fresh blood in the shape of eggs
brought from a distance, hatched out either under a hen
grouse naturally or hand-reared and turned down. Moors
will sometimes get game-sick, and the production of a
superabundance of birds will often bring about an epidemic
" disease," which will be set down to a dozen causes other
than the right one.

CHAPTER XXI.

RED GROUSE : Hand-Rearing.— A New System.

THE hand-rearing of Red Grouse is for various unex-
plained reasons generally considered to be very trouble-
some, unsuccessful, and unproductive. It is, however, by
no means so fraught with disadvantage as is supposed.
It is not, of course, the comparatively easy matter that
pheasant-rearing is, but it is at the same time practicable,
and if embarked in and carried out seriously, a very
feasible and useful undertaking. Two reasons may be
adduced on behalf of its more general adoption — the time
it saves which a game-sick moor would otherwise take to
recover itself, and the scope it affords for providing fresh
blood on moors somewhat taxed by their head of game.
Eggs must be obtained under natural conditions, and,
moreover, in a careful and considerate manner ; otherwise
the mere abstraction of one may cause the nest to be
deserted by the mother-bird, while disturbance, whether
by man or by dog, after incubation has commenced, will
in nine cases out of ten result in abandonment. It is
necessary, therefore, that great precaution be exercised in
obtaining eggs, whether from a distance or from one's
neighbours, for, instead of being quite fresh, it is possible
that the eggs of several disturbed and partially-incubated
nests will be supplied, with the result that much time,
trouble, and many opportunities will be lost. As it will

Practical Game-Preserving. 200

rarely be desirable to rely on eggs from one's own birds,
the importance of attending to this matter will be easily
seen. The distance from which the eggs are brought need
not be great, provided they be the produce of birds which
do not in any way intermix with those whose numbers it is
intended to augment or to improve. Grouse are laying, of
course, much earlier in the season than pheasants or
partridges; consequently, the arrangements for rearing
must entail somewhat more trouble ; besides, the habits of
the birds must be taken into account in greater degree.
The rearing of these game-birds is, however, the exception
rather than the rule; consequently, large permanent pre-
parations are not required, and what may be termed
temporary makeshifts take their place.

The first consideration must be the site for the breeding
operations. If there are facilities for rearing the birds on
the open moor or the borders of it, so much the better, and
provided there is a keeper's lodge or a cottage within
handy distance, it must be utilised. If, however, this be
not forthcoming, and recourse must be had to some part of
the home farm or an outlying one, then the best place to
choose is some warm, sunny spot, either in the corner of a
field or the side of one of those broad, rutted, rough tracks
called " roads," through the farm, or the bank beside a
plantation — in fact, any place where sun and warmth pre-
dominate, and where vermin and intruders are unknown.
Should such a place be decided on, the matter of shelter is
easily met, but on the open moor the case is altered. The
vicinity of a small lodge or a house would be a source of
protection, and the coops containing the youngsters could
be moved so as always to benefit by it ; while a supply of
5ft. to 6ft. wattle hurdles must not be overlooked as a
means of warding off the wind, the rain, and the cold.

The instructions which were given with regard to setting

201

Red Grouse.

pheasants' eggs hold good, in a great degree, for those of
Red Grouse. Thirteen or fifteen eggs are the best
number to set, and a hen of the usual kind should be
placed in the hatching-box, shown at Fig. 2, page 44,
on a clod of turf ; the box should be protected further by
being placed either beneath a temporary shelter of boards
along a hedge, or have a cover about 2ft. 6in. by 3ft.
placed over it slantwise, so as to keep off wind and rain,
without closing up the box completely. If any number of
sittings are being brought off at once, set several clutches
in a row beside the hedge, and put up a shelter roof for the
time. Incubation occupies about twenty-four days, and
as soon as one brood is hatched off, it must be removed to
the place where it is proposed to complete the process of
rearing. It is a great advantage if there be a small stream
of water trickling near, but the ground must always be
dry. The chicks require no confinement with the hen
after the first day or two, and may be left to look after
themselves as far as food is concerned, which they will
pick up anywhere. It is advisable to note, however, that
an abundance of clumps of rushes, sprett, &c., is necessary
otherwise the chicks may go hungry. If you have heather
near enough, large tufts of newly-grown foliage should
be spudded up and brought to the rearing-ground, and
the youngsters will duly appreciate it.

The best coop is the large rearing one and run, Fig. 9,
page 54. This, in its entirety, is employed the first few
days, and the young grouse-chicks are fed within it. Give
them precisely the same food as young pheasants the first
day or two, omitting, however, the several exceptional
articles of diet named as useful stimulating agents. After
three or four days the run may be removed, but it is
preferable to take off the outside end, and so enable the
young birds to run in and out of their own free will,

Practical Game-Preserving. 202

whilst furnishing them with the protection the run affords
against winged vermin. It is also advisable to keep some
traps set at all likely points where cats (wild domestic
ones), stoats, polecats, &c., are likely to attempt an entry.
Every day, or on alternate days, some of the berries which
grouse claim as a portion of their food should, if possible,
be collected and scattered about where the young birds may
find and pick them up. If the supply of natural food be
found scanty, as it probably will unless a well-adapted
spot be chosen, it will be necessary to provide some artificial
food, which may be given night and morning ; it should
take the shape of that recommended for pheasants at a
similar age, with the exception of maize and peas. The
broods, as they become older and increase in size and
strength, will require more careful watching, consequent
on their developing an independence of action which might
lead them to roam too far afield by day, and to seek to
take up their quarters beneath some bush or tuft of heather
or brake by night, instead of finding their way back with
the hens to their coops, to which it will mostly be found
necessary to guide them, and close them in for the night.
Young hand-reared grouse are not subject to disease like
young pheasants, but many will often be invalided by
such maladies as are brought on by the inclemency of the
weather ; for instance, cramp, catarrh, and the like. The
treatment is as for pheasants. They will, however, die
off sometimes in a most disappointing way ; this is generally
due to unsuitability of the site or mismanagement in the
rearing.

As soon as the youngsters have acquired sufficient
plumage and experience to fly a short distance, they may
be taken away to a dry part of the moor not too thickly
tenanted with birds, where they may be turned down at a
spot where shelter and food are plentiful, and whence

203 **c<* Grouse.

they may easily reach and mingle with naturally-reared
birds and learn the mysteries of grouse life. Broods of
young birds so turned away should be visited every day
or so, for a week or two, to make sure that they are
thriving and not being killed off by vermin, &c. At
first, perhaps, a few oats and wheat may be thrown down
every morning, in case, owing to inexperience of wild life,
they may not otherwise obtain a sufficiency of food.

I am inclined to the opinion that it would be possible to
bring Red Grouse into a state of semi-domestication and
obtain from them a large supply of eggs, as is done with
pheasants. With Black Game it has proved satisfactory
and easy of accomplishment, but for Red Grouse reliance
is usually placed on bought or exchanged eggs to furnish
the regular supply.

I now propose to give particulars and results of some
carefully-pursued experiments made during the last two
seasons in connection with the hand-rearing of Red Grouse.
Speaking generally, it may be said that the system em-
ployed is based upon different lines from what has hitherto
been adopted by those rearing Red Grouse by hand. The
information is contributed by Mr. W. A. Nicholson, of
Portobello, N.B., and I think we may regard this original
information as a valuable addition to our knowledge of the
subject. I give it in this gentleman's own words : —

" Individual efforts to hand-rear grouse have been
attempted, and have proved fairly successful, but these
have not been worked upon a large scale, and no practical
system dealing with the matter has yet been put forward.
For many years I have given the habits of the Red
Grouse considerable study, and in the following pages a
system of rearing the birds is described which has yielded
very successful results, and that from the very first experi-
ment undertaken. The first trial was conducted on a plot

Practical Game-Preserving. 204

of grass land on the sloping side of a hill facing the south-
west.

Twenty-four eggs were utilised, and fourteen chicks
were hatched and successfully reared. This result was
very encouraging to me, more especially as I had often
read, and had been told, that grouse would not thrive
without heather. The fourteen birds reared never as much
as tasted that plant up to the day they were marked and
released. Their food consisted principally of clover,
grasses, seeds, and Spratt's No. i Grouse Meal, and spring
water. A fortnight after hatching, the chicks became very
partial to ants' eggs (so-called), and partook of large
numbers.

Fourteen grouse were netted and housed in a large
aviary, which was erected close to a fir-wood, with the
object of providing shelter. The aviary enclosed high
heather, bell heather, bleaberry, mosses, and soft grass,
intermixed with a fair assortment of other less conspicuous
moorland flora. The birds during the first week of their
confinement were very restless, and at intervals approached
close to the meshed sides of the aviary, making efforts to
escape by endeavouring to fly up, which it may be stated
they were unable to do, as each bird had the primary
feathers of one wing cut. When I was approaching with
food they hastened to conceal themselves under the long
heather shoots, and would not partake of the supply until
they imagined the coast was clear.

To remedy their aptitude for flying up, a boarding of
wood was put around inside the enclosure, and against the
netting, to a height of 3ft. They became more contented
when this was accomplished, and soon settled down to their
new surroundings. I mention this experiment to prove
that the birds, if properly managed, will breed in cap-
tivity, because from that lot of birds I had thirteen eggs,

205 Red Grouse.

and would no doubt have gathered more only for an un-
fortunate accident which occurred one night, when a fierce
storm of wind uprooted the standards of the aviary and
tore off a large part of the boarding, allowing every bird
to escape. Although their wings were cut, we only
recovered seven of the birds, and heard of two having
been killed by a dog three days later at a distance of fully
five miles from where they escaped, which conclusively
proves the extraordinary extent of their running powers.

The following method I have found to give the best
results in rearing grouse, and with the proper care and
management necessary, and punctual attendance to the
birds during stated periods, I see no reason why, if the
instructions are faithfully carried out, others should not
obtain the same encouragement by their efforts in the rear-
ing of grouse.

I had considerable difficulty in the procuring of eggs for
my series of experiments, and after a great deal of trouble
at last succeeded in procuring forty -two, and considered
myself very fortunate to get these. Had it not been
through the kindness of a gentleman, himself a proprietor
of a large moor, I should have been greatly handicapped
in getting them at all. These were set under four Buff
Orpington hens.

The boxes were stationed outside and against the wall of
an outhouse facing the west, the eggs being deposited on
heather nests, made up to correspond as near as possible
with the natural nest, with the addition of a layer of soft
grass between the heather and the ground. In choosing
hens for the hatching of grouse eggs, or, in fact, any
eggs, care should be taken to see that the birds are healthy
and especially free from insects. If this is not attended
to before ' setting,' the annoyance by the pests to the
sitting hens will cause them to become restless on the

Practical Game-Preserving. 206

nest, and broken eggs will result. Make sure, too, that
hens for setting purposes are not old, see that they possess
full wings, clear eyes, and even scales on their legs, and
that they have a healthy, well-conditioned look; and, as
stated above, examine each carefully for vermin, especially
under the wings and under the feathers on the breast. A
very wise plan, too, before setting the birds on such rarities
as grouse eggs, is to allow them to sit for a couple of
days on artificial specimens, and then the best of the hens
may be chosen for the important process of incubating the
real eggs.

The forty-two eggs yielded forty chicks, three of which
were very weakly, but these lived; the other two eggs
proved to be bad. The day after hatching they were
removed, along with their foster-parents, to a cleared
space on the moor, and each coop was fitted with a run
5ft. long, and a little narrower than the entire breadth of
the coop, the top of the run being covered with small -mesh
wire-netting, and the heather within the run (within the
inner circle, see Fig. 28) allowed to grow naturally and
without being interfered with in any manner. During the
period of sitting the hens were carefully lifted off the nests
at regular intervals, namely, at eight in the morning and
four in the afternoon, for food and water, and for the
purpose of allowing them to indulge in a dust-bath.
During the first week of incubation they were allowed ten
minutes off the eggs each time, and from the eighth day to
the day of hatching an additional five minutes were allowed
them. The food supplied to the hens consisted of barley
given in the morning, and wheat and rice in the afternoon,
including fresh water. The young grouse are very tender
little creatures, and the utmost care must be taken in
removing them to the heather, which ought not to be under-
taken until they are at least a full day old. By that

207

Red Grouse.

time they will have become stronger on their feet, and
more lively, and begin to take an interest in their surround-
ings— peeping out their heads to see what is taking place
around them. For removing the chicks to the moor there
is nothing better than a hot-water carrying-box, which,

Fig. 28.— Plan showing position of Coop and manner of clearing
the heather.

even supposing the distance is short, ensures the birds
being kept warm, and lessens the liability of their catching
cold, which they are prone to do during the early stage of
their lives. Select a circle of ground on the moor, where
the heather is not too high, clearing a space on the outside
to allow of the coop being shifted round, and allowing the

Practical Game- Preserving. 208

heather within the run to grow naturally. Care must
be taken, however, to see that the heather at the entrance
between the run and coop is removed to allow of the chicks
having free access to the run. The heather provides the
shelter necessary for the chicks, and they feed on the small
grasses and insects in a natural manner. The top of the
run must not be covered except during very wet weather.
A slight shower of rain is beneficial, both for the health of
the chicks and the plant-life which retains the moisture.
The coops should be removed round the circles every two
days, and this ought to be done in the evening immediately
the birds have retired for the night. The ground under
the coops may be covered with cut hay or grass, which
provides warmth, and is easily and quickly removed when
the boxes are shifted. Chopped heather must not on any
account be put inside the coops, as it becomes mixed with
the evacuation of the hens, the young grouse begin to
peck it, and scour is contracted, which kills the birds.

The food supplied during the first week was mixed seeds
and Spratt's Small Game Meal, containing a sprinkling
of ' Crissel,' and beef -suet, chopped finely, every three
days. The latter was eaten with much relish, more
especially during cold weather. A little lettuce was given
every forenoon. On the eighth day the birds were in
addition supplied with bruised hemp- and rape-seed and
whole dari, and at three weeks the coarser No. 2 meal was
substituted for the fine and canary mixed seeds, and a
plentiful supply of chopped heather-tops supplied. Ants'
eggs, softened in boiling water, were allowed the birds
every day, and it was observed the chicks were always
very thirsty.

The chicks grew very rapidly and became comparatively
tame. At feeding-time they would crowd round and
endeavour to use their short wings in their hurry to meet

209

Red Grouse.

me. The birds were fed five times a day — at seven and
ten a.m., and one, four, and six o'clock in the evening.
Just as much food as they would consume was given each
time, but a plentiful supply of seeds was always pro-
vided. Although the birds were all healthy, they never
appeared to be extremely hungry, and the cause of this I
put down to their having plenty to eat inside the runs in
the shape of seeds and heather. They were very fond of
the young sprouting shoots and leaves of the latter, and as
they grew older split oats were supplied and greedily
eaten. The birds eventually became very partial to the
oats, and would eat these and leave the other seeds.

It is most important to observe that everything con-
nected with the rearing of the birds is kept scrupulously
clean, especially the drinking-vessels, and I cannot lay too
much stress on the importance of providing fresh water,
which is, in my opinion, most essential in keeping the birds
in health. Renew the water three times a day, and
clean out the dishes on each occasion.

I must say that I had no difficulty in rearing the birds,
and out of the forty chicks hatched not a single death
occurred, all reaching a mature stage and growing an
excellent plumage. There is really no difficulty in
managing the chicks — they certainly give no more trouble
than pheasants — the feeding is much the same, and the
rearing is as interesting. It is hoped that a trial of this
method in rearing grouse may eventually lead on to greater
efforts by those in a position to give the necessary time
to the undertaking, and especially would I commend to
the notice of grouse-preservers the advisability of ex-
perimenting with grouse-breeding in captivity. Much has
been written on the subject of grouse-shooting and the
management of grouse-moors, but the subject of the rear-
ing of the birds seems to have been almost entirely ignored,

p

Practical Game-Preserving. 210

if we leave out the individual experiments undertaken by
moorland keepers, who appear to be somewhat reticent in
making known the results of their trials. I should be
pleased to give any further information which may be
necessary, or to help with any further advice on the sub-
ject of this chapter. All letters should be addressed to
the Publisher, Mr. L. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Buildings,
Drury Lane, London, W.C., and marked ' Grouse.' '

With reference to the foregoing valuable contribution
to our knowledge of the subject of grouse-rearing by
hand, I should like to point out to the reader that
Mr. Nicholson's experiments make it clear that there would
be no great difficulty in causing grouse to mate and lay
freely in captivity under much the same conditions as
prove easily successful with pheasants. Furthermore, the
fact that all the eggs secured were hatched out, and the
chicks reared to full maturity, serves to warrant the
opinion that under the conditions described far greater
success should attend the hand-rearing of Red Grouse than
has hitherto proved to be the case.

CHAPTER XXII.

RED GROUSE: Diseases.

THE conditions under which grouse are preserved are so
essentially natural that the diseases to which they are
subject are far from numerous, and, with one exception,
by no means virulent. They are for the most part inci-
dental to the early life of the birds, or brought about by
inclemencies of weather. The epidemic of "grouse
disease " proper can only be accounted for by the altered
circumstances of existence in over-preservation. Young
grouse in a natural state are subject to catarrh, chills, and
a species of roup. All these are due primarily to atmo-
spheric conditions. The first-named may occur in the
young at any time before reaching the stage known as
half -grown. The same, also, may be said of roup ; but
chills are mostly caught by the very young birds during
more than ordinarily wet spring-times on the moors. Very
little can be done to aid the youngsters to combat these
maladies ; indeed, it is questionable if they are not better
when left to take their chance. If one be always prowling
about looking out for sick and weakly youngsters to convey
to the fireside for warmth and comfort, the disturbance to
the broods generally must be far more prejudicial than the
gain to individuals would warrant.

Drowning out is a common accident to young grouse,
and carries off hundreds on some moors, not to mention

P 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 212

the many old birds which fall victims to wet and exposure
whilst seeking to protect their offspring. This chiefly
occurs on flat expanses of moor, where the soil is of a
heavy character and " cakes," with the result that the
rain lies upon the surface, accumulating in the hollows,
rendering it necessary for the old birds to repair to the
elevated spots and brave the wind, rain, and cold, with
the alternative of remaining in sheltered places and being
half-drowned. The result either way is similar and alike
deplorable. Endeavour should, therefore, be made to
discourage the nesting and frequenting of birds on such
undesirable parts of a moorland preserve.

At certain seasons and upon certain moors there often
occurs an epidemic of tapeworm, which carries off hundreds
of young birds, and even acts very prejudicially on the old
ones, though they seem better able to cope with the malady,
and consequently suffer, in respect of mortality, to a less
extent. Tapeworm seems always present in some degree
of virulence among grouse; but at certain times of the
year, and in certain parts, it seems to get the upper hand,
and to carry off birds by scores. How it is acquired or
to what causes it may be attributed are questions scarcely
answerable, because of the peculiarly local character of the
visitations. All the birds on one side of a broad expand-
ing hill may be more or less affected, the young die off,
some of the old ones follow suit, and those which survive
bear an emaciated appearance, testifying to the prevalence
of the pernicious parasites ; whilst over the brow the birds
are quite free. Of course, the visitation does not always
show such noteworthy features. It, however, rarely
attacks a whole district, but rather small parts of several
districts. While, too, it may be present in one season, it
is absent in another, although the conditions of climate
appear to be precisely similar. The only satisfactory

Grouse.

reason which can be given for its occurrence is that men-
tioned in connection with the same parasites in pheasants.

The disease (or, rather, diseases) generally classed as the
grouse disease is, unfortunately, too well known, as far
as its effects are concerned, to warrant entering into any
lengthy descriptions. Under the general term " grouse
disease *' three obviously distinct maladies of epizootic
form are usually included or confounded. There is, in
the first instance, the same, or apparently the same,
enteritis, which was described when dealing with pheasants.
It is caused and spread by contaminated sources of drink-
ing-water, but is not infectious. Beyond this I do not
see that I can add anything to what appears upon this
subject under the head of " Pheasant Diseases."

Then there is a form of tubercular disease quite akin to
phthisis in the human subject. It is a slow and wasting
disease amongst grouse as amongst men, but occasionally
exhibits a rapid course in otherwise weakly birds. Finally,
there is what constitutes probably the grouse disease, an
enteric-pneumonitic malady, which usually proves fatal
within twelve hours. It is probable that neither of these
two diseases is actually infectious, or more contagious
than typhoid in human beings, because when grouse pack
in winter-time they are, to all intents and purposes, free
from it. During the time when the roughest and wettest
weather prevails, the birds are freer from disease than at
any other j but as soon as the mild and dry weather of the
spring-time comes the trouble shows itself.

This is practically all that is positively known concern-
ing ' ' grouse disease. ' ' A great deal has been done, and is
being done, to acquire positive and connected knowledge
upon the subject. The commission which has been investi-
gating the disease may be expected to do a great deal in
furthering the knowledge which Dr. Klein's pathological

Practical Game-Preserving. 214

investigations have given us as to the origin of the malady
or maladies ; but it is very probable that until a properly-
constituted body can sit down upon a moor and investigate
an outbreak from its very inception to its final disappear-
ance, we shall never have a definite pronouncement upon
the cause, development, and the means of combating the
epidemic.

This being the case, it is somewhat presumptuous to
attempt to offer any definite advice as to how to deal with
grouse disease. All that can be said is that all dead birds
should be burned, all weakly birds killed off, and as
small a stock as possible left over for breeding purposes.
Much could be done to prevent it by draining in certain
defined directions, having reference to the water-supply,
because it is practically assured that it is in connection with
this that the great epidemics are caused. A damp soil,
accompanied by unusual heat, producing a warm, humid
state of the atmosphere and surface soil, are the conditions
most favourable to an outbreak and the spread of it. It
is, however, comparatively local, but when carried to a
fresh locality is far more destructive than over the scene
of its outbreak.

I am entirely of opinion that over-preservation is in-
directly the cause of a very great deal of grouse disease,
and agree that over-destruction of certain kinds of
feathered and furred vermin exercises an equally, although
indirect, deleterious influence. The carrion crows, rooks,
stoats, weasels, magpies, and jays, where they exist,
should be cleared off with no uncertain hand; but to
the hawks in reason I would extend as great a licence as
possible, especially to the larger ones. All the above are
determined destroyers of eggs and young chicks, indis-
criminately, choosing always the best and healthiest of the
latter. To the hawks it is mainly the weaklings and the

2I5

Red Grouse.

already diseased which fall victims, and even if they do
destroy a few healthy birds, they are practically contri-
buting to the survival of the fittest in the most salutary
manner.

To be perfectly safe, an owner of a grouse-moor should
never bring birds from another moor on to his own. There
are, however, difficulties at times which render this
practice unavoidable when fresh blood is required. When-
ever this is the case, eggs should be obtained, which, in
view of the larger information now possessed as to the
hand-rearing of grouse, has everything in its favour.

CHAPTER XXIIL

RED GROUSE : Protection.

PROBABLY no kind of game offers such facilities to vermin
and poachers as Red Grouse; yet in addition it suffers
considerably from the molestation of farmers and shep-
herds of evil intent, who, although practising arts equally
reprehensible with those of poachers, yet manage so to
veil their malpractices as to keep outside the pale of the
law. Whatever may be said as to the wildness of moor-
lands, and absence of animal life upon their slopes, those
who go in for preserving grouse will soon find that animal
life is by no means absent, particularly that of a pre-
datory character. Grouse suffers at all times from the
attacks of stoats and polecats on the half- and full-grown
birds, weasels on the eggs and chicks. The wild cat,
which is far from being extinct throughout the less
cultivated and barren lands of Scotland, Wales, and
possibly the Northern counties of England, also preys
considerably upon grouse, and is ably seconded by its once
domesticated imitators. In Scotland the fox is for the
most part vermin, and does not fail to maintain its
character as far as grouse are concerned. In some of the
wilder moorland districts the badger is still fairly plenti-
ful, while martens also occasionally give evidence of their
presence. Exception may be made in favour of the
badger and marten, which are already too scarce in these

217 Red Grouse.

islands; and much as we may deplore the damage these
animals sometimes commit, yet grace must be extended to
them. In districts where sheep share the land with the
grouse, and " sheep " dogs abound, much damage will be
done by many of these, which go in for poaching game,
generally because they are half-starved at home. They
are easily trapped, and they should be, not only by reason
of their individual malpractices, but because they seem to
entice other and well-behaved dogs to share in and acquire
the knack of their nightly depredations.

As to winged vermin, the same may be said of their
opportunities for destruction as of the furred. Crows,
rooks, magpies, jays, all are equally mischievous; but
probably the superiority in numbers of the first makes
them the worst feathered enemies of moorfowl. Of hawks
I have spoken already in the foregoing chapter. I may as
well say that I do not hold so evil an opinion, speaking
from the game-preserver's point of view, of the hawks,
as is usual among gamekeepers, and hope, when I come
to consider them as vermin, to put a less unfavourable con-
struction upon the habits of several of these beautiful
feathered denizens of our isles.

The two or three weeks leading up to the Twelfth of
August provide the most profitable period in the grouse-
poacher's season, for, although, of course, grouse-poaching
goes on whenever opportunity offers after the shooting
season begins, still it is during the week or two imme-
diately preceding that date that the bulk of the netting and
snaring of grouse occurs. I know it is not unusual for
those interested to maintain that such poaching is so
occasional that there is no need to provide against the
risk. On the other hand, there can be little doubt that the
practice has of late years been on the increase.

Outside the ordinary grouse-poacher, the poaching

Practical Game -Preserving. 218

crofter, and the dishonest gillie who aids and abets, there
is quite another class of more wholesale poachers which
enlists the services of such of the crofters who are not above
sharing risks and profits, and will, at times, go to the
extent of " nobbling " watchers and other of the smaller
fry who are supposed to be looking after the grouse in the
interests of those who shoot and not in those who poach.

To some extent the iniquitous form of grouse robbery
which flourished a few years back has been reduced. The
practice I allude to is that of absolute outsiders leasing
small farms and moors, " for the shooting," which adjoin
large and properly preserved moors and manors, and who
simply use these as a centre from which to raid the grouse
from the surrounding properties.

The habits of the game-bird which prompt its long,
low flights at even-time through the valleys and gullies,
alongside the burns and the tarns, provide exactly the oppor-
tunities which the poacher with his stand-nets seeks. They
are, too, most difficult to guard against, because these
evening flights, although of almost regular occurrence, do
not always follow the same line, and may, when the move-
ments of the grouse are carefully watched, be frequently
deflected into a desired direction by such simple expedients
as a man suddenly rising from a hidden position, in itself
an occurrence absolutely devoid of suspicion on the part
of a dishonest watcher, a grazier, or a herdsman. The
stand-nets are erected upon the ground where they have
every legal right to be, though, possibly, no moral right
whatever. There is no Prevention of Crimes Act in the
category of the Game Laws which applies to this practice,
and there is always the not entirely remote contingency
that the owner or lessee of a moor may stand and watch his
birds netted without possibility of adequate compensation.
He can do absolutely nothing to restrict or to prevent

219 Red Grouse.

possession or erection of stand-nets. He has no right of
entry upon these poaching block-houses, and before the
Twelfth his only recourse is at law or through the police
for unlawful possession. The chances of an adequate con-
viction are extremely remote, and it therefore results that
the only means at the grouse-preserver's disposal are those
of prevention and the exercise of an unobtrusive super-
vision of the comings and goings of persons whose
behaviour may suggest suspicious motives. The watching,
much more the control of the grouse at this season, and
under the circumstances named, is in itself a most difficult
matter. The long flights the birds take are so extended
and so easily influenced in their direction by apparently
chance diversion that it is practically impossible to keep an
eye on every covey, or even on a fair proportion of them.
The only way to deal with this class of poaching is to meet
it on its own ground, or anyhow as nearly on its own
ground as you can get.

By observing the centres of suspicion, by carefully
watching all such places for which the evening flying
grouse may for a time quit the limits of their own moor,
and by, if the expression be understood in its proper signi-
ficance, watching the game watchers, a great deal may be
done to prevent the stand-netting of your grouse upon your
neighbour's land. Of course the use of the stand-net by
the ordinary poacher, where he runs his risk and enters
upon your moor for the purpose, is a matter more easily
met, and one the keeper and his men should always be able
to deal with. The outside gentry do not affect these prac-
tices to any great extent, merely inciting to them at the
hands of others with a view to the acquisition and subse-
quent disposal of the game when the coming of the Twelfth
permits.

The employment of the sweep-net by grouse-poachers is

Practical Game -Preserving. 220

a widely-spread practice, and one which repeated conviction
and confiscation of the gear do very little to limit. As a
rule, poaching with the sweep-net is commenced a few
days before the Twelfth, so as to get the birds to market
in time for that date, and is worked subsequently whenever
the chance offers, but not to any extent after the coveys are
broken up and driving is alone resorted to for the shooting.
The general mode of operations is similar to that when the
sweep-net is used for partridges, but differs in some
essentials. The preliminary proceeding, of course, in-
volves the more or less precise locating of the roosting-place
of the grouse covey round about the time of sundown.
Later on, at the time held most propitious for the work,
the exact whereabouts of the covey is ascertained either by
means of a trained dog or through careful observation, and
the men hauling the net silently approach the birds from
the leeward side until they are in position to throw the net
over the whole covey. It is of much smaller size than that
usually employed for partridges, being but about i5ft. by
8ft. Directly the net is thrown the men fall upon the
grouse, killing them through the net by seizing the birds
and pressing with both thumbs upon their breast-bone.
This mode of settling the capture is expeditious, and
prevents the birds from causing an alarm ; the mode of
killing will not be detected, unless by an expert, as being
otherwise than that of shooting, whilst their appearance on
the table is identical with that of a heavily shot bird, but
minus the pellets. This form of grouse-netting is very
difficult to prevent, being practically night work and very
silent. Dishonest watchers can and do lend very great aid
in its accomplishment by locating the roosting-places of
the birds, by land-marking them in previously agreed
manner, and by signalling from their coigns of vantage
where the birds are located for the night. Only close and

221

Red Grouse.

persistent watching can prevent it, and in almost all cases
the employment of dogs by the keepers to give notice of the
presence of poachers, who otherwise may be neither seen
nor heard, is almost a necessity.

Following the opening of the grouse-shooting season
numbers of birds are taken in stand-nets by such loafers
and poachers as follow, not actually in person, accord-
ing to their judgment and local knowledge, the shooting-
parties, and are able to gauge fairly accurately the
directions in which the unhit birds will be returning at
evening to the haunts from which they have been driven
during the day. For the most part, observation is with-
drawn from the shooting-grounds, and as the birds return
up the gullies and valleys, and along the water-courses, the
stand-nets are raised upon long slender stakes, and in the
deepening gloom of the evening capture many a bird
which may have escaped the guns.

Grouse are also snared in many ways, but there is no
need to describe fully the details of make and mode of
application of the several snares and springes which grouse-
poachers bring to their aid. These devices have come
amongst latter-day keepers to be regarded as old-fashioned
and troublesome ; but I opine that if their use were better
known to the present generation they would the more
readily spot them or the signs of their being illegally
employed than is at present the case, and so limit the
extent of the depredations committed by means of their
aid. The snares and springes used for taking grouse are
so set as to secure their victim by the head and strangle it,
or anyhow to reduce it quickly to such a condition as to
render it incapable of causing alarm and attracting atten-
tion before it is secured and killed by the poacher. The
snares used are much like those usually employed for ^
smaller birds, and the ground-springe and the standing-

Practical Game-Preserving. 222

springe are both used also. As a rule, the latter will be set
amongst patches of high gorse, where it does not show up
when sprung. These ' ' engines ' ' are invariably employed
in and about the places where the grouse roost, and where
they sun themselves in the early morn, when they first get
on the move. The snares and hingles are generally laid
down at night, but the standing-springes are generally
reset when a bird is taken, as the sites chosen for their
position protect them from view, except they be actually
discovered (rather a remote contingency) by the casual
passer, such as a watcher or a keeper would be if not
actually looking for articles of this description. There is
no doubt that the number of grouse poached in this manner
in the few days before the Twelfth is very large, and, of
course, as the value of the snares and hingles is practically
nil, if the poachers using them come to the conclusion that
they are working upon an unfavourable or dangerous pitch,
they can easily renounce one lot of tackle and provide other
for more favoured localities.

It will be seen that the grouse-poacher has very varied
means at his command, whilst the difficulties of preventing
them from being employed are, from the nature of the
surroundings, much greater than with other game-birds.

CHAPTER XXIV.

BLACK GROUSE: Natural History.

MUCH as Tetrao tetrix differs from T. scoticus in its
plumage, the difference is still more marked in the habits
of these two game-birds. The Red Grouse is essentially
a moor bird ; but although Black Game are, for the most
part, found in and near moorland, they are a far more
tree-loving bird. Wild, rough, half-cultivated country is
what the Blackcock prefer ; where the ground is broken,
the surface abrupt and irregular, where open moorland
alternates with low boggy morass and thick, low covert,
plantings or woods ; these are the parts of Great Britain —
not Ireland, be it noted — where the muirfowl loves to pass
its days and multiply its species. It is, however, not a
very discriminating bird, and if the march of cultivation
has trespassed on its limits, it is quite ready to take up its
abode on any odd expanses of moorland, common, or
brush, obtruding amongst the cultivated fields, provided
the spot be a fairly sequestered one, and its domain be
undisturbed. The ideal ground for Black Game may
be said to be moorland that has been roughly ploughed and
planted, up to the time when the trees begin to kill down
the heather, sedge, and gorse. If parts of the ground be
swampy, so much the better, in the Black Grouse's estima-
tion; failing this, it will frequent the edges of more

Practical Game-Preserving. 224

mature wooded growths bordering on the moorland, but
this also being denied, it has recourse to the roughest
and most thickly-covered parts of the upland wastes.

The Blackcock is found in many parts of Great Britain,
where, however, it is not often plentiful, and while adapted
to a far larger range of country, it is in no way so
numerous as the grouse proper. This is a grievance with
me. If the bird be so unexacting as to its haunts, why is
it not more generally appreciated? It is in every way a
splendid bird of sport, and offering, as it does, so many
facilities to the preserver, in both habitat and ease of hand-
rearing, I am surprised that it is not more preserved.
On every moor in the kingdom, from John o' Groats to
Land's End, the Blackcock could be raised, and on a great
many other places besides. Take one, for instance, Dart-
moor, where thousands and thousands of acres are to be
had almost for the asking, and scarcely any Black Game
present, whereas formerly it abounded, but it has been
killed and driven off rather than died out. And there are
many similar cases. We had nearly lost the Caper-
cailzie, and ere long we shall have let most of our stock
of Black Game run out too.

The yearly course of the Black Grouse's life varies
very considerably from that of the Red variety. In the
months of March and April — earlier or the reverse accord-
ing to the season — the packs in which the males have
associated themselves during the winter are broken up, and
each bird prepares for breeding, the habit being poly-
gamous. A good deal of fighting goes on for the posses-
sion of certain much affected sites, and the old cock birds,
as a rule, are superior in point of prowess to the young
ones. Consequently, it is well that the old cocks should be
cleared off as far as possible during the season, leaving
the young ones opportunity to breed without hindrance.

225 Black Grouse.

The nest is decided upon in April ; it is of very primitive
construction, consisting merely of a circular hollow in the
ground, indifferently lined with such morsels of herbage
as may be brought in by the bird. It is generally placed
in a tuft of heather on the open moor, at a spot well
sheltered and dry, yet near to water ; sometimes in a low,
young plantation, at the base of some thick shrub or bush.
I have also known it in a low hedgerow. The eggs, from
three to thirteen, but averaging seven or eight, are laid
invariably towards the end of April, difference of locality
and season apparently not influencing the matter. It is
said that the hen Black Grouse or Grey-Hen neither " lays
nor incubates till three years old " ; but this is incorrect,
and though perhaps both sexes of the Black Grouse are
longer in reaching maturity than their Red congeners, I
have every reason to believe that at two years, and even
one year old, the females lay and incubate.

As soon as incubation commences, the cocks desert the
hens, and again congregate in small packs in quiet and
secluded parts until the process of moulting, which now
begins, is completed. The whole work of rearing and
protecting the young is left to the female bird, and a very
assiduous parent she proves herself, taking every care and
pains over her progeny, and being always ready to risk her
life in endeavours to distract attention from them. The
young remain with the mother until autumn, when their
first feathers are moulted off, and the birds acquire the full
plumage which distinguishes the males from the females,
between which there is till this time no difference in out-
ward appearance. The broods are then split up, the old
and young of each sex associating together apart from the
rest. The males " pack " to a much more considerable
extent than the females, often as many as fifty or more of
the former being occasionally seen together, while the

Q

Practical Game-Preserving. 226

hens limit the number of theirs to about thirty. It must
not be imagined that each and every bird joins these packs ;
on the contrary, a considerable number prefer to remain
in couples, threes, and so on, and I have repeatedly
noticed males and females together in these coveys.

The Black Grouse is somewhat eccentric in its habits,
passing from part to part of a locality with extreme irregu-
larity, and seemingly quite indifferent to both season
and weather. But these game-birds are very chary
of disturbance and danger, and prefer at all times the
most open places, only seeking shelter when compelled to
do so by stress of weather and want of food. Blackcock
rarely visit plantations, low coverts, &c., which afford
the more protection to the sportsman and natural enemies
of the birds, unless induced by thick or stormy weather.

This game-bird is an early riser, always running the
sun very close. During the day it moves outwards, if
possible, from the signs of human existence, or retires to
the high and exposed parts of the estate, except, of course,
in winter, when ofttimes the whole day is taken up in the
search for food. This consists for the most part of the
leaves, flowers, shoots, and seeds of many kinds of sedge,
chickweed, and ranunculi, leaves of some few shrubs and
bush growth, and the shoots and berries of the whortle-
berry, cranberry, cowberry, and bearberry, and the tender
shoots of heather ; besides these the shoots and soft needles
of firs, fronds of ferns, and grain in stubble fields, are
all much enjoyed. During winter the range of food is
considerably restricted, and often the supply is so
difficult to obtain that the birds have recourse to the
cultivated fields of the farmer, when hunger makes
them often very tame. Black Grouse should always be
provided with corn, &c., during very hard weather.

CHAPTER XXV.

BLACK GROUSE: Preserving.

As I have said, although the Red and the Black Grouse
have much in common, still they differ in many respects,
and under no circumstances are these variations more con-
spicuous than when their preservation is attempted. The
most striking characteristic of the Black Grouse is its
aversion to the sounds of human bustle and industry.
When the preserving is taken up this becomes a serious
matter, and unless one can guarantee quietude and the
absence of regular and continued disturbance, the birds
will not remain and increase; consequently, the first con-
sideration in reinstating a head of Black Game must
be the suitability of the ground. From the foregoing
chapter may be learnt all that is necessary as to the topo-
graphy of a site, but the question of quietude is almost
equally important. Possibly, some large expanse of land,
such as a common, moor, or down, adjacent to and upon
which are some number of more or less advanced woods
and plantations and copse, may be available. It must
be free from the grazing of sheep and cattle and their
attendant disturbances ; from the constant crossing and
recrossing of persons at all hours of the day, and, perhaps,
night too; and from the continual raids of packs of
harriers and foxhounds. These conditions are a sine qua
non of Black Game preservation, and unless they are

Q 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 228

attended to, a fair head can never be kept up, although by
great endeavours a sprinkling of birds may be temporarily
established, quickly to dwindle down, and eventually to
disappear.

Bearing these provisos well in mind, the preserver should
set about securing for himself the nucleus of a stock from
which to build up a head of heath-poults. Two ways are
open to him — either to turn away part- or full-grown birds
with a view to their introduction, or to go in for hand-
rearing a number of young birds. The first course means
the purchase of a large number of, say, well-matured
but not old birds at a moderate price, and risk attendant
on the enterprise. There is little difficulty in obtaining
birds and eggs from reputable Continental sources. With
regard to a good many matters of Black Game preserving,
the remarks in treating of Red Grouse hold good, and I
shall, for the moment, devote attention to the hand-rearing
of the Black Grouse.

In the case of pheasant-rearing, I found the diseases
to which the young chicks are subject to be the usual cause
of failure, and although in the case of Black Game it is
not exactly disease that produces the ill-success, still it is
when the chicks are at a tender age that the crisis is
reached and that they are found difficult to treat satisfac-
torily. Up to the time when the eggs are hatched out, the
instructions given for Red Grouse- rear ing hold good, but
in the matter of food during the first week or so a dis-
tinction must be made. The chief food Black Game
chicks consume for two or three weeks is the seed and
small flowers of a small rush, termed the " spret " or
" sprit," which grows very thickly and closely on moor-
lands and commons, lone copse, &c., near and in boggy
parts. Unless the coop with the hen and chicks can be
allocated a dry piece of turf near some small stream of

229 Black Grouse.

water where the spret is abundant, but poor success
may be expected. For the rest, the several styles of feed-
ing recommended for Red Grouse are applicable, and if
a good supply of spret- seed can be procured, it ought
to be given as part of each meal. Besides this, much
depends on choosing a good site whereon to place the
coops and broods. I know no better than a low, rough
meadow with a small stream of water running through it,
and along which there is a fair cluster of low brake, such
as bushes of hazel and thorn, brambles and bracken, &c.,
or failing this, the sides of a sheltered mire, if in wooded
ground so much the better. Although the chicks like to
get about amongst the growth upon damp, wet places, they
cannot stand rain and moisture in their coop ; consequently
it is necessary to watch them carefully at first, moving
the coops whenever they appear to require it. After the
broods are about three weeks or so old, they commence
to gather strength and independence, and they should be
left to their own devices, as much as possible, to procure
food, until they are sufficiently matured to turn away,
when they should be capable of providing their own
sustenance, and soon be able to wing a lengthy flight. It
is advisable to get the birds well out to quiet, undisturbed
places before turning them away, otherwise they will stay
about the place where they were reared to such an extent
that when, next year, being fully grown, they seek to
breed and incubate, they will possess many of the habits
of semi- domesticated birds, with all the inherent wildness
of moor-bred ones, and so, many nids will be lost through
the desertion of the hens. As it is particularly necessary
that Black Game, hand-reared, should not be turned away
till well able to fly, it is advisable, rather than confine
them, to cut the wings, first one and then the other, or to
secure one wing at alternate intervals by tying it up

Practical Game-Preserving. 230

in the approved fashion. The maintenance of a stock
of Black Game is effected by the same procedure as that
necessary to introduce a supply ; and an increase of the
existent stock is only to be expected if the birds be kept
free from disturbance, be looked after in winter, and be
on a favourable estate. In these respects a good deal of
what has been written regarding Red Grouse holds good
of the Black Grouse also.

Black Game are not much exposed to poachers, but
there are several causes besides vermin which may con-
tribute to their diminution. The burning of the heather
is one very fruitful cause, late hunting another.

The vermin which are chiefly injurious to Black Game
are, for the most part, the same that destroy Red Grouse.
The diseases, of course, are very similar, if not identical ;
but as far as my experience goes, grouse disease proper
is practically confined to the Red Grouse; and although
Black Game sometimes die off in large quantities, still it
is not always, in fact very rarely, from " the epidemic "
which destroys the moor-fowl of the Highlands and North
of England moors. In southern parts of the country,
where no Red Grouse exist, the Black Game sometimes
suffer very considerably from the same diseases which
affect partridges.

Though this game-bird is one not easily poached, and
one which alone does not pay for being feloniously killed,
yet a good many are got by those who go in for hare-
poaching and moor-fowl snaring and netting. It is a bird
easily snared and easily trapped, where it exists in any
great number, and both practices are often indulged in.

The food of both grouse and Black Game bears so great
an influence upon the general health of the stock, and is at
times so difficult to provide of the nature and in the
quantities necessary, that very severe losses are incurred.

231 Black Grouse.

The great point is to make provision beforehand. As a
rule, when severe weather sets in the birds come down
from their ordinary haunts to those places where the likeli-
hood of rinding food is greater. This, then, provides a
guide as to where the necessary food should be forth-
coming. The expanses of grouse-moor are so great, the
distances so long, and the means of rapid communication
so difficult, that, unless some sort of provision is made
beforehand, when the dire necessity arises, numbers of
the game-birds will be starved or frozen to death before
food can be placed within their reach.

Under these circumstances, then, and with a view to
meeting any emergency, the provision of food-shelters and
depots in huts before hard weather sets in is the surest
way of dealing with the matter. The subject is too large
to be dealt with in detail in the present work ; but
the principles as applied to Red Grouse are those which
must guide those who require to feed this class of game-
bird in winter.

Black Game, by their habits, with their greater affection
for the woods and those boggy places, mires, and swamps
which even in very hard weather always remain partially
open, and afford a certain amount of food, are less difficult
to deal with, but, on the other hand, are more frequently
neglected. The general idea in connection with Black
Game is that if some few patches of late oats be grown in
the neighbourhood of the moors or woodlands that they
frequent, it is sufficient for the requirements of the birds.
Such, however, is far from being the case. These late
oats only serve for the first few weeks of early winter : it
is during the later portion that scarcity of food makes
itself most felt, and it is against privation during this
period that the chief steps should be taken. Black Game
at such season always seek their necessary food, as well as

Practical Game-Preserving. 23,

shelter from inclemencies of weather, in those places where
probability points to its being obtainable. This in itself
furnishes the best guide as to where the winter feeding can
take place. To this end small food-shelters, such as I
have described for pheasants, should be put up, with oats
and barley, buckwheat, and millet as the grain provided.
Black Game — and Red Grouse too — infinitely prefer the
grain in the straw, in which form the food is best given.
With the birds coming, as they do, to seek it, the diffi-
culties of providing it are not great, and it will be found
that in the case of Black Game careful and considerate
feeding during the winter months will well repay itself by
increased and healthier stock at shooting-time.

CHAPTER XXVL

PTARMIGAN and CAPERCAILZIE.

OF the three divisions of the United Kingdom, Scotland
alone is any longer able to boast the ptarmigan among its
game-birds, and even there it is only the more northern
part which can count the bird as its own. It is annually
becoming scarcer, or rather more limited in the range of
uplands it frequents, consequent upon the progress of
stock-keeping among the mountain parts it haunts. As far
as preserving goes, it is beyond control, for although far
from possessing the wildness and fear of man of the Red
and Black Grouse, it brooks no encroachment upon its
domains. Hence the chief requisite is to guard its haunts
from intrusion and disturbance in order to secure the
remnant of the race, for the birds appear to be well able to
cope successfully with their natural enemies, of which
they have but few in the localities they frequent.

The natural history of the ptarmigan is of considerable
interest, chiefly by reason of the change of colour which
comes over it prior to the approach of winter, when it
assumes, in place of its summer plumage, which mostly
resembles that of the Grey-Hen, one of almost pure white-
ness— a phenomenon which we further see in the Mountain
Hare, the stoat, &c., and which is of use in affording the
bird or animal so characterised greater immunity from the
extremes of cold associated with the exposed regions it

Practical Game-Preserving. 234

inhabits. The haunts of the ptarmigan may be described
as the highest, most barren and stony of all the mountain
districts of Scotland, north of the Grampians. They
seem to choose the parts most exposed and showing least
signs of verdure; indeed, anyone unaccustomed to the
habits of this bird would consider it impossible for it to
find sustenance on some of the expanses where it is most
plentiful. There is no need to notice here all its habits,
and to detail the points in which it differs from the
grouse, for to all practical intents the mode of life is the
same in both. Game-preserving can hardly be made to
reach these birds, although they are game, and highly
esteemed as such by many sportsmen who are great
enthusiasts for ptarmigan-shooting.

To the capercailzie, however, the game-preserver may
with great benefit extend his sheltering arm, for, in the
absence of that protection, it had already once become
extinct here ; but, thanks to several ardent admirers of this
noble game-bird, it is once more reinstated in our pre-
serves. Still, it will want much considerate care before
again becoming fairly general as a bird of sport. It may
therefore be not uninteresting to recapitulate the history of
its re-introduction.

It was in 1827-8 that an attempt was made for the first
time after the complete extinction of the bird to re-
introduce it, but it failed, and not till 1837 were any
serious endeavours repeated. Under the directions of the
late Sir Thomas Buxton and the late Mr. L. Lloyd, a
number were imported from Sweden and turned out in the
woods at Taymouth. Rearing by hand was, at the same
time, tried, but practically failed. In 1841, however,
eggs were hatched under wild Grey-Hens, chiefly in the
woods of Drummond Hill, and this mode of rearing,
coupled with subsequent successful hatching under fowls

235

Capercailize.

and hand-rearing, resulted, in the year 1865, in the Mar-
quis of Breadalbane counting some 1500 head upon his
estate. From this centre the breed has increased and
become fairly plentiful all along the Valley of the Tay as
far as Dunkeld, the estates of the Duke of Atholl and Lord
Breadalbane being peculiarly suited to the habits of these
birds. They have now extended, in greater or less
number, into the surrounding counties, and eventual
abundance in "all suitable parts of the country should be
only a question of time, interest, and money.

I have been at some pains to ascertain the present
position as regards numbers and increase of capercailzie in
Scotch forests, and no doubt the information will be of
interest. In Kinross and Fife there are fair numbers, in
Perthshire and Inverness they are plentiful and increasing,
and in Argyllshire there are fair numbers, which are
extending southwards. In Kincardine, however, they have
decreased since 1900.

The capercailzie is essentially a bird of the woods,
although not by any means confining its life to an existence
in the trees. The greater portion of its time is spent
beneath the boughs, but during cold and snowy weather and
at night-time the bird perches, and prefers to remain
amongst the branches. It is shy, and mostly seeks safety
by running, so that its chief quality as a bird of sport
lies more in the difficulty of getting near it than of shoot-
ing it when seen. Its haunts are typical of the country
from which it has been re-introduced, namely, Norway —
among the thickest parts of beech and fir woods, in the
wildest, rudest brake-grown sides of the deep valleys
through which many of the Scottish rivers meander.

In the early part of April the first pairings are com-
menced, and a month later the nesting takes place. The
nest is made upon the ground, generally beneath the

Practical Game-Preserving. 236

shelter of some thick bush or tree, and among long sedge
grass or heather, and is a rough structure after the manner
of the Black and the Red Grouse. The eggs number
from four to eleven, and require thirty days to incubate.
The hen alone sits, the male keeping guard. The young
are looked after and protected by both parents for some
time ; but the cock bird leaves the brood first and the hen
subsequently, generally when winter makes known its
approach. The capercailzie is monogamous.

These game-birds have very similar food to that of
the Common Grouse; chiefly may be enumerated the
several sorts of cereals, when obtainable, black-, cran-,
and juniper berries, the leaves and shoots of fir, the
buds of the birch and willow and several other trees, and
a fair amount of insect-food. The young require various
insects, chiefly ants, and worms.

Further particulars are unnecessary here; but I venture
to express the hope that all who can will endeavour to
assist to the best of their ability the eventual re-intro-
duction of this fine game-bird throughout all those parts
of the British Isles which are suitable to its existence.
Our list of game, both furred and feathered, is already
small enough, and we certainly cannot afford to curtail it.

CRESTED QUAIL.

A hardy and attractive species which might be made the subject
of attempted acclimatisation. It thrives, but rarely breeds,
in captivity*

CHINESE QUAIL.

A species recommended by those who have experience of it as
suitable for introduction in British coverts. It is hardy and
more partridge-like than the Common Quail.

CHAPTER XXVIL

QUAIL, LANDRAIL, BUSTARD, SNIPE,
and WOODCOCK.

NEITHER of the five birds whose names head this chapter
is, strictly speaking, " game," yet for all individually and
collectively the sportsman is required to take out a game
licence before he can legally shoot them. Such being the
case, they demand notice in this work, although the extent
to which they may be preserved is somewhat limited,
particularly in the cases of the snipe and woodcock.

Quail.

Of late years the quail has been a far less frequent
visitor than formerly, and even in the Eastern counties
its peculiar cry has almost ceased to be heard. When
quail extended their migrations to greater extent to these
islands a far greater number bred here and some
remained. This, however, appears to be becoming less
and less the case, and it looks as if we are likely to lose
the bird altogether unless the migrations should again
extend to Britain in increasing numbers.

It is very questionable if it be possible to do anything
in the direction of introducing quails for sporting pur-
poses, and, if so, of overcoming their migratory instincts,
which are very strong. It is generally conceded that
quails will not breed in confinement ; but I do not think

Practical Game-Preserving. 238

that a serious and well -planned effort has ever been made
to achieve this end. Possibly something akin to the Con-
tinental system of rearing partridges might be made to
overcome all the difficulties attached to dealing with a
game-bird of the quail's peculiar nature. It appears
impossible to overcome their natural wildness or opposi-
tion to domestication. I have had them in confinement
myself under varying conditions, both in this country and
abroad, but always without in any way being able to say
that they were any tamer after a year or so than when first
shut up. I have, however, remarked that they show little
or no signs of increased restlessness when the migratory
time comes round, and the birds will answer one another at
mating-time. Possibly, therefore, if confined under such
conditions as those above named, there is a remote
possibility that they might mate and brood.

Of course, in dealing with a bird of the character of the
quail, what can be said about it as a British game-bird
applies largely to what was, or what may be, because, as
before mentioned, it occurs on the whole in decreasing
numbers every year, occasional seasons, however, witness-
ing a fair sprinkling in portions of the Eastern counties.

If kept for a short time in confinement — the closer the
better — and then turned away, a certain percentage will
mate up and brood, and of the resulting progeny some, if
not shot, will remain ; but the migratory instinct is very
strong, and it would be hard to get rid of to any positive
extent. In habits it is somewhat similar to the Common
Partridge, choosing either the same localities or those with
similar features, avoiding, however, to some extent, such
higher lands and wet, marshy parts as the partridge some-
times frequents. It is, moreover, a bird which spends its
whole life upon the ground, and finds its food, which is
similar to that of the partridge, in the same way. It

239 Quail.

differs, however, from the partridge, inasmuch as it is
very unsociable, and exercises its pugnacious propensities
at every opportunity.

The quail is generally supposed to be polygamous ; but
this is certainly not the rule, and, in general, it is mono-
gamous, but frequently is not. The pairing occurs at
different times in the spring, as the birds have wintered
here or not, those remaining with us being from three to
four weeks earlier than the larger portion, which only
arrive in this country about May. The nest is a very
unpretentious structure, being merely a slight hollow
formed naturally or by the bird's scrapings in the soil,
and containing such dry leaves, &c., as may accumulate in
it. The eggs vary considerably in numbers, and although
from twelve to twenty are laid, a somewhat poor per-
centage seems to result in mature birds. The female
carries on the process of incubation alone; but the male
remains in attendance, on and off, meanwhile. This
occupies about twenty days, and the young run and feed as
soon as they leave the shell, which is towards the middle
of July.

The food of the quail is very diverse, and its presence
is valuable to the arable farmer, as will be seen when the
following list is scanned through : The seeds of the chick-
weeds, vetches (wild), Persicaria dock, plantain, orache,
rushes, and spret, the more succulent green portion of these
and many other plants, grain in very small quantities,
slugs, and ground insects of all sorts. The quail is a
fairly hardy bird ; indeed, considering the semi-tropical
parts from which it mainly comes, it is uncommonly hardy,
but it becomes very poor in winters when there is much
snow. As a bird of sport it is frequently under-rated ; but
those who have experience think otherwise. If one has a
sharp, bustling dog, quails get up quickly and well, and
are not an easy mark.

Practical Game-Preserving. 240

Landrail.

This is another migratory bird, with a seeming dis-
position to remain and winter here if possible. It
arrives about the first week in May, but sometimes
earlier, the Southern counties coming in later, curiously
enough, than the Northern ones, for their share. As a
game-bird it is of poor value, being very averse to flight,
always seeking protection, if possible, by dodging about
amongst the corn and long meadow grass it loves chiefly to
haunt. It is a shy, fearsome bird, and practically will not
become domesticated. As far as preserving goes, it lies
outside the pale, but affords some little sport now and then
when one is beating for partridges, and is a fairish bird
in respect of gastronomic qualities. It is not to be
encouraged on partridge-land, being, by reason of its
habits, very injurious to the working of setters and
pointers, where birds are killed over dogs.

Bustard.

Of late years this bird has been the subject of some
well-deserved and well-intentioned efforts to rehabilitate
it in those districts where it would appear a fair chance
offers for some success in this direction. As far as any-
thing of the kind can prove successful, these efforts have
been so, and the birds have remained and nested. The
circumstances, however, which are absolutely necessary for
a fair measure of success appear wanting, and I very much
doubt if anything tangible can result, although a certain
favourable outcome may attend persistent and well-pro-
tected efforts on those lands which can offer the absolute
freedom from disturbance the bustard demands.

Snipe and Woodcock.

Although regarded by the law as game, and con-
sidered and treated as such by the greater number of

241

Snipe and Woodcock.

sportsmen, both of these species are mainly migratory ;
consequently they do not come under the game-pre-
server's protection more than as regards securing their
immunity from molestation by poachers and vermin. This,
of course, is provided for in connection with other game.
Nothing, moreover, can be done in the way of providing
increased inducement for the flights, so-called, of these
birds to remain in and about particular spots and localities,
beyond the mere maintenance of their favourite haunts
free from disturbance except by sportsmen.

Of the snipe, even more than of the woodcock, it may
be said that a much larger percentage remain in these
islands for nesting than is generally supposed, and of the
latter I am inclined to think that the number which does so
is annually upon the increase.

CHAPTER XXVIIL

WILD DUCK : Introduction.— Rearing.— Maintenance.—
Protection.

THE rearing and maintenance of wild duck upon any
ordinary preserves where the conditions obtaining are
favourable to so doing is becoming so general that no
apology is required for introducing the subject as a portion
of the practice of the modern game-preserver. I do not,
however, intend to deal with it except as subsidiary to
game-preserving proper, as the control and management of
great wildfowl preserves, decoys, and the like are matters
beyond the scope of the present work.

The gradual but steady annual decline in the number of
wild duck frequenting almost all of the practically number-
less places that possess attractions for these waterfowl has
led of late years to the adoption of the practice of rearing
them under somewhat artificial conditions. In such
places, and upon estates that offer sufficient expanse of
waters and ground where wild duck chiefly delight to
congregate, there is very little difficulty either in establish-
ing them or in retaining them after they are established.
When, however, the expanse of water or limit of water-
ways, with adjoining characteristic land, is limited, then
the semi-artificial conditions under which wild duck must
be raised and managed add considerably to the difficul-
ties. As a rule, however, such difficulties are easily over-
come, and under careful and considerate treatment wild

243 Wild Duck.

duck may be freely reared and retained in places and
under conditions which to the ordinary mind would appear
quite impossible. Of course, where the surroundings
are such that under natural circumstances wild duck
would breed and increase of themselves, requiring only
that freedom from disturbance and quiet which the en-
tirely wild birds seek, there is nothing to prevent them
from multiplying of themselves to any reasonable extent.
Their numbers can in such cases be increased also by
means of hand-rearing and turning away additional
ducks. It is not, however, my present purpose to deal
with the question of wild-duck rearing under these condi-
tions, but under those which upon the face of it might
be regarded as in a great measure unfavourable or
unsuited to the purpose, but which in effect offer very little
difficulty to a successful outcome.

Generally speaking, those who attempt to rear wild
ducks and maintain them upon such small waters and lands
as are at their command, find the chief difficulty to be that
of retaining them for their own sport or amusement. As
a rule, it is not so much the unsuitability of the place
chosen for the ducks as the mode of treating them after
they are reared which contributes to this undesirable
result. Consequently it will be apparent that it is in the
system of managing the wild ducks that most of the secret
of success lies. Of course a good deal depends upon
having a suitable " place " for them; but, as a rule, such
is easily found, although it is necessary to point out that
the conditions under which wild duck can be retained and
augmented in great numbers are vastly different from
those which obtain under other circumstances, and it is
precisely in applying the system which is successful in the
one case to those of the other that disappointment and
failure are brought about.

R 2

Practical Game-Preserving. >44

It is scarcely necessary to enumerate in detail the various
surroundings which go to make up a suitable place for
rearing and retaining wild duck. Wherever there is
reasonable freedom from disturbance, such places as
possess larger or smaller expanses of the moist and marshy
ground to which wild duck are attached, together with one
or more sheets of water of even very moderate extent,
it is possible to rear and to retain these waterfowl.
Naturally, the features of the neighbouring country must
be of a character agreeable to the duck, and the mere
possession of a small pool lying in a hollow, with dark
and sombre surroundings, is not in itself of sufficient
attraction or suitability to warrant an attempt being made
to maintain wild duck thereon. These birds possess a
natural disposition to roam somewhat far afield; but, on
the other hand, they cling closely to their home and feed-
ing-place, provided always that it possesses the natural
attractions. These may be summed up as reasonable
quietude from March to September, a fair-sized sheet of
water, with some other small waterways connecting with or
adjoining it, and a certain amount of marshy ground,
tolerably well clothed with reeds, rushes, flags, and other
marsh-growth, such as are suited to these waterfowl.

Wherever the foregoing conditions are existent, wild
duck may be reared and retained in numbers suitable to the
extent of the water and lands available. If the place or
places be exposed, and in no way shut in by trees or wood-
land, they are less favourable than if there be a good
surrounding growth of willow and other trees and shrubs
which flourish in damp soil and situation. It will be seen
that the conditions favourable to the maintenance of wild
duck are forthcoming in almost innumerable instances, so
that the extension of wild-duck rearing presents no great
difficulties, and has much to recommend its increased

Wild Duck.

adoption, even upon quite a small scale. It is remark-
able to what an extent wild duck may be introduced and
retained upon any such preserves where facilities offer
for the practice.

There are two modes by which wild duck may be estab-
lished upon suitable ponds or lakes, where hitherto they
have not been in evidence, except in the case of passing
birds or occasional ones which may have temporarily
taken up their quarters. In the one instance, mature
birds are put down under semi-restraint; in the other,
wild-duck eggs are hatched and reared under foster-hens,
thus forming a nucleus of a future breeding-stock.

When mature birds are turned down, a few or a
quantity are obtained in the necessary proportions of
drakes and ducks, and, having been previously pinioned,
or had their wings cut, so as to prevent any lengthened
flight, they should be turned away during the month of
March ; the latter end is preferable, and it is best to put
them down in the dusk of the evening, and feed them
there and then, after having kept them confined and with-
out food from six to eight hours previously. They will
then settle down for the night, feeding freely, and remain
quiet during the following day. As to the mode of feed-
ing and kind of food, these will be dealt with later on.
Sufficient to mention that wild ducks should under the
circumstances be chiefly, if not wholly, fed at night-time.
If left thoroughly undisturbed, the ducks will soon
accommodate themselves to the surroundings and nest in
due time. Wild ducks lay about twenty-four eggs in a
season ; but it is best in the circumstances named not
to attempt to collect any eggs, or to hatch out and hand-
rear the ducklings, but to leave the birds turned down to
their own resources.

The chief consideration when it is desired to rear wild

Practical Game-Preserving. 246

ducks by hand is to make sure that the eggs are really
the produce of wild ducks of pure strain, and not of those
possessing any taint of tame blood, because if the latter
be the case the offspring will not rise in flight properly,
and possibly be loth to take flight at all. Of course, if
the ducks are merely intended for an ornamental water, or
anything of that kind, this does not greatly signify;
but where they are desired, wholly or partly, for sport,
it is a very necessary consideration.

When the supply of eggs for hand-rearing purposes is
obtained by picking up a few nests of actually wild birds
this possibility does not occur; but when the eggs are
obtained from a game-farm or other similar source, it is
advisable, in order to ensure having eggs of undoubtedly
wild birds, to inspect the stock before purchasing. The
difference between the pure wild duck and crossed birds
is quite apparent to even the unpractised eye. The former
are much more neatly built, trimmer, and more active
birds than the latter, which always exhibit more or less of
that clumsiness of build and movement that differentiate
tame ducks from wild ones. A difference, too, is dis-
cernible in the eggs, those from ducks crossed with tame
ones usually running larger, and not possessing the attrac-
tive green colouring found on those of true wild ducks.

Upon the point of the fertility of purchased wild duck
eggs it is only necessary to remark that, as a rule, when
secured from a trustworthy source, there is little or no
complaint to be made on this score. Of course, where it
is proposed to continue the rearing of wild duck from
year to year, a certain number of ducks can be retained for
laying purposes, and a sufficiency of eggs provided without
recourse to outside sources of supply.

The eggs, which should be available from the middle
of March, must be hatched out under foster-hens or in

247

Wild Duck.

incubators, and, although they do well enough from the
latter, the better results appear to accrue from broods
hatched out under the more natural conditions. The
foster-hens employed should be well feathered, compact
birds, with clean or scantily -feathered legs. According to
the size of the hens, from thirteen to seventeen eggs should
be placed under each in separate open-bottomed nesting-
boxes possessing plenty of ventilation, but at the same time
warm and well protected. The hatching-hens and eggs do
not require any special treatment, and if handled as if the
eggs were those of pheasants all will be well, provided the
eggs are thoroughly but not excessively damped imme-
diately before the sitting-hen returns to them after being
fed and exercised. The best way of damping the eggs
is with a sponge of fine texture, and if the weather be
very cold it should be done with water which has stood
indoors for a few hours previously. Incubation occupies
twenty-eight days, and when the ducklings commence
to hatch out a portion of, but not all, the shells should be
removed until such time as the whole hatching is complete.
The ducklings must be left a few hours with the foster-
hen until they have acquired sufficient strength, when they,
together with the hen, should be placed in a suitable coop,
and removed to the rearing-field.

Success in wild-duck rearing depends a good deal upon
the selection of a suitable and favourable rearing-place.
According to the number to be reared at one time so the
size must be regulated ; but it is easier to err on the side
of too little than too much room. It is customary with
some of those who practise the hand-rearing of wild duck
to devote a separate pen to each brood; but while the
system possesses some apparent advantages, it is not to be
recommended where any quantity are reared at one time.
Far better results are obtained from the provision of a

Practical Game-Preserving. 248

properly -secured rearing-field. To this end a suitable
expanse of old but fruitful pasture or dry meadow-land
should be secured. It must not be exposed to cold easterly
or north-easterly winds — if that be the cold quarter, as it
invariably is — and whilst being of a moderately moist
nature, must at the same time be well drained. The
space necessary can be gauged from the fact that the
rearing-coops should stand from 6yds. to loyds. apart
each way ; the more numerous the batches the greater the
distance apart to be allowed. The rearing-ground must
be securely fenced in with wire-netting, not more than
lin. mesh, and standing 4ft. high. The smallness of
mesh is required at once to keep in the young ducklings and
to keep out small four-footed vermin. Iron standards are
preferable to wooden ones, as fitting more closely to the
wire. When wooden are used, the ducklings not infre-
quently jam themselves in the corners formed between
wire and wood. If expense be not a very serious con-
sideration, sheet-iron may with advantage be fixed along
the bottom to the height of ift. For the ducklings during
the earlier weeks of their existence, water for the pur-
pose of swimming must be denied them; but if the
site for the rearing-field can be so chosen as to
include a small pond, which is temporarily fenced
off, it may sometimes prove advantageous ; but the
considerations afforded in this respect are not important
enough to warrant special expenditure upon the formation
of an artificial one. Where large quantities of wild duck
are reared, a small portable hut should be provided, if the
rearing-field be any serious distance from a building where
warmth and shelter are obtainable, and it should possess
a small stove to burn oil. The hut is always useful,
if not a necessity, as it serves for the purposes of pre-
paring the food, &c., and for the care of weakling birds,

249 Wild Duck.

as well as a watch-house, where winged vermin are likely
to carry off the small ducks.

The rearing-coops (Fig. 29) should be constructed with a
due provision of warmth and ventilation without draughts.
The size approximately should be 2ft. wide by 2oin. deep,
and from 2ft. slanting to i^in. high; they must be pro-
vided with a wooden flooring, and means for closing them
up at night, but the shutter or door, whichever it be, must
not reach quite to the top, but leave an inch or so margin
for ventilation purposes. No ventilating-holes should be
bored in the sides of coops for the purpose named. In
addition to the coops, a number of suitable wire netting-
covered runs, about 6ft. long and not less than 9in. high,
must be provided to confine and protect the ducklings in
their very early days. It is not necessary to have a run
for every coop, as their use only extends to a week or so,
and as the hatches come off in relays one set of runs
serves for several sets of coops. As soon as the young
ducklings are fit and strong enough, they must be removed
from the hatching-pens to the rearing-coops, and be placed
and shut up in the latter for a few hours or overnight, as
the case may be, before being allowed out in the protecting
run.

The nature of the food given and the manner of giving
it have more to do with the successful rearing of wild
duck than almost anything else in the treatment meted
out to them. These remarks apply as much to the feeding
of the young ducks as to that of the birds when nearly
or wholly matured. It is necessary then to bear in mind
that as the proper modes of dealing with the one and then
the other differ widely, it is very important, in order to
command success, to give the matter particular attention.

When the rearing of wild duck was first undertaken, it
was considered that if the ducklings were fed in the same

Practical Game-Preserving. 250

manner as the progeny of the domesticated duck all must
be well. It has been found, however, that such is not the
case, and that special food is necessary. There is no
doubt that such special food is best obtained from those
recognised firms who, after careful experiment, under
expert advice, have produced meal particularly suited to
the purpose. In the end this food always proves cheaper
than any which the amateur may make up at home, and,
both on this score and that of merit, is best suited for
adoption.

It must be remembered that ducklings, wild or tame,
possess voracious appetites, and require frequent and
plentiful feeding. The food provided for the first two or
three weeks should consist of one or other of the special
wild-duck meals supplied by those firms who prepare them.
The meal must at first be given in a crumbly condition,
and slightly warm from the scalding with boiling water
which it requires. As a rule, this meal by itself is con-
sidered sufficient ; but it is preferable, however, to supple-
ment it with the addition of chopped hard-boiled egg, or,
what is better, a properly-prepared custard, made in the
manner recommended for pheasants. There are some
disadvantages attaching to hard-boiled egg, which, unless
given exactly fresh, is liable to produce ill-effects. It is
not necessary to detail them, as the custard I recommend
obviates anything of the kind.

The ducklings should be fed four or five times a day
for the first fortnight. They should be let out about an
hour after daylight, and receive their first meal then,
the others following at intervals of three, extending to
four, hours. Of course, the time when they are liberated
must depend upon the state of the weather ; but, provided
it is fine and the rearing-field of suitable pasture, the
sooner they are out and about the better. Naturally, for

Practical Game-Preserving. 252

the first week the limit to their movements must be made
by the covered run; but after this period they may have
free run of the field. It is, however, necessary to exer-
cise some judgment in reference to wet or very cold
weather. The young ducklings will very soon show their
ability to seek and find such natural food as the rearing-
field provides, and by degrees the number of feeds per
day, and the quantity of custard, may be gradually
reduced. At from three to four weeks some of the foster-
hens — those in alternate coops to start with — may be
removed, and by the time the ducklings are six weeks old
the feeding-times may be reduced to twice a day, morning
and evening.

There should be no stint in the amount of food given ;
but the ducklings should eat it up cleanly, and any really
left over should be removed. It will probably be observed
that at the first meal the youngsters will apparently be
satisfied when about half the food is consumed; but, if
not hurried, they will break off and then soon return to
finish. It is therefore necessary to devote a little longer
time to seeing them complete the first meal than to the
others before removing any surplus food. As soon as the
ducklings are nine or ten weeks old they may be removed
to the water-side, to what will be their permanent quarters.

During all this time more or less constant observation of
the young stock must be maintained. Any showing signs
of weakness should be picked up and placed in a basket
provided with warm material, which should be placed near
a fire, but not too close to it. They will quickly recover,
and may be returned to the others as soon as they show
themselves well and strong again. If the weaklings prove
numerous, however, they are best kept and treated sepa-
rately from the other broods, as they then progress better.
Obviously, however, special arrangements cannot be made

253 Wild Duck.

in the case of only two or three such weak ones, which
must be left to take their chance.

Wild ducklings must not be allowed access to water into
which they can get bodily ; but they require fresh spring
water for drinking purposes, and this must be provided
after every meal, in suitable vessels. These must be so
arranged as to prevent the ducklings from getting into the
water. Drinking-pans of the necessary type can be
purchased or made.

If the directions given be carefully followed, and proper
and intelligent care be given to the young wild ducks, they
should progress very rapidly in every respect. For the
most part they require little protection against themselves ;
but in certain conditions of weather — when it is wet and
cold, and when hot sunshine alternates with sharp cold
showers — it is sometimes necessary to exercise some dis-
crimination in allowing them out for the whole day at a
stretch. They should be treated in every way as being
wild ; but the lack of the maternal protection must always
be borne in mind and provided for as far as possible in
the earlier stages of their existence.

The removal of the youngsters from the rearing-field to
the permanent quarters beside the water will at the same
time entail a change of feeding and treatment. Once out
of the rearing-field, where the young wild ducklings will
have had everything to assist and protect them, they will
enter upon what is the most precarious period of their
existence ; but once fairly and firmly established, there is
very little to fear upon their behalf. Properly tended and
properly fed, they are almost sure to do well ; but there
always arises the question of outside enemies when they
are first turned away — so to speak — and it will be neces-
sary to provide against this contingency also. Before
proceeding further with the matter of the feeding of the

Practical Game-Preserving. 254

young stock, it will be advisable to devote some attention
to these matters, and the nature and position of the water
to which their removal has to be made.

Before the removal of the ducklings to water is effected,
it is necessary that, where a choice of water exists, the
most suitable for the purpose should be chosen. Speak-
ing generally, almost any sufficiently extensive piece of
water is suitable where the ducks will make themselves
at home; but, in view of the semi- artificial conditions
under which they are being reared, it is necessary to avoid
certain disabilities which may occur, and provide for
certain necessary conditions.

Stagnant pools are quite unsuitable. The water need
not be very clear and clean, nor need it possess a decided
flow. It may be a large pond, small lake, or a stretch of a
slowly-running stream. A brook, if large enough, will
suffice, or any small stream of water may be dammed
back so as to form a pond or a small lake. It is necessary,
however, that the banks upon which the coops with the
young ducks are to be placed should be shelving and dry ;
that is, not spongy, soaking up the water and holding it.
Nor is it advisable that the water should possess a heavy
muddy bottom. To a reasonable extent the bottom should
be somewhat muddy ; but this should rest upon a solid
foundation, and the water be of varying depths, from a
few inches to a foot or so over a material portion of its
extent. If the bottom be gravelly at places such as the
intake and outflow, or at the sides, so much the better. A
border of rushes, flags, and reeds of healthy growth is a
great desideratum ; whilst a fringe of willows, or other
healthy waterside-growing trees, is also of the most
material benefit.

It will be observed that in the selection or arrangement
of the expanse of water, cover for the ducklings, freedom

255 Wild Duck-

from disturbance, and a good supply of natural food,
together with convenience for working the coops and for
feeding, all have to be taken into consideration, and, if
possible, provided for. There is one other matter to be
referred to, and that is the presence of predatory fish,
which, if of any size, must be cleared out beforehand,
otherwise many of the young ducklings will fall victims
to their voracity. The question of vermin, notably rats,
is also a serious one; but it will be dealt with separately.

The general idea which should govern the choice of a
water for the ducklings is that they shall remain at the
one to which they are first taken, and make that their
permanent home. When several large batches are reared,
it may be necessary to spread them over two or three
expanses of water, in which case each batch should be
allocated to its particular water in the first instance. But,
as sometimes happens, it may be necessary to use one par-
ticular water for partly completing the rearing of the
ducklings, and then transfer them to their permanent
quarters. It must be remembered that the young wild
duck require a very great deal of looking after for some
little time after being put to the water; consequently,
where the distances are greater, the nearer stretch of water
should, if possible, be chosen for them in the first instance.

As mentioned previously, it is at about nine or ten
weeks of age that the ducklings are removed to water.
By this time the coops should be practically cleared
of the foster-hens; but if any still remain they must
be discarded when the removal takes place. When
the broods are taken to the water, each coop should
contain from twelve to fifteen ducklings, and not more,
because they grow very rapidly, and require plenty of
room. It is best to remove them after they are shut up for
the night, and give them their liberty not too early in the

Practical Game-Preserving. 256

following morning. The range of coops should be placed
at favourable spots not too close to the margin of the
water. No hard-and-fast rule may be laid down as to this
detail ; but endeavour should be made so to situate the
coops that there may be some small individual feature
which will mark out each coop's position to its denizens.

For the first two or three weeks the feeding should take
place three times a day, additions, however, being made
to the food hitherto given in the form of barley-meal and
oatmeal, which must gradually replace the duck-meal
formerly supplied. They should be scalded with the
latter at first ; but as this is replaced, so the scalding may
become less, until, when the wild-duck meal is finally dis-
pensed with, the other meal may be merely moistened.
Clean, sweet house-scraps of meat, vegetable, potato, and
the like may in due course be added to the other food, and
if nothing of the kind be available, boiled rabbit meat,
chopped up, proves a desirable substitute and addition.

After two or three weeks' feeding as above described, the
ducklings will soon come to whole grain as their food.
In this connection the over-abundant use of maize cannot
be too carefully avoided. That cereal has been freely
recommended by some writers for the purpose of wild-
duck feeding, and to this fact much of the failure to rear
good and wild wild duck is to be traced. It makes them
fat, bad fliers, and bad stay-at-home birds, impairs their
egg-producing powers, and is, unless as an exceptional
food, rather deleterious than beneficial in its effects. Some
of the firms who supply wild-duck grain incorporate it in
their mixtures; but some do not, and where such is pur-
chased the presence of maize must be looked for and
provided against. The basis of all wild-duck food from
the time the young ducks are able to take whole grain
should be home-grown and thoroughly sound wheat,

257 Wild Duck.

barley, and oats, with a little sound maize given occasion-
ally in wet and cold weather. When the ducks are
mature, home-grown wheat is the best possible food, and
should be the basis of the whole of the feeding.

As soon as the feeds are reduced to two, then at first
the grain given in the morning may be slightly soaked, and
that provided for the evening be given dry. Later on, as
the birds mature, hard food at both meals will suffice.

We have now reached the stage when the wild ducks
which have been reared may be regarded as mature birds.
By this time they will have abandoned the coops and
taken to such places adjacent to the water as may have
seemed fit for resting purposes. As soon as the ducks
give up using the coops these should be removed, as they
will require no further shelter beyond that which they
provide for themselves.

As will have been seen, there is no great difficulty attach-
ing to the rearing of wild duck, provided suitable accom-
modation is at hand. The difficulty is to retain them
upon your own waters when they have become mature, or
nearly mature, birds. It is in this respect that most of the
failures occur, and it must be admitted that there is no
great satisfaction gained by rearing wild duck to stock
other people's water. As a rule, the only causes con-
tributing to the loss of ducks are those of incorrect
management and improper feeding.

Two objects must be held in view by those rearing these
fowl. In the first instance, the birds must be really wild,
and good flyers ; and in the second place they must have
their proper home, to which they unfailingly return.
Compared with pheasants, for instance, wild duck are
naturally far less disposed to leave their home; and in
order that those who may be trying their hands at wild-
duck rearing may properly appreciate the way they should

s

Practical Game-Preserving. 258

be handled, it is advisable to make clear one or two points
in the birds' natural habits. Wild duck proper only
fly from one water to another, and during the daytime
they prefer to assemble with numbers of others of their
kind, and resort to out-of-the-way and secluded ponds, or
to extensive open sheets of water, where they will pass the
time dozing and sleeping or swimming about, contenting
themselves until the day begins to wane, when they wake
up to increased activity and fly to their feeding-grounds.
The real wild duck feed almost solely at night-time, and
any attempt on the part of the rearer of these fowl to
induce them to do otherwise is sure to result in the loss of
his birds. It must be borne in mind, too, that as a rule
wild duck are reared for other than ornamental purposes
— for shooting, in fact — and unless they fly well, get up
speedily, and are away quickly, they possess little or no
merit from the sportsman's point of view. No one rear-
ing wild duck then need fear their flying away to other
waters, and resorting with other ducks, provided it is
known that they will return to their own haunts, and be
found there when required. To ensure this being the
case, and that the ducks shall fly well, a proper system of
feeding is required.

As soon, then, as the ducks come to their one feeding-
time per day, which will be as soon as they exhibit a
disposition for flight, the feeding-time must be fixed for
the evening, just before or as darkness is setting in. The
ducks will then be lively and fresh, ready for their meal,
and content to remain where they are after they have had
it. It must not be supposed that in a state of nature wild
ducks obtain all their food within a short space of time ;
on the contrary, they are feeding or searching for food off
and on during nearly all the night-time. The same pro-
gramme is necessary for those reared by hand, and it is

259

Wild Duck.

only by carrying it out that you can make sure of retaining
your ducks.

The mode of feeding to be adopted is at first to scatter
the bulk of the food on the margin of the water. Then,
by degrees, gradually come to throwing the whole of it
into the water in places where it is from ift. to i8in.
deep. In this way the birds will consume less and benefit
more by it. They will busy themselves feeding more or
less during the whole of the night, and if they require
anything more they will occupy themselves searching for
such natural food as their haunts supply in the times
between dozing and flighting during the day.

Now as to the best food for wild duck, a matter of
great consideration, and one which proves a stumbling-
block to most of those who experiment in wild-duck rear-
ing. To begin with, it is necessary to repeat that maize
is not a suitable food. Given occasionally, and in small
quantities, it serves a purpose; but as a staple food its
use must be avoided. There is nothing better than wheat
and barley, and it is not necessary to be too particular
about the quality, provided it is reasonably sound. The
grain should always be soaked some hours before being
given to the ducks, and if you have cause to vary the food,
it is inadvisable to mix two or more sorts of grain. It
must also be remembered that a very useful manner of
feeding wild duck is to make a small stack or cock of
corn in the straw near the water. The rakings from any
cornfields are best for the purpose, and the ducks will
work out the stack by themselves, just as game-birds, such
as pheasants or partridges, will. A reserve of food put
up in this manner proves of great assistance, particularly
where ducks on distant waters are concerned, and generally
in hard weather with severe frost. It is also not a bad
plan occasionally to throw grain in the straw upon the

S 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 260

surface of the water. It will occupy the ducks a con-
siderable time when feeding at it, and is an economical
mode of giving them their food.

There are, furthermore, several cheap forms of natural
food which may be provided for wild duck in such
seasons when they are plentiful. Acorns are much
appreciated, so are haws from the whitethorn bushes.
These can often be obtained in considerable quantities, and
are easily stored. Wherever, too, the paunchings from
rabbits can be obtained, they should be utilised by being
chopped up small and thrown into the water. Not only
do they serve for your own ducks, but they are very
attractive to others.

If wild duck be fed upon the lines that have been laid
down in this chapter, they will neither desert their
proper homes nor deteriorate in quality. On the
contrary, by always returning at night-time to their
regular haunts to feed, they will bring other ducks
with them, so that the stock is more likely to increase than
to decline in numbers. Not only will they attract other
wild duck, but in districts where it is possible other
species will occasionally be attracted and remain. The
fact that other duck are brought to the feeding-grounds is
one for satisfaction, especially if the strangers remain
until the breeding-season, because you then obtain a
valuable infusion of fresh blood amongst the stock.
Obtained in this way, the new blood from really wild
birds is of much more value than when only secured by
turning down two or three mallards from other sources,
or by importing a fresh lot of eggs.

It is not a bad plan, especially during the winter
months, to keep a few pinioned ducks upon the waters,
both as an attraction for any passing ducks, and as in-
fluencing also those belonging to the place. Sometimes

26i Wild Duck.

these birds may find counter-attractions at neighbouring
waters, and may occasionally develop a tendency to leave
their own. In time some of the ducks may do so
permanently, and thus gradually draw off others. It is
but rarely, however, that this occurs, but when the
tendency to do so exists, the retaining presence of the
pinioned birds will invariably prevent anything of the
kind.

During the winter months care must be taken to keep
the water open for the ducks should anything in the form
of severe frost occur. It is not only necessary that the ice
should be broken, but that it should also be removed from
the expanse of water which it is desired to keep open, as
with ice floating upon it, not only does it freeze more
quickly, but at times ducks will get frozen in between it.
As a rule, they know enough to leave the water when ice
is forming quickly, but it is not unusual for some of the
hand-reared ones to become caught. Free water is, more-
over, most essential for them, and if it be not kept open
the duck will go to water which is so maintained. For
the purposes of clearing out the ice, a suitable ice-rake is
necessary, and should be provided beforehand. The
space of water to be kept open must be cleared of ice
when the birds are fed at night, and again in the morning
if any should have formed. The presence of a number of
pinioned birds by daytime is also serviceable at times, as
by swimming about and entering and leaving the water
they prevent ice from forming.

Except in the case of wild duck which are kept for a
special purpose on ornamental waters, it is not advisable
to erect anything in the way of shelters for them. Where
wild duck are retained permanently, the shelter may take
the form of a semi-open shed, erected partially over the
water and partially upon the bank. The sides should not

Practical Game-Preserving.

262

reach down to the water level, but to within about pin.
of it, and there should be a duck-ladder for the birds
to leave the water (Fig. 30). The best plan to shelter wild
duck in hard weather is to put up a small stack of loose
grain in the straw. It should be set up loosely, so that the
fowl can work it, but it must be so set up that it does
not topple over. If the weather sets in very hard, and
it is almost impossible to keep the water open, as is some-

Fig. 30.-Waterside Shelter for Wild Duck.

times the case, the ducks will feed all around the stack
of grain, and pass a good deal of their time about it.

Before passing to the subject of the protection of the
ducks from vermin, a word or two may be said on the
subject of killing what may be wanted for eating pur-
poses, and also for sport. In the first place, flapper-
shooting, except in the case of very extensive duck
preserves, should never be practised, as it is sure to entail
the loss of far more ducks by desertion than by the actual
shooting. Of course, more birds can be actually and

263

Wild Duck

easily shot at one time ; but, as said before, the number of
ducks lost through the practice renders it wholly wasteful.
When seeking birds for the table the wildest should be shot
first — those, that is, which being most timid first rise from
the water. As a rule, they are outside birds, but in any
case afterwards it is necessary to pick off single out-
side birds, and never to fire into the thick of them.

As regards the shooting of wild duck for sport, it is
only necessary to observe that this part of the subject lies
outside the scope of this work.

From almost the moment when they are hatched wild
ducklings are exposed to the attacks of their natural
enemies, and even when mature they require protection
from certain kinds of vermin. Unless means are taken to
prevent the ravages of both furred and feathered vermin,
continued losses are sure to result ; whilst unless the
culprits are caught and killed, they are sure to return
again and again until very serious damage is caused.

The worst enemies of wild ducklings are rats, and it is
necessary to protect the foster-hens whilst sitting, other-
wise these vermin are quite likely to make their way to
the eggs, and maybe kill the hens and carry off more or
less of the clutch. When the youngsters are born, the
closed runs, with which the coops should be provided,
serve as protection ; but even then rats may burrow under
them to obtain the ducklings. It will be necessary to
watch carefully for evidence of their presence, and steel
traps should be put down for them wherever they may
leave signs of having tried to enter the coops or make
their way into the runs.

The fact that the rearing-field must be enclosed with
very small-mesh wire-netting will to a certain extent keep
off rats and other small furred vermin, such as stoats and
weasels ; but the former soon learn to climb over. If,

Practical Game-Preserving. 264

however, a few small traps be set round the outside,
they are almost sure to stop any vermin, as these animals
always seek an entry for some time, and will pass per-
sistently up and down or round the wire-netting before
making any attempt to scale it. The traps need not
be baited, but must be carefully covered up, and be
staked down or attached to the wire. As a guide to the
uninitiated, it may be mentioned that when stoats or
weasels kill the ducklings they invariably bite into the
heads of them, and seek to draw them away. Rats 3o
not do this, but usually partially or wholly devour their
victims.

Amongst winged vermin, crows and occasionally rooks
are very destructive to wild ducklings, once they find them
out. Crows always carry away any victims they seize,
and devour them at their leisure, so that when the duck-
lings disappear without apparent cause the blame must
be laid on these feathered thieves. Once they start taking
ducklings, practically nothing will stop them, unless you
catch or kill them. They are remarkably cunning and
wary, and it behoves the owner of the young fowl to be
extremely alert, or the vermin will come again and again
without being noticed. Almost the best way is to conceal
yourself in a favourable position, provided with a gun,
and allow somebody else to let out and feed the ducklings.
The marauding crow or crows will then very soon make
their appearance, and can be shot. They can also be
taken in traps ; but, being so quick and wary, they are
very likely to elude your wiles. Probably the best way
of getting crows when they are taking or attempting to
take the ducklings is to confine most of the latter to the
coops or runs for two or three mornings. Then provide
yourself with a small wire-covered run, closed all round,
and beneath this place half-a-dozen of the youngsters.

265 Wild Duck.

Round about the run, 6in. to pin. from its sides, several
steel traps should be set, and carefully covered. If left
undisturbed, the marauding vermin are sure to seek to get
at the protected ducklings, and become caught in one or
other of the traps.

Magpies, jays, and hawks will carry off the ducklings
from time to time. You can always make sure of these
gentry, however, by using a pole-trap, which should be
worked in the following manner. Set up a pole about
9ft. high and 6in. diameter at the top, which should
be hollowed out about lin. deep so as to contain
a 4in. round hawk-trap. To the trap a chain with
a ring should be attached, and this ring should be
fixed round a length of stiff wire, let into and running
down the side of the post, so that when the vermin is
caught and flutters it pulls the trap off the post and slides
down the wire to the ground. The trap requires no bait.
Wherever the rearing-fields for wild ducklings are any
distance from the dwelling-place, so that constant obser-
vation cannot be maintained over them, one or two pole-
traps set up in this manner should always be provided
as a safeguard against winged vermin. The traps should
not be set to go off too lightly, otherwise small and in-
offensive birds will be caught.

I have also known cats with poaching proclivities to
prove responsible for many lost ducklings; but they are
easily taken in a box-trap baited with the head of a
freshly-killed rabbit.

As soon as the ducklings are removed to the water-
side, they are naturally more exposed to the attacks of
vermin, and once they are free of the coops, foxes, if
they are plentiful in the neighbourhood, prove a constant
source of danger. To ensure freedom from molesta-
tion from the furred and feathered vermin which have

Practical Game-Preserving. 266

been named, more or less constant watching of the duck-
lings by the waterside will be necessary ; but in a very
little time they will learn to hide themselves from probable
danger, and in this way protect themselves to considerable
extent. If, however, losses amongst the ducklings occur,
such steps as have been recommended above and may
suggest themselves as suitable should be employed against
the vermin ; and beyond this, constant watching, with the
assistance of a shot-gun, is the most effective means of
protection. It is not necessary, as it is not expedient,
to disturb the ducks, and by working round some little
distance from where they are located adequate protection
can be afforded them until such time as they are free of
the coops, when their natural instinct prompts them to
self -preservative habits.

When foxes get amongst the nearly mature ducks, as
they sometimes do, their depredations are liable to reach
excessive limits, and it is at the same time very difficult
to deal with them, especially in hunting countries, where
the destruction of foxes is looked upon almost as a crime.
I have, however, found that a number of traps set about
in directions whence the foxes may approach will tend to
scare them. Another plan is to cut some strips of bright
tin-plate about 2ft. long by 4in. wide, which, having
had one edge cut out in zigzag fashion, should be set up
in cleft stakes so as to stand about level with the top of
any growth there may be. The tin should be partially
striped with tar. Another good plan is to hang up two
or three old roasting-jacks round the outskirts of where
the ducks congregate. Particulars of how to furnish them
will be found in the chapter on " Foxes and Game."

As will have been seen, there is really no great diffi-
culty in the successful rearing of wild ducks, provided the
simple rules as to their feeding and management are

267

Wild Duck.

carried out. They are remarkably free from the little
ailments which prove so fatal to game-birds, and even
poultry.

I have made no mention of diseases of wild duck. The
reason is simple. If the instructions and advice given
be followed they will not suffer from any. Sometimes the
weather may cause a little simple cramp and diarrhoea;
but removal to warm quarters soon puts the one right and
proper feeding will soon cure the other.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE HARE: Its Natural History.

ONLY two distinct species of the hare exist in the British
Isles, for what is called the Irish Hare, and dignified
with the name of Lepus hibernicus, is really the Blue or
Mountain Hare (L. variabilis), whose habitat extends
into the Northern portion of the sister isle. The common
hare (L. timidus) is found throughout our islands, from
the North of Scotland, where it is comparatively rare, to
the Isle of Wight and Cornwall ; but beyond its extension
to Ireland the Mountain Hare is confined to Scotland.
These two hares are as distinct in habit as they differ in
regard to the class of land they frequent. The Common
Hare frequents the lowlands, plains, and downs and
commons, where what are termed the stiff soils predomi-
nate ; whilst the Blue or Mountain Hare affects the uplands,
and, as its name implies, the more hilly and mountainous
portions of the country where it occurs.

The Common Hare extends all over Europe, and accord-
ing to irregular lines of latitude exhibits three different
types, which, however, run into one another. These types
do not show themselves distinctly in our common British
hares; but the separate types exhibit themselves in two
different forms of it, which are common to the Northern
and Southern portions of our islands. Thus in England,
for the most part, the hares possess a medium coat, with

269 The Hare.

scantily-haired ears, and a brighter, redder colouring;
whilst in Scotland the Common Hares possess a heavier
and show a more greyish coat, especially in winter.
In addition to these main variations of type, the Common
Hare is subject to others of considerable extent, but locally
influenced, as it is also, but in a lesser degree, to variations
of size and shape. Thus what are called yellow hares
occur not infrequently all over the country ; whilst there
is a peculiar strain of grey hares which prevails in Norfolk,
and is of occasional occurrence elsewhere. Black hares
are occasionally recorded throughout Great Britain.
Albinos are also of not uncommon happening, and pied
specimens are not unknown, the latter colouring being due
to individual disease. The " yellow " hares invariably
more closely resemble the rabbit in form and size than the
typical hare.

The Mountain Hare is " bluer " in colour than the
common species, the ears are shorter and tipped with black.
It is actually the true Arctic hare, and goes through the
process of changing its coat to white during the winter
months, which renders it most noteworthy. The change
is gradual, commencing from the middle to the end of
September. The feet change first, the white passing
upwards over the legs, and gradually extending until all
but the back is white, this portion of the body maintain-
ing its summer colouring longest, until somewhat suddenly
the process is completed, and the whole animal becomes of
a beautiful glossy white, the tips of the ears alone remain-
ing black. The process is not in this case a shedding of
the coat, but is an actual change of colour in the fur.
But the return to the Mountain Hare's natural hue is
really a shedding of the fur, commencing generally in
March, and being completed about the second week in
May. The hare is almost as deserving of the epithet

Practical Game-Preserving. 270

ubiquitous as is the rabbit, for although the latter may be
more numerous throughout the country, it is not more
general than the hare, which will thrive and multiply any-
where, so that it be afforded a due measure of protection
from man, beast, or bird of predaceous habit. True it is
that in some districts hares are apt to become extremely
scarce for spaces of time more or less prolonged, but this
is oftener the fault of the owners and tenants of the
land than due to mere unsuitability of soil and locality.
In its choice of habitat L. timidus is very curious, evincing
as much fancy for some particular spot as aversion to
others, and this, with its peculiar habits in regard to
leaving and returning to its form, renders it very easily
poached and very exposed to vermin attacks, although
its inherent timidity and powers of scent, sight, and
hearing somewhat counterbalance this defect.

The hare is a far more prolific animal than is generally
supposed, but as its productiveness is generally compared
with the superabundant fecundity of the rabbit, this trait
is often overlooked; but a consideration of the time
occupied in producing successive litters soon shows that it
is an error to suppose it wanting in prolificacy. Breeding
is carried on more or less during the whole year, according
to the nature of the locality and the season. Thus moor-
land hares are less prolific than those inhabiting richly-
cultivated districts, and from two to three months during
the winter season breeding entirely ceases. Common Hares,
on the other hand, only cease breeding if the weather
prove severe for the few weeks before and after Christ-
mas, and this fact has, I believe, more to do with scarcity
of food than the coldness of the weather.

Hares do not pair in the full sense of the word. The
does submit themselves to the rivalry of the bucks, but
one buck soon establishes himself as the master for one

271 The Hare.

doe, and they pair for the time being. The buck then
seeks another mate under similar conditions, leaving the
doe to breed and to rear her litter alone. In this manner
breeding proceeds all the year round, except under the
circumstances just noted, and three or even four litters may
result within the twelve months. The period of gestation
is usually denned as being thirty days, but I very much
doubt if this be correct, and I should be inclined to main-
tain that the period varies, is never less than thirty days,
and not infrequently reaches thirty-eight or forty. I am
quite convinced they " go " invariably more than the
calendar month. Hares breed from as early as eight or
nine months, according to whether early bom in the year
or otherwise.

Contrary to the almost universal opinion that hares
produce but one or two at a litter, the usual number is five,
frequently only four, and occasionally six or seven. The
form where the young are brought forth is, as a rule, of
the rudest description, the doe making no provision in the
shape of a nest or the like, as does the rabbit, although
sometimes roughly-scraped holes are found where hares
have kindled. As a rule, however, the merest shelter to
the doe's hindquarters is deemed sufficient, and the young
are dropped on the bare ground. For from five to ten
days the young remain at the kindling-form ; they are then
removed at night-time to individual suckling-forms,
probably prepared beforehand by the doe, in which they
remain, if undisturbed, each in solitary state until they
reach the age of a month or five weeks. These suckling-
forms are spread around at a more or less considerable
distance from the mother-hare's form, and at a corre-
sponding one from each other. To each of these in turn
the doe resorts at intervals to suckle her young, which
remain placidly in their respective forms until they begin

Practical Game-Preserving. 272

to feed; but they continue to return to them until
lactation ceases, when they are cast out upon their own
responsibility, and pursue an individual existence.

In the case of disturbance by some cause or another, the
doe will remove one, more, or all of a litter from the
suckling-forms to others. It is at such times when the
removal is incomplete that two or three leverets are found
together, a fact which has sufficed seemingly to confirm the
false notion that hares only throw that number of young
at a birth. The discovery of individual leverets at their
suckling-form has also contributed to this notion, but if a
thorough search be made, the others will be found at no
great distance. Continued disturbance will cause the doe
to gather all her litter together and remove them to con-
siderable distances at times, when she also will seek a fresh
form in their neighbourhood. Taking into consideration
how easy victims the hare's young prove to small vermin,
it is obvious that this habit of separating the young is a
protective one, without which hares in unpreserved districts
must cease to exist. For all, however, that it is so timid
an animal in face of man, dogs, or vermin, it is equally
courageous at times in warding off unintentional danger
from farm stock and the like, the doe hare frequently
fighting off in the peculiar boxing manner it adopts sheep
or cattle which are likely to injure its young, over
which it continually maintains a protective watch. Even
the leverets will sometimes show fight in this manner when
disturbed.

The form of the hare is not always placed or chosen
under the same circumstances. The choice of form
depends upon the season of the year, and the description
of weather actually prevailing at a particular period of
the season. Thus, in hot, bright summer weather, or
during periods of heavy or continuous rain, open coverts

273

The Hare.

are usually chosen for the increased shade or shelter they
afford, otherwise the bare fallows, growing corn, or the
pastures suit it best during the warm, fine days of spring
and summer. Strong winds will find the hares formed
in the long tufts of old grass lands, and in the very cold
but fine weather of the winter months the hares prefer the
short, thick pastures of any lands of southerly aspect. It
is not often that hares are found in the hedges or small
spinneys; in fact, where ground vermin are likely to
frequent, hares do not form.

For the most part, the hare lies couched by day, and
feeds towards evening and at night, when it wanders, under
ordinary circumstances, very far afield in search of the
varied and carefully -chosen diet it affects, returning at
dawn to the form best suited to the prevailing or antici-
pated weather.

It is an entirely mistaken but very general idea that
rabbits and hares take similar food. No two animals are
so much alike and so little alike. In the first place, the
hare can scarcely be termed a grass-feeding animal, and
there are only one or two real grasses and clovers which it
eats. As it is important that preservers should know them,
I mention the names of the three most prominent, if even
there be others to warrant the distinction. They are the
so-called common meadow-grass and the hard fescue grass.
Of the former there are one or two varieties, especially
the heath or moorland variety, greatly favoured by upland
hares. Amongst clovers the marl clover or cow-grass is
chiefly patronised, and hares will eat this trifolium bare
to the soil. In addition, the sow-thistle and dandelion
are much liked. Coming to the vegetable garden,
endive, lettuce, thyme, chicory, and, in a lesser degree,
parsley, are mainly favoured. The flower-garden will
provide them with carnations, pinks, stocks, and nastur-

T

Practical Game-Preserving. 274

tiums as a bonne louche if they can command entrance.
In winter-time, when deep-frozen snow renders other food
unobtainable, the hares will nibble the bark of many
trees, and, failing woods or plantations, they will bark the
thorn-bushes of the hedges, feed off the tender shoots
of the whitethorn and wild rose, and eat the haws shaken
from the bushes.

Other points in connection with the natural history of
the hare will be referred to where they become important
in connection with their preservation.

CHAPTER XXX,

THE HARE; Introduction and Maintenance of a Stock.—
Hare-Warrens. — Preservation and Protection. — Diseases.

ANY manor where hares are regularly met with, in either
small or large numbers, may be considered suitable for
their preservation. It is mainly a matter of soil and food-
supply, because, as pointed out in the previous chapter,
they are quite unlike rabbits in their manner of living, and
unless the main supplies of their favourite food are ample
and permanent, they will linger along, decline, and die.
The nature of the soil has also much to do with it, and to
attempt to preserve hares to any extent in a country where
they are not naturally plentiful, is to court disaster. A
very few hares spread over a large area does not neces-
sarily indicate that the land is unfavourable as a whole,
because, if not overdone by rabbits, any stiff or loamy soils,
as well as sandy ones, will support them. The fact of
there only being a few in evidence usually means that
those few are frequenting their favourite ground, and that
an increase of more or less extent would be perfectly
feasible. It is when an expanse of land is wholly destitute
of hares that doubt may exist, and very reasonable doubt,
that the district, manor, or farm in question will not sup-
port them. It is mainly a matter of the soil, and neither
trouble nor expense will put a head of hares upon land
which is by its nature unsuitable. Roughly speaking, the

T 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 276

plant-growth which I have mentioned as being the main
food of the hare is sufficient indication of the adaptability
of ground to carry them. Health and heart in the soil,
coupled with proper drainage, natural or artificial, are
main factors to be reckoned with.

Wherever it is desired to work up a stock of hares or
substantially to increase one, two courses are open to the
preserver. Either he can turn away a number sufficient
to provide the necessary breeding- stock to bring the
quantity up to what is required, or he can set up one or
more hare-warrens wherein to breed them, and turn the
hares adrift as they come to maturity. In view of the fact
that the largest number of young which may be expected
to be produced by a couple of hares turned away during
twelve months is only from twelve to fifteen if all survive,
and that, as a rule, not more than half this number are
finally reared, it is evident that turning hares down is
neither a very speedy nor a very certain way of getting
a stock together. Then, again, to be sure of the does
breeding, it is necessary to turn them away in equal
numbers as far as the sexes are concerned, which adds to
the expense when any considerable quantity is handled.
It works out in practice that it requires about twenty-eight
months for each pair of hares to realise a stock of fifty
from the original couple, and including the progeny of
their first year's offspring. This means, however, that
from the time the hares are first turned out, two shooting
seasons must be allowed to elapse before sport of any kind
would be advisable. It is, therefore, evident that in
endeavouring to work up a stock of hares upon these
lines, considerable time, trouble, and expense must be
devoted. Beyond looking sharply after the vermin, and
keeping it well killed down, there is nothing very particular
required to be provided for the hares except to see that the

277

The Hare.

natural food they require is obtainable upon the land
over which they are to be preserved. If not already there
in sufficient quantities, it must be grown to meet the require-
ments. Given generally favourable conditions, as prevail-
ing upon a preserve, one hare to every ten acres may be set
down as a light but sufficient stock. Any material increase
upon this proportion of hares to acreage commences to
constitute a heavy stock. Upon the bases of production
and stock which I have named it will be seen how quickly
a manor may be brought up to the description of " fairly
stocked with hares."

Although it is quite impossible to maintain a very heavy
stock of hares by enclosing and feeding them artificially,
it is perfectly feasible to maintain a hare-warren for a
season or two with quite satisfactory, and sometimes note-
worthy, results. But land will very soon become soured
by hares, and incapable of sustaining them : to ensure
anything like success in this direction adequate space and
annual or biennial moving of the enclosure to fresh ground
are absolutely necessary.

A warren or a breeding-meuse for hares should consist of
several acres of enclosed ground, which should comprise
partly pasture of the necessary nature, together with an
extent of not too closely set coppice or plantation of
resinous and deciduous saplings. The fencing should
consist of half small mesh and half large mesh wire netting,
6ft. out of the ground, the former lin. mesh, reaching to at
least 2ft. in height, and the latter 2^in. mesh. The
enclosure should then be divided into sections of about half
an acre by 2in. mesh netting, 4ft. out of the ground.
Each section should be provided with a small meuse, not
less than one-fourth to one-eighth of its own area.

Into each small meuse turn a buck and three doe hares
as soon as mild weather supervenes upon Jan. 15, and

Practical Game-Preserving.

278

as soon as it is evident that pairing has occurred with
one or more does in each meuse, change the bucks for a
week, then catch them up, and give the does the run of
the large enclosures in the warren. Should any does prove
barren, transfer them to one of the enclosures, and place
a buck amongst them, leaving them together until the

FiC. 3I.-Plan of Hare Meuse.

a A «, Mating Enclosures, b b b, Small Entrances, c c c, Gates.

desired end is obtained. The hares are easily caught
up, when required, by using a long-net, and working it
slowly up the enclosures to either end.

The great point is to ensure absolute freedom from dis-
turbance by dogs and vermin and other persons than the
keeper in charge of the warren. If the ground be fairly
productive of the hares' natural food, they will soon settle

279 The Hare.

down, and become reasonably tame, or rather accustomed
to their restricted area. Such food as hay, made from
fields freely proportioned with fescue and meadow-grass,
freshly-cut clover (cow-grass), and other food items, such
as were mentioned, together with white turnips, mangolds,
carrots, and swedes, should be provided for them, not
actually as their main provender, but auxiliary to what
they can obtain in the enclosures.

As the litters of young hares come along, and the period
of their being suckled ends (the leverets learn to feed
much earlier in a warren), the does are removed to the
small meuses, and the services of the bucks again brought
into requisition. As soon as the leverets show themselves
ready for it, they are turned away under such conditions
as will ensure their reasonable safety and prosperous
growth to maturity. As a rule, five litters in a year may
be expected from hares thus confined ; the produce of the
first kindling should breed at eight or nine months, and each
set of one buck and three does provide about a hundred
hares ready for shooting in the October of the second year
following the inauguration of the warren. I have given
the maximum results reasonably to be expected from such
concerns, and no attempt should be made to decrease the
areas named, or to increase the number of hares put down.

The preservation of hares upon a shooting or individual
beats of a sporting manor demands no very particular
means being taken other than those necessary for the
feathered game on the estate, beyond protection from
vermin and poaching ; but to both these classes of enemy
of the game-preserver, hares are peculiarly exposed. As
regards the former there is no necessity for special refer-
ence except as regards hares on open commons, downs, and
lands of such like general character, which perhaps, beyond
a few partridges, carry very little else but hares. Here,

Practical Game-Preserving. 280

however, special means of protection must be accorded from
the attacks of vermin, which, if not relentlessly pursued,
will play sad havoc with the leverets, if even the old ones
escape.

The poaching of hares goes on, unless prevented, both
by day and by night, by means of dogs — lurchers, grey-
hounds, and speedy mongrels — and the employment of nets,
long and short, according to the scene of the operations.
Snaring is also largely practised. The habits of the hare
are such as to render it a particularly easy victim to the
poacher, notably by night, and only incessant watching
will prevent serious losses in one direction or another.
The fields and pastures bordering on the high-roads,
cross-roads, and lanes are usually more favoured by
poachers than those lying away from them. Wherever
there is any considerable stock of hares all gates along
the roads and lanes should be properly fastened — pad-
locked if possible — and the hinges so furnished that the
gates cannot be opened from that side. Gaps ought to be
all well fitted with brushwood, strongly staked in, and
all other gateways and openings be well looked after. It
is in these quarters that most damage is likely to occur.

It is, however, during heavy snow that hares chiefly
fall victims to such poachers as are acquainted with their
peculiar ways during weather of this kind. The hares lie
so closely in their forms that, except for a small breathing-
place, they are quickly enveloped, and so " squat " until,
at the end of about twenty-four hours, hunger drives them
forth, when, with no other apparent thought than the
satisfying of their craving, they throw caution to the winds,
and seeking out the nearest available food-supply in the
hedgerows, woods, or root-fields, are back again at the
earliest moment in their forms, an easy prey to the
poacher.

28 1 The Hare.

The peculiar attraction which green wheat-straw, and in
a less manner green barley- or oat-straw, possesses for hares,
provides the poacher with other opportunities, of which he
is not slow to take advantage. They do not touch the ears,
only the straw and blade, and nibble through the plant
either above or below where the blades spring from the
stem.

I do not think it would serve any good purpose to go
too closely into the details of how hares are poached. I
have specified the conditions when this may occur, and the
keeper must ascertain from experience the means to be
taken for preventing it in the varied and successful ways
it is carried on. Let it only be remembered that hares
travel about at night-times in a remarkable manner, and
invariably cover the same paths when in search of food or
when on courtship intent.

Hares suffer from but a comparatively small number of
diseases, and only to severe extent when too closely pre-
served, or in times following continued bad weather.
Against the latter little can be undertaken ; but it is im-
possible to maintain hares in a healthy state and over-
crowd them at the same time. What is possible in the
case of rabbits is utterly out of the question with hares, and
where the former remain healthy and free from epidemic
disease, the latter go down before it in hundreds. One or
two such diseases then attack them. They would appear
to be forms of enteric and typhus fevers. The latter,
which is the least common, is very rapid and highly in-
fectious. The intestines become greatly inflamed and fre-
quently pitted, the visceral cavity in pronounced cases
being full of a blood-coloured liquid, which in earlier
stages is only present as a slight discharge on the surface
of the intestines. The lungs at the same time become
quite putrid, and exude a disgusting odour, the breath
from such victims being infectious in the highest degree.

Practical Game-Preserving. 282

The ordinary enteritis from which hares suffer is much
commoner. The lungs are not affected, though the other
symptoms are similar, but much less marked. The disease
is contagious, the water and certain kinds of soil becoming
infected. It is less fatal to the individual, but being
much more general and frequent, kills many more hares
than the typhus. Of course, there is no remedy known
applicable to these diseases in the hare, and whenever
anything of the kind occurs, the only thing to be done
to prevent further and future ravages is to kill off all the
hares and restock on a small scale a clear twelve months
afterwards.

Liver disease and tapeworm are occasional in hares, but
cause but little mortality.

CHAPTER XXXL

THE WILD RABBIT,: Its Habits and^Preservaticm.

No inconsiderable portion of the game-preserver's time,
in nearly all parts of the country, will be taken up in his
endeavours to keep down the number of rabbits within
reasonable limits ; consequently, an intimate knowledge of
their haunts and habits is indispensable.

Rabbits usually live in small colonies, each composed of
one, two, or more families, all on good terms with one
another. These colonies are formed in the latter part of
spring, and continue up to the end of autumn or the com-
mencement of winter. They are started by one or two
does and a buck that may have wintered together in the
same burrow. As soon as the season permits, this little
community takes up its abode in a burrow suitable to its
requirements, while the does construct their nests in small
holes adjacent. Directly the first litter are sufficiently
matured, the doe leads them to the burrow, and meanwhile
prepares for a second, and so the colony is added to month
by month until it becomes too populous, and subsidiary ones
are formed by the young rabbits, until within a compara-
tively short time the original pair have multiplied a
hundredfold.

We will now take a view of the haunts of rabbits during
the several seasons of the year, commencing, as is most
fitting, with spring. During the period from about

Practical Game-Preserving. 284

ist March to ist May, they dwell almost entirely in
burrows constructed in hedgerows or in banks or in the
ground, and are careful to find their feeding-places as near
their burrows as possible. In summer, provided they be
unmolested, rabbits delight to pass their time in the open
air, basking in the sun, or sheltered from the mid-day heat
under some branch of bracken or bramble, perhaps, also,
at the root of a tree, but in all cases within easy reach of
the sheltering burrow, so that should danger or inclemency
of weather threaten, they may at once retreat to it. They
also affect the coverts during summer, one of open copse or
brake being preferred. During autumn, the spring and
summer haunts are in equal favour, according to the state
of the weather. In winter small and warm burrows are
sought, and one that leads under a large tree or a stone is
preferred. In fact, the warmer the burrow, the less irk-
some do the rabbits find the winter, which, to them, is
one of no small discontent. Spring is the season in which
rabbits do most damage to corn crops, and spring and
early summer are the times when the pasture-fields suffer
most from a superabundance of them.

Of the wild rabbit it is often asserted that there are
four varieties. In some localities they vary in size and
colour, but by no means sufficiently so to warrant a dis-
tinction. The only true varieties existent are the result of
crosses between the wild rabbit and some kind of tame
ones turned down amongst the original conies. The
similarity between the rabbit and hare begins and ends in
a mere resemblance of form and habit ; structurally, they
are widely different and incapable of interbreeding,
although persons have often claimed to be possessors of
hybrids.

Rabbits are almost wholly indifferent as regards locality
and surroundings, and seem to get on pretty well in even

285 The Wild Rabbit.

the most unsuitable and inhospitable parts. Notwith-
standing, they have their peculiarities like other animals,
and particularly as regards sites for their burrows and the
expanses they frequent. In some parts it is almost impos-
sible to get together a dozen head per annum, while in
others all efforts to exterminate them are futile.

Rabbits on the farm, it must be admitted, do consider-
able damage if allowed to become numerous; but on a
well-conducted game-preserve this is unnecessary and un-
desirable. If one wants to make money or to pay some
expenses by them, it is easy enough to form a small
warren, or to fence in a few scores of acres of wood,
copse, &c., without having them widely dispersed, inflict-
ing damage in all directions, not only on the tenants'
crops, but the owner's hedgerows, banks, and fields. But
then they are useful to feed the foxes, and if foxes get
rabbits they will not trouble the birds to half the
extent they would if there were few or no rabbits. It
must be borne in mind, too, that the rabbit does not live
on young corn alone; that one cannot very well catch
young rabbits, which do most mischief, in snares, nor yet
old ones in traps not set in rabbit runs ; nor would it pay the
farmer to be continually on the watch, or to have some
" duly authorised person " on the look-out for him, to kill
his share of the rabbits, to which he has a concurrent right.
The preserver, notwithstanding the Ground Game Act, has
the ground game in his own hands, and if he is wise he
will, in his own interest, keep the rabbits within proper and
desirable limits. A farm without a few rabbits would be
a melancholy sight indeed, and the farmer would be the
first to protest.

The duties of the game-preserver, as far as regards
rabbits, demand no specification. The same operations
which are required to produce a head of winged game will

Practical Game-Preserving. 286

conduce to security and consequent increase of rabbits
wherever they are in any way plentiful, and where they
are not there is no great difficulty in making them so,
provided the ground be suitable.

Opinions amongst preservers differ largely upon the sub-
ject of rabbits. Some will have none of them, others are
always glad to see a good supply ; whilst others, again, are
prone to devote much attention to them and cannot have
too many. I am of opinion that upon the average ordinary
preserve a good quantity of rabbits, judiciously controlled,
is very much to be desired. It is, however, practically
impossible to run a big stock of hares and rabbits upon
the same ground. If hares be required, the rabbits must
go; that is certain, because they will either drive them
away or may contaminate them with the contagion of
epidemic disease. It is, however, quite possible to main-
tain a fair stock of rabbits and a modicum of hares, if
proper regard be paid to their individual requirements. At
the same time, everything depends upon the views or in-
clinations of the preserver himself. There is no doubt,
however, that upon preserves situated in fox-hunting
countries, rabbits are a valuable asset as a protection
against foxes. They also possess the merit of attracting
vermin from the birds, and they are useful in other ways
to the preserver even if we leave entirely to one side the
matter of the revenue — small or large— to be derived from
the sale of them. Still, these are matters which do not
weigh heavily with the owners of large preserves, although
they bulk largely in the economy of rough and mixed
shoots. There are even conditions of not infrequent occur-
rence when a sporting warren could very well form a
feature of the preserve.

These, however, are after all matters of somewhat
secondary importance. The control of the rabbits is,

287

The Wild Rabbit.

moreover, so much an elementary knowledge of the
gamekeeper that I do not feel justified in dealing further
with the matter here. In many respects the whole subject
of wild rabbits on the preserve or warrens, and other
means of breeding them and improved varieties in large
quantities, has been so freely worked and written up since
I dealt with it in earlier days, that it would be superfluous
again to thrash out a well-worn topic.

CHAPTER XXXIL

THE GAMEKEEPER: His Rights and Duties.

THE great diversity in the size and mode of management
of game-preserves naturally means an equally large
difference in the class of man called upon to take charge
of them, from the head keeper who controls a great
manor, involving several beats, to the one who has merely
what is usually termed a one-man shoot under his care.
It may very well happen that as far as the purely practical
part of the work, the actual preserving, goes, the head
keeper upon a big manor may know less than those under
him. It should not be so, but frequently is so, when
the former acts more as keeper-in-chief, planning the
annual campaign in all its branches, whilst the under-
keepers carry his ideas into effect. A head keeper in
charge of a self-contained, moderate shoot, or an under-
keeper in a similar position in regard to one or more
beats of an extensive one, must know every detail of his
work " from shell to shot," and besides exercising control
over those under him must, or should, be able to instruct
them practically in every detail of the business. He must
further be as well able to bear himself properly in the
rearing-field and upon the preserve during the off season as
in field or covert or on the moors in the shooting- time.
Withal, he is bound to work in with the owner of the

289 The Gamekeeper.

preserve, and if I have divided the subject of game-
preserving into two sections, it is because as far as we have
gone the owner of the preserve can and should possess
personal knowledge of that portion which has so far been
dealt with, whereas in that which has now to be handled
it is purely and essentially the keeper's duty to carry it
out, and the preserver is bound to trust him solely to do so.

In many of the matters to be hereinafter dealt with, the
position of the gamekeeper must be made quite clear, so
that in the exercise of his duty he shall not exceed his
powers. As a rule, gamekeepers believe they possess or
arrogate to themselves exceptional powers; but, speaking
generally, a gamekeeper, head or otherwise, ordinary or
deputed, is not entitled to exercise any exceptional powers
other than as the person in charge of his master's game, or
as the holder of a licence to kill game.

A gamekeeper may be either deputed or ordinary. In
the former case he may be deputed by the lord of a manor
for a manor, and may also be deputed by his master to
preserve or to kill the game, and to seize traps, snares, or
nets, but not guns, if the same are being unauthorisedly
used upon the manor or by a person who possesses no game
licence. A deputation by the lord of the manor must be
made in writing, bear a los. stamp, the name of the manor
and of the keeper, and clearly set out the powers granted
him. It must be registered with the Clerk of the Peace of
the district, and expires with the termination of the
service.

Ordinary gamekeepers are merely male servants, and
the necessary duty must be paid for them. As such, and
nothing stipulated to the contrary, they are subject to one
month's notice on either side, or no notice at all in cases
of misbehaviour. They possess no rights in regard to the
tenancy of any domicile they may occupy beyond the limits

u

Practical Game-Preserving. 290

of their service, excepting always in the case of special
agreement to the contrary.

A deputed gamekeeper possesses practically no advan-
tage over an ordinary keeper ; but, on the other hand, the
moral effect is frequently very considerable. It is
necessary to point out that a gamekeeper of whichever
class requires a £2 licence upon his master's land, and a
^3 licence for any other if he would catch, kill, or assist
in catching or killing wild game, unless he is merely
assisting the holder of the necessary licence. In the latter
case he must not employ his own gun, dog, or materials or
tools. He is bound to produce his licence to a police
constable or the holder of a game licence, and must give
his full name and address to the former, or to any Excise
officer, or the occupier, owner, or gamekeeper of any lands
he may be sporting over, or to the holder of any other
game licence. In other words, he is as equally subject to
the same obligations to others as they are to him. He is
equally liable as far as concerns dog licences, nor does his
master's licence to keep a dog extend to him as regards a
dog which is his own property.

Moreover, the law places many restrictions upon the
gamekeeper, some of which, in relation to poaching and
poachers, will be defined at a later stage; but here it may
be mentioned that a keeper must not shoot game at night,
and if only acting as such to the tenant of lands or
the shooting on them, he must not shoot even rabbits at
night. A keeper may not employ poison to destroy game,
and he must not lay down poisoned grain, seed, or
meal, which will destroy furred or feathered life, nor use
poisoned flesh except in a house or a garden, or in buildings,
ricks, or drains protected from dogs. It is a misdemeanour
if he uses man-traps or spring-guns calculated to destroy
human life or to cause injury to human beings. He may

291 The Gamekeeper.

not buy or sell live or dead game, except for his master's
account, and with the latter's consent in writing, and then
only to a person licensed to deal in game, nor may he
purchase game from an unlicensed person.

It will be observed from the foregoing how very
restricted, even in these small matters, are the powers of
the gamekeeper, and it would be well if the facts were
more widely known and the regulations observed. The
position of the gamekeeper must, of its very nature, bring
him into contact or dispute with others, and he should be
careful always to act entirely within his rights, endeavour-
ing to do so without causing needless friction, and without
overstepping the mark. Further, he ought always to be
well backed up by his master, and the authority extended
to him be as ample and far-reaching as is possible within
reason. A keeper should never have to refer to his
master, the preserver, for authority, and unless he greatly
err, the latter should endeavour always to stand by his
actions, and back him up. It renders the keeper's duty
far easier, pleasanter, and distinctly more effective.

The gamekeeper's year may be said to end with the
legitimate shooting season, but engagements are usually
made from Lady Day. This is hardly fair upon a man
taking up the charge of a shoot, and a new man ought
to be already taking stock of his ground in January,
because upon the fulness and exactitude of the informa-
tion he gains during the earlier part of the year depends
the success of his operations during the coming season.

It is also at this time that all dilapidations which may
have accrued during the shooting- season must be made
good again. There will be gaps to be put up, gates,
hedges, and hedgerows to be dealt with, work perhaps not
wholly performed by the keeper, but anyhow under order
and supervision from him, so that all the odd corners,

u 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 292

broken-down hedgerows, and the many other spots and
places which afford harbour for vermin may be cleared up
and set in order. It is also the period when the rabbits
must be finally dealt with and cleared out of all places
where they are not desired to be and to reproduce their kind.
Particularly should this be done round the prospective
rearing-fields, for young rabbits attract both ground and
winged vermin, and the advantage of having the
boundaries of such fields free from them is sufficiently
obvious.

The matter of rabbits and vermin brings us to the
question of traps and snares, nets and wire netting, in
connection with which there is often great waste upon the
preserve, particularly upon those where such matters are
relegated to the under men, and not personally controlled
by the head keeper. One of the best recommendations
for a gamekeeper in charge is that he can catch all the
vermin upon the manor of which he has charge, and be
thoroughly able to show his under men how it is done,
instructing them not only in the use of all up-to-date
materials, but many of the springes and falls of earlier
days, and whose employment is so very useful and
effective.

The use of the snare for rabbit-catching is a matter
which requires much more than a passing interest, because
the tendency of the times, irrespective of the Ground
Game Act, is to do away with the use of the Dorset trap
for rabbit-catching. Thus it is that one of the keeper's
duties should be to provide and work all the snares he may
require.

The amount of wire netting used nowadays is very large,
both for permanent purposes and temporarily for stop-
ping purposes at shooting-time. The same is the case
with twine-netting and sewin. These are matters to be

293 The Gamekeeper.

dealt with by the keeper, as well in regard to repairs
and storage, as provision for future requirements. Long
rabbit nets and the small ones for ferreting purposes
come under the same category ; whilst the care and breed-
ing of ferrets are also amongst the gamekeeper's duties.

It is advisable to call attention to the fact that the some-
what frequent practice in which gamekeepers indulge of
shooting trespassing dogs is usually illegal and always
likely to prove costly. A gamekeeper must not shoot a
neighbour's dog when it is trespassing, nor will the plea
that it was done to save the life of pursued game avail in
a court of law. If dogs trespass on his land he must warn
the owner, and inform him that traps will be set. He
must not place them, however, in such positions near the
highway that any baits used will lure dogs to them. As
a rule, his best and only recourse is through the Court for
damage done, and with a view to obtaining an order to the
owner to have the offending dog destroyed. The notice
that stray dogs will be shot is useless as a safeguard for
any action in this respect.

It is only possible within the limits of this work to refer
to these matters in passing, but those of my readers who
require further information in detail as to the working of
traps, snares, and the like for rabbits, and the management
of ferrets, will find all they require in the writer's small
manuals upon the subjects.*

Other points in connection with the duties of the game-
keeper will have to be dealt with in the chapters on
poaching, &c., and I will now pass to the full consideration
of one of the most important — if not the most important —
of his duties, viz., vermin catching.

* "Practical Trapping" and "Ferrets and Ferreting," price is. 2d.
each, post free, from L. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Buildings, W.C.

CHAPTER XXXIIL

GROUND VERMIN : The Polecat.— The Stoat.— The Weasel.

UNDER the general name of " vermin " are included a
number of birds and other animals whose natural instinct
leads them to destroy birds and other animals of an oppo-
site character, the existence and increase of which are
desirable to the game-preserver. The habits and haunts
of vermin, although to some a subject of commonplace
knowledge, are, to the generality, rather obscure. It is,
however, a matter of necessity to the gamekeeper to be
well acquainted with the signs of their depredatory habits,
so that he may wage successful war against these creatures
when they seek to prey upon his stock. Game-preserving
is, to a great extent, dependent upon the vigilance with
which ground and winged vermin are sought out and
extirpated, for the quantity of game they may capture
and destroy is enormous. If left unmolested, vermin
multiply and increase to such an extent that they would
soon clear off all the game.

One common characteristic of them all is a large amount
of cunning, and, at the same time, great fear of man
being near their habitations or about their neighbourhood
This strongly prevails in all the weasel tribe, and, despite
their pluckiness when captured and "cheek " when one
comes upon them unawares, their fear of the scent left by
man is very pronounced. To be able to cope with them

295 Ground Vermin.

successfully, an exact knowledge of their haunts and
habits is necessary, and although, taken generally, there
are points of resemblance between the several species,
still in detail they differ considerably.

The polecat, the largest and least plentiful of the
weasel tribe, is, without doubt, where it still exists, one
of the most rapacious of all vermin. Not only will it
kill the animals which are its ordinary prey, but will
sometimes attack and destroy all kinds of poultry. A
polecat will often in one single night kill more than it
could consume in a month. Birds, chiefly game, it catches
by stealing upon them at night, and silently inflicting a
sharp and quick bite into the brain, which kills them
instantly. In this manner, should it come suddenly on
a covey of birds, it may fatally wound a large number of
them before they are sufficiently aware of their danger to
make efforts to escape. Hares it will destroy in much the
same manner, and steal upon them during the day when
they are complacently dozing under shade from the sun,
or at night-time when they are busily occupied in feeding.
Rabbits fall victims to the polecat in the same manner that
they do to stoats, by the vermin tracking them to holt,
and, when there, using their superior cunning as a complete
set-off against the knowledge the rabbit has of the many
intricacies of its burrow. Rats, too, both those frequent-
ing the water-side and those in corn-stacks, are attacked by
the polecat occasionally, the latter more than the former.

In localities where many of these pests remain there is
no species of vermin caught, killed, or shot with more
satisfaction to either the poultry -keeper or the game-pre-
server, who may have suffered from their depredations,
than the polecat.

Most kinds of vermin possess a foetid natural smell, but
the polecat has a most objectionable peculiarity, namely,

Practical Game-Preserving. 296

the secretion of a substance of disgusting odour near the
tail and the power of emitting the stench at will, using
it as a means of offence and defence when it is attacked.

The polecat, as far as its colour, &c., go, is not much
known, and a description of the stoat is often volunteered
to illustrate the larger and more destructive animal. Its
head is, comparatively speaking, broader than the stoat's,
the nose pointed, the ears are round, slightly haired, and
rather inconspicuous; the neck, in comparison with the
stoat's, is short. The tail is more inclined to be bushy
than is that of the stoat or the weasel, and while much of
the shape of that of the ferret, has more hair upon it. In
colour individually, polecats differ a good deal, for the
reason that there are two kinds of fur on this Mustela,
one being short and woolly, the other long and more hair-
like. The former is of a pale yellow colour, and the
latter a bright brown, darkening almost to a shining
black; the apparent shade of the animal's fur thus differs
according to the respective lengths of the particular hair
predominating; hence probably a good deal of the
confusion as to these two members of the weasel tribe.

The polecat generally constructs its nest in a rabbit-
burrow, and, moreover, one in a light sandy soil. This
nest it makes not unlike the rabbit's, but noticeable for the
smoothness and great regularity with which the moss, dry
leaves, &c., are built together. Occasionally the polecat
will scoop out a burrow, or rather a hole, for itself, but it
prefers the former and less troublesome way. Sometimes,
again, the crevices of rocks of large size form a suitable
retreat, and in others a heap of large stones is the chosen
place. The young ones number generally four, five, or
six, seldom more, and are brought forth during May or
June — a favourable time of year for their discovery,
capture, and subsequent destruction.

297

Ground Vermin.

Besides the name of polecat, various others are allotted
to this particular animal in different districts, most of them
having reference to some attribute. " Fitchet " and
' ' fitch ' ' are names having reference to its hair, and are
mostly used in the Western and Southern counties. " Fuli-
mart " and "foumart," both evidently corruptions of
" foul marten," are chiefly employed in the North.

The favourite haunts of the fitch are not necessarily in
the neighbourhood where it makes its breeding-place,
preferably they are at some distance off. The stoat
and weasel are accustomed, to some extent, to live in
batches of five or six, but the polecat prefers a more
solitary existence, and rarely more than two or three live
together, and at a fairly wide distance from others of their
kind. Small dark fir- woods, with a rough but dry sur-
face of ground, are the most favoured spots, then rough
and broken ground, well diversified with large boulders,
interspersed with clumps of thick, low, bristling covert,
overgrown with brambles and briars, situated for prefer-
ence along the side of a stream or river, form the places
of habitation most agreeable to the polecat. Again, large
expanses of oak copse situate on a rough stony hill-side
prove acceptable. In fact, any ground well and closely
wooded or covered with brake are the places where the
polecat makes its haunts. This vermin always destroys
the life of its victims by a sharp bite right into the
brain, causing, as before noted, either immediate death,
or instantaneous stupor resulting in death in a few
seconds. None of the other weasels employ this sum-
mary mode of killing, and therefore any bird or other
animal found killed in this manner may certainly have
its death laid to the credit of a fitch. Unfortunately,
the fitch generally endeavours to carry away as much
of its prey as possible, thus leaving very little evidence

Practical Game-Preserving. 298

of its depredations, except, however, in the case of
poultry, which it rarely troubles to carry. Animals
killed by polecats have sometimes apparently been mauled
a good deal, that is to say, they appear to have been
rolled and flung about. Perhaps the vermin in such
cases plays with its prey and lies upon it while sucking
the blood — at any rate, an odour of the fitch's fcetor will
probably be present, leaving little doubt as to the perpe-
trator of the offence. Rabbits the foumart mostly de-
stroys in their burrows, and generally leaves them dead
inside, a foot or so from the mouth of the hole; it rarely,
however, kills more than one at a time, and will return
to the same holt after sufficient time has elapsed for the
rabbits to have quieted themselves down again in their old
retreat. Pheasants the polecat obtains when they roost
low down on trees, and it will often steal upon the sitting-
hen and kill her on her nest, the eggs, however, not being
molested ; hence, if the bird should be warned in time by
the excitement of the small birds in her neighbourhood,
which may have detected the vermin, she has at least a
chance of escape. The way hares fall victims has already
been indicated.

The possibility of crossing the polecat with the ferret
was at one time a disputed fact. The breed or variety
termed " polecat ferrets " is now, however, so common
as to have become nearly as numerous as the others. It
is interesting to note that Mr. Trevor Battye has succeeded
in taming polecats, and breeding from them in confine-
ment, so as to employ them in the same manner as ferrets.

The fitch, when attacked, fights with enormous pluck,
and is a queer customer for a terrier, few of which will
go in and kill it in the first round. It is an ill-advised
indiscretion to corner a polecat, because it will often turn
upon its aggressor, and the bite of one is always painful

299

Ground Vermin.

and lasting, so that in many cases, where the animal
cannot be killed without fear of its retaliating, a careful
attack must be made.

There is no more to be said concerning the polecat with-
out going into technicalities of little worth to the game-
preserver. Now that they are becoming less frequent
every year, so do they become more wary and difficult to
observe. Close notice and constant observation are abso-
lutely necessary to discover indications of the whereabouts
of a polecat; and referring to what has been mentioned
concerning their presence, the necessity, when evidence
of a polecat's existence has been discovered, of using
every endeavour once and for all to find the direction of
its habitation, and, having detected it, of employing all
the means possible to effect its capture and destruction, is
most advisable.

Smaller than the polecat, but considerably larger than
the weasel, the stoat may certainly be regarded as the
real type of " ground vermin " (measuring over all about
i4in. to isin., of which the tail alone is about 4in.). The
stoat and the weasel, in spite of the marked difference in
size, are confounded oftener one with another than pro-
bably any other British animals ; yet, not only in size, but
in appearance, habits, and haunts, does the larger differ
from the smaller Mustela. Rapacious to a degree, and
unswerving in its determination to kill, the stoat is, owing
to its great numerical superiority over the polecat, at the
same time one of our commonest and worst-reputed
vermin. Less bloodthirsty and less powerful than the
fitch, it has not acquired the same skilful means of killing
its captives that is characteristic of the latter animal, and
is therefore not so daring or so inclined to be solitary.

When hunting its prey the stoat employs nearly similar
tactics to the polecat, pursuing with the same extra-

Practical Game-Preserving. 300

ordinary acuteness of scent and pertinacity, so that rarely
does its quarry succeed in escaping. Hares, chiefly in
the leveret stage, seem to the stoat more palatable than
rabbits where both are abundant, and upon the former it
loves to prey. Being a small and short-legged animal,
it is, as far as regards speed, quite unable to cope with the
hare, but will run one down in the same determined
manner as its larger relations.

When hares are not plentiful, the stoat finds in rabbits
an excellent substitute. It is particularly fond of steal-
ing upon them when, half-sleeping, they lie ensconced in
their forms, or seats, certainly preferring this mode to the
more laborious one of catching them in their burrows,
which it does in much the same way as the polecat, only
that in both cases, hare and rabbit alike, it kills by fasten-
ing either on to the neck of its captive or, like the ferret,
below the eye (it prefers, however, the former place),
and sucking the blood until its victim expires from the
loss of it.

Being an excellent climber, the stoat is a greater enemy
of birds than the polecat, and pheasants, as well as
partridges, suffer sadly from its depredations ; but, unlike
the fitch, it has as much liking for eggs and young birds
as for the full-grown ones.

The nest, or rather store-house and lair combined, of
the ermine is often constructed, as far as safety and
concealment are concerned, in a most clever manner, and
to this suitably contrived larder it conveys that portion of
the number of victims destroyed which are considered
fit and acceptable food for consumption. These lairs
are generally employed also as the nest in which the
young may be born and brought up. The stoat, during
this period, namely, while the breeding-season continues,
seems rather to depart from its usual mode of diet, and

3oi Ground Vermin.

to obtain little delicacies to suit the fancy of the female,
or, perhaps, for the young, that they may consume flesh
at the earliest possible stage of their existence. Such
" delicacies " generally consist of field-mice, small birds,
frogs, an occasional water-vole, shrews, young rabbits and
hares, in some cases a partridge, also, but rarely, a wood-
cock. These are but some of the many animals which the
stoat provides for its mate and progeny, and is always most
careful to lay or store them in a neat, methodical manner.
Much as the stoat resembles the fitch, so also does it in
many ways differ from it, and not more so than in the
haunts which it prefers and the habits it follows. With
regard to the former, while the polecat, as we have re-
marked, has an undoubted tendency to become solitary,
or rather semi-solitary, the stoat, on the other hand, is in-
clined to the opposite, and it must be observed that they
do not live even in single pairs wide apart from others (the
breeding-time, of course, excepted), but congregate in
or adjoining some favoured spot in a wood, brake, or
plantation, where they form a little colony amongst them-
selves for mutual protection and defence. Sometimes
they choose a small or a large area of rough or broken
ground in a field, more especially such heaps of big
stones or boulders as we occasionally observe to have been
collected from the surface and removed to an out-of-the-
way corner, or, perhaps, the very centre of a field ; some-
times long rough rows of such stones or boulders, along
the side of a stream, and generally plentifully overgrown
with briars and rough surface growth. Again, they are
found about old lime, gravel, and stone pits, and
beneath piles of bark, wood, and faggots — in fact,
any place at all resembling one or combining all the
features mentioned. In such favoured spots as these does
the stoat find a suitable neighbourhood in which to make

Practical Game-Preserving. 302

its dwelling, consisting mostly of the holes and passages
naturally formed when large uneven stones or wood are
heaped together, and to this fastness will it always re-
treat should it consider danger as likely to occur, being
able to traverse it with facility, and effectually to
" dodge " any animal which may follow it in and which
might prove too dangerous an adversary. From these
holes they issue at odd times, in ones, twos, or threes,
and sally off on their predatory hunts.

Similarly to the fitch, the stoat is also fond of running
a hedge before commencing its work in real earnest, pro-
bably owing to the fact of its having just left the
dwelling in which it sleeps, and where it spends a fair
half of its time, or more even, in recuperating its
energies. Unlike the larger vermin, however, the stoat
mostly, but not entirely, hunts by day, and when so
doing generally pursues its operations at or before sun-
rise, and for an hour or two before sunset, times when the
various animals, birds, &c., upon which it preys, are also
busy feeding, and generally not so observant of means
necessary to their safety.

Compared to the weasel, the stoat is in England
generally less frequently met with, but in certain parts
it is undoubtedly of much more frequent occurrence than
the smaller animal. Its agility is considerable, and in
spite of the peculiar length and litheness of its body, it
can run at a really astonishing pace, at the same time
employing very elegant motions, and showing always a
very animated appearance, leaping and bounding along
in an easy and free-going gallop. As to whether it hunts
by scent or by sight, "opinions differ," and doubtless
the stoat's opinions differ too, for being an instinctively
intelligent little animal, it adopts the manner most suit-
able to the occasion.

303 Ground Vermin.

Besides the very general name of stoat, there are a
multitude of names employed in various districts to
denominate this Mustela, amongst which is ' ' ermine, ' '
especially when the animal has donned its winter coat.
The ' ' ermine weasel ' ' is another mode of referring to
this change of colour in the fur. " Stout " and " stat "
are but corruptions, while " black-tail " refers to the
animal's "terminal appendage." "Mouse-hunter" is
an Essex name. To enumerate further names would be
a considerable task to very little purpose, for they are
mostly employed locally in rural districts.

The best known or summer dress of the stoat is a dull
reddish-brown over the upper and outer parts of the body,
while the under and inner parts are of a yellowish-white,
or rather what is generally termed cream-colour. The
tail is, at the root, of the same colour as the body, but
deepens off to quite black at the end, about half being
one colour and half the other.

The winter coat of the stoat is nearly white throughout,
but not wholly so, as it retains in all cases, to more or less
extent, a slight tinge of yellow, more especially upon the
inner and under portions of the body, but not so notice-
ably yellow as the white markings of the summer dress.
The tail, however, retains its black colour without any
change, and contrasts in a marked degree with the rest of
the body.

In England the alteration in the colour of the fur is of
rare occurrence, except in the higher and more exposed
parts of the kingdom. In Wales and Ireland, however,
it is occasionally noticed, while in Scotland, in the
southern counties, it is common, and in those situated
north of the Forth and Clyde very common indeed.
Curiously, a nearly white stoat was taken near Chelmsford
in February, 1906. Except in the Northern portion of the

Practical Game-Preserving. 3°4

kingdom, the change is seldom perfectly completed, and if,
as far as colour is concerned, it does take place, still the fur
is rarely sufficiently blanched to become of much commercial
value. But in the most northern parts the transition from
the dark to the lighter coat is generally complete, and
there is no appreciable difference between the ermine
imported and that obtained from the bleak moors of
Caithness and similar counties.

That this peculiar variation in the colour of the fur
takes place oftener than is generally supposed may be
very likely, but it rarely comes to people's notice, probably
on account of its occurring in places which, owing to the
roughness and severity of winter on such exposed lands as
would most likely cause the change, are rarely, if ever,
visited by those persons who take an interest in such
matters, and could draw attention to any instances which
might come under their observation.

While agreeing as to the cause of this alteration of
colour, authorities differ as to the exact manner in which
it is accomplished, and even now it is not satisfactorily
determined whether the colour of the hair or the hair
itself is changed ; but no doubt it follows the usual course
of such changes, the colour changing in autumn, and the
fur being shed in spring.

The weasel, the smallest and commonest member of
the tribe, approximates in figure and habits to the
larger and more destructive stoat. It is of a very
red-brown on the upper and outer parts of its body,
and pure white upon the under and inner parts, while the
tail is of the same red-brown colour as the body and
perfectly uniform. The stoat, on the other hand, is dull
red-brown above and a dirty-yellowish white beneath, and
the tail is black at the extremity, and longer and more
bushy than that of the weasel, while the latter animal is

305 Ground Vermin.

about half the size of the stoat ; their habits, too, vary to
a considerable extent. That the weasel is materially less
obnoxious than either of the larger vermin is undoubted,
for, besides being a lesser and weaker animal, and con-
sequently unable to cope with so many or so large birds,
it turns its attention in a direction in which its habits are
not so antagonistic to our wishes as they might be were it
to follow more closely in the ways of either the polecat or
the stoat.

That the weasel has a predilection for winged game,
as far as flesh goes, is obvious, and after that it prefers
hares and rabbits, choosing, however, in all cases young
birds and other animals where they may be obtained.
But far and away is the weasel the most determined and
wholesale destroyer of eggs that we have; not discrimi-
nating for one moment between the smallest of our wrens'
eggs and the large unwieldy production of the goose, the
little animal will break the shell and consume a nestful,
or, in the case of poultry, a single one, and break and
destroy the rest. A determined and agile climber, no nest
is secure from its visits, and, equally rapacious in its
pursuit of young birds, the nests are not safe even during
the time that the young are being reared, and often does
the parent bird return to find the destroyer snugly curled
up asleep amongst the dead bodies of its prey. It will
hunt the mole, the field mouse, and other small mammals
in their usual haunts, not only by the eye, but also
by scent; and most amusing it is to see one of these
flexible, agile little creatures tracing up the scent when
at fault. It will quarter the ground like a dog till it hits
it off, and, to lose no help from the eye, will occasionally
sit up, raising itself on its hindquarters to gain a more
extended view. Its perseverance will tire larger and
stronger animals, nor will water stop it when its quarry

X

Practical Game-Preserving. 306

takes to it for safety. No animal is more audacious than
the weasel, and few more foolhardy.

The stoat and the weasel both employ the same means
of killing by sucking the blood. The latter always fixes
itself to its prey just at the back of the jaws and rather
under than on the top of the neck, and then throws the
hinder part of its lithe and supple body on the back,
whether of bird or of mammal, while with its strong fore-
legs it endeavours to embrace it round the neck. Similar
in nature to the polecat and stoat, the weasel has a habit
of killing many more animals than it can possibly
consume. Undoubtedly, however, owing to the confusion
of the stoat with the weasel, the latter gets credited with
a good many of the misdeeds of the former, and, perhaps,
also many depredations committed amongst eggs and nests
by the weasel are laid to the charge of the stoat.

In much the same manner as stoats, weasels will form
themselves into diminutive packs and hunt in company,
but adopting a more systematic style of attack ; they have
a favourite practice of running out from their habitations
and making a complete investigation of anyone who may
happen to pass.

Not only will the weasel commit the above-named in-
discretions, but an occasion has come to my notice when it
made a rush at and inflicted a bite upon a dog before
the latter was able to turn upon its aggressor. More
especially will it attack them when they accidentally come
sniffing about the nest, when the varmint becomes literally
wild with rage, and flies at the intruder in a most deter-
mined manner, often, indeed, lessening any chance of its
escape by the foolhardy mode of its aggression.

Many instances have occurred of weasels attacking
humankind, and in these aggressive operations they are
always numerous enough to cause some trouble to men to

307 Ground Vermin.

repel the attacks without incurring injury, while women
and children have been known to suffer rather severely
from their ferocity.

The habits of the weasel and general mode of life differ
considerably from those of the polecat and the stoat, while
its haunts are still more at variance with those of its
relatives; indeed, as far as habitation goes, the weasel
lives in a community not unlike that adopted by the rabbit.
Whilst the polecat is nearly solitary, and the stoat more
sociable than the former, so is the weasel, in the same
comparison, more so than the stoat, and more open in the
selection of its favourite places and spots in which to
form its lair.

Its nest, or place in which the young are born and
reared, is generally chosen in some snug corner, well calcu-
lated to keep it dry and warm. It is formed of dead
leaves and grass, with moss and odds and ends of a soft
and dry nature, and, for preference, is made in a crevice
in a hedge, bank, the hollow of a tree, between or under
a heap of large stones, or in a hole in a stone wall. Some-
times, having turned out the rightful occupier, it will take
possession of a bird's nest, which may be suitably
situated, and bring up its young in this. The female
brings forth at each birth from four to six young,
and the number of litters in a year is always two, and
sometimes three or even four. The greater part of the
food it obtains is carried to the nest, and deposited in its
near neighbourhood in some nook doing duty for the
store-house, but not such a well-kept one as the stoat's.
It will also occasionally form a burrow for its nest, but
usually prefers the easier ones mentioned already. When
it does scoop out a home for its young, this rather
laborious undertaking is made in some dry sandy soil, and
is rarely of great extent. It has rather a liking for the runs

X 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 3°8

of moles, and will often, after having killed off the owner,
take possession of the run for the purpose of bringing off
a litter of young ones.

The localities which the weasel likes to frequent are
similar to those of the stoat or the fitch, and differ con-
siderably from those in which it constructs, or in some
cases finds, its breeding-place. Preferring more open
and sunny spots, and courting at no time darkness and
solitude, the weasels form themselves into communities,
ranging in all instances from about six to even fifteen
members, generally an equal number of males and females.
Affecting always situations of a corresponding kind to
those agreeable to the stoat, the vermin under notice, how-
ever, choose those situated on high ground, which is well
open to the sun, and among the most favoured spots may
be enumerated the following, as showing the general
nature of the locality in which they may be mostly looked
for. At all times stone walls are its special resort, and
particularly those rough ones forming boundaries to fields.
Along such boundaries bramble and gorse, besides low
bushes, are sure to be present, and should this wall be the
parting between a covert or a wood, then it is certainly a
most likely harbour for them. Again, those small hollows
sometimes present in pasture fields — roughly, miniature
gravel -pits— which are always partly covered with a rough
brake of brambles and the like ; along high-banked roads,
too, where cutting has been made to acquire a better level,
or where the road is cut into the side of a hill ; further,
by the banks of still flowing brooks and streams, wherever
a more than ordinary rough place occurs, or where, per-
haps, a dividing hedge or a bank reaches right down to the
water; small fir plantations and little woods having a
warm and sheltered situation, and that are well open to
the sun — indeed, to cut a long list of places short, any of

309 Ground Vermin.

those mentioned as agreeable to the stoat and polecat, only
that they must be light, airy, and warm, instead of being
dark and closely sheltered. Such spots do weasels
frequent, and forming, where necessary, tortuous and
narrow passages leading to some larger ones, they collect
together in communities large enough to cope success-
fully with such enemies as they may have, besides men and
dogs. From these dwellings the little animals issue, and
going off in batches, seek their prey and pleasure — first,
of course, as above noted, eggs and young birds.

The eggs of all game-birds are particularly liable to the
attacks of weasels, as they are mostly deposited in such
places as are sure to be more or less frequently visited
by the vermin ; besides, being in all cases on the ground,
they are more certain to be detected. Not only are the
eggs of game-birds open to the attacks of weasels, but also
the young from the time they are hatched until sufficiently
matured to take a long flight. Taken altogether, there is
some long period during which our partridges and
pheasants may or may not have their nests destroyed, and
the vermin is a most indefatigable searcher, as noted
before, when eggs and young birds are to be obtained.
Creeping stealthily up from behind upon the parent bird
whilst seated on the nest, the weasel invariably makes a
rush to obtain the bird as well as her brood, and unless
the vermin is not quick, or, perhaps, strong enough, it
generally succeeds in its destructive purpose.

Leverets, also, are captured by weasels, and, in most
cases, single-handed — rather a large performance for such
a diminutive poacher, no doubt, but still occurring pretty
often. On other occasions, however, more than one weasel
will attack a full-grown hare, and often a little army of
six or seven. Of course, when this is the case, the hare
runs but a poor chance, and once caught and set upon is

Practical Game-Preserving. 310

very soon numbered with the majority. Rabbits are less
open to attack than hares, and are comparatively less often
destroyed, being more difficult to get at and to cope with.
Rarely are rabbits caught whilst sitting out or sleeping;
when such a chance occurs the rabbit's discomfiture is
brought about in the same way as the hare's, only that
generally the particular arrangement of its seat leaves it
exposed to an attack in rear. When, however, the vermin
discover a solitary one or perhaps two rabbits in a burrow
of not too great extent, and there happen to be four or
five weasels together, the one which has discovered the
presence of the intended prey will screech in an excited
manner, and so summon the others which may be near at
hand ; they will then all enter the burrow at the different
points of ingress, cautiously search until the rabbit is
found, and endeavour, whilst preventing its escape, to get
it in a corner, where it can be conveniently disposed of,
or, maybe, it will be allowed to struggle to the aperture
of a hole before its destruction is completed. As far as
one can ascertain, this seems the probable way in which
weasels capture rabbits in their burrows.

The weasel is a ruthless destroyer of the mole; pur-
suing it through its dark passages under the soil, the swift-
ness of the weasel is rather impeded by their smallness,
and so the two animals are about upon equal terms, as the
mole can often, owing to its superior knowledge, dodge
its pursuer. It is quite a common occurrence for the
weasel (which seems to have rather a liking for the opera-
tion) to chase a mole in this manner, and it is frequently
caught in mole-traps.

Respecting the fur of the weasel, it may be said that
in the British Isles it never changes its colour in the winter
months ; but this is not uncommon in other countries, and
has occurred in the North of Scotland and in England

3ii Ground Vermin.

during very severe winters, although the change is never
wholly complete upon the body, whilst the tail curiously
retains its reddish colour, similarly to the stoat. The fur
is, like that of all vermin, impregnated with a certain
foetid smell, but not to the same extent as that of the
polecat ; nor has it the power of emitting any such odour
as is the case with that animal.

The name by which this Mustela is known pretty
generally throughout the country is weasel, except in the
Western counties, where it is known as " white-throated
fitchet " and " futterit," the latter being also employed in
other districts, but sparingly. " Kine " or " cane " is a
Southern country name, while other local ones no doubt
exist.

Between weasels and stoats there seems to be a sort of
instinctive mutual understanding that they shall not work
over the same ground, and although the two animals may
be found to be pretty numerous on a preserve, they will
rarely be taken near each other. This seems a curious
trait amongst animals so very similar.

* *

CHAPTER XXXIV.

GROUND VERMIN: The Capture of Polecats, Stoats,

and Weasels.— The General Details of

Vermin Trapping.

THESE three species of vermin are in their habits so much
alike that most of the methods employed for the capture
of one are more or less suitable for all. In the means to
be adopted there is some little variety, and while never
omitting to shoot or kill either of the pests whenever
occasion offers, about the only systematic manner in which
a continuous and successful check can be put upon their
depredations is by traps, and in some cases snares also.

Foremost among the many traps adapted to vermin-
catching stands the common steel trap, or gin, which,
owing to its cheapness and suitability for nearly all situa-
tions and occasions, is usually adopted, while the others
are used as secondary aids, or adapted to instances where
they may be more likely to be productive of captures than
would the ordinary trap. Everyone who may have to
catch vermin is familiar with the old-fashioned steel trap,
but how to employ it with success and in a systematic
manner is not so well known, and but few, other than
experienced gamekeepers and trappers, are sufficiently well
versed in the niceties of the subject to warrant their taking
upon themselves the destruction and keeping down of the
vermin which may infest their preserves. By the old-
fashioned steel trap must be understood the old-fashioned

313 Ground Vermin-

style of trap, with its improvements, for the original steel
gin was but a poorly-constructed, clumsy article compared
with the highly-finished excellent Dorset and other traps
of to-day, of which illustrations are given at Figs. 32 and
33. It is not necessary that a trap should be large and

Fig. 32.— Ordinary Dorset Trap.

heavy to be a useful one, nor need the spring be very stiff
in order to last long; on the contrary, it should be fairly
elastic and turned low at the bow, so that there is no more

Fig. 33.— Improved Dorset Trap.

trouble than necessary to form a place in which to cover
the spring. For vermin it is advisable to be provided with
two sizes of trap, the one lot (say one-third of the total
quantity) to consist of traps with 3in. jaws, while the
remaining larger quantity should have 2jin. jaws. All

Practical Game-Preserving. 314

these traps must be of the best manufacture, and should
fulfil in every respect the description which follows. By
far the most important part of a vermin-gin is the spring ;
this should be strong, but, at the same time, excellently
tempered, so as to allow of its being pressed sufficiently
low down by the simple grasp of the hand without resort
having to be made to any large amount of force. It is
riveted on to the back piece — that is the flat piece of iron
forming the base of the trap — at about lin. from the end,
and bent over towards the jaws, which on one side are
enclosed in a loop at the end of the spring, that is rounded
on all sides so as to give the jaws a full and easy play.
These latter are always rounded on the outside, and are
toothed in the now usually adopted manner, the sides
being fitted so as to leave about one-sixteenth of an inch
space between the teeth when the trap is " drawn " or
sprung. It is important to give special attention to the
spring and jaws of each trap, and to be sure that the force
of the spring is not sufficient to cause the legs of a weasel
or a stoat to be cut right through, owing to the jaws being,
perhaps, too closely fitted for the strength of the spring.

The catch of vermin-traps requires, as a matter of
course, to be of delicate adjustment, and should, conse-
quently, be very carefully made and fitted very neatly, so
that the step of such a light little animal as the weasel
may " spring " it as certainly as that of a rabbit.

For the purpose of preventing the animal, when caught,
from hobbling away with the trap, each one is provided
with a suitably sized chain, consisting of about eight links,
and a swivel, terminated by a ring of about ijin.
diameter. These chains are in most traps well made, but
this cannot be said of all makes, and, being after the
trap the most important matter, it is necessary to prove
them before use.

315 Ground Vermin.

The small ring at the extremity of the chain is for what
is termed the stake, by means of which the trap is fastened
to the ground. Stakes for vermin-traps may be of iron, as
supplied by most manufacturers, or of wood. There is
also a very effective screw stake obtainable. It is in form
like a corkscrew, and is useful in places where the straight
stakes fail to secure a grip. Upon the whole, however, I
prefer to use wooden stakes, which are best made as
follows : Obtain some well-seasoned straight ash boughs
of as near as possible 4in. or 5in. diameter, and saw them
into lengths of ift. Then having split each length into
four or six, according to the size of the boughs, partly
round and sharpen them off to a point from about lin.
from the top, leaving this part wholly untouched. They
should not be made too small, but of such thickness that
when the ring of the chain is put on it must be hammered
down the last inch of the way, and will be overlapped by
the part not rounded. If the stakes are handily made in
this manner they will grip the ground exceedingly well,
and be found more serviceable than any other kind. It
will be also necessary to have a fairly heavy hammer, with
the flat head drawn out something like a small hoe. This
will be found indispensable when vermin-trapping, for a
good many places occur where the gin could not be set
without. The most extensive experience in setting traps
of all kinds never warrants one in becoming slovenly or
careless. To prevent any risk, one cannot set the trap in
an easier and safer manner than as follows : Grasp the
gin over the spring as near to the jaws as possible, and
place the trap on the left knee (which should be slightly
bent). This will give one complete power over the spring.
Press this down as low as it will go, thus permitting the
jaws to be laid open with the thumb and first finger of the
left hand, and these, of course, keep as near the outside

Practical Game-Preserving. 316

of the jaws as possible. Then, with the middle finger
of the left hand, press the flap over the jaws and push the
plate up from underneath with the third or fourth finger,
so that the catch may easily be made to fit in its place and
retain the trap as it is. A little practice will soon enable
one to set the gin as easily and safely as possible.

The complete setting of the gin is, however, more com-
plicated than just fixing it as a trap, and requires further
description. The manner of " tilling " varies, of course,
according to the nature of the surroundings of a given
spot. It must be borne in mind that the more cleverly the
trap is concealed, the better chance one has of obtaining a
capture, and unless the covering placed upon the gin
resembles very closely what the ground was before it was
cut away for the purpose, the vermin will very quickly
descry the disturbance, and, suspecting something
dangerous, will be careful to steer clear. If the surface
of the spot chosen be grass or other herbage, com-
mence by placing the trap upon the ground in the position
it will presently occupy, with the spring and chain
extended towards the right-hand side when looking at what
may be termed the front of the site, or, in other words,
towards the right of that side from which it is supposed
the vermin will approach. This done, drive the stake
straight down until the head attached to the chain is about
i in. below the surface of the ground. Then, keeping
the trap extended so far from the stake as to allow a little
play for the chain, dig out with the flattened end of the
hammer a square hole just large enough to contain the
jaws of the trap when open, endeavouring so to form the
hole that what is dug out comes off in a little square ; then
further dig a sort of flap of turf along where the spring
lies, and scoop out the earth from underneath this flap.
Now try the trap to this form, remedying any little

317 Ground Vermin.

inequalities that may exist, and hammer the ground flat
in the square where the jaws will lie. It will also be
necessary to cover the chain, which may be done by cutting
a similar flap to that described for the spring.

When the place is considered quite suitable, set the trap
and place it in its position, which will necessarily bring
the flap and catch of it opposite the trapper ; then insert
under the side of the plate, and over the jaws nearest, a
small piece of wood, or a twig, to prevent the gin from
what is termed springing or drawing. Of course, these
vermin-traps are all made to discharge very easily, and
with but little pressure, and it is, therefore, advisable to
observe that the covering should be done in a most careful
and light-handed manner. As the trap is set in grass, it
will be, of course, necessary to employ grass or herbage
for covering purposes, and to do this effectually pluck
some very short grass, and sprinkle it all over the plate
and jaws, as well as the top of the stake, which is up to
the present unconcealed, then with some small pieces of
wood and twig gently flatten down the grass, whilst care-
fully sustaining the plate by means of the twig inserted
beneath it.

When made on plain earth or on ground with a very
scanty supply of grass, there must, of course, be some
slight variation in the manner of setting. Instead of the
more easily manipulated grass, earth has to be employed
for the covering of the jaws, and in such cases, having
covered the spring and chain in a manner which is too
obvious to need description, form a square for them.
Then obtain some nice fine earth devoid of stones, and
heap round the sides of the jaws in little ridges, and
while carefully preventing the plate from falling, smooth
over the earth with a piece of stick, or oftener with a
knife. This is the most effective manner of covering that

Practical Game-Preserving. 318

may be recommended in this instance. It must always be
borne in mind that the trap, to be at all effective, must be
quite unobservable by the vermin, and this result must be
obtained by copying, as near as possible, the aspect of the
spot before it was disturbed. There are, of course, many
places which are situated very differently from the two
kinds described above ; but the best means of concealment
will suggest themselves as the cases occur.

Not only must care be taken in the setting of vermin-
gins, and, indeed, vermin-traps of all kinds, but, it should

Fig. 34.-Musk.Rat Trap.

be remarked, the less the hands are employed about them,
the less likely are the vermin to be scared away by any
scent left ; for, as mentioned in a previous chapter, vermin
are not so much afraid of the actual presence of man as
they are of traces of him.

Vermin-trapping may be pursued to a reasonable extent
throughout the whole year, but early spring, when there
is an abundance of young birds and small mammals, and
all through the winter, so long as the ground is not too
hardly frozen or too wet, are the seasons most suited to it.
Summer and autumn are not so favourable, and unless one
takes considerable trouble about the traps only poor results
are obtained.

319 Ground Vermin.

In addition to the ordinary Dorset trap there are one or
two others which have been employed with advantage for

Fig. 35.— Musk-Rat Trap, Single Spring (American Pattern).

taking stoats and weasels, besides the polecat, where it
abounds. I have used the Musk-Rat traps made by

Fig. 36.— Musk-Rat Trap, Double Spring (American Pattern).

Henry Lane, of Wednesfield, Staffs., with the greatest
success, and, as will be seen from the illustrations given of
them (Figs. 34 to 36), they are remarkably handy, being

Practical Game-Preserving. 320

very light, easily set, and capable of being placed in many
situations where the vermin run where a Dorset trap would
be quite unsuitable. For these traps I employ specially
light steel chains, with two swivels fitted, and iron stakes.

Everitt's Safety Vermin Trap is a useful addition to
the foregoing, and can be employed successfully for stoats
and weasels, especially when necessary to use traps
amongst winged or ground game. The nature of the trap
will be apparent from Figs. 50 and 51, p. 360, but it
requires to be worked under special conditions, a bait being
used, and the trap so set with covering of brushwood, &c.,
as to induce the vermin to attempt to pass through it to
reach the lure. They are useful round about coops, or if
placed between two drain-pipes through which vermin are
fond of running, and in such similar positions as may
suggest themselves as occasion arises.

The foregoing traps may be regarded as the vermin-
catcher's main implements, and upon them he must rely
for 'the most part. I shall describe some other traps pre-
sently ; but, in the meantime, the proper means of employ-
ing these kinds will be explained.

Before going further, however, the question of baits
requires consideration. Of course, the best bait one can
have is the remains of any creature which a stoat, weasel,
&c., may have killed, and recently left for one cause or
another. The vermin invariably return to it, and finding
anything of the kind, the keeper should, of course, trap
beside it, leaving it, however, in the same position as he
may find it. Otherwise, baits should be chosen with a
view to the probability of their occurring where put down.
Small birds and rabbits, the remains or entrails of larger
ones, pieces of carrion — liver, lights, or heart for prefer-
ence— are the most generally applicable and efficacious.
Fish is of little value, although frequently recommended ;

32i Ground Vermin.

but the dead bodies of others of their kind possess a rare
attraction for all the weasel tribe, and can usually be
turned to better account than by being paraded in that
abomination, a " keeper's larder."

Besides the employment of a bait exactly at the trap,
steps may be taken to entice the vermin towards it, chiefly
by means of drags or false trails, drawn out in radiating
lines, so that any stoat or polecat at a distance of, say,
loyds. to 2oyds., coming upon one, follows it up, and is
thus lured to the gin. Two modes of forming these drags
are effective. For the first, a sheep's liver and lights
should be obtained and chopped up very small, care being
taken not to lose any blood. Mix with this a small
quantity of oil of aniseed, and place it in some vessel in
the sun until it becomes fairly putrid. This desirable
result obtained, make a small bag of coarse canvas, and
place the drag in it ; having tied this up, draw it after
you while the traps are being set.

A second method is to obtain a good quantity of dried
or even fresh sprats, the former being preferable; pound
them up in a mortar, and having placed them in well-
corked pickle-bottles, hang them up where they will be
exposed to the sun for some ten days until they are
thoroughly decomposed. The oil contained in the fish is
thus obtained and has a particularly pungent odour. This
oil should be rubbed on some cloth or flannel, a bunch of
saturated material being dragged about similarly to the one
first named. Some essence of musk or oil of aniseed
added is perhaps an improvement.

When employing the steel trap, it will be necessary, as
a preliminary, to discover whence the vermin come whose
capture is desired, then to ascertain as far as possible where
they have their hunting-grounds. When polecats, stoats,
or weasels leave their habitations, they generally wend

Y

Practical Game-Preserving. 322

their way towards any gap or gateway in the immediate
neighbourhood, where they are almost certain to stop and
to rub themselves against the bars and posts, or perhaps
against the rough tree branches which may represent a
gate. This propensity on the part of the polecat, stoat,
and weasel exposes them to considerable danger, for the
opportunity is offered of employing a trap or two, with
almost certainty of success. If the barrier be a proper
gate, or such bars regularly fitted as often do duty for
the same, then the gins should be placed under whatever
may form the division (provided always that this latter be
not too low) where there may appear to be the run of a
rabbit or any similar track. A second trap should be
placed at the end of a gate, between it and the post to
which it is hung. If there be again a space between this
latter and the wall or bank which forms the fence of the
field or covert, another gin may be put here; also, if an
opening of a like nature exists, on the opposite end of the
gate. Should there be a good clear passing place at either
extremity, then one of the gins placed there will be most
likely to effect a capture. In order to till the trap in a
satisfactory manner under the gate, it should be opened
and fixed back; the person setting the gin should be,
preferably, on that side of the gate opposite to the one
towards which it opens. The actual setting of the gin is
in no way different from the manner already described,
but when it is set, a flat stone or two may be placed on
the side opposite to the spring, which must be put parallel
with the line of the gateway, and a few bits of briar bush
and grass be placed on the opposite side to the stones, so
as to form an artificial run under the gate when it will be
again closed ; by way of this run the vermin will perceive
it is apparently easiest to pass. The gins set between the
gate and the hanging-post, and between this and the wall,

323 Ground Vermin.

should be placed one with the spring inside the field and
the other with its spring outside the gate, so that on each
side one fair trap is offered.

These gins, as will be seen, do not require any bait, but
the employment of one of the " drags " already described,
and in the manner named, will be found advantageous,
and likely to lure vermin towards the gateway, where the
tracks come to a centre at the gap in which the traps
happen to be set. There are often in close proximity to
gates and openings in hedges or banks some large stone,
or perhaps a heap of small ones, deposited there to be out
of the way. Such are likely places where vermin would
come and rub themselves, which they do in much the
same fashion as a cat. Here, again, an obviously favour-
able chance is presented for effecting a capture, and one
or two gins may be artistically placed in close proximity
to, and at the bottom of, the most forward part of either
stone or heap of stones. A varmint passing such an
eminently suitable place for rubbing itself against is almost
sure to get into difficulties with any gin that may be set.
If this manner of tilling is relied upon, no bait is required ;
but if the spot be chosen for and considered a good place
at which to use bait, the most suitable of those enumerated
may be employed with a trap set accordingly.

Another suitable position for the gins is along a rabbit-
run that has been formed parallel to a hedge or a bank
containing rabbit-burrowings, and about two or three yards
out from it. There the traps may be placed right along
the run at irregular intervals of from 6yds. to i5yds.
or so, but precaution must be taken to set them, not
on the flat patches of the runs, but on that part where a
rabbit, should it pass, would not put its feet. This
particular must be remembered when placing gins on
rabbit-runs, for in any place where these animals are at all

Y 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 324

plentiful they would be continually getting caught; but
should the gins be placed as noted above, eight out of
every ten rabbits which may pass along the run will do so
untouched, and without moving or throwing the gin. This
will, however, sometimes occur, for the reason that one
must fit the catch of the trap only sufficiently fast to keep
it set, as it is not advisable, in fact is not correct, to set
vermin-traps as tightly as those intended for animals of
much larger size, such as rabbits, &c., on account of the
very slight pressure the tread of a weasel or a stoat bears
on the plate of a gin.

As baits for any traps which may be set against stones
placed, as before described, along hedge-banks, the best
to employ are either a portion of a rabbit, cut so as to
expose the flesh, or of a bird of some sort. It must be
placed and fastened by some means on to the stone, or
whatever it may be, in as close proximity to the gin as
may seem advisable, so that when the vermin, having
scented the bait, approaches to reach up to it, the spot
upon which the trap is concealed may appear the most
convenient place whence the tempting morsel may be
obtained.

The corners of a field which vermin may frequent are
also by no means unsuitable places, and are in many cases
very fruitful of catches if the traps be cleverly lodged.
In such cases, of course, baits are most necessary, and I
generally prefer some " high " smelling means of entice-
ment, such as a piece of putrid meat, the paunch of a
rabbit (including the liver), or, perhaps, a jagged piece
of a dead fowl, or anything of a similar character to
these. The bait, then, should be dropped as near to the
corner as possible without being too exposed, and if the
ground be pretty thickly covered with rank grass or such
like herbage, a fairly distinct pathway should be formed

325 Ground Vermin.

for about a yard or so through it, at the end of which sort
of artificial track the allurement may be dropped. In
the run thus formed the trap should be placed with the
spring, of course, at right angles to the parting, and it
must be carefully set and covered. In a similar way,
opportunity may be taken to place some gins upon the top
of the hedge, and, under these circumstances, it often
happens, when two hedge-banks intersect each other at
right angles, in a case where "conies" may be fairly
numerous, that two well-defined runs will be formed along
the tops. Such runs are much favoured by stoats and
weasels when upon their marauding expeditions, and if a
bait be placed at the crossing, it is certain to be remarked.
For this purpose a bird, such as a pigeon or a small chicken,
may be suspended in the air by means of a stick affixed
at the most suitable point, and, moreover, just sufficiently
high to be out of the reach of either varmint. This will
cause any one of these animals that may be passing to
stop and try to obtain it ; hence it is obvious, if a gin
be skilfully tilled exactly under the bait, a weasel or a
stoat cannot fail to be entrapped.

Dry ditches adjacent to the hedgerow, or if of some
depth, running across a field, are also capital situations
for gins, which may be placed at intervals of considerable
length along the bottoms, a drag being employed to attract
the attention of any vermin to the ditch. In some cases
drains or dry watercourses for irrigating purposes pass
under and through a hedgerow, and just in the centre of
the portion of the ditch covered by the bank a trap may
be carefully set, as likely to prove efficacious. Mouths of
such little bridges, or rather coverings of gutters, as are
provided for the easier crossing of carts, &c., are very
suitable and, in some cases, fruitful situations for two traps,
one at each extremity. In such case no bait is necessary.

Practical Game-Preserving. 326

If it be discovered that there are vermin located in a
plantation or a small wood, should there be an earth bank
round it with a gapway partly filled with dead briars,
thorn-bushes, pieces of tree-branches, &c., a run will
probably exist through this conglomeration of stoppings,
and a trap may be set on the inner side of the gap at the
extremity of the run, that is, where the run emerges from
the briars; but if there is not already a track under and
through the stoppings, one should be made by thrusting
through a good-sized stick along the ground ; by working it
well about in a skilful manner, a good and tempting
passage through will be formed — just the style of entrance
to its neighbourhood that either one or all of the favoured
three would desire.

When baits are used to lure the vermin into the trap,
the situations and surroundings need not be so minutely
considered as in other cases, and the distribution of the
gins may be more indiscriminate. The most suitable spots
are along hedges or banks near to or enclosing a wood,
plantation, or copse, at the corners adjacent to gates and
gapways, about good-sized heaps of large stones, and in
and about small pieces of low rough covert. Further,
all along low earth banks running right across some planta-
tion, and similar dry ditches to those already mentioned ;
about the edges of any small pits that may exist ; or, if
a rough road runs through the wood, along the sides of
this; besides any drives and trigs made for sporting pur-
poses. All these are eminently suited for the situation
of a number of vermin-gins, and they have the further
advantage of being easily found.

The bait best used at these spots would be either a
young and newly-killed rabbit, or a bird of some sort,
preferably half a wood-pigeon, a blackbird, or even a dead
partridge. This should be firmly pegged down to the

327 Ground Vermin.

ground in about the position it would be when dead, and
the trap set at its back, a little above the shoulders, the
spring pointing at right angles to the bird or rabbit.

It is not inadvisable, when trapping under these circum-
stances, to make a slight alteration in the manner of
" tilling." Instead of extending the chain to its full
length before driving in the stake, first place the trap in
position, and, after the latter has been moved, drive in
the stake first, under the place where the spring encloses
the jaws, and let the spring lie upon the chain. Naturally
the place hollowed out for the reception of the spring
and chain must be made sufficiently deep to receive both
with ease. With the exception of this slight difference,
the actual setting is in every way similar to the other
manner; but it is necessary to impress upon the trapper
the absolute necessity of covering the trap with the utmost
nicety, and on no account to hurry over this work in a
slovenly manner.

At this point it may be advisable to describe a
further mode of covering the jaws and plate of the gin,
which, while necessitating more than ordinary precaution
in its manipulation, is, except during extremely hot
weather and on places much exposed to the sun, in no way
superior to the manner described above, but, under the
conditions named, is perhaps preferable to the more
general method.

Having placed the trap on the ground, and noted its
outline, cut out a square just large enough to contain the
jaws, as already described, and be sure to obtain the piece
of turf whole which comes away. Then set the trap, and
cover the spring, &c., in either of the indicated ways.
Next, with a knife, cut away the under surface from the
square of grass until this is as thin as it may be without
causing the slice to fall to pieces. Then, whilst carefully

Practical Game-Preserving. 32&

sustaining the plate, with a knife, or by other suitable and
safe means, place the square of grass neatly on the plate
of the gin. It should be of such a size as just to fit
within the square of the jaws; then, by pressing the grass
upon the other side towards the inner one all round the
trap, the necessary covering is completed, and the twig
used to support the plate may be drawn away, and the
11 tilling " is accomplished. This mode is, however, a
more risky one as far as the fingers are concerned, as the
trap must be most carefully set.

The position of the bait is also an important matter,
and whenever it is placed upon the surface of the ground
it should be securely pegged down, so that the vermin
attracted to it may endeavour to obtain it by pulling first
one side and then another, so as to bring it into the trap,
which it would not do were the bait unsecured. Some-
times it is advisable to suspend the lure on a tree, and in
these instances its height from the ground should be just
sufficient to prevent any varmint from attaining it except
by standing where the gin is concealed.

All the methods above described for capturing vermin
comprise those suitable for either the stoat, the weasel, or
the polecat, and according to the locality, appearances,
and general surroundings, it may be judged which animal
is more likely to be captured.

Weasels, however, will most probably be caught when
the bait consists of eggs, but an occasional stoat may fall
a victim. Eggs may be employed in all the positions
named except the last, and for economy's sake the bait
may sometimes be feigned. Reserve all egg-shells from
the breakfast-table, fill them with moist clay, and fit
into each a small peg by which to stick them up on the
ground, three, four, or five together; afterwards form a
rough sort of nest round them and set one or more

329 Ground Vermin.

traps close to the nest. Another method to employ eggs
is upon the sloping bank of some pond or stream. In
this case cut a good large sod, one with rushes growing
on it, and of about 2ft. by i8in. measurement, and having
placed it at the edge of, and projecting into, the water,
form at the further extremity a sort of small nest, in which
deposit, say, three eggs, and " till " the trap on what
seems the most likely part of the sod, covering it up in a
careful manner.

When the capture of vermin along the sides of water-
courses and rivers is desired, somewhat different methods
must be observed. Of course, conspicuousness of the
bait is the chief thing, and its situation where most likely
to be discovered the next. Such hedgerows as run down
nearly to the edge of the water, and then fall away in
height rather suddenly, may be chosen; while any large
and noticeable boulder upon the bank, standing pretty
clear of others or upon a high and overhanging part of
the land, may also be decided upon for a trap. In such
cases it is optional to employ fish as the lure, and if a
rather stale unsalted haddock or two can be obtained,
pieces of these may be used with a fair amount of success.
Polecats and stoats are generally captured about water,
and if the ground at the side be rocky and worn from
the effects of overflowing, the former are sure to pay
visits to ground so admirably suited to their tastes.

Besides those methods already enumerated, a further
manner in which to employ the gin for vermin capture is
at the outside of rabbit-seats, substituting, however, a
dead rabbit for the owner or usual occupier of the
place. This is often a very productive mode, and is
specially suitable in fields where patches of gorse have been
allowed to grow up, and in small pieces of sandy common
in which the furze is the only covert. If some slight

Practical Game-Preserving. 330

search be made in these latter, several places will be dis-
covered where certain rabbits have formed seats under
small but thick-set bushes of the gorse. In those of
sufficient length for the method to be practicable, a dead
rabbit should be propped up to represent one sitting in the
retreat, and a trap set at the entrance, and one at the back
of the small sort of tunnel which exists. In most cases,
the vermin, seeking capture of the rabbit, will be trapped
in the one set at the back, so that it is not advisable to
omit the second tilling.

A modification of this, and one eminently suitable to
small level openings in a plantation, is to form a small
oval enclosure of little branches, preferably of thorn, suffi-
ciently closely placed to prevent the ingress of vermin
except at the openings left. The sides should be about
lyd. long and i8in. apart at the widest, and ought to
slope sharply towards one another at each end, leaving
two narrow entrances, just about the size which a gin
would nicely fit. In the centre of this fix up as bait either
a dead bird, rabbit, or some other- morsel likely to tempt
the vermin which may have detected the lure to endeavour
to obtain it, which desirable end may only be achieved by
its passage through one of the narrow openings ; each one,
however, must be carefully provided with a neatly tilled
gin, ready to capture any intruder that may venture thus
far. This mode requires some amount of care and trouble,
but is sufficiently productive of good results, when the site
is well chosen, to warrant its adoption in such places as
the trapper may deem satisfactory. Everitt's trap is very-
suited for work under these conditions.

Parks, and especially those surrounded with close
palings, are favourite localities for vermin, and many
opportunities round these wooden fences are offered for
employing traps. The kind of paling alluded to is that

33 ! Ground Vermin.

formed by thinnish lengths of boards made to overlap one
another longitudinally, and nailed on to square lengths of
wood which run along from post to post about i2in. from
the ground. Vermin are extremely fond of what is
generally termed running the posts, which consists of
jumping upon these horizontal pieces, and, while scuttling
along them, rubbing themselves against the inequalities
formed by the construction of the fence. Now, if some
unbaited and even uncovered gins be placed at rather wide
intervals along the wood described, when vermin exist to
any appreciable extent in the enclosure, they are sure to
get into the traps so placed. The polecat and stoat are
very addicted to this practice. Further, if a deep cut be
made into the gate-post about ift. to i8in. from the
ground, forming a sort of platform in the side of the wood,
and a gin be here placed, a varmint is almost sure to leap
up if the hole be noticed.

Of course, it is a very difficult matter to mention all the
various particulars which go to warrant the setting of a
trap in a particular place ; but I hope I have enumerated
the characteristics of some of the most obvious spots. In
collecting them I walked over a preserve, and noted them
down as they occurred, this seeming the most likely way of
making the suggestions useful.

I have elaborated, moreover, the details of trapping
these ground vermin to an extent which will not be possible
in connection with every kind of vermin referred to in this
work. Rats will be dealt with separately ; but as I shall
have occasion to refer to this and the following chapter
from time to time, the reader intent on the taking of vermin
generally should make himself thoroughly acquainted with
these two chapters.

CHAPTER XXXV.

GROUND VERMIN: Capture of Polecats, Stoats,
Poaching Cats and Weasels (continued).

I HAVE now mentioned all the more practicable uses of
the gin when employed for the capture of vermin, and
will pass, therefore, to traps of different and, in some
cases, more complicated construction, nearly all of which
kill when they catch. Amongst these, the cheapest, most
useful and successful, is what is called the " Figure of
Four Trap." This trap derives its name from the fact
that a flat heavy weight is supported by an arrangement of
three pieces of wood so cut and fitted together that they
resemble a 4, and from the end of one of which pieces is
suspended a bait, so that the slightest touch from any
varmint causes the whole to collapse, the result being that
the luckless animal, whatever it may be, is crushed by the
falling weight.

There are one or two different ways of making the 4,
the best being as follows : The trap consists of three un-
equal lengths of wood (see Fig. 37) ; the longest piece (A),
named generally "the stretcher," should be i3in. long,
^in. wide, and fin. thick ; it should have three notches cut
in it, about Jin. deep, two close to one another at one
end, and the other cut in a slanting direction, 4^in. from
the last of the two at the extremity ; the centre notch, it
will be observed, is cut slantingly, and at the same time in

333 Ground Vermin.

an opposite direction from the other two. At the other
end of the piece a hole is bored by means of which the bait
is secured, a shows the manner of cutting the notches.
The second piece of wood, termed " the slanting stick "
(B), ought to be 6Jin. long, §in. wide at the smaller end,
gradually increasing to lin. at the other. At this end cut
a notch about lin. from the extremity, varying the distance
more or less, according to the respective heaviness or light-
ness of the stone employed for dead weight. In order to
cut the slant upon the correct side, hold the piece of wood
with the notch underneath, and resting upon its point, and

i"o"~ ~^^ — mm

c
Fig. 37.— Parts of Figure-of-Four Trap.

cut the slant on the right-hand side. The upright should
be 7m. long over all ; from the forked end to the notch
3in. The notch itself should be Jin. deep, and to cut it
neatly and correctly make a slit in the wood (at c) Jin.
deep ; then having placed the piece upon its edge, cut out
the notch on one side of the slit and the curve on the other.
The correct manner of cutting and the position of the
notches are best seen by reference to the illustration.

The other essential in this trap is either a good thick
slate or a flat stone, about i8in. square (Fig. 38, D) ; or
if these be not obtainable, a board cover may be employed,
but this will obviously require weighting. Of course,
either of the former is infinitely to be preferred.

Practical Game-Preserving. 334

To set the trap, first attach the bait to the stretcher A
by means of a piece of wire, allowing it just to hang on
the lower side. It is not advisable to employ any thick,
hard bait that will prevent the cover weight from falling
flat upon the ground, otherwise the vermin may be unhurt
and squeeze itself out at the side. Next place a piece of
slate, or a flat level stone, about 2in. or 3in. wide — it
need not be shaped in a regular manner, and for prefer-
ence otherwise — upon the ground, just about on the line
where the outside edge of the trap will rest when fallen.
Upon this, and with the side shown in the illustration to the
front, place C, then put the notch of B on the point of
C, the small end outside the notch in the slanting-stick
alone supporting the stone or slate which may form the
cover. Take up the stretcher A, and fit the point of the
slanting-stick B into one of the notches of the stretcher,
whichever may seem more suitable ; place it- transversely
to the upright, fit the slanting notch to the notch c, in
C, and having found, by gently releasing the hold, that all
the pieces catch together, the figure of four is formed
and the trap remains set, as shown at Fig. 38. If the
directions given regarding the trap be carefully followed,
the setting will be accomplished at the first endeavour.

Naturally the ground must be level, and it must further
be observed that it is desirable that the surface at the open
end should slant down a little, otherwise the stretcher may
be broken by the weight of the falling cover. No more
complete and instantaneous collapse than that of the
" four " when the bait is touched can be devised, and
only exceptional cases of the parts jamming occur — in such
instances, frost or wet is invariably the cause. This trap
is of course one of the cheapest that can possibly
be made, and as large a quantity as may seem necessary
can be provided, the cost being really nominal, and the

335

Ground Vermin.

only trouble in making is the correct and careful cutting
of the wood for the figures of four. The best wood is
well -seasoned ash or deal, as these lend themselves more
easily to manipulation than others. What is gained in
the handiness of the deal is compensated for by the
superior quality of the ash. When making a quantity, a
plan to be recommended is that twelve of each piece be
made at a time, and by forming and cutting the wood into

Fig. 38.—The Figure-of-Four Trap when set.

suitable lengths, time may always be gained, not to
mention the superiority that will be apparent in the work.
The pieces, of course, must not be left white, but
coloured to be in unison with the surroundings, and for this
purpose a good rub over with mud is necessary ; besides
which a little smearing of rabbit's liver, or other suitable
allurement, should be given just before setting the trap.
For baiting, a piece of flesh of some sort or other ought
to be chosen ; portions of the neck of a chicken or similar-
sized bird are excellent.

Practical Game-Preserving. 336

Referring to the measurements given, those stated are
the ones best suited for stoats and weasels, but for
polecats the height of the upright may be increased,
the additional length being added between the foot and
the notch, say 2in., but not more. In practice, the trap
is not a great favourite of mine, as it is inconvenient and
difficult to hide, besides which so many animals and birds
other than vermin will spring it ; but as a trap to be
employed in plantations, and in places where traps are
liable to be stolen, it is of considerable use. A figure-of-
four offers no inducement for removal.

The " most likely places " for these traps exist along
hedgerows where a rabbit-run up to a burrow in the bank
passes under briars or furze. Here it may be successfully
used, while all similar spots in wood and covert may be
likewise tried. Nearly all the spots mentioned as suitable
for the gin are equally so for the figure-of-four, and will
recommend themselves as they occur.

The next trap on the list is what is generally called the
" High Elms " trap, and one quite as efficacious for the
capture of vermin, yet entailing some little expense, being
of a more complicated nature. However, any short-
comings on this score are amply compensated by the
excellence of the trap ; besides the extent to which it may
be employed, and the wear and tear it will sustain
warrant its adoption as one of the best means of cap-
turing vermin. Figs. 39 to 44 represent the component
parts of the trap, and, as it cannot be purchased, it will
be described in detail, in order that its construction may
be the more easily accomplished.

Fig. 39 represents the floor or bottom of the trap, which
requires to be 22in. long, i4in. wide, and about lin.
thick. It must be made of two pieces of board as shown,
in order to admit of the trigger being fastened on to one

337

Ground Vermin.

edge by means of a screw. For the admission of the
treadle (Fig. 40) a strip is cut out at B, pin. by 6in. long,

Fig. 39.— Floor of " High Elms " Trap.

and Jin. wide. The two pieces of wood are nailed
together with two strips, each 2in. wide and Jin. thick.

Fig. 40.— Treadle of " High Elms " Trap.

A is the spot where the stanchion (Fig. 42) is screwed on.
Fig. 41 is the cover or lid, which may consist of one

C D

Fig. 41.— Cover of " High Elms " Trap.

piece, or be made of two, similarly to Fig. 39. It
requires, however, to be 2in. shorter, but is equally broad.

Practical Game-Preserving.

338

B is a hole about 3in. in diameter, and ought to have its
centre 4jin. from the back end of the cover. A piece Jin.
wide is cut out from this hole towards the edge, in which
the neck of the trigger may work. A hole is provided at
C for the stanchion to pass through without touching the
sides. D represents a staple, into
which the end of the lever fits. This
staple is sometimes dispensed with, and
the means shown in the drawing of the
trap set is adopted instead, namely, a
nail is driven sideways through Fig. 43
at its point, and the two projecting ends
are held by two staples.

Fig. 42, the stanchion, must be of
Jin. round iron, flattened out at the
foot, as shown, and bent to a radius of
i5in. About Jin. or fin. from the
Fig. 42.-Stanckum of opposite end a pin (E) about fin. long
must be riveted on, so as to stand out
at right angles upon either side. Its thickness should be
such as will easily fit the hole bored through Fig. 43 at F.
The stanchion must have two holes in the foot, through
which it can be screwed down to the floor at A. Fig. 40
is the treadle, measuring from the notch at G 4in., and the

Fig. 43.— Lever of " High Elms " Trap.

rest 3in. The plate is of sheet iron, round, and measuring
3 Jin. in diameter; it must be riveted on at H. Some-
times it is formed as shown in Fig. 45 by the dotted
outline in A. The lever (Fig. 43) is of wood, Jin. thick,
fin. wide, and long enough to reach from the staple
(D, Fig. 41) to the notch at the top of the trigger. Two

339 Ground Vermin.

inches from its extremity is a hole (F) for it to slip on to
the pin (E, Fig. 42) in the stanchion, and at the other
end a nail or bent wire to catch the notch of the trigger.
Fig. 44 is a round piece of wood or iron 4in. in diameter,
with four holes drilled or bored in it. To this is tied the
bait.

Fig. 45 represents the trap when set. The floor and
cover are hinged together by old stirrup-leather, or as
desired. In order to set this rather complicated trap,

Fig. 44. — Bait

Plate of " High

Elms" Trap.

Fig. 45.— The " High Elms " Trap Complete.

A, Platform. B, Cover, a, Stanchion, b, Treadle. ct Lever. d, Bait.
e, Treadle-plate. /, Slot for Stanchion, g, Catch, h. Attachment of Stanchion

first fix the lever upon the pin of the iron stanchion, raise
the cover till the end of the lever will nick under the
staple, press the other end down and let the catch of the
lever fit with the catch of the trigger. The lid should
now be weighted with stones ; tie on the bait and simply
drop it on the hole, with the lure downwards. The
action of the trap is now obvious, for the vermin attracted,
reaching to smell or endeavouring to attain the bait, puts
its feet upon the trigger-plate, which naturally causes the

Z 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 340

weighted lid to fall and crush it. Some nail on to the
cover four narrow strips of hoop iron; this may be done
if wished, its object being to prevent the vermin if only
slightly caught from squeezing out at the side of the trap.
It is advisable, of course, to colour the trap with mud, or
to stain the wood with tan. A mixture of Joz. of alum,
loz. of burnt umber, ijoz. of lampblack, dissolved in
about a pint of porter, used as a paint, gives it the colour
of an old slate. The catches forming the actual trap
require a little oil now and then to prevent rust and con-
sequent jamming. This dead-fall may be employed
anywhere, at any time, and its use in nearly all the situa-
tions appearing most adapted to it will probably, or rather,
certainly, be marked by its great efficacy, as concerns the
capture of stoats and weasels, besides polecats.

Another trap that may be brought into use for the
purposes under consideration is what is known as the
" Break-Back Rat Trap." The smallness of the make,
however, precludes its employment except for weasels, but
if a handy ironmonger happens to be in the neighbour-
hood, he will probably be able to turn out a dozen rather
larger upon the same principle, if practical instructions
be given him, with such differences as to improve the
trap for the purposes for which it is required. Often in
country towns, under the name of ironmongers, there are
men who are very clever in turning out little things like
this. When the " break -back " is used it must be covered
over upon the top and hidden as much as possible. The
situations for it do not vary from those for the gin.

Its action is something like that of the High Elms trap,
but instead of the cover falling, a spring wire raised to
the lid is held there in suspension by a sort of trigger,
which is released by the vermin touching the bait, when
the spring flies down, and, as the name of the trap

341 Ground Vermin.

implies, breaks the back of the animal. A very excellent
mode of varying this trap so as to be more adapted for
vermin-catching is, while making it twice as large, to
substitute for the hook upon which the bait is hung the
trigger arrangement of the High Elms trap.

At Figs. 46 and 47 is given an illustration of the Dead-
Fall Trap, which is very useful for vermin like the stoat
and the weasel. It has, however, another recommenda-
tion, namely, that it is essentially a box trap, but kills its
capture outright. The trap or box should be 3ft. long,

Figs. 46 and 47.— The Dead-Fall Trap.

nin. high, and 4in. wide (inside), the wood used being
deal, except for the treadle, for which oak is a necessity.
The treadle (a) is ift. long and fin. thick. It is really
a swing door upon the floor of the trap, and works upon
brass pins about the thickness of a quill, which are
driven into the treadle exactly at its centre. The holes
in the side of the trap in which these pins work should be
faced on the inside with a small brass plate having a
hole through it, the brass plate to act as bearing for the
pins. On to one of these a flat piece (b) of iron is
riveted, perfectly upright and immovable, c (Fig. 47)
should be of bell-spring about 6in. long, and pointed at
the lower end. It is screwed on to the side of the box

Practical Game-Preserving. 342

immediately above b, so that the latter overlaps the former
by about Jin. d should be a piece of iron or brass, the
opposite metal to the two pegs ee, and has a hole in it
through which to attach the string holding the weight. /
is a piece of iron having a running pulley set in it at its
curved end; it is fastened on above the bell-spring and
has the form of a miniature davit. The weight g should
be about 3in. wide and 2ft. long. It is held up by the
string fastened to a staple in its actual centre. To set
this trap press down the spring c, and the point of it just
beneath the point of b, then set the weight in position on
the top of the trap, placing the string over the pulley,
down the davit /, and fix the piece of metal at its end,
beneath the pins ee. Anything running through the trap
presses the treadle down on one side, the bell-spring is
released, throwing out d; the spring being then free, the
weight drops instantaneously, and crushes the animal
which sets off the trap.

I have made many modifications of this, all on the
same principle as far as the treadle and catch are con-
cerned, replacing the weight by an arrangement for drop-
ping a door at each end and so catching the animal alive ;
also one with a single door of similar kind. Several
firms now supply traps on this principle. Fig. 48 shows
an excellent form.

The true wild cat is now so rare that it is scarcely
necessary to refer to it ; at the same time its existence in
many of the wilder and least-frequented portions of
Wales, the North of England, and much more so in Scot-
land, is still maintained. A good number of so-called
wild cats are annually reported as being trapped, some
of them doubtless really wild specimens. I have, how-
ever, many reasons for doubting the authenticity of all the
" wild cats " reported killed and taken, and must leave

343 Ground Vermin.

those within whose ken the real article appears to deal
with it as may seem best. For the present purpose only
those cats of domestic origin which have taken to a wild
life will command attention.

This description of cat is much more readily dealt
with than the real wild cat, and is comparatively easily
trapped. There is, however, of course, the usual amount
of care and trouble necessary, for these cats will be
found to be especially wary. Besides the cats which
may have taken to poaching as a permanent means for

Fig. 48.— Another Form of Box-Trap.

support of life, there are many, very many, which,
while apparently strongly attached to the fireside during
daytime, and when their presence or otherwise, as the
case may be, is liable to be noticed, have, however, an
equally strong attachment to game-preserves by night,
when their actions are unobserved. These extremely
knowing pussies are as great a nuisance as those first
mentioned, and have a peculiar habit of all coming to the
same preserve, or, at least, to the near neighbourhood of
it. They have been known to come several miles, and I
have caught cats of this kind whose homes were situated

Practical Game-Preserving. 344

really at a wonderful distance from their place of
capture. The injury that cats chiefly cause is amongst
rabbits, &c., which are being systematically trapped,
and, besides these, foxes and dogs are equally destruc-
tive. For the better determination to which animal's
credit the mischief may be placed, it is necessary
to mention that a cat never takes a rabbit out of a trap,
but partly or nearly wholly consumes one, leaving the
jagged remains in the trap. Further, a dog eats one or
two entirely, and buries the remains, which it may subse-
quently obtain. A fox takes a rabbit from a trap, and,
having partly eaten it, leaves the remains lying near;
this it continues to do until its hunger is appeased ; after
this it carries them off.

Besides this kind of mischief, cats are quite capable of
catching partridges, &c., and they are particularly fond
of traversing rabbit-burrows when the burrows are suffi-
ciently large or the cat is sufficiently small. When,
however, these two provisos do not occur, cats will often
entice kittens away, when these latter work much like
ferrets. I have often watched these operations, and on
one occasion shot two rabbits bolted by kittens.

For the capture of cats, rabbit-gins may be employed,
but they require a firm and tight-holding stake, and the
wider the jaws are apart the better. When it is desired
to catch a cat that has become obnoxious in the circum-
stances above related, the rabbit found partly consumed
may be employed, but must be left in exactly the position
it occupied when found, and the gins be neatly tilled
round it ; about four or five will be amply sufficient if the
rabbit be not against a wall or a bank, when, in such case,
two will suffice. For the general trapping of cats the
most suitable places are along the outside of plantations
enclosed by hedgerows, at the corners of gateways, along

345 Ground Vermin-

drives cut through a covert, or under the banks of
roadway cuttings, in gravel or stone pits, or places of a
like nature where the inside covert is close. The setting
is similar to that for stoats, &c., but care must be taken to
choose such a spot beneath where a bait will be placed as
appears most convenient for the cat to stand upon in
order to reach the lure. For this purpose any of those
mentioned will do, but for preference a rabbit, and more-
over a small one, fixed about i8in. above the trap.
The best way is to peg it into the wall, allowing the head
to hang downwards. The drags described in a former
paragraph will be found not only very useful, but exceed-
ingly efficacious in enticing cats to the trap. Tame cats
have an extraordinary liking for the scent of valerian, and
this liking does not desert them when they indulge in
poaching propensities; it always proves a strong induce-
ment to forget that caution necessary to their safety, and
hence its employment when trapping possesses a two-
fold advantage, for besides being an excellent lure it is,
moreover, of great use in putting them off their guard.
It is, therefore, certainly advisable to obtain some tinc-
ture of valerian and place a few drops (two or three will
suffice if the tincture be good) upon each bait, besides a
drop or so upon the plate of the gin when set. It is
also sometimes employed without any bait to the trap, and
the simple dropping of a very small quantity upon the
plate or plates of one or more gins will prove a powerful
attraction for cats, ending in their capture.

The advisability of the employment of the well-known
box-trap is, as far as effectiveness is concerned, rather
dubious for cats, as they become uncommonly wary, and
except in the case of a rather inexperienced one just
entered upon its vicious course of life, it is a better plan
to use gins.

Practical Game-Preserving. 346

The form of trap known as the Hugger Trap, and
shown at Fig. 49, is very useful for poaching cats and
dogs. The taking of the bait releases the jaws, which
seize or hug the victim round the neck and kill it.

The employment of poisons for the destruction of
ground vermin in general, and for cats in particular, is a

Fig. 49,— Hugger Trap for Poaching Cats and Dogs.

means to which I would never advise recourse, and is,
except under certain conditions, not admissible, for the
risk of poisoning animals other than those intended is
certainly not worth running; besides, the expedient never
succeeds so extensively as to be much preferable to the
more satisfactory mode, that of using traps.

If cheapness be a consideration where quantity is a

347 Ground Vermin.

necessity, traps for cats may be supplemented by snares,
which are, however, not nearly so effectual nor so suited
to varied situations. They, however, are by no means to
be despised, and, when carefully made and considerately
employed, are often of great service in their multiplicity.

The capture of vermin in and about pheasant and
partridge pens has been purposely left over until now, in
order to prevent confusion. Besides rats, of which I shall
treat presently, polecats, stoats, weasels, and cats may
at any time obtain entrance to what is apparently
the most secure run or pen that can be obtained. Many
of the misdeeds of this kind in rural districts, laid to the
credit of the fox, would, I have no doubt, be more
correctly set down as the work of ground vermin, rats, or
cats. Especially, too, when chicks are about, where
pheasants and partridges are reared, the losses sustained
are sometimes even disastrous in their continual occurrence.
However, steps are rarely taken in the right direction, and
foxes and dogs are freely blamed for what should no
doubt be seen as the work of the vermin mentioned. Both
the stoat and the polecat, before trying to enter a pen or
a run, make a very careful examination of the outside,
looking evidently for a place by which to escape, in
case their entrance be occupied at the critical time. The
survey they make leaves them very liable to be trapped, and
therefore, mischief having once been perpetrated, traps
should immediately be set at intervals all round the pens
or coops, some small trap being employed, if considered
advisable. If any drain holes run through the hedgerow,
a trap should be placed in them, and in the case of pens,
in any spots where the probability of vermin trying to enter
exists.

Obtain one or two drain-pipes just large enough to
allow a small vermin-gin to work inside them, and having

Practical Game-Preserving. 348

laid them upon the ground, set a trap and push it inside.
It is almost a dead certainty that any vermin in or around
the pens will try to go through this pipe, with what result
need not be pointed out.

Weasels, having a propensity for eggs, generally seek
about the nests, but are by no means unlikely to kill the
chicks ; an egg or two placed in a nest upon the ground
may serve as a bait for them.

Cats are particularly addicted to killing chicks, both
of partridges and pheasants; in such case, however, the
steps to be taken are obvious enough.

CHAPTER XXXVL

GROUND VERMIN: Rats.

THERE is little doubt that of late years the worst vermin
with which the generality of preservers have had to con-
tend has been the rat. It has increased largely in
numbers, and in some districts become quite a plague
despite the extraordinary efforts made to deal with its
ever-increasing depredations. It is unnecessary to specu-
late upon the probable cause of this remarkable increase.
It is due entirely to the neglect of farmers, preservers, and
others to adopt adequate means to deal with the pest.
The means for combating the evil exist, if only they were
regularly and systematically applied. Spasmodic effort
is of little permanent benefit; it must be sustained
to achieve material result. It is the common Brown
Rat with which it is necessary alone to deal in these
pages, the Black Rat having become so scarce nowadays
as to be practically extinct as far as game-preserves
are concerned. Individual specimens, and even two or
three, crop up from time to time, but their occurrence
is so rare that nothing more than passing reference to this
species is required.

The common Brown Rat is too well known to require
much description ; but a few salient points in connection
with its natural history may be brought out with advan-
tage, as even so everyday an animal may possess traits and
habits unknown to the ordinary observer; whilst being

Practical Game-Preserving. 350

frequently confounded with the practically harmless Water-
Vole, the latter is as often made to suffer for the misdeeds
of its distant relative.

It is of a greyish-brown colour on the upper and outer,
and a greyish dirty white on the opposite surfaces of its
body. The muzzle is elongated, but the upper jaw does
not project to a very great extent, while the whiskers are soft
and not very prominent. The average size of a full-grown
rat is from loin, to nin. without the tail, which measures
from Sin. to 8 Jin., thus being about four-fifths the length
of the body ; the ears are very prominent, and in a full-
grown specimen are about fin. long; the tail proves, on
close examination, to be a wonderfully constructed
appendage. The female is slightly smaller than the male.

The rat's voracity is undeniable. Its food is of every
sort and shape. Its chief means of subsistence, however,
are found in grain, and in nearly all the products in
which grain is employed. Meat, also, of every kind, and
vegetables of many sorts, together with every conceivable
substance, from old leather to green peas, form at some
time or another food for the Brown Rat. It is also of a
cannibalistic turn when one or more of its kind are
injured or in difficulties — in a gin, for instance. Strangely
enough, the male rats far outnumber the female, being
numerically about seven to one, and to this fortunate
circumstance we owe the fact that rats are not more
abundant than they are.

Rats which inhabit the network of sewers in the
metropolis and other large towns are of the same species
as those which frequent the barns, houses, and corn-ricks,
hedgerows, drains, and ditches and river banks, although
the former are generally of larger size, altogether fiercer,
and exceed what is called the " barn " rat in voracity
and boldness.

35i Ground Vermin.

If there be a particular breeding- season, it is from the
beginning of spring to the commencement of winter, about
three-fourths of the year. The season is, however,
indefinite, for all through the winter young ones are met
with in odd places, generally in a conveniently warm
situation. If we may judge from tame ones, the Brown
Rat must be an animal of wonderful fecundity, as it
breeds six times in the year.

Rats which form their nests in and about hedgerows, on
the banks at the water-side, and about fields, construct a
shelter of a different kind from those whose haunts are in
buildings. The former first select a secluded situation
where warmth, dryness, and other conditions necessary to
a rat's nest are present, and burrow, scoop out, or adapt
a suitable hole, at the far end of which, where the passage
is widened out, the female forms a nest, employing various
substances, such as soft leaves, dry grass, ferns, moss,
&c., together with any wool dropped from sheep. These
are neatly manipulated into a nest of circular shape, and
if not wholly covered, is so deep in its construction as
nearly to close over the dam and her numerous progeny.

In town or country houses, in corn-ricks or fodder
stored in barns, or in and about the miscellaneous
collections which often litter up granaries and outhouses,
on farms, or in the last season's clip of wool, the rats
seek for pieces of rag of various colours, paper, fur,
feathers, &c., wherewith to form and line their nests,
which, however, are of the same shape as those fre-
quenting banks, &c. In these the young are reared until
sufficiently mature to provide for themselves, which is at
about two months and a half to three months old, when
most of them are themselves able to breed. The first
and two or three following broods are not very numerous,
ranging mostly from four to six or seven, but as soon as

Practical Game-Preserving. 352

the rat attains its full size, after the first winter is past,
they range from eight to fifteen, rarely being fewer and
often more. I have often found nests of seventeen or
eighteen at a time, and many instances have occurred of
twenty and upwards. Rats continue to breed for three or
four years.

The female rat when rearing a family is devoted and
courageous, ready at any moment to lose her life rather
than see the capture or disturbance of her progeny, spring-
ing at man, dog, or ferret with a fierceness and determina-
tion only equalled by her agility. The male rat, however,
has none of these qualities, and takes no interest whatever
in his offspring, except as far as concerns eating them.
If he discover the situation of the female's nest, he is
always on the look-out for a favourable opportunity,
during her enforced absence in search of food, to step
in and quietly to consume his numerous family. Some-
times, however, he may doubly " put his foot in it "
when seeking to intrude with bloodthirsty intent, and may
meet the female. Fully aware of his design, she waits for
no apologies, but flies at him with a fierceness sufficient
to induce his precipitate flight. The broods of one female
remain for the most part in company until the females
begin to breed, after which the circle breaks up and each
pursues its individual course.

Rats live in colonies, in much the same way as rabbits,
but owing to the nature of their habits, not to the same
extent. As soon as it is dusk and the places of their
nightly mischief are quiet, they issue from the retreats
where they may have remained sleeping during the day,
some seeking materials for nests, others improving the
strategical value of their runs, but the greater number
bent on satisfying their inordinate appetite. Each colony
of barn and house rats spends the time of repose in close

si
ft

S o

353 Ground Vermin.

companionship, or sometimes snugly huddled up together
in a batch, separating one from another only when their
appetites move them so to do, or to attain certain things
which are only within reach in the daytime. Rats are by
no means selfish about any provender which they may
individually obtain ; on the contrary, in the event of
a certain member of a family discovering a delicacy, it
either fetches its friends and relatives to the spot or
conveys the tempting morsel to the general meeting-place
during the day. Hence rats will often put themselves to
extreme trouble to transport such unwieldy articles as eggs,
potatoes, carrots, beetroots, &c. Rats frequenting hedge-
rows and banks, of course, cannot adopt this mode of
living, and repair to the burrows they have constructed at
such time as they may deem rest or sleep needful — the day
not being with them synonymous with quiet and sleep, as
with those inhabiting buildings.

To enumerate the various substances which may serve
as food for rats is not necessary. It will suffice to point
out their chief victims of a furred or feathered kind.
First of these may be mentioned poultry, which at all
times and at every stage suffer more or less from their
voracity. Whether it be fowls' or ducks' eggs, chickens
or ducklings, is immaterial. Poultry, pigeons, and pets of
various sorts fall victims to these vermin.

By the pond and riverside they are no less mischievous,
for, in addition to waging a war upon the inoffensive
water-voles into whose homes they have intruded, they
kill many a young fish and water-bird, besides honey-
combing the banks with their tortuous and extended rami-
fications. In the hedges, too, they are depredatory,
destroying all kinds of eggs, game and otherwise, besides
any young partridges, pheasants, rabbits, or leverets that
may fall into their clutches.

A A

Practical Game-Preserving. 354

The rat is peculiarly adapted by nature to accomplish
an enormous amount of mischief, and at the same time
to avoid the danger likely to accrue from its boldness.
For its size it is wonderfully fleet, and its fleetness is
assisted by unusual agility. For descending surfaces
having great slope, and even perpendicular walls, it has a
peculiar modification of its hinder feet, by means of which
they may be reversed from their ordinary position, and thus
be capable of laying hold of any inequalities that may
exist ; it can support itself until the fore-legs have again
obtained a purchase. The reverse of this movement takes
place when the rat ascends a perpendicular wall sufficiently
uneven to admit of it. Its fleetness, too, when endeavour-
ing to escape, and the consummate agility with which it
traverses narrow ridges, and dodges from one spot to
another, are great aids to it when attacked by a dog;
while the brave manner in which it defends itself to the
very last moment, whether against its canine enemy when
captured, or the ferret seeking its destruction within the
intricacies of its ramified dwelling, is always worthy of
admiration. True, there are rats to be found of cowardly
disposition, but they are very few.

Before considering the means by which rats may be
caught and killed, it may be well to remark upon the
great advantage the vermin have in a sense of smell of
exceeding acuteness, and, moreover, like nearly all other
vermin, a great fear of the scent of human beings. In
the war of extermination against rats I must impress upon
anyone so intent the absolute necessity of employing the
utmost care. As soon as instinct tells of operations of
extent and determination against them, rats become
extremely cautious, and, before one commences the
employment of traps or possibly poisons, some means
should be adopted at short intervals to clear off the

355 Ground Vermin.

ringleaders, and thus leave the community without guides
or advisers.

In dealing with rats it is necessary to bear in mind
always that they are in the habit of covering great dis-
tances in search of food, and also that they repeatedly
and maybe continually shift their quarters. The rats
which may attack the foster-hens, the chicks in rearing-
coops, and the poults on the one hand, or the clutch
of the wild pheasant or partridge on the other, do not
necessarily harbour near the scenes of their depredations.
Oftener than not they come from a distance, and pos-
sibly from the buildings of the farms, the cottages, or the
house itself situated upon the preserve. It is useless
for the gamekeeper to start to kill down the skir-
mishing rats if he leave the main body of the army of
vermin unmolested. He must strike in both directions.
It is, I know, customary to separate the two jobs, but to
be effective the gamekeeper must himself, or by his men,
deal with both. It is for this reason that I give instruc-
tions as to dealing with the indoor as well as the outdoor
vermin.

The destruction of rats in and about outbuildings, corn-
ricks, &c., can be commenced by going round every
evening once or twice. Each building may be visited in
turn, the door being first of all quietly unfastened, and a
dog let in suddenly to take his chance of any being on
the ground, while the man should be provided with a stick
and also a bull's-eye lantern giving a strong light, by which
one can notice any rats going up the corners of the wall,
or which may be lying still, as they often do when
suddenly confronted with danger, when they should
immediately receive a quietly-given, well-directed blow.
Rushing about and indiscriminate hitting are of no avail.
In granaries and barns infested with rats the vermin often

A A 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 356

have a regular track up and down the corners of the walls,
and, in order to prevent the number from escaping which are
otherwise certain to do so, some small pieces of smoothly-
planed board, about ift. wide, having the form of a
quarter circle, should be cut to the shape of the corner,
and fastened up, one in each, sloping downwards at an
angle of about 45deg. When descending the wall, rats,
if they get on the board, slide off and fall to the ground,
in all probability without any injury to themselves. If
these pieces of board can be easily supplemented by
pieces of glass of smaller size, all the better, but any nails
used to support them must, if situate toward the outer
portion, be placed beneath the glass. In some instances
these embellishments of the corners of outbuildings will
be found excellent for preventing rats from getting away.

If it be intended to employ traps as well, there should
be plenty of them placed about, unset if gins ; or tied
up, if box-traps or those working on similar principles.

Ferreting rats out from buildings and killing them with
dogs, &c., unless properly carried out, is a very uncertain
mode of dealing with the pests, as it often has the effect
of bustling the vermin about and scaring them; on the
other hand, if the work be thoroughly done, then it rarely
fails to leave its mark. In order, then, to make the
business productive of beneficial results, a systematic raid
must be arranged and carried out. Of course, the chief
thing is to have a good lot of ferrets well up to their
work, and at the same time large and strong enough to
show to good account in the many fights which they will
have to engage in. The number of ferrets would be regu-
lated by the extent of ground they will have to spread over,
and it is best to obtain about twice as many as one wants
to keep going at a time. Some terriers must also be on
hand — good dogs, really steady on their work, and not

357 Ground Vermin.

unduly excitable, for nothing is worse and more injurious
to any chance of effecting good results than a cur running
hither and thither, without doing more than yelp and
distract the other dogs' attention. If any outlying exits
of drains in any way connected with the parts being
ferreted exist, they should be provided with wire-cage
traps, such as are sometimes used as eel-traps ; these,
when properly fixed, under the conditions named, often
catch a good many. They must be looked at continually,
otherwise a ferret might get in, and if among five or six
rats would have rather a rough time of it. In order to
make this wholesale ferreting about the buildings a success,
an entire day should be devoted to it, commencing early in
the morning, and as it will probably take place in autumn
or winter, it is necessary to take up the ferrets at from
two to three o'clock. Corn- ricks, when rats unluckily
have taken up their abode therein and are devastating
them, should be immediately cleared out by ferrets, and
every possible means of access to rats stopped. If ricks
be built simply on the ground, then constant trapping and
ferreting are the only means of alleviating or altogether
stopping the mischief.

When it is desirable to extirpate rats which have adopted
a hedgerow for their abode, they may, if the holes of
entrance and egress be discovered, be trapped by using a
small-sized gin at each hole. The setting of the traps
must, of course, be carefully effected in accordance with
instructions which will be given presently. On the other
hand, ferreting can in such cases be resorted to with
beneficial results, two or three good dogs and active ferrets
being necessary.

Before proceeding to discuss the relative qualities of the
various traps which can be employed to advantage, further
attention must be called to the great powers of scent

Practical Game-Preserving. 358

possessed by the rat, and, moreover, the ease with
which it takes alarm at anything in the least strange or
unobserved by it before, but above all, the fear it betrays
of anything giving evidence of having been lately handled
by human beings. It is thus evident that not only is it
necessary to avoid leaving scent by handling traps, or from
their lying adjacent to anything unknown to the vermin;
but the scent of the hands, when setting the traps,
should be disguised as far as possible by repeatedly rub-
bing them in fresh, dry earth or sand. Oatmeal may
also be employed for this purpose, being very effective in
removing human scent.

The trap most generally to be adopted is naturally the
Dorset vermin trap, or else the American pattern musk-rat
trap figured previously, as these two are applicable in nearly
all circumstances. The size need not be so much an impor-
tant consideration as the fact of its working well, this
comprising ease in " springing " and a firm but not sharp
snap. The best size for the former is 2 Jin., and of the
latter 3in. Light steel chains and iron stakes must be
used with them.

Before commencing operations the gins should be
dipped for, say, ten seconds in boiling water, not
longer, a stick being employed to lift them out. This
operation removes any scent of oil or handling left upon
them, and they will, moreover, dry of their own accord
in a few seconds. Then, when all have been thus treated,
remove scent from the hands by means of some oatmeal
or dry earth, in order that a free use of one's fingers can
be made without spoiling the chances of success. The
several parts of each gin requiring it should now be lightly
gone over with a mixture of neatsfoot and aniseed oils,
and the traps be every one fastened open by binding wire
over the spring close to the jaws. One can then go round

359 Ground Vermin.

the buildings which it is intended to work in, and place the
traps where the rats mostly commit their depredations.

In about two or three days the vermin will have become
sufficiently acquainted with the traps introduced in every
direction, and one will be able to notice that they run
indiscriminately over the now harmless gins, which can
forthwith be set to catch them. I do not advise the
employment of baits when using gins, except under certain
conditions, but rather the traps should be set in any
runs or places where the vermin make their paths from one
part of the building to another. If there be any place
where a stray wisp of straw or hay has remained, a trap
may be set under it, the straw being put as little as pos-
sible inside the jaws, and, if using any in covering these,
at right angles to the spring, so that when the trap is
sprung the straw is raised upon the rising jaws, and does
not get between them. The same remarks hold good in
the case of hay. The most likely places are upon the tops
of walls, in hay-lofts, on the rafters of granaries and all
about the corn, behind any barrels standing near the
granary walls, and in all such similar spots. One proviso,
however, is, not to place them where fingers of other
persons, fowls' legs, or what not, are likely to intrude;
and if one conceal the gin either under corn, hay, or in
other places, let people be warned of the fact.

The trapping of rats along hedgerows and banks is
similar to catching rabbits, only on a smaller scale; the
runs must be determined upon, and the traps tilled
adjacent to the holes, staked and covered in the orthodox
manner, but in numbers sufficient to provide every hole
with a wile at its entrance. Rats established in corn-ricks
are not easily trapped, but only those ricks not mounted on
staddles need suffer, as the removal of any possible means
by which the rats can regain the rick, once having left it —

Practical Game-Preserving.

360

and they must do so to obtain water — immediately stops
them; those stacks, however, built on the ground will
suffer if rats are not ferreted out or otherwise destroyed at
sufficiently frequent intervals.

In dwelling-houses and the like the gin may be em-
ployed, if it be covered with chaff amongst which corn
has been mixed, and whereon the vermin have regaled after
their wariness has been subdued. One disadvantage which
the gin has is that its working frightens the uncaught rats,
and continual trapping of comrades drives the others away,
so that often two or three systematic catchings are

Fig. 50.— Everitt's Patent Trap-Set. Fig. 51.— Everitt's Patent Trap— A Captive.

necessary before the ever- encroaching vermin are cleared
out.

In addition to the ordinary Dorset trap many others may
be employed for taking rats. Of these, Everitt's trap is
the most useful, and adaptable for most purposes. Alfred
Clifford's patent trap is also very effective and useful, and
is, without exception, the best form of box- or cage-trap
there is upon the market. The former is shown at Figs.
50 and 51. Clifford's traps (Fig. 52) are somewhat
expensive, but with care they last for a long time, and
are applicable in a variety of ways upon the preserve.
They are obtainable in several sizes.

361 Ground Vermin.

A form of trap I have used with considerable success is
a double cage-trap. It consists of a cage of galvanised
iron wire, about 2ft. square and 5in. deep; in the centre

Fig. 52.— Clifford's Cage-Trap.

a second compartment, about

of this is a second compartment, about 9in. square,
entirely shut off from the rest, and it opens only to the
outside. To fit exactly into this is another complete cage,
with a small door, and provided with a small handle to

B

Figs. 53 and 54.— Plan and Mode of Entry to Cage-Trap.

lift it out ; at each corner of the large cage is a little
flap door of wire, working in a passage formed by fixing a
small wall of wirework adjacent. The annexed sketch
shows the affair more clearly. Fig. 53 represents the

Practical Game-Preserving.

362

plan of the trap, A being the inner compartment with the
dotted line showing the cage which is dropped into it ;
B, B, B, B, are the entrances, working as in Fig. 54.
The rats wishing to enter, attracted by a tame brown one,
which is in the cage at A, and well provided with food,
work round and round till they come to the openings at B,
and pushing in, as shown in Fig. 54, get into the body of
the trap, when the flap c falls down again, thus preventing
their getting out.

At Fig. 55 is an illustration of another kind of rat-

Fig. 55.— Frost's Rat-Trap
(Section).

Fig. 56.- Frost's Rat-Trap
(Front View, Shut).

trap, which I consider an improvement on the old form of
cage-trap, and if a treadle bridge were substituted for
the bait on the hook it would be still better. It is made
of galvanised wire, the bottom being oblong, about i5in.
to i8in. long by 6in. wide; the top and ends form a semi-
circle, and the sides are flat. A B (Fig. 55) is the door
which slides over the top, leaving the front open, and is
held in the ordinary manner with the wire loop, C, by
the hook, D. At each bottom corner of the door is a lever,
E, twisted round a wire at G, and attached to a coiled
spring, F. Immediately the bait is touched the door is
released, and the springs, acting on the levers, close the

363 Ground Vermin.

exit. Fig. 56, where the same lettering is followed, shows
a front view of the trap when shut.

The " Break-Back " rat-trap is an excellent trap for
rats; when properly used it is very efficacious in catching
those that have purloined game-chicks or the like, by bait-
ing with a piece of meat, &c. Its adoption, too, in barns
and similar houses as a trap which may always be kept
set, owing to its conspicuousness, can also be advised, and
as a general addition to the usual stock of gins it is by no
means to be disparaged.

Whilst the employment of poison in whatever form for
destroying vermin in general, and rats in particular, has
little or nothing to recommend it, no objection can be
taken to the use of the Virus recently brought out for
destroying rats and mice. This is a bacterial growth upon
gelatine, which contains the germs of a disease rapidly
fatal amongst rats and mice. Fed to them in prepared
form upon bread or corn, the vermin consume the bait,
and become infected with the germs of the disease, which
in from eight to fourteen days proves fatal. Rats infected
with it communicate the disease to others of their kind,
which also die. It is, however, perfectly harmless to
human beings and all other creatures except rats and mice.
For this reason there is no objection to its employment.

The Virus I have used, and with unvarying success, is
that known as the Liverpool Rat Virus, prepared by
Messrs. Evans, Lescher, and Webb, Limited, of Hanover
Street, Liverpool. Both in and around dwelling-houses
and outbuildings, stacks, and everywhere rats congregate,
I have found that with two, or at the most three, dressings,
they have entirely disappeared. I have also used it in
covert and hedgerow with a like result, and am sure that
no more effective and wholesale manner of ridding a place
of rats is available at the present time.

CHAPTER XXXVIL

GROUND VERMIN: The Hedgehog.

THE hedgehog is decidedly vermin, though not generally
so considered except by gamekeepers. It is mostly regarded
as living entirely on insects and such reptiles as it can
discover in these islands, but it really is as destructive
amongst eggs and young game as it can well be, considering
its comparatively slow movements and the difficulty such a
rough-bodied, short-legged animal must have in passing
over uneven and overgrown ground.

There is no need to describe the appearance of the hedge-
hog, which is fairly plentiful all over the country. It
is essentially nocturnal in its habits, and in its natural
state invariably retires from the search for food and other
occupations as the sun rises, nor does it again come forth
from its hiding as well as sleeping place until the dusk
of evening is deepening into night, when it goes in search
of prey, which is generally said to consist almost entirely of
insects. Still, whatever constitutes the ordinary food of
the hedgehog, the fact remains that it is addicted to the
capture and eating of many of the furred and feathered
proteges of the gamekeeper.

There is no sort of young game which the hedgehog
cannot catch, and, having caught, consume, and, more-
over, with no inconsiderable avidity. Whether it be young
rabbits or leverets, pheasant or partridge chicks, or young

365 Ground Vermin.

grouse, it is all one ; whilst as a destroyer of game nests it
is an equally objectionable creature in field, hedgerow, and
covert. Whatever its virtues may be outside the lands of
the preserver, it is singularly destructive within them, and
should be captured or destroyed with no uncertain hand.

I have remarked that hedgehogs increase suddenly or
almost disappear in or from certain lands with rather
curious inconsistency. Sometimes, when one is fairly sure
they have been cleared out from a preserve they reappear
in considerable numbers, and then again, when many are
about, the numbers caught or destroyed are in no way
sufficient to account for their total disappearance.

The nest of the hedgehog is generally placed in some
warm nook at the root of a tree, or in a fissure of a
decayed tree itself, care always being observed that the
entrance is large and easy of access, so that in the event
of a hurried retreat it may quickly enter, coil itself into a
ball, and seek defence against man or dog. Often the
retreat is chosen among rocks or large stones, and a warm,
dry, sheltered crevice provides the home of this eminently
interesting animal, while again it may adopt a rabbit
burrow for its nest, whence the rightful owners, no doubt,
beat a hasty retreat.

The greater number of hedgehogs hibernate during the
inclemency of the winter months, though not all, as
occasionally these animals have been observed passing the
winter in the same manner as the summer, except always
that their comfort cannot be so great, nor their food so
plentiful. However, those — and they are by far the
greater number — which pass into the peculiar state of
hibernation do not provide any food for themselves, and
are consequently of great interest for this reason.

As soon as the winter is over, and they again take up
their usual routine of life, they make preparations for

Practical Game-Preserving. 366

breeding, and about May the litter is produced. The
young of the hedgehog are, without doubt, the queerest
little animals one could name, and, curiously enough,
the ears as well as the eyes of the brood are closed until
from fourteen to twenty days old. When about three months
old they are completely covered in their prickly armour,
but not until six months do they become full-grown. The
young number from three to five.

In addition to the usual nest, the female constructs
another wherein to bring forth and rear the young, and
this is a model of comfort and neatness, composed of moss,
lichen, and similar materials, and so thatched with leaves,
&c., as to be impervious to the sharp showers of rain
frequent in springtime.

The habits of the hedgehog are such as render it difficult
of capture except after evidence of its depredations have
become apparent, although once it be evident that the
vermin in question are in any numbers about the preserve
it is comparatively easy to take them fairly freely. The
ordinary spring traps for vermin are the most effective,
although they are quite as liable to be caught in any of
the others which I have referred to from time to time.
The usual bait for hedgehogs is found in the remains of any
bird or other animal it may have killed, or of the eggs in or
about any nest it may have raided. It is more likely that
evidence of hedgehogs' presence will be chiefly provided
by their excreta, which are very characteristic, and once
you get amongst them almost any lure will attract them.
Probably the best bait for hedgehogs, however, is the dead
body of one of their own kind, which, if suspended from
i ft. to 3ft. above the ground, is sure to attract any passing
hedgehog into the trap or traps placed immediately beneath
it. The same applies in a less degree to the bodies of
other vermin, ground or winged — but whether it be the

367 Ground Vermin.

actual carcase itself or the maggots which may possibly
drop from it which is the attraction I am unable to say.

If it be desired to take hedgehogs alive, a proceeding
sometimes not unprofitable in the neighbourhood of large
towns, where there is a demand for them as pets or for
household purposes, one or more pitfall traps may be
made and employed. The hedgehog is peculiarly fond of
working round and round certain fields adjoining woods

Fig. 57.— Cover of Pitfall Trap for Hedgehogs, etc.

or plantations, and there are sure to be also one or two of
these fields more frequented by hedgehogs than others.
Fig. 57 shows the construction of the pitfall, and as it
is easily made and used, its employment is useful for
catching a variety of vermin, for it can be placed in the
covert or field, and left to take its chance. The measure-
ments given are suitable alike for hedgehogs, stoats,
weasels, and similar small animals, but for cats it must be
made larger. A marks the four sides forming the frame,

Practical Game-Preserving. 368

2in. thick, 3in. wide, and 3jft. by 2ft. B is the cover,
made of two pieces of lin. deal, strengthened by cross-
pieces on the under side, and measuring 3ft. by i^ft. C
and D are two pegs upon which the cover easily works up
or down, as in Fig. 58, the dotted line showing the proper
position when the cover is at rest. To use this a hole must
be formed in the turf sufficiently deep to contain the
frame, after which a square hole slightly larger than B, at
the sides, must be dug, about 2ft. to 3ft. deep.

Fif. 58.-Section of Pitfall Trap.

The situation for this should be chosen in a nice open
suitable place, which hedgehogs are known to frequent,
and, being almost certain to find out this wooden cover,
they attempt to run over and sniff about it, and, conse-
quently, get caught. I have before mentioned the pitfall
in this work, and would advise its employment where there
is a chance of good results.

The above measurements may be correspondingly in-
creased to fit it for rabbits, or reduced for smaller and
lighter vermin.

CHAPTER XXXVIIL

WINGED VERMIN : Ravens.— Crows.— Jackdaws.— Magpies
and Jays.— Hawks and Owls.

Ravens.

NOTWITHSTANDING the long list of what is generally
termed " ground vermin," there is a second quite as
lengthy, comprehending the various birds which, in contra-
distinction, we call " winged vermin." The first of these
to be noticed is the raven, a well-known bird on rough
moorlands, becoming more numerous as the country
becomes wilder and less frequented, though the presence
of sheep and cattle is to its liking. Accordingly, the
bird is growing scarcer every year, as the continued
increase of cultivation makes inroads on its natural domain.
On the higher portions of all our moorlands, in the
mountains of Wales and Ireland, and throughout the
greater portion of the Highlands of Scotland, where the
weather mostly inclines towards roughness, and is ofttimes
wild in the extreme, the raven still finds localities suitable
to its taste, and spots where it can with comfort eke out
the days of its varied existence, a menace to all birds
smaller than itself, and ready to defy the supremacy even
of the eagle, should one venture to intrude upon its fast-
nesses. The raven is decidedly a large bird, measuring
about 2ft. in total length, by some 4in. to 4|in., while the

B B

Practical Game-Preserving. 370

width across the wings, when full grown, is about 3ft. Its
flight is remarkably elegant for a bird so ungainly on the
ground, and is, moreover, exceedingly powerful, alter-
nating between rapid directness and a short hovering
motion, either produced seemingly without the slightest
exertion.

Ravens live for the most part in pairs, the same two
mating off in successive years, and remaining in company
at all times, except, of course, during the nesting-season,
when a close companionship is impossible; but as soon as
the young are large enough to fly, the two old ones join
them until the progeny throw off the parental yoke, when
they again return to the enjoyment of their former solitary
life. The nest, or eyrie, is usually formed in the inter-
stices of some rocky crag, offering sufficient space, to-
gether with security from human beings, or placed upon
the topmost branches of some high tree, beyond the reach
of harm. It is invariably large, as, besides being from
2ft. to 3ft. wide, it is added to year after year until
sometimes quite a monstrosity is the result ; sticks, lined
with fibre, roots, hair, and wool form the materials.
The young ravens are the object of considerable solicitude
on the part of their parents, who are ever bent on pro-
viding them with a sufficiency of food ; and, besides being
voracious, the nestlings often endeavour to fly before they
have their feathers. Falling from the nest, and, being
unable to return, many a young raven has to take its chance
on the ground till its feathers grow, often being captured,
and sometimes losing its life.

The food of the raven is, for the greater part, of an
animal nature, and its voracity is seldom equalled among
birds, for, in addition to every living thing which comes
in its way, it will include fruit, corn, &c., in its varied
dietary. Nor does it fear to attack animals larger than

371 Winged Vermin.

itself, and there is nothing which can be overcome by its
strength or wariness that is not liable to fall a victim to
the raven's voracity. Lambs and the feebler sheep suffer
chiefly from attack, while game of all sorts which may be
in the neighbourhood are as fish to the raven's net, the
eggs of grouse and the birds themselves being the chief
objects of the raven's rapacity.

There are but few opportunities offered for its capture
by traps, and it is necessary to depend for the most part
upon taking the young or eggs, or shooting the birds.
Upon the first mode but little need be said, but upon shoot-
ing a few remarks may be helpful. The best time to get
at ravens is in summer, when the birds may generally at
mid-day be seen hovering round the highest part of the
moorland which they frequent, and a position should be
chosen in some spot hidden to a great extent, whence aim
may be taken with but little exposure. A dead lamb
or a piece of sheepskin should be provided and placed in
full view (on the top of a large stone for preference) in
close proximity to the person concealed. If the ravens be
about they will soon notice the lure and commence circling
round about it, uttering their dismal croak meanwhile.
Under such circumstances, a shot at one or both is almost
certain. In the open they may often be brought within
range by simply lying down on one's back.

This, so far as I am aware, is all that can be said as
to the capture of these birds. It was necessary to take
some note of the raven as vermin, for undoubtedly in many
districts it is a source of great annoyance and loss to the
game-preserver, and whatever may be said as regards the
increasing scarcity of the bird, it is certain that for many
years to come it will find abundance of country in Great
Britain suitable to its tastes and habits, and where its
presence may be freely tolerated.

B B 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 372

Crows.

In outward appearance the often termed Carrion Crow
is neither more nor less than a miniature raven, while there
is also so little by which to distinguish it from the rook
that the two are often confounded, the only actual differ-
ence besides ' l look ' ' being the bleached beak and the
bare skin upon the rook's face. The latter, however, is
decidedly gregarious, while the crow prefers to remain in
small parties of a single pair to five or six. The crow,
too, is comparatively strong in numbers, and must be well
able to take care of itself, seeing the persecution it receives
from both the gamekeeper and the farmer. With some
little observation it will be noticed that, although it has a
penchant for semi-solitary existence, it is much inclined to
assemble with others in the morning and at evening, and
further, that these birds have a certain daily routine,
more or less closely followed ; particularly is this notice-
able in their choice of resting-place and manner of going
to roost. The former is generally chosen after some
seeming deliberation, and when one or two have found the
situation safe, the rest drop in gently, one, two, or three at
a time.

About the month of March the young crows commence
to pair off, and as soon as mated the construction of the
nest is begun, and is slowly brought to completion by the
united efforts of both birds. Though large, it is by no
means compact, and is invariably placed at — not on — the
fork (not always the main one) of a large tree. Some-
times it is on the topmost boughs of a high swinging Scotch
fir ; at others, as near the extremity of the middle branch
of an overhanging oak as comfort and safety will allow.

The food of the crow is of such varied nature, and
extends to objects so vastly different, according to locality,
that very erroneous opinions are sometimes formed as to

373 Winged Vermin.

the amount of destruction it will commit among game
of all kinds. The nests of small birds, placed in any
position liable to observation, are quite likely to be emptied
of their contents by these feathered vermin. Rabbits of
any size or age are captured, and, being captured, eaten,
the favourite ruse seeming to be a quick rise from one side
of a hedge, swooping down on the quarry already marked
on the other — at least, I have repeatedly observed it so —
in addition to many other stealthy ways worthier of a
poaching cat. There is no doubt that in a similar manner
to this crows kill young partridges, besides fair-sized
leverets, but this it is difficult to prove, for, in addition to
having a habit of hiding to some extent the remains of its
victims, the action of a crow when consuming a bird is so
indistinguishable from its usual mode of behaviour that it
would excite no special notice. It is, however, among the
young of game that the crow's mischievous habits prove
most objectionable, and although the magpie and jay are
remarkably obnoxious, the crow runs them very close as a
destroyer of eggs. If one of these marauders discover a
nest, whether being in actual search of food or in hurried
flight, it will drop down to mark its prey, and return
speedily at the first available opportunity.

Young birds oftenest fall victims to the crow's
rapacity when sufficiently old to leave their parents
temporarily during the daytime, only going back to their
protection at intervals and at night. Under such circum-
stances crows pick up a good number of young partridges
and pheasants, and, perhaps, even more than the magpie
or jay, for if this bird has a preference it is for young
game of the age indicated. Game-chicks and wild duck-
lings when first allowed to roam about the rearing-field,
are very liable to be captured, killed, and carried off by
the Carrion Crow ; indeed, in some districts extreme

Practical Game-Preserving. 374

vigilance is necessary, while even in localities where the
bird is not plentiful and comparatively harmless, there
are sure to be one or two wary old crows about, which
invariably turn up at odd moments, and, in spite of close
vigilance, will manage to snap up one or more by repeated
visits at odd intervals.

Wherever many young pheasants are reared and allowed
out of the runs when small, these sombre thieves will be
on the alert, and many, indeed, are the raids they annually
commit in this direction. In addition to thus inflicting
loss, the crow is a remarkably persevering thief in respect
of the eggs deposited in outlying corners, &c., by perverse-
natured hens which will lay astray, and it is not un-
common for some wily old Carrion Crow systematically to
visit such a nest and daily to purloin the freshly-laid eggs.
These depredations in and around the buildings are, for
the most part, carried on either in the early morning, or
at least before the middle of the day has arrived, with its
consequent bustling about, and, although the crow is dis-
posed to snap up any duckling or chicken which may be
roaming the fields at some slight distance from the house,
its favourite way is to hang about in the morning, and
according to circumstances betake itself subsequently to
some more distant parts of the place, where it may con-
veniently have a good time amongst the young and eggs of
the game, or disport itself on young rabbits or leverets. I
mention these habits of the crow in respect to young
poultry more particularly, as, although its chief mischief
is amongst the game, it renders itself as easily taken by
traps, &c., in the former case as in the latter. As the
season for the above-named food draws to a close, the crow
is obliged to make shift in other directions than in the
preserves and poultry-yard, and although it prefers at all
times food of the nature just described, when the carcase of

375 Winged Vermin.

any dead animal is to be found, the crow is able to some
extent to verify its cognomen of " Carrion Crow." But
putrid flesh is by no means so much to its liking as to
warrant the appellation given to it.

The Hooded Crow, another of the Corvidce, though not
a common visitant in our Southern counties, is well enough
known in the Northern ones and in the sister countries.
I do not think it breeds freely in England, but on the wild
sea-coast of North Scotland and the adjacent isles it multi-
plies greatly. As far as its other habits go, it is similar
to the Carrion Crow, except that its taste for birds and
other animals, especially those of a " game " nature, is
greater, and consequently more obnoxious to sportsmen.
It is known by a great variety of names, the commonest
being Royston, Grey, Grey-backed, and Kentish Crow.

Rooks.

As previously stated, the rook and the crow are fre-
quently confused, though oftener perhaps than is the case
with any other of the feathered denizens of these isles;
and naturally, for to the unaccustomed eye there is literally
no difference in colour, size, or habit, between the two,
while in most counties the names are employed to both in-
discriminately. To the practised eye, however, the " look "
—I know no more expressive word — of the two birds is
different, while on close scrutiny the divergence is marked.

The rook, as already suggested, is essentially gregarious,
and prefers to pass its time with as many more of its
species as may be compatible with harmony. It lacks a
good deal of the daring noticeable in the crow and other
congeners, but is very slightly wanting in cunning and
wariness. Its nesting habits are too well known to need
description. The rook is of a particularly active nature,
and is both an early riser and late in going to roost.

Practical Game-Preserving. 376

It would serve no useful purpose to discuss the never-
ending question of the rook and its food ; its value to the
agriculturist, or its effect upon the interests of the game-
preserver. I am quite content to dispose of the first matter
with the remark that it is possible to have too many rooks,
and the latter with the statement that it is impossible to
have too few. If there be any preservers desirous or
willing to exclude the rook from their list of vermin, by all
means should they be allowed to do so. Personally, I
prefer to count it in with the others, and deal with it
accordingly.

No one should say that the rook never touches game. On
the contrary, the rook has a decided taste for young
rabbits and game-birds — not quite so pronounced perhaps
as the crow, but sufficient to keep it active in search of
such young birds and ground-game as may be obtainable.
Far from being rare, it is a very common occurrence for
young furred and feathered game to fall victims to the
rapacity of the frugivorous crow. I have so full a know-
ledge of this that I simply cannot accept statements, made
by those who pretend to know, concerning the utter harm-
lessness of the rook in respect to game.

The rook is very destructive during nesting-time to
partridges and pheasants, and its name must be added to
the list of birds and other animals at all times eager,
when the chance offers, to despoil their nests and feast upon
the eggs. Not that the rook is, as a rule, a determined
searcher after them, although this exceptional conduct
sometimes occurs ; but it takes them when, whilst in search
of other food, it discovers a nest. The one accidental
crime leads to another until the habit becomes ingrained
in the bird, and spreads from one member of the family to
another. The same thing occurs as regards chicks, young
birds, rabbits, and leverets, until at the finish you find

377 Winged Vermin.

individual rooks as bad as Carrion Crows, with a decided
tendency upon their part to adhere to this new mode of
living, and to instil the bad habits into their companions.

The rook upon the game-preserve must receive precisely
the same treatment as the crow, the magpie, or the jay, if
you would keep on the safe side.

Jackdaws.

It would not do to omit all mention of the jackdaw
from these pages, because, in common with crows and
rooks, it sometimes proves very mischievous amongst
game-eggs and game-chicks. It is, however, so generally
customary to encourage a colony of jackdaws wherever they
appear that it is exceptional for the gamekeeper to have to
treat them as vermin. However, where they do exercise
their malpractices, it is necessary to employ similar means
to prevent them as are effective for other vermin of the
crow tribe.

Magpies and Jays.

Both trie magpie and the jay are so well known by
reason of their somewhat pronounced form and colouring
that little description of them is necessary. Both of them
cunning to a degree, persistently inquisitive and unceasingly
destructive as far as concerns game in almost every form,
they combine between them an imposing array of those
characteristics most typical of winged vermin. It is not
unusual closely to associate the two birds in respect to the
depredations they commit, but the intelligent observer will
easily learn to discriminate alike between the time and
place of their malpractices, and their respective manner of
committing them. For all that, they are frequently
confounded.

Inasmuch as a large amount of the warfare which the

Practical Game-Preserving. 378

gamekeeper must wage against these birds is most success-
fully carried out during the nesting- and rearing-time of
these vermin, knowledge of their respective nests, nest-
ing-places, and haunts and habits at such times is very
necessary.

The nest of the magpie, although of rugged exterior,
is by no means roughly constructed. The site usually
chosen is where several branches form a fork with the
trunk, and although the height from the ground is variable,
the birds always choose a tree which, at about four-fifths
of its height, offers a suitable place ; hence often nests will
be found far up amongst the branches of tall fir-trees,
where foliage is dense and spreading, mostly in situations
somewhat conspicuous, or in comparative proximity to
buildings ; while, under opposite circumstances, where the
covert is remote and closely wooded, one may discover a
nest some loft, or less from the ground, and seemingly
open to all publicity. In every instance, however, it is
carefully constructed of small sticks, the majority of which
are frequently prickly ones, and lined with fibre and roots,
having usually an entire dome of the first-mentioned
materials, or something like it. Oftener than not the dome
is complete, and a small round entrance at one side the
only opening to the nest.

The nest of the jay is somewhat cup-shaped, the materials
being sticks, grass, and fibrous roots ; the former is used as
the foundation upon which the latter are laid to form a
fairly compact nest. The situation is sometimes at con-
siderable height, and, for a man, often placed at an
inaccessible point, so that it will be found most advisable
to shoot the old ones when opportunity offers. Occasion-
ally, however, the bird nests in a fairly low bush or tree.

It would be an almost unending task to attempt to
enumerate and describe in detail all the places, and under

379 Winged Vermin.

what conditions, magpies and jays may interfere with
the purpose of the game-preserver. The former bird is less
gregarious than the latter in its habits, and works, as a
rule, singly, or in twos and threes, whilst jays will fre-
quently consort in considerable numbers for their joint
purpose. As regards the destruction magpies commit, a
great deal depends upon whether they be numerous in the
neighbourhood or not. The more numerous they are the
less difficult are they to catch, and the less, comparatively
speaking, damage do they do. Of course, more magpies
do more damage than few, but it usually proves the case
that individual pairs or broods, working in different parts
of a preserve, will account for more eggs and young birds
and ground-game than many more spread over the same
area. They are much more difficult to get at for shot, or
to trap. Comparatively they do more damage within
the coverts and in the fields and pastures adjoining than
do jays, whose preference is decided for work along
the hedges and hedgerows in spinneys, small clumps of
trees, and along those fringing and dividing the open
ground. The dietary of the jay is more akin to that of the
rook than is the food-list of the magpie, whose tastes are
akin to those of the crow. This constitutes the main
difference between the two birds regarded as vermin, and
marks the magpie under ordinary circumstances as dis-
tinctly more destructive to the charges of the game-
preserver than is the jay.

Before passing to the best mode of taking these vermin,
when it will be necessary for me to point out where their
depredations chiefly occur, a word or two as to the discovery
of their nests and destruction by shooting of the old
birds and also of the young may be useful. Both
magpies and jays may be said to be natural sentinels of
the woods and fields. Their note of warning to one

Practical Game-Preserving, 380

another, and to other denizens of the coverts, &c., is
frequently the first notice one receives of their presence.
It at the same time signals their departure as a rule, so
that you require to see the vermin before you hear them.
At nesting-time the parent bird clings closely to the nest,
and the magpie always, and the jay mostly, has a
well -protected line of flight. The point then is firstly
to discover the nests, and then subsequently to seek the
chance to shoot the owners. When following the flight
of either as they work through and perch on the trees or
shrub growth of the hedgerows, always remember that
directly they enter the foliage or boughs they strike
upwards, and that it is necessary to look for them above the
point at which they may have disappeared. Again, jays
which go over a hedgerow always take about 5oyds. flight
up or down the other side as soon as it conceals them,
and then get amongst the boughs again out of gunshot.
Directly a magpie or a jay disappears in this fashion, run
to where you think it will be ; this plan offers the only
chance of a shot as a rule.

Both magpies and jays are uncertain birds to take, and
were it not for the innate curiosity and inquisitiveness of
the former, it would be still more difficult to capture.
Once, however, one secures the measure of these birds
and their peculiarities of working, it becomes less diffi-
cult to take them. The secret of success, however, in
this direction is to know not so much what they have done
as what they will be doing next. They certainly are two
of the wariest winged vermin the gamekeeper has to deal
with, and unless he be up to all their moves they are sure
to have the best of the bargain.

The small Dorset vermin-traps, 3in., with brass catches
and fine treadles, are probably the most usual traps to be
employed, and can be made very serviceable, but wherever

381 Winged Vermin.

possible I would replace them by one or other of the three
traps which are illustrated at p. 318, Figs. 34, 35, 36.
These are all of light steel construction, and require little
description beyond what the illustrations tell. They are
easily set, require little covering, and do not require so much
attention as those of the Dorset pattern. They may be put
down as thickly as may be desired, and for hedgerow and
similar work may be employed in many more suitable sites
than the ordinary gins. It is advisable to have traps of
this pattern of the larger sizes, although the smaller ones
work well enough under most circumstances. Still, I like
to take winged vermin well up the leg, and it requires at
least a 3 Jin. or 4in. trap to do this.

Generally speaking, wherever you see magpies and jays
working or frequenting, there you have the places in or
about which to trap for them. Whether they have com-
mitted any actual damage or not is a small matter; it is
certain that they are intent upon it, or will be at their
destructive work sooner or later. In any case, the nature
of the baits to employ for them may very well be deter-
mined by the probabilities of what it may be they are after.
As a rule, magpies, if disturbed, will return to the prey
they have secured or attacked, but jays are less likely to
ignore the disturbance and come back to the scene of any
particular depredations. Probably the most attractive
baits are either a whole young rabbit or pieces of larger
ones, notably the inner portions, liver, &c. Eggs are
extremely attractive to both birds ; the broken shells will
prove sufficient.

Various birds, especially game-birds, are capital baits
for magpies. It is not necessary that any be killed for
the purpose. Such may be employed as are found lying
dead about the covert or field. Where pheasants are
reared in any quantities some weaklings will always die

Practical Game-Preserving. 382

off, and these may be advantageously employed as a
lure. Young chickens and ducklings too weak to sustain
existence may be employed in association with a set gin
or two, and pullets which chance to die are also very
good bait.

Mice of all kinds, young and not too large rats, a mole
or a hedgehog, are often very successful, especially the
first-named, and I have frequently found a few gins with
mice tied on the plates singularly attractive when gingerly
set and covered in pastures where magpies are wont to
congregate. Another and rather unwieldy bait under the
circumstances is a sheep's head, or even a portion of a
sheepskin, or a young dead lamb. In either case, if
exposed in a field, magpies passing are sure to pay any
one of them a visit.

In any case the baits should be pegged down where
their nature permits of it being done, and it is always
better to put down two or three traps to each bait, or so
to dispose the bait and the surroundings as to admit of but
one approach. I am not, however, at all in favour of the
formation of elaborate stockades in miniature leading up
to the bait, and through which the vermin are supposed to
pass. It requires more time, more skill, and more know-
ledge than the average keeper possesses to do this sort of
thing successfully. Generally speaking, the more simple
the manner in which the traps are set, and the more care-
ful the mode of covering them, the more successful they
prove. As regards the most likely places for placing
traps, it is only possible to point out a few which may
serve as a guide to the choice of others.

When baits are employed, the best places to take mag-
pies are certainly in fields and open parts adjacent to, or in
the near neighbourhood of, coverts and plantations. I
think this bird rather prefers to pick up its food in the

383 Winged Vermin.

open, although sufficiently near shelter to retire quickly to
it in case of need.

As mentioned before, jays have a habit of working their
way up hedgerows, covered on the top with a fair amount
of growth, more especially when they are plentifully
threaded with rabbit- runs, the chance of securing a young
rabbit being one of the chief inducements. Choosing any
well -frequented hedgerows, and favourable situations
having been decided upon, say two or three every 6oyds.,
a young rabbit should be pegged down at each, and two
neatly -covered traps set one on each side of the bait. If
the jays be in the habit of frequenting the hedge, some
are sure to be captured, and if opportunities recur repeat
the process till the vermin clear, or are cleared off.

Jays in the open are not easily trapped. They are
remarkably uncertain in their habits, passing from one
haunt to another in quite erratic manner at times. In
young plantations — the smaller the trees the better, where
the ground is divided out by paths or drives — jays
are particularly disposed to forage. They will get on the
small trees and hop in and about them, run under them,
and work and search about on the paths and drives at
irregular and alternate intervals. Here, again, the coney
becomes useful as a bait, whilst in their season eggs serve
an excellent purpose, and a neatly-placed and formed nest
of four or five shells, put for preference at one side of a
little open patch amongst the trees, should not fail to
entice the jays into the gins placed in front of the
artificially-formed nest.

When one is trapping or snaring rabbits, especially
adjacent to covert, the operation will frequently be closely
watched by any magpies in the neighbourhood, and if a
rabbit be left dead in a trap when removing the catch of
the morning, and occasion taken to set two or three quick-

Practical Game -Preserving. 384

striking gins around it, repeated settings of the traps are
sure to secure some of the vermin.

Jays have predilections for certain trees, chiefly oak
and ash, the former of not large size, and a trap or two
fixed on the branches about two-thirds up and close to the
trunk will prove efficacious. The traps represented in
Figs. 50 and 51 are the most suitable.

Some gateways are particularly affected by magpies as
places from which to observe the surrounding fields, &c.,
when on the look-out for quarry. Nearly every gate has
a side-piece by which it is hung to the post a foot or so
higher than the top bar, and any magpie taking a look
round will doubtless get upon the more elevated portion.
It is usually easy to take the frequenters of such positions
by placing a trap upon the top of the wood, and having
set and adjusted it, fasten it to the wood by means of a
large wire staple over the ring of the chain, which must
hang down on the post end of the gate. These are only
a few typical positions where magpies and jays may be
trapped for, but they should prove suggestive of many
others, many of which have been indicated from time to
time when I have had to deal with the protection necessary
for various forms of game.

Hawks and Owls.

Although the extraordinary and ill-advised prejudice
existing in the minds of most gamekeepers against any-
thing in the shape of a hawk or an owl has, to some extent,
been overcome, there are still great numbers of them who
obstinately persist in classing amongst winged vermin a
number of birds which are not only not injurious in the
preserve, but may be actually beneficial. It seems almost'
a hopeless case to try to persuade some keepers, and
equally so other persons, that the owls generally, and some

385 Winged Vermin.

of our few remaining hawks, are not predatory amongst
game. If they would be content to hold to their old and
mistaken opinion and leave the birds alone, it would not
matter; but in spite of everything shown them to the
contrary, they persist in ruthlessly destroying them without
rhyme or reason. The only way to deal with the matter
is for the owners of the preserves to take it into their own
hands and make the unwarrantable killing of owls and
hawks a cause for dismissal. Although there are several
hawks and one or two owls whose habits, if strictly
inquired into, would lead to no pleasant disclosures, there
are only two or three whose modes of existence warrant
their destruction by the game-preserver. The greater part
of the hawks and owls which still bestow their company
upon us are now becoming so scarce that, if we want to
continue to reckon them among our British birds, their
preservation will be as necessary as that of the pheasant
and our other game, and it is therefore needful to advise
gamekeepers and others to kill only those whose numbers
and destructiveness would otherwise prove a hindrance to
the rearing of game.

The hawks which are really destructive may be
numbered on the ringers of one hand, and when we count
up all the British hawks, the necessity of a wholesale
killing of all the members of the tribe is far from
apparent. I shall, therefore, only refer to those which
really exert their predacity in a sufficiently destructive
manner amongst game to render their presence in any
number obnoxious.

S-parrowhawk. — This is probably one of the most
numerous and destructive of our hawks, and coupled with its
mischievous character, it has a most shy and wary nature,
so that, although the proofs of its misdeeds are invariably
but too apparent, the bird itself is frequently unobserved.

c c

Practical Game-Preserving. 386

None but the most observant are able to study the whole
routine of its existence with anything like accuracy ; for,
except when hunting for its prey, its intense shyness and
wildness are far too well exercised to admit of any close
notice of its habits being taken. Wooded districts are
mostly esteemed by it, but it seems always to prefer
closely-cultivated lands — probably as its prey is then more
plentiful. It hunts both in the open and in the covert,
preferring, of course, in the latter case, woods where the
trees are not sufficiently close to impede its progress, as it
flies, sometimes at headlong speed, at others with gentle
progress, in search or pursuit of any bird or other animal
that may be luckless enough to be descried by it. When
on the wing it alternates between an occasional exceedingly
rapid flight and a sweeping, stealthy sort of motion,
acquired apparently without movement of the wings.
Should it, thus flying, descry any kind of prey, its flight
is changed to a hover, and for a few seconds it scrutinises
the object of attention. It will, further, often select a
large stone, stake, tree, or such like, as resting-place, from
which, during its temporary suspension of operations, it
does not fail to keep a vigilant look-out. This feathered
vermin evidently prefers winged food to furred; but
although its chief source of sustenance is found in birds,
an occasional rabbit or a leveret does not come amiss.

The nest of the pigeon hawk — as it is sometimes called
— is rarely of its own construction ; often an old nest is
chosen, formerly built and used by a crow, magpie, jay,
or a wood-pigeon, in some fir or other tree — oak or ash for
choice; or, perhaps, a solitary jackdaw's nest in some
ruin or neglected house is selected, and becomes the
receptacle of its eggs. The sparrowhawk nests in April
and May.

Kestrel. — This is probably the commonest of our

387 Winged Vermin.

British hawks, but by no means of the same destructive
nature that makes the sparrowhawk so notorious. It is
to a large extent a migratory hawk, which accounts for
the apparent sudden increase and decrease of kestrels from
time to time in various districts.

Speaking generally, it may be said that the kestrel does
but little harm amongst our game, but when nesting early,
and other food is scarce, it will persistently raid young
partridges and pheasants when they are in the chick stage.
At such times the kestrel is both daring and cunning, and
by no means easy to capture, so that more reliance must
be placed upon the gun than upon traps to secure any
kestrels bent on this kind of work. For the most part,
however, its food consists of mice, shrews, and a great
variety — although not great numbers — of small birds.
Grasshoppers, beetles and their grubs, caterpillars, frogs,
lizards, and slow-worms also form a portion of its
dietary. As far as its haunts are concerned there is
little to say, for it is fairly frequent throughout the
country. The kestrel sometimes travels far afield to
secure a nesting-place suited to its habits, but there is not
much to note respecting its choice of situation for the
same.

Hen Harrier. — This is another fine hawk, frequenting
downs, commons, fens, moors, and marshy expanses,
being more numerous in such localities than in cultivated
or enclosed ones. It preys almost entirely on game of all
sorts and on many moor-fowl, but it is an easily-captured
bird. It seems a pity such a really handsome creature
should ever be destroyed for the sake of a pheasant or
two, or the like.

Marsh Harrier. — This is also locally termed " moor
buzzard," " puttock," and " marsh hawk," and will
also occasionally be found in the trap set for other hawks.

C C 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 388

Long-eared, Brown, and other owls are invariably
regarded by gamekeepers as vermin ; but although occa-
sionally they may err, their general good behaviour and
utility should suffice to preserve them from destruction.

The trapping of hawks is a considerably more difficult
matter than the capture of any of the various birds hitherto
discussed, and such being the case, it is necessary carefully
to note the details the observance of which leads to success.
The round hawk-traps (Fig. 59) are those most suitable,
as these birds require a stronger and heavier one than do

Fig. 59.— Humane Hawk-Trap with Rubber-Covered Jaws.

other vermin. The signs by which one can tell where to
trap for hawks are generally pretty apparent in the shape
of mauled birds, or the remains of such, which will be
mostly met with on the outside of, or along any paths
through, a wood or plantation ; should the bird discovered
appear to be but partly eaten, it may with advantage be
employed as a bait to one or two light vermin gins neatly
set around it. It will probably be observed that the
sparrowhawk hunts the same ground every day ; and, that
being the case, considerable advantage is gained, as various
baits may be placed and tilled in positions where their
observance by the bird is almost certain.

389 Winged Vermin.

The prohibition by law of the use of what is termed
the pole-trap is, in my opinion, a thoroughly salutary
proceeding, not only on account of the abuse of the prac-
tice which has obtained, thus causing needless suffering,
but because the traps so set were as likely to catch any
other bird than the one intended. The careful and as-
siduous keeper has ample means at his disposal for taking
hawks without employing pole-traps, whether his business
be amongst pheasants, partridges, or grouse. Promiscuous
trapping for hawks meets no approval from me, but when
actual and serious depredation is brought home to them
the means which I have described for other vermin, and
modified to fit the special conditions attaching to the hawks,
are abundantly sufficient and effectual.

As regards owls, all that I have to say is that their
wilful capture or destruction holds no place in the game-
keeper's work, and their accidental appearance in his
traps is a matter for regret.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

FOXES AND GAME.

THERE are very few districts where game is preserved which
do not come also under the denomination of fox-hunting
countries. As it is impossible to regard the fox as vermin
in any other than wholly unhunted districts, it naturally
follows that wherever any material number of foxes are
sought to be maintained for hunting purposes, upon the
gamekeeper falls the somewhat difficult task of tolerating
within his coverts and other suitable portions of his
preserves one of the worst enemies — if unchecked — to
which furred and feathered game can be exposed. The
statement is not infrequently made that it is impossible to
have foxes and pheasants upon the same ground, and is, I
am afraid, often put forward as a reason or an excuse for
a poor show of birds. Without entering into the pros and
cons of a matter which has been made the subject of end-
less arguments, it is necessary to state that, given a mode-
rately fair condition of things, there is not much difficulty
in preserving game, which includes having pheasants, and
offering a reasonable supply of foxes besides.

Of course, in some districts where practically everything
is made subservient to the interest of fox-hunting, game-
preservation must suffer or possibly stand aside ; otherwise,
however, without any resort to the clandestine destruction
of foxes I see no reason why game-preservation should not

39i Foxes and Game.

go on quite easily, successfully, and extensively in a
country where fox-hunting is regularly pursued under
ordinary and reasonable conditions. The game is, of
course, sure to suffer ; to what extent depends, I consider,
upon the keeper in charge of it, or the views held and
instructions given to him by the owner of the preserve.
There is, however, a considerable margin between sitting
down and permitting the foxes to run riot over the
preserves and going in for the destruction of them, so that
if the happy medium be aimed at and struck, a state of
things can easily exist which will have little fault found
with it by the preserver and be satisfactory to the fox-
hunting interest.

In the present volume we have to recognise, however,
only the interests of the preserver, who is compelled to
regard the fox as one of the worst enemies of his stock
of furred and feathered game, and endeavour to prevent
to the utmost of his ability injuries to it by foxes, but
without taking, maiming, or killing the animals responsible
for the mischief.

It is necessary to preface what I have to say upon this
subject with the expression of the decided opinion that the
fox is blamed for a great deal that it does not do, and is
frequently made the excuse for inefficiency upon the part
of more or less incapable keepers. Before accepting state-
ments of the many kinds made as to the extraordinary
powers of foxes as game-destroyers, it is as well to dis-
abuse the mind of the belief that they will outwit every
means taken to prevent their misdeeds. The contrary is
the case. The fox, wary, cunning, and persistent as it
really is, is as equally susceptible to fear of the scent,
presence, and handiwork of man as almost any other
creature that prowls through the preserve, and if one
resolutely sets to work to prevent its depredations, success

Practical Game-Preserving. 392

usually follows the efforts made. There are, however, at
times foxes which there would appear to be no means of
circumventing. They generally turn out to be vixens, and
the mischief they accomplish is usually done at clicketing-
or cubbing-time, and when the cubs are reaching to be
about half-grown.

The damage which foxes chiefly commit upon the
ordinary preserve is at hatching-time of both pheasants
and partridges and subsequently. They will also visit the
rearing-fields at times, and seek entry into breeding-pens.
Leverets much more than old hares fall victims to them,
and rabbits in every stage of growth. In my opinion, a
reasonable plenitude of rabbits upon every part of a
preserve is one of the best safeguards for the birds against
foxes. I do not say that it is the case upon every preserve,
but it certainly is upon most of them. Nor is it the case
when the rabbits are restricted to the coverts, and killed
and kept down in field and hedgerow. The average fox,
which by force of circumstances is compelled to lie in
hiding by day, either in earth or couched in a lair, kills
at night to satisfy hunger and not to gratify the lust of
killing. So long as there are the coming and going of
keepers and others in and around the preserve, so will
the foxes be as stated. It is in the woods and plantations
which are left almost entirely undisturbed, and where the
unhunted or rarely hunted fox harbours, that most damage
accrues from its maraudings and killings, prompted
otherwise than by mere hunger.

Birds at nesting-time and immediately preceding are
protected largely by Nature by the loss of their natural
scent. Partridges, pheasants, grouse, &c., it is all one.
Just before they brood, and during the period of brooding,
the odour they throw off is foreign to the fox, and unless
he actually views the sitting bird she is practically immune

393

Foxes and Game.

from his attention. Whilst laying, however, the protec-
tion Nature accords is too feeble, if it exist at all, and the
fox will then wind the game-bird, and, if possible,
capture, carry off, and consume it. The necessity of
locating all nests at the earliest possible moment is again
brought home to the gamekeeper, and it is very necessary
that steps should be taken to prevent injury to the
nesting-bird. As regards partridge nests I have already
mentioned one means of doing this. Another is to protect
them by the practice usually known as " dressing " them.
This consists in placing some pieces of sacking or other
suitable material, which have been saturated with some
substance possessing an odour offensive to foxes, and
which they will not approach, in the neighbourhood and
around the nests.

The best mixture for the purpose we have in view is
composed of oil of burnt hartshorn (oleum cornu cervi)
and creosote in equal parts. Cut some strips of sacking
about pin. by 2in., and soak them thoroughly in the
mixture. Then, by means of twine previously attached
to them, tie them securely to any bushes, &c., or to stakes
set up in the ground at alternately ift. and 4ft. height
from the surface, so as to form a fringe round the nest
at about 2yds. radius from it. It does not trouble
the nesting-bird, and no fox, dog, or cat will penetrate
the circle of odour. According to the weather the mal-
odorous stuff maintains its efficiency from ten days to a
fortnight, and then requires renewing.

Similar material may be employed under like conditions
for the protection of coops from foxes ; but I am not pre-
disposed in its favour for this purpose, although in the
case of widely-separated ones, such as is found necessary
with hand-reared partridges, there is more to be said in
its favour.

Practical Game-Preserving. 394

The protection of young poults from attack by foxes
at the time they are leaving the coops, and have not learned
to roost at a safe distance above the ground, is frequently
a troublesome, and maybe difficult, matter to deal with.
Losses at this time are frequently numerous, and not
always easy to prevent, because, to a large extent, what
will alarm the foxes is also calculated to scare the poults
and cause them to spread themselves about far more than
would be the case if they were undisturbed. Probably
the most effective means of warding off the foxes is to run
lines of fairly thick wire round the borders of the covert
where the birds are, and backwards and forwards through
it at intervals of loyds. or i2yds. apart. The wire
should lie from pin. to i^in. above the ground, and be
neither very taut nor sag. Even better results may be
secured by employing small loose-linked chain, a material
which can be purchased secondhand at the price of old
iron ; this if simply laid about on the ground round
about coops, and moved from time to time, will not be
crossed by foxes.

Another device which I have employed with the greatest
success, more particularly in outlying positions, for small
lots of birds and the like, which scarcely warrant personal
watching by night, is the following : I have some ordinary
old-fashioned stable lanterns made, but with three narrow
glasses, each fitted with projecting shields, so as to throw
three distinct narrow beams of light. These lanterns are
attached to cheap ordinary roasting-jacks, which are
suspended from tree-branches or iron standards, so as to
hold the lantern from i|ft. to 2ft. above the ground.
The lanterns are lighted, and the jacks set going as soon
as the birds are comfortably and quietly at roost. I
have found that the revolving gleams of light, coupled
with the clicking of the jacks and their alternating

395

Foxes and Game.

movement, prove ample protection so long as the jacks are
kept going. They serve their purpose equally well
when used for partridge-broods. The rough sketch at
Fig. 60 will give a fair idea how the arrangement is
set up.

Wherever it be possible, means more certain than any of
those described in the foregoing must be taken to exclude
foxes from game of tender
age. This will be necessary
in those districts where foxes
are preserved and fostered
and where it is, at the same
time, desired to rear birds.
As a rule, plain wire-netting,
unless very well kept up,
moderately new, and of con-
siderable height, does not
suffice to keep foxes out.
They soon become accustomed
to it when it is permanently
erected, and will use all
kinds of means to get through
or over it. Amongst those
which may be mentioned are
continuous jumping at the
wire to cause it to sag, so that they can clamber over,
and, where it has become at all brittle by age, by biting
and tearing at it so as to break through. Very few foxes
know how to climb effectually, and well and strongly set
up wire-netting 6ft. out of the ground, with strong four-
or six-strand steel wire run through it at 3ft. and along
the top, will stop them if it be provided with a device
such as I recommend. A single strand of strong wire
must be run along above the top of the netting, stretched

Fig. 60.— Lantern-Scare for
Foxes.

Practical Game-Preserving. 396

from standard to standard, which if of wood should
be provided with an iron eyelet stanchion upon the top.
Upon this wire are suspended, as shown in Fig. 61, by
means of bent wire pieces, lengths of ridging. This is
a very cheap material made of galvanised sheet iron. As
will be seen, the ridging works freely, and when either
dog, fox, or cat seeks to surmount the netting it can gain
no foothold, and falls backwards. Cats can climb, but
foxes and dogs almost always jump up vertically, seeking
to reach the top edge of the fence and then to clamber over.
The device in question is an effective preventive of any-
thing of the kind. In view
of the fact that the addition
of this ridging to wire-netting
entails but comparatively
speaking small increased ex-
penditure, there is little
reason why it should not
be always employed and so
make the protection effective.
Another form of cheap fenc-
Fig. 61.— Section of Ridging for ing for similar purpose which

is also effective is that made of

split chestnut wood strung on steel wire. It is portable,
cheap, and easily erected.

The greatest security obtainable for preventing the de-
predations of foxes is constant personal watching of the
young stock being reared, but this can only be effective
when the keepers or watchers are constantly on the move
from dusk to sunrise. The mere placing of a keeper's
hut upon the ground and the tenanting of it by night is of
little value. It may even prove an attraction. It is the
movement and presence at irregular intervals of human
beings that frighten the varmint away.

CHAPTER XL.

POACHERS AND POACHING.

AFTER one has killed off all the vermin and reared a
good head of game, it is no use expecting to find it there
available for sport when the shooting-season comes on
unless vigilance and attention are given to the prevention
of poaching and the detection of poachers. Poaching is
essentially of two kinds, and poachers of many ; but very
much less of the real business goes on than is generally
supposed, and a great deal more game-killing is practised
by non-professional poachers. Strict preservation rarely
leads to the prevention of poaching so effectually as when
the labourers, &c., are treated fairly as regards the game.
The most advisable way is to get all the men who are
likely to go astray to take an interest in maintaining a
good head of game, and the coverts should go poacher-
free. There used to exist, and in many parts of the
country there exists still, a feeling amongst the labouring
men, skilled workmen, and others, on an estate, that the
game on the squire's land should be respected so long
as the squire respected them; and, if this feeling be
encouraged, there is no necessity for the unpleasantness
and rancour existing between some owners of preserves
and the people upon them. If the owner will instil into
his labourers and all the men working upon the farms,
&c., the idea that he trusts to them not to interfere nor

Practical Game-Preserving. 398

to permit interference with the game, they will soon fall
in with it, and mostly work as assiduously for its pro-
tection as they would for its destruction if they were
treated improperly. As a recompense for this, let them
have money or game at the end of the season, and, if they
would like a day or two at the rabbits, be it so. No one
likes to be suspected, much less to be treated harshly,
and if the idea be allowed to engraft itself on the village
people that they are thought to poach, or that they dare
not for fear of keepers and the law, they are sure to grasp
the first and every succeeding opportunity to prove the
contrary. In this way poachers are made; they commit
the trespass once to revenge themselves or to spite their
master or their landlord. The trespass is found to
prosper, and the feeling of paying out the preserver is
found sweet, and is repeated until the man's character
is lost and he becomes a confirmed poacher. So much for
the labouring man.

As to the regular poacher, the ne'er-do-well, the village
loafer, he is a common object of the country, generally
a labourer, who has always so much work to do that he
never does any. He is generally a demure, bland person,
obsequious to his betters, and always ready to volunteer
information as to his every movement. This is a most
annoying kind of poacher, because he is so dark and so
modest over his business that one can rarely catch him.
A little snaring, a little trapping, and a great deal of
egg-stealing, are his chief accomplishments, and very
often his wife and children have to play a part as well
in the latter business, particularly in carrying away the
eggs when they bring his dinner. At night he will often
be busy, particularly with a stick, amongst the pheasants
in windy weather, when there is a good moon, or he will
not hesitate to use an air-gun, or even an approved firearm.

399 Poachers and Poaching.

In his hands the net is a very effective article, and is
employed alike for grouse and partridge. Hares are a
speciality, and are taken with wires and gate-nets in the
fields, and long and short nets in the pastures.

Besides the regular poaching labourer there are the men
who only occasionally have a turn at poaching. They are
generally a great nuisance, because one never knows when
they are at their nefarious practice, and they are not worth
watching continually. For game-stealers such as these
there is nothing so effective as to lead them to believe
that they are always being watched. Whenever he can,
the keeper should make it his duty just to drop down
upon them suddenly when at work, or to appear upon the
other side of a wall as they are going home from or coming
to work ; meet them accidentally upon the Saturday night,
and see them the first thing on the Sunday morning after.
Nothing deters them so much as this.

On the whole, I do not think the ranks of the profes-
sional poachers are recruited so much from the farm-
labouring classes as from those living near and not
engaged in agriculture. Mechanics of different kinds,
village tradesmen, posting stablemen, contribute far more
poachers than do the labourers, and upon such men I
would be harder than upon farm people, because the latter
have the opportunities so frequently afforded them for
poaching, and the others seek them. They have, more-
over, a knack of getting permission to use a gun to knock
over a few pigeons, or perhaps to try their powers on a few
rabbits. This leads them on, and they soon make a little
poaching a regular item in their monthly routine. These
men are for the most part owners of dogs of very dubious
breed and character, but which, when it comes to picking
up a hare or so, or " chopping " a few rabbits, are seldom
deficient.

Practical Game-Preserving. 400

So far I have referred to the poachers which infest
semi-preserved districts. They flourish only in parts
where on one estate game is strictly looked after, whilst
on the next it is anybody's property, i.e., if there be
any. The worst type of poacher, however, hails from
the large towns, and he is generally a scoundrel in every
sense of the word. Such men poach as a means of enrich-
ing themselves, and in their endeavours so to do they will
stop at nothing. They generally work in gangs of from
three to thirty, and when sufficiently numerous will take
the coverts by storm, and set keepers, watchers, and owners
at defiance. When in small gangs they will often offer
resistance of the most stubborn kind, and many a scene of
bloodshed has been enacted in collisions with desperate
ruffians of this kind. The town poachers' favourite work
is done at night, and they endeavour to keep within the
number of five, and so avoid the severer penalties which
the fact of being in larger parties renders them liable to.
They have, moreover, favourite modes of working, employ
a horse and trap, and skirmish about from place to place,
taking a shot here and another there, being off again
before the keepers can get near them. They are also the
purveyors who supply partridges early enough to be in
London on the First of September, who send grouse
packed in coffins, and who are up to every move whereby
their nefarious calling may be made remunerative. The
town poacher, furthermore, is frequently a dealer in
poached game, taking it from the local rural ones and
disposing of it at a lucrative price. There are regular
receivers of poached game in nearly every country town
of any importance.

Besides these there are the men who poach not so much
for the purpose of making money as from pure love of
sport. These persons chiefly infest grouse-moors, and are

401 Poachers and Poaching.

sometimes very destructive. In well-preserved districts they
are absent, but in badly-preserved ones they and the
gentleman poacher often come in for the best share of the
sport therein obtainable. Anyone who preserves should be
most careful never by any chance to infringe upon his
neighbour's rights, or to allow his friends or dependants
to commit a similar indiscretion. Not only does this
produce ill-feeling between the proprietors, but the feud
invariably reaches the keepers, and the amount of mis-
chief these latter will do one another in the destruction of
game must prove disastrous.

Further, there are some well-to-do men who think
nothing of doing a little poaching now and then, chiefly in
localities sparsely populated, where keepers are scarce, and
whence the records of their misbehaviour are not likely to
reach their acquaintances. Their favourite plan is to ask
permission to take a short cut through one's ground, and
" presume Mr. So-and-so will not object to their taking a
shot at anything which may cross the path, provided the
game is brought up to the House; it is merely the sport
that is desired." The best answer to these gentry is to
request them to keep clear of the place altogether.

The prevention of poaching is dependent, in the main,
upon the gamekeeper; but, as I have tried to show, it
depends also upon the proprietor of the preserve to no
inconsiderable extent.

Of the duties of gamekeepers in regard to poaching it
is necessary to state little beyond giving what are the chief
qualifications of a good keeper, and to detail such aids as
he may enlist in combating the attacks of poachers. A
perfect gamekeeper is invaluable ; he must above all things
be thoroughly devoted to his work, and be prepared to
carry out his duty under all adverse circumstances.
Civility, firmness, and courage should be his chief charac-

D D

Practical Game-Preserving. 402

teristics, besides knowledge of all details of his craft, alike
as regards the practical and the legal portion thereof, so
far as it concerns poaching and poachers; he should
never commune except with his master, and on this subject
he should be implicitly trusted.

With regard to the vexed question of the keeper —
whether a head man or an under-keeper in charge of a
separate beat — carrying a gun, I have but one opinion, and
it is in the affirmative. If a man be fit to be a game-
keeper he is fit to be entrusted with a gun ; but at the
same time discretion in its employment is necessary. Its
uses are innumerable for vermin-killing, but its abuse is
most reprehensible. The number of keepers necessary on
a preserve depends upon circumstances too numerous to
detail. The more roads and paths about an estate, the
more keepers are required. The preserver should always
endeavour, moreover, to enlist in an unofficial way as
watchers the services of any trustworthy labourers or
others with outlying cottages, never giving them power to
act in repressing trespass, but employing them simply as
informants.

Whenever any raid by more than two or three men is
about to take place, in nine cases out of ten it is known
beforehand, and the man who holds the information will
generally tell it if appealed to in a proper manner. No
one can do this better than a sharp labourer, whose resort
to the local ale-house for a gossip occasionally would be
unsuspicious. A stray word as to the keeper's where-
abouts by him — although misleading — would be accepted
as gospel, and is as sure to gain hints of any projected
enterprise as it is to be believed.

There is a good deal to be learnt as to the proper mode
of capturing or of interrupting poachers. Nothing puts
them off so easily as to know that they are being watched

403 Poachers and Poaching.

or looked for. Uncertainty as to the whereabouts of the
keepers is to them a most disturbing influence, and know-
ledge of where they are is regarded as a boon. In the
case of serious raids, when an affray is expected, the
keepers should always endeavour to surround and over-
match their opponents. Watchers and helpers should be
instructed to work in threes : this gives them an immense
advantage. If possible, guns should be dispensed with ;
but I should never allow keepers to encounter the deter-
mined ruffians who may comprise a gang other than on
equal terms, and should freely entrust reliable men with
revolvers, to be used, be it noted, solely in defence of life
or to threaten. Whenever possible, the aid of the police
should be obtained, because they possess many important
powers, particularly in regard to the highway, on which
gamekeepers have no power to act unless called upon by
a constable.

The powers possessed by gamekeepers for dealing with
poachers are far more restricted than the vast majority of
them presume to be the case. It is most usually due to
the keeper's want of knowledge, causing him to act outside
the law, that failures to convict arise. Did gamekeepers
as a body possess more precise knowledge of how they
ought to act within the law, and not according to what is
only irregular custom, more convictions would be secured
and poaching offences be more successfully dealt with.
In connection with what I have to say upon poachers and
poaching I shall define what a keeper may do and what
he may not do by virtue of his office in dealing with
poachers and trespassers, as it is most necessary to observe
these restrictions if a conviction in full measure is to be
secured.

It is a common practice for keepers to search supposed
poachers or trespassers for game or the means of taking

D D 2

Practical Game-Preserving. 404

or killing it, but a gamekeeper possesses no right of search
whatever, and anybody, poacher or otherwise, is quite
justified in resisting it. Nor is he entitled to seize
either guns, game, dogs, nets, or traps, except under
well-defined conditions to which I shall refer pre-
sently.

Further, a gamekeeper who in virtue of his licence
challenges anyone carrying a gun or employing a dog, and
ascertains that he has no licence, can only inform the
police or an Excise officer, or in case of suspecting any-
body he can lay an information in these quarters whether
he hold a licence or not, but he can make no demand
upon the person suspected.

As regards simple trespass a keeper's rights are clear,
but less than is generally thought to be the case. He
must ask trespassers upon his master's land to leave
by the way they came ; if they refuse he may obstruct
their advance in any other direction. He must not
employ force himself, but must summon aid to assist him
quietly. If the trespassers prove obdurate, and such
aid be not forthcoming, the keeper can only warn them
and endeavour to make better arrangements upon any
future occasion. The same applies to persons upon the
highway who seek to obstruct shooting. They may be
removed if assistance be obtained and no more force than
necessary is employed.

Other matters of simple trespass may only be dealt with
as follows : — If the owner, &c., of an adjoining preserve
shoots into land under the keeper's charge, the latter can
only warn him and inform his master ; if the former's
dog makes a practice of trespassing he can only inform
the dog's owner or his keeper and warn him that traps
will be put down. A gamekeeper or his dog is not
entitled to enter adjoining land to pick up dead or

405 Poachers and Poaching.

wounded game, and in the latter case would be liable to
prosecution for trespass in pursuit.

It is in connection with day and night poaching that
the gamekeeper's rights are of most importance, and the
conditions under which he acts must be correctly observed.
Trespass in pursuit usually constitutes the offence, and it
is the keeper's duty, if he knows the men poaching,
simply to lay an information against them ; if he does not
know them, he must demand their names and addresses,
and if he believes them to be given correctly he must order
them off the land and lay an information. If he be con-
vinced the names and addresses given are false, or if they
refuse to obey his orders to leave the land, or, having left
it, return, he then possesses the right to arrest them, convey
them to the police station, and lay his information. If
he see newly-killed game actually in their possession he
can demand it in the name of his master, and, if necessary,
seize it. He is not entitled to search them for what he
may suspect them to possess.

Except under the above circumstances a gamekeeper
possesses no right of arrest unless the poachers be five
or more in number, or any of them be carrying a gun,
or any of them by threats or acts of violence endeavours
to prevent the keeper from ascertaining their names.
Whatever the outcome, whether he fail or not, then the
keeper has to lay an information for the more serious
offence of being one of five or more, armed and endeavour-
ing to prevent or actually preventing him by violence from
executing his duty, and of being trespassers in pursuit to
the number of five or over.

It is not generally known that a gamekeeper who
witnesses a trespass in pursuit of game upon land over
which he has no authority is, however, quite competent
to lay an information against anyone he may see poaching

Practical Game-Preserving. 406

there, and secure a conviction. It is customary, however,
to have an understanding with the other owner upon the
subject ; but in cases where for some reason or other the
owner of adjoining land is indifferent upon the subject,
or, possibly, even opposed to game-preservation, the game-
keeper is perfectly able to prevent such land from being
made an opportunity for indirect or direct interference with
his own charge.

It is in connection with night poaching that the game-
keeper is vested with his largest powers, which naturally
add greatly to his responsibilities. Here it is that his
powers of arrest are largest, but even then there is a re-
striction, and a very important one at that. It will be
made clearest probably by stating that the power to
arrest is only vested in a gamekeeper whose master is the
owner or the occupier of the land. It follows that the
shooting tenant 's, or any other person's except the owner's
or occupier's, keeper does not possess and must not
exercise this right as regards night poaching, although he
may exercise the right in regard to an indictable offence
committed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. of the daytime.
Furthermore, the right of arrest as possessed by the
owner's or occupier's keeper is also limited. He must
not lie in wait for suspected poachers going to or coming
from his land ; he must not exercise his power of arrest
upon land where there is no game, except rabbits, unless
the poachers are actually engaged in taking rabbits, or
if they be three or more in number, nor if the land upon
which they may be is a warren. A gamekeeper possesses
no right to search night poachers, nor to seize their guns.

With the exception of the limitations above set out, the
gamekeeper possesses the right of arrest of night poachers,
provided they be three or more in number, if upon the
land for the purpose of taking rabbits or game, or less

407 Poachers and Poaching.

provided they be actually engaged in doing so. The
keeper's sphere of action as regards night poaching
extends also to the gates, gaps, and outlets leading to the
public road, highway, or paths, and also to these roads
and paths if the keeper's employer owns or occupies the
land on one or both sides of them. If the keeper be in
hot chase of poachers, his sphere of action in this respect
also extends to ground adjoining that of his master. He
may also call upon other persons to assist him in arresting,
in which case their powers become identical with his own.

As soon as possible after an arrest is effected, the
culprit must be handed over to the police and, whenever
possible, the gamekeeper should always endeavour to
secure the assistance of the police, who can stop, search,
and arrest presumed poachers on the high road and other
places to which the powers of the individual gamekeeper
do not extend.

I have now cited the main points in respect to the game-
keeper's powers as regards poachers. It is most neces-
sary that he should always act within them, because in
almost every instance the poaching fraternity are more
minutely informed as to them than he is himself, and
seek to induce him to overstep these limits when they
come into conflict, so as to be able, if possible, to stultify
the keeper in the eyes of the authorities.

It will be seen that the legal rights of the gamekeeper
do not carry him as far as his duties as such frequently
require, and it might very well be that they should be
extended were it not for the fact that it is, upon the
whole, customary to extend very much more consideration
to the poacher than to any other kind of thief. There is,
moreover, a widely-spread habit of investing the deeds of
the poacher with a great deal of mystery and even romance
of which the poacher, in fact, is quite guiltless. It is

Practical Game-Preserving.

therefore needless to enter into lengthy particulars of the
actual or supposed ways of the fraternity, for, as a rule,
when brought down to the level of hard fact, they must be
and are very simple. Poaching is nothing more than
the capture of game by quite ordinary methods, which
the gamekeeper could as easily put into execution as the
poacher, and all of which should be known to him, and
in the ordinary course of events will come to his know-
ledge during the course of his apprenticeship and the
development of his craft. All that the poacher does is
to endeavour to apply these methods illicitly whilst
evading the discriminating and intelligent observation of
the gamekeeper and those allied with him. All sorts of
wonderful and mystifying powers have been accredited to
poachers. Believe me, there is nothing in it all. If they
succeed in bluffing the keeper it is because they bring
greater knowledge, greater perseverance, and greater skill
to work than the keeper, run risks which his possible delay
or default assists, and hoodwink him with greater cunning
and energy than he displays.

The employment of mechanical aids to keepers in the
form of alarm-guns, which have of late come into greatly-
extended use, is frequently of much service, provided too
much reliance be not placed upon them. If a preserve be
undermanned they may very well serve a useful purpose,
and as the rule is rather to err in this direction, resort
must be made to them for giving notice of the entry by
unauthorised persons in unwatched or distant coverts.
There are many effective ones on the market, some simple
in action, others more complex, giving double alarms,
firing rockets, and lighting flares when set off. They
may be made to serve a very good purpose if handled
discreetly and not much parade be made of their use.

INDEX.

Address and name of trespasser,

demanding, 405
Alarm-guns, 125, 408
Albino pheasants, 131
American traps, 319, 358
Amherst's Pheasant, 18 (Plate)
Ammo'perdix bonhami, 140

neyi, 140

Ants' eggs, 126, 145, 204, 208
Arrest, right of, 402,^405, 406
Austrian partridges, .153

Bachelor partridge cocks, des-
troying, 182
Bacteria for rats, 363
Baits. See Traps and Trapping
Barley, 74
Barn rat, 350
Bearded Partridge, 140
Bellows for treatment of gapes,

93

Berry-bearing bushes, 107
Binoculars for keepers, 121
Blackcock, 224. See Black

Grouse.
Black Game, 223. See Black

Grouse.
Black Grouse, 223-232 :

age at which laying com-
mences, 225
Blackcock, 224
Black Game, 223
cocks, clearing off old, 224

Black Grouse (cont.) :

coops, location of, 229

cutting wings, 229

diseases, 230

eggs, number of, in clutch,
225

feeding, 226, 228, 231

food, natural, 226

food-shelters, 231, 232

Grey Hen, 225

habits, 224, 226

hand-rearing, 228

haunts, 223, 226

incubation, 225

introducing, 227

Muirfowl, 223

natural history, 223

nest, 225

obtaining birds and eggs,
228

" packing " in sexes, 225

poaching, 230

polygamous, 224

preserving, 227

quietude essential, 227

Tetrao tetrix, 223

vermin, 230

winter-feeding, 231
Black Partridge, 140

Rat, 349
Black-tail, 303
Blindness in pheasants, 102
Blue Hare, 268

Index.

410

Bohemian partridges, 153

Box traps, 341

Break-back rat-trap, 340

Broody hens, 25, 39, 42, 67, 144.
201, 205, 247

Brown Owl, 388
Rat, 349

Burgess's traps for pheasants,
&c., 128, 130

Burrows, rabbit, 284

Bushing fields to prevent net-
ting, 1 80, 183

Bustard, 240

Buying eggs, 122

Buzzard, Moor, 387

Caccabis melanoce-phala, 140

rttfa, Plate

saxatilisy 140
Cage traps, 357, 360, 361
Cane, or weasel, 311
Capercailzie, 234 :

distribution, 234, 235

eggs, number of, in clutch,
236

food, natural, 236
Carrion Crow, 372
Carrying-boxes for pheasant
chicks, 59

for red grouse, 207
Catarrh, 99, 147, 202, 211
Catchers, pheasant, 127
Cats, trapping, 342, 347
Chains of traps, 314
Cheepers, 195
Chestnut fencing, 396
Chicken cholera, 98
Chills, 211
Chinese Pheasant, 9 (Plate)

Quail, 237 (Plate)
Cholera, chicken, 98
Chrysolo-phus amherstia, 18
(Plate)

-pictus, 18 (Plate)
Cisterns for pheasant coverts, 88
Clifford's traps, 360
Close preservation, effects of, 91
Cold, simple, 99
Colouring traps, 340

Condiments for pheasants, 132
Coops, black grouse, 229

partridge, 144

pheasant, 51

red grouse, 201

wild duck, 249, 251
Copper Pheasant, 18 (Plate)
Coppice for pheasants, 105
CorvidcE, 375

Coverts (See also under
Pheasants) :

aspect, 107

choice of, 104

coppice, 105

dark, 113

drives, 108, in

dry ditches, 112

fir-woods, 105, 108

flushing-trigs, 112

hedges, 113

improving, 108

keepers' paths, no

night, 113

park-lands, 106

pheasant, 104

planting, 107

resinous trees, 108

rides, 108, in

shrubs, 118

thinning-out, 109

trees, 113

undergrowth, 105, 108
Cramp, 95, 147, 202
Crested Quail, 237 (Plate)
Crissel, 145
Crows, 372-375 :

Carrion, 372

Corvida, 375

distinguishing, from rooks,

372, 375

egg-destroyers, 373, 374
food, 372, 374
Grey or Grey-backed, 375
habits, 372
Hooded, 375
Kentish, 375
nest, 372
Royston, 375
species, 375

Index.

Cuckoo Spit the cause of froth in

pheasants, 97
Custard, 65, 145
Custody, taking trespassers into,

402, 405, 406

Dari, 74

Dark coverts, 113
Dark-necked Pheasant, 5, 10
Day poaching, 405
Dead-fall traps, 332, 341
Dead game, picking up, 404
Dealing in game, 290
Deodorising hands when trap-
ping, 358

Deputation of keeper, 289
Development of game • pre-
serving, 2

Diarrhoea in pheasants, 100
Dilapidations, 291
Diseases and Parasites :

blindness, 102

catarrh, 99, 147, 202, 211

chills, 147, 211

cold, simple, 99

cramp, 95, 147, 202

diarrhoea, 100

enteric fever, 281

enteritis, 98, 213, 282

Forked Worm, 92

froth, 97

gapes, 147

liver disease, 101

parasites, 92, 102, 149, 212

prevention of, 102

Red Worm, 92

roup, 99, 147, 149, 211

scour, 100

scrofula, 101

scurfy legs, 101

sunstroke, 96

Syngamus trachealis, 92

tapeworm, 102, 149, 212

typhus fever, 281

vent-binding, 101

worms, 92, 102, 149, 212
Ditches, dry, in coverts, 112
Dogs as guards, 119, 221

fencing against, 395, 396

Dogs for ratting, 356

keepers', 221

keepers' powers regarding,
404

poaching, 293, 346, 404

shooting, 293
Dorset traps, 313, 358, 360, 380,

381

Drags or false trails, 321, 345
Dressing nests, 393
Drives, 108, in
Dry ditches, 112
Dusting-box for gapes, 93

Egg food, 65, 100, 250

Eggs as bait for weasels, 328,

.348

buying, 122, 143
destroying, 123, 179, 181
stealing, 122, 181
testing, 48

Elliot's Pheasant, 18
English Partridge, 134
Enteric fever, 281
Enteritis, 98, 213, 282
Ermine, 303 (Plate)

weasel, 303
Eu-plocamus nycthemcrus, 18

(Plate)

Euston system of hatching par-
tridges, 1 86

system of hatching phea-
sants, 130
Evans, Lescher, and Webb's rat

virus, 363
Everitt's trap, 320, 330, 360

Failure, causes of, 3
Farms, game, 30, 122
Feeding black grouse, 226, 228

hares, 273, 279

partridges, 170

pheasants, 64, 126

red grouse, 201-204

wild duck, 245, 249, 256, 258
Feeding-huts for pheasants, 79
Feeding-shelters, 79, 173
Fencing against dogs and foxes,
395

Index.

412

Ferreting rats, 356
Ferrets, 293

crossing, with polecat, 298
Fertility of eggs, testing, 48
Figure-of-four trap, 332
Fir woods and coverts, 105
Fish as bait, 321, 329
Fitch, 297
Fitchet, 297

white-throated, 311
Flapper-shooting, 262
Flushing-trigs, 112
Foods :

ants' eggs, 126, 145, 204, 208

barley, 74

condiments in, 132

Crissel, 208

custard, 65, 145

dari, 74

egg, 65, 100

for black grouse, 226, 228

for hares, 273, 279

for partridges, 137, 170

for pheasants, 64, 126

for red grouse, 202, 208

for wild duck, 245, 249, 256,
258

insect, 144

insect, substitutes for, 126,
145, 204, 208

maize, 73, 256

peas, 74

Spratt's game meal, 208

wheat, 74

Food-shelters, 79, 173
Forked Worm, 92
Forms, hares', 271, 272
Foster-hens, 25, 39, 42, 67, 144,

201, 205, 247
Foul marten, 297
Foumart, 297
Foxes and game, 390-396

as vermin, 391

fencing against, 395, 396

identifying ravages of, 344

lantern-scares, 394, 395

odours, offensive, 393

prejudice against, 391

protection from, 393, 394

Foxes, rabbits as safeguards

against, 392

ridging for wire-netting, 396
scaring, 266, 394, 395
Francolin Partridge, 140
Francolinus francolinus, 140
French Partridge, 134, 140

(Plate)
Froghopper the cause of froth in

pheasants, 97
Frost, water-supply, &c., during,

88, 89, 149, 261
Frost's trap, 362
Froth, 97
Fruit-bearing bushes in coverts,

107

Fulimart, 297

Fumigating for gapes, 93, 94
Futterit, 311

Gallinacea> 14
Game, dealing in, 291

farms, 30, 122

Gamekeepers, duties and qualifi-
cations of, 2, 288-293,
401-409
gun, question of carrying,

402, 403
Highland, 188

hutS, I2O, 121

larder, 321

licences, 290

paths in coverts, no

powers, 403

Game-sick moors, 198, 199
Gapes, 92, 147

dusting-box and bellows for,

93

Garlic as a lure for pheasants, 71
German partridges, 153
Gins, 312, 320, 324', 344, 358.

(See Traps.)

concealing, 316, 317, 327
drawing, 317
setting, 315, 317
springing, 317

Golden Pheasant, 18, 19 (Plate)
Grafton's (Duke of) system of
hatching, 130, 186

413

Index.

Grey Hen, 225. (See Black

Grouse.)
or Grey-backed Crow, 375

Grit, 74, 177

Ground vermin, 294-368 :
cats, 342

ermine, 303 (Plate)
foxes, 266, 390-396
hedgehogs, 364-368
identifying ravages, 344
Mustelida, 294 (Plate)
polecats (Plate), 294-299,

3 J 2-348

rats, 263, 349-363
running the posts, 331
stoats (Plate), 299-304, 312-

348

trapping, 294-368
weasels, 304-348 (Plate)
wild cats, 342

Grouse, Black, 223-232. (See
Black Grouse.)

Grouse disease, 211, 213

Grouse, Red, 188-222. (See Red
Grouse.)

Guard-dogs, 119, 221

Guns, alarm, 408

keepers', 402, 403

Haddock as bait, 329
Hand-rearing :

black grouse, 228

partridges, 143, 158

pheasants, 41, 117

red grouse, 199, 203

wild duck, 246

Hands, deodorising, when trap-
ping' 358
Hares, 268-282 :

albinos, 269

black, 269

Blue, 268

breeding, 270, 276, 277

breeding-meuse, 277

catching-up, 278

change of coat, 269

coat, 268

colours, 269

Common, 268

Hares (cont.) :

courage of does, 272

diseases, 281

distribution, 268

enteric fever, 281

enteritis, 282

feeding, 273, 279

foods, 279

foods, natural, 273, 278

forms, 271, 272

gestation period, 271

grey, 269

habits, 270, 272

haunts, 272

increasing stock, 276

introduction, 275^

Irish, 268

Lepus hibernicus, 268

Lepus timidus, 268

Lepus variability 268

leverets, 271, 272, 279

litters, 271, 272, 279

maintenance, 275

meuse, 277

Mountain, 268, 269

natural history, 268

night-travelling, 281

number per acreage, 277

pairing, 270

poaching, 280

protection, 279

prolificacy, 270

rabbits compared, 273, 275,
284

snow, effects of, 280

soils, favourable, 275

straw, attraction of, 281

suckling-forms, 271

turning down, 276

typhus fever, 281

ubiquitous nature, 270

warrens, 276

winter coat, 269

winter foods, 274

yellow, 269

young, 271, 272, 279
Harrier, Hen, 387

Marsh, 387
Hatching-boxes, 43, 44, 47, 201

Index.

414

Hatching-house ' for pheasants,

44>45
Hatching-pens for partridges,

160, 162, 166
Hawks, 214, 217, 384:389 :

destructive kinds, 385

habits, 384-388

Hen Harrier, 387

Kestrel, 386

Marsh, 387

Marsh Harrier, 387

Moor Buzzard, 387

Pigeon, 386

prejudice against, 384

Puttock, 387

scarcity, 385

Sparrowhawk, 385

trapping, 388
Head-keeper, rights and duties

of, 288-293

Hedges surrounding coverts, 113
Hedgehogs, 364-368 :

habits, 364, 366

hibernation, 365

natural history, 364

omnivorous nature, 364

taking alive, 367

trapping, 366
Hen Harrier, 387
High Elms trap, 336
Hingling partridges, 181

pheasants, 124

red grouse, 222
Hooded Crow, 375
Hugger trap, 346
Hungarian partridges, 151
Huts, keepers', 120, 121

Ice, clearing for wild duck, 261
Impeyan Pheasant, 18 (Plate)
Incubators for pheasants, 42
Insect foods, 126, 144, 145, 204,

208

substitutes for, 1 26
Irish Hare, 268

Jackdaws, 377

Jacks, roasting, for lantern-
scares, 394, 395

Japanese Pheasant, 9, n, 17
(Plate)

Jays. 377 :
baits, 383
food, 379

habits, 379, 383, 384
nest, 378

sentinels of the woods, 379
shooting, 380
trapping, 383, 384

Keepers :

duties and qualifications of,

2, 288-293, 401-409
gun, question of carrying,

402, 403
Highland, 1 88

hutS, 120, 121

larder, 321

licences, 290

paths in coverts, no

powers, 403
Kentish Crow, 375
Kestrel Hawk, 386
Kine, or weasel, 311
Klein, Dr., and grouse disease,

213
Kohinoor Pheasant, 1 7

Ladah Pheasant, 17

Lady Amherst's Pheasant, 18

(Plate)
Lago-pus scoticus (synonymous

with Tetrao scoticus}^

188, 197
Landrail, 240
Lane's traps, 319
Lantern-scares for foxes, 394,

395 .
Law regarding poaching and

trespassing, 403, 407
Lepus hibernicus, 268

timidus, 268

variabilis, 268

Leverets, 271, 272. (See Hares.)
Licences, keepers', 290
Lights as fox-scares, 394, 395
Liver disease, 101
Liverpool Rat Virus, 363

Index.

Long-eared Owl, 388
Lo-pho-phorus Vhuysii^ Plate
refulgens, Plate

Magpies, 377 :

baits, 381

food, 379

habits, 379, 384

nest, 378

sentinels of the woods, 379

shooting, 380

trapping, 380
Maize as food, 73, 256
Mallards, 260. (See Wild Duck.)
Man-traps, 290
Marsh Harrier, 387

Hawk, 387
Marten, foul, 297
Meat-chopping machine, 70
Meuse, breeding, for hares, 277
Monaul Pheasant, 18 (Plate)
Mongolian Pheasant, 15 (Plate)
Moor Buzzard, 387
Moorcock, 190. (See Red

Grouse.)

Moorland Partridge, 139
Moors, game-sick, 198, 199

grouse. (See under Black
Grouse and Red
Grouse.)

Mountain Flax, a cause of scour,
101

Hare, 268, 269

Partridge, 139
Mouse-hunter, 303
Muirfowl, 223
Musk-rat trap, 318, 319, 348
Mustard in pheasant foods, 133
Mustelidce, 294, 312 (Plate)

Name and address of trespasser,

demanding, 405
Natural history :

black grouse, 223

capercailzie, 235

hare, 268

hedgehog, 364

partridges, 134

pheasants, 5

Natural history (cont.) :

ptarmigan, 233

rabbits, 283

rats, 349

raven, 370

red grouse, 188
Nematode Worm, 92
Nests, dressing, 393

rewards for discovery of,

123
Netting, 292

partridges, 180

pheasants, 124, 125

red grouse, 218

Nicholson, Mr. W. A., on hand-
rearing red grouse, 203
Nide, nid, or nest, 8
Night coverts, 113

glasses, 121

poaching, 405, 406

Old English Pheasant, 5
Owls, 384, 388, 389 :

Brown, 388

Long-eared, 388

prejudice against, 384, 389

scarcity of, 385
Oxus Pheasant, 17

Parasites :

Forked Worm, 92

Red Worm, 92

Syngamus trachealis, 92

tapeworm, 102, 149, 212

worms, 92, 102, 149, 212
Park -lands, coverts in, 106
Partridges, 134-187

Ammo'perdix bonhami, 140

A. neyi, 140

ants' eggs, 145

Austrian, 153

aviary for rearing, 159

bachelor cocks, destroying,
182

bad seasons, 151, 157

Bearded, 140

" beating " to find nests, 182

Black, 140

Index.

416

Partridges (cont.) :

Bohemian, 153

brooding, 185

brooding by cocks, 187

broody hens, 144

bushing fields to prevent
netting, 180, 183

buying eggs, 143

Caccabis melanoce-phala, 140

C. rufa, Plate

C. saxatilis, 140

carrying-box for chicks, 163

catching-up, 163

characteristics, 134, 135

cocks as brooders, 187

cocks, old, 185

collecting eggs, 144

Common, 134 (Plate)

Continental system, 151,
158, 176

coops, 144

cover for enclosure, 159

cry, 138, 139

custard, 145

damping eggs, 144

diseases, 147

driving, 151

egg-collecting, 144

eggs, damping, 144

eggs, destroying and steal-
ing, 179, 181

eggs, number of, in clutch,

137

eggs, obtaining, 143
enclosures for rearing, 158,

164

English, 134
Euston system of rearing,

186

feeding, 137, 144, 155, 170
feeding-shelters, 173
feeding-times, 177
feet, clogged, 150
foods, 170
foods, natural, 137
foreign, 151
Francolin, 140
Francolinus francolinus, 140
French, 134, 140 (Plate)

Partridges (cont.) :

French system of rearing,

152, 158, 176
frost, care during, 149
German, 153
grain, 171, 176
grit, 177

ground-vermin, 179, 347
habits, 135, 139
hand-rearing, 143, 158
hardiness, 137
hatching, 137

hatching-pens, 160, 162, 166
haunts, 134, 135
hens, preponderance of, 184
higher preservation, 141
hingling, 181
Hungarian, 151
identifying imported birds,

156

importation, 152, 154
increasing stock, 142
incubation, 137
insect food, 137, 144
introducing, 142, 143
" jug," or « juck," 138, 139
localities, suitable, 135
maize, 171, 176
marking imported birds, 157
mating, 137, 161, 162
meal foods, 146
meals, number of, 145
meat food, 176
migratory, 152
monogamous, 136
Moorland, 139
Mountain, 139
mowing - time, precautions

at, 148

natural history, 134
nests, 136, 138, 144
nests, searching for and

marking, 182
nests, surrounding, with

netting, 187
netting, 180
new blood, 157
new species that might be

introduced, 140

Index.

Partridges (cont.) :

number of broods to acre,
147

oat-fields for young, 147

" packing " in flocks, 138

pens, arrangement of, 158,
1 60, 164

Perdix cinerea, 140 (Plate)

P. d auric a, 140

poaching, 180

prepared meal, 146

protection, 178

purchasing eggs, 144

rearing, 143

reception of imported, 154

Red-legged, 134, 140 (Plate)

" roads " or tracks, 139

round-up, general, 185

sanctuaries, 168

Sand, 140

sexes, numerical ratio of,
184

shelters, 173

shooting, when it should
end, 185

snaring, 180, 181

Snow, 140

species, 134

Tetrao gal I us, 140

turning down, 142, 156

ubiquitous nature, 141

varieties, 134

vermin, 179, 347

water, 177

winter feeding, 149, 171

winged vermin, 179

young, feeding, 144
Payne-Gallwey coop, 51, 52
Peas as food, 74

Perdix cinerea (Common Par-
tridge), 134 (Plate)

daurica, 140

Persian Pheasant, 14, 17
Phasianidcz, 14
Phasianus amherstiaz, 18

chrysomelas, 17

colchicus, 5 (Plate)

ellioti, 1 8

gmelini, 17

Phasianus mongolicus, 15

(Plate)
fersicus, 14

-princi^alis, 15 (Plate)
reevesii, 12 (Plate)
reevesii hybrid, Plate
shawi, 17

scemmerringii 1 8, (Plate)
strauchi, 17
talischensis, 14
tarimensis, 14
torquatus, 5 (Plate)
torquatus hybrid, Plate
versicolor, 9, n, 36 (Plate)
Pheasants, 1-133

alarm-guns, 125, 408
albinos, n, 131
Amherst's, 18 (Plate)
ants' eggs, 126
blindness, 102
breeding, 7
broods, 57, 59
broody hens, 25, 39, 42, 48,

67

buying birds and eggs, 27
carrying-boxes for chicks, 59
catarrh, 99
catching-up, 127
characteristics, 6
chicks, feeding, 65
Chinese, 9 (Plate)
Chrysolophus -pictus, 18

(Plate)

cisterns for coverts, 87
cold or catarrh, 99
Common or Old English, 5

(Plate)

condiments, 132
coops, 51

Copper, 18 (Plate)
coppice, 105

coverts, 20, 104, 107, 113, 118
cramp, 95
crossed, Plate
crossing, 10, 12, 16, 18
cutting wings, 23
damping eggs, 48
dark coverts, 113
Dark-necked, 5, 10

E E

Index.

418

Pheasants (cont.) :
diarrhoea, 100

difficulties in introducing, 21
diseases, 67, 90
dogs as guards, 119
drinking-water, 85
drives, 108
dust -baths, 48
egg-food, 100
eggs, artificial, 38, 39
eggs, buying, 27
eggs, collecting, 24, 27
eggs, damping, 48
eggs, destruction of, 123
eggs, number of, in clutch,

24

eggs, removing, 39
eggs, stealing, 122
eggs, successive clutches of,

41

eggs, supply of, on large
preserves, 30
testing, 48

eggs, testn
Elliot's, 18

enteritis, 98

Eu-plocamus nycthemerus, 18

(Plate)
Euston system of hatching,

130

fancy, 18
feeding, 64, 126
feeding-huts, 79
feeding penned birds, 37
fir woods, 105
flushing-trigs, 112
food, 9, 64, 126
food-hoppers, 82
food-losses through wood-

pigeons, &c., 132
food-shelters, 79
Forked Worm, 92
froth, 97
gapes, 92

garlic as a lure, 71
general management, 64
Golden, 18, 19 (Plate)
Grafton's (Duke of) system

of hatching, 130
grain foods, 69, 72, 73

Pheasants (cont.) :
green food, 70
grit, 74

ground-vermin, 115
habits, 5

hand-rearing, 41, 51, 117
hardiness, 90
hatching, 41, 130
hatching-boxes and runs, 43,

47

hatching-house and runs, 44
hatching-season, 8
haunts, 6
hedges surrounding coverts,

"3

hens to cock, number of, 7,

23, 36, 130

higher preservation, 29
hingling, 124
hospital, 67
hybrid, Plate
Impeyan, 18 (Plate)
increase of stock, 26
incubation, 8, 41
incubators, 42
insect food, substitutes for,

126
introducing, upon an estate,

20

Japanese, 9, n, 17 (Plate)
keepers' huts, 120, 121
keepers' paths in coverts,

no

Kohinoor, 17
Ladah, 17

Lady Amherst's, 18 (Plate)
larches, roosting in, 105
layers, selecting, 35
laying-pens, 32
liver disease, 101
Lo-pho-phorus Fhuysii, Plate
L. refulgens, Plate
maintenance of stock, 26
maize, 73
mating, 7
meal foods, 68
meal-times, 76
meat foods, 70, 71
Monaul, 18 (Plate)

419

Index.

Pheasants (cont.) :

Mongolian, 15 (Plate)

movable pens, 32

mustard in foods, 133

natural history, 5

nests, 8

nests, searching for, 38

netting, 124, 125

new species, suitable for in-
troduction, 17

night coverts, 113

Old English, 5

ornamental or fancy species,
18

Oxus, 17

parasites, 90

park-lands, 106

pens, 32

pens for introducing, 22

Persian, 14, 17

Phasianus amherstice, 18

P. chrysomelasy 17

P. colchicus, 5 (Plate)

P. ellioti, 18

P. gmeliniy 17

P. mongolicus, 15 (Plate)

P. -persicus, 14

P. principals, 15 (Plate)

P. reevesii) 12 (Plate)

P. reevesii hybrid, Plate

P. shawi, 17

P. scemmerringii, 1 8 (Plate)

P. strauchi, 17

P. talischensis, 14

P. tarimensis, 14 .

P. torquatus, 5 (Plate)

P. torquatus hybrid, Plate

P. versicolor, 9, n, 36
(Plate)

pied, n, 131

poaching, 115, 124

polygamous, 7

Prince of Wales', 15 (Plate)

proportion of hens to cock,

7> 23> 36> '3°
protection, 115
rats, 117
rattling sound made by

hatching eggs, 39

Pheasants (cont.) :

rearing, 41, 51

rearing-fields, 55, 86

Red Worm, 92

Reeves', 12 (Plate)

Reeves' Ring - necked
(hybrid), Plate

Resplendent, Plate

rewards for discovery of
nests, 123

rides, 108

Ringed, 17

Ring-necked, 5, 10 (Plate)

Ring-necked hybrid, Plate

roofing-felt, 53

roosting-places, 6

roup, 99

runs, 43, 51, 54

scour, 100

scrofula, 101

scurfy legs, 101

seasons for introducing, 23,
28

sentinel birds, 132

shrubs for coverts, 104, 105,
107, 118

shy feeders, 76, 83

Siberian, 14, 17

Silver, 18, 19 (Plate)

snaring, 124

Soemmerring's, 18 (Plate)

soil, choice of, 57

species, 5, 9, 12, 17, 18

spices in foods, 133

sports derived from cross-
ing, ii

springeing, 124

stimulants, 132

suffocation, 97

sulphate of iron tonic, 89

sunstroke, 96

Syngamus trachealis, 92

Talisch's, 14, 17

tapeworm, 102

testing eggs, 48

times for feeding, 76

tonic medicine, 89

Tragopan, 18

trails of grain, 82

E £ 2

Index.

420

Pheasants (cont.) :

traps for catching-up, 127
trees for coverts, 104, 105,

107, 113

troughs, 37, 66, 86
true, 14, 17
turning down, 20
undergrowth, 105
varieties, 5, 9, 12, 17, 18
vent-binding, 101
vermin, 115, 347
water-supply, 66, 85
whistling birds for feeding,

83

white, u, 131

winged vermin, 115

winter feeding, 77

winter water-supply, 88

wire-netting to protect food,
132

worms, 92, 1 02

Yarkand, 17
Pied pheasants, 131
Pigeons, food losses through,
132

trap for, 129, 130
Pigeon Hawk, 386
Pitfall trap, 367
Planting coverts, 104, 107
Poachers and poaching, 397-
409:

arrest, power of, 402, 405,
406

capturing poachers, 402

day, 405

dogs, keepers' powers re-
garding, 404

early supplies for the mar-
kets, 400

"gentlemen" poachers, 400

keepers' powers, 403

law regarding, 4*53

methods, 408

name and address, demand-
ing, 405

night, 405, 406

police aid, 403, 407

preventing, 397, 401

professional poachers, 400

Poachers, &c. (cont.) :

raids, anticipating, 402

search, right of, 403

sporting poachers, 400

town poachers, 400

typical poachers, 398

working in gangs, 400
Pole trap, 389
Polecats, 294-299 (Plate), 312

courage as fighters, 298

crossing with ferrets, 298

description, 296

fitch or fitchet, 297

foetid smell, 295

foul marten, 297

foumart, 297

fulimart, 297

habits, 295, 297, 321

haunts, 297

identifying depredations,
297

names, 297

nest and young, 296

" running the posts," 331

taming, 298

trapping, 312-348

victims, 295
Poisons, risk attending use of,

346

Police aid, 403, 407
Prince of Wales' Pheasant, 15

(Plate)

Progress of game-preserving, 2
Ptarmigan, 233

haunts, 234
Purchasing eggs, 122
Puttock, 387

Quails, 237

Chinese, 237 (Plate)

Crested, 237 (Plate)

eggs, number of in clutch,
239

food, 239

habits, 238

nest, 239

wildness, 238

Qualifications of gamekeepers, 3,
401

421

Index.

Rabbits, wild, 283-287 :
burrows, 284
damage caused, 285
gins, setting, in 'runs, 323,

329

habits, 283

hares compared, 273, 275,

284

haunts, 283
litters, 283
natural history, 283
nets, 293

safeguards against foxes, 392
snaring, 292
varieties, 284
Rats, 263, 349-363

bacteria for exterminating,

363

Barn, 350
Black, 349
Brown, 349
destroying, 355
fecundity, 351
ferreting, 356
habits, 351
haunts, 350, 351
increase in numbers, 349
natural history, 349
size, 350
smell, acute sense of, 354,

.357

terriers for ratting, 356

trapping, 340, 356, 357

virus for exterminating, 363

voracity, 350
Ravens, 369-371 :

capturing, 371

food, 370

habits, 370, 371

nest, 370

voracity, 370
Red Grouse, 188-222 :

ants' eggs, 204, 208

breeding in captivity, 204

breeding - place, choice of,
200

broody hens, 205

carrying-box for chicks, 207

" cheepers," 195

Red Grouse (cont.) \
coops, 201
diseases, 211, 213
distribution, 189
drowning-out, 211
eggs, caution in obtaining,

199
eggs, number of, in clutch,

191

enteritis, 213

exposure, deaths from, 212
feeding, 201, 202, 203, 204
feeding-times, 192, 209
foods, 202, 208
foods, natural, 192
game-sick moors, 198, 199
ground-springes, 221
ground- vermin, 216
grouse disease, 211, 213
habits, 192, 218, 219
hand-rearing, 199, 203
hatching, 201
haunts, 189
heather, introducing chicks

to, 207
hingling, 222
incubation, 201
introduction, 194, 215
keepers, 188
Klein, Dr., on grouse

disease, 213

Lago-pus scoticus, 188, 197
liberating new birds, 197
maintenance of stock, 194
mating, 191
monogamous, 191
moor, choice of, 194, 196
moor, establishment of, 194,

197

Moorcock, 190
natural history, 188
nest, 191
netting, 218
Nicholson, Mr. W. A., on

hand-rearing, 203
obtaining birds, 197
poaching, 216
protection, 216
rearing, 199, 203

Index.

422

Red Grouse (cont.) •

setting eggs, 201, 205

snaring, 221

soil, choice of, 194, 214

springes, 221

standing springes, 221

stand-nets, 218, 221

Suffolk, introduction in, 190

surroundings of moor, 196

sweep-nets, 219

Tetrao scoticus, 188

tubercular disease, 213

turning down, 197, 202

vermin, 214, 216

water, 209

wet seasons, 195

wildness, 188, 189

winged vermin, 217

winter-feeding, 192
Red - legged Partridge, 134, 140

(Plate)

" Red-legs," 140
Red Worm,' 92

Reeves' Pheasant, 12 (Plate)
Reeves' Ring-necked Pheasant,

Plate

Resinous trees in coverts, 108
Resplendent Pheasant, Plate
Rewards for discovery of nests,

123

Rides in coverts, 108, in
Ridging for wire-netting, 396
Rights, keepers', 403
Ringed Pheasant, 17
Ring - necked Pheasant, 5, 10

(Plate)

Roasting - jacks for lantern-
scares, 394, 395
Rooks, 375-377 =

distinguishing, from crows,

* ^372^375
food, 376

habits, 375

Rothschild, Hon. W., on par-
tridges, 140

on pheasants, 16
Round Worm, 92
Roup, 99, 147, 149, 211
Royston Crow, 375

Sanctuaries, partridge, 168

Sand Partridges, 140

Scour, 100

Scrofula, 101

Scurfy legs, 101

Search, right of, 403

Selling game, 290

" Sentinels of the woods," 379

Setting traps. See Traps.

Sheepdogs as poachers, 217

Shelter-huts for pheasants, 79

Shooting-rides or drives, 108, in

Shooting, tenants' keepers'

powers of, 406

Shrubs for coverts, 104, 107, 118
Siberian Pheasant, 14, 17
Silkie hens as brooders, 42
Silver Pheasant, 18, '19 (Plate)

Wyandottes as brooders, 42
Snaring cats, 347

hares, 280

partridges, 180, 181

pheasants, 124

rabbits, 292

Red Grouse, 221.
Snipe, 240

Snow Partridges, 140
Soemmerring's Pheasant, 18

(Plate)

Sparrowhawk, 385
Spices in pheasant foods, 133
Sprats as bait, 321
Spratt's Crissel, 145

Game Meal, 208
Spring guns, 290
Springeing pheasants, 124

Red Grouse, 221
Stakes for traps, 315
Stat or stoat, 303
Steel traps, 312
Stockdoves, food losses through,

132
Stoats, 299-304 (Plate), 312 :

change of coat, 303

colour, 303

egg-destroyers, 300

habits, 299, 301, 321

haunts, 301

names, 303

423

Index.

Stoats (cont.) :

nest or lair, 300

"running the posts," 331

trapping, 312-348

victims, 300, 301

winter coat, 303
Stout, or stoat, 303
Sunstroke, 96
Syngamus tracJiealis^ 92

Talisch's Pheasant, 14, 17
Tanks for coverts, 87, 88
Tapeworm, 102, 149, 212
Terriers for ratting, 357
Testing eggs, 48
Tetrao gallus, 140

scotuus, 1 88

tetrix, 223
Tetraonidat 193
Thinning-out coverts, 109
" Tilling," 316, 327. (See Trap-
ping-)

Tragopan Pheasant, 18
Trails, false, for trapping, 321
Trapping, 312-389:

cats, 342, 347

deodorising hands, 358

dogs, 346

fish as bait, 321, 329

ground vermin, 3, 294-368

hawks, 388

hedgehogs, 366

jays, 383, 384

magpies, 380

polecats, 312

rats, 340, 356, 357

stoats, 312

tfails, false, 321

water-courses, 329

weasels, 312

wild cats, 342, 347

winged vermin, 369-389
Traps, 312-389:

American, 319, 358

box, 341

break-back, 340

cage> 357> 360, 361

chains, 314

Clifford's, 360

Traps (cont.) :

colouring, 340

dead-fall, 332, 341

Dorset, 313, 358, 360, 380,
381

drags or false trails, 321

Everitt's, 320, 330, 360

figure-of-four, 332

for catching-up birds, 127

Frost's, 362

gins, 312, 344, 358

High Elms, 336

Hugger, 346

Lane's, 319

Musk-rat, 318, 319, 348

pitfall, 367

pole, 389

stakes, 315

steel, 312

" tilling," 316, 327
Trees for coverts, 104, 107, 113
Trespassing, 397-409
Tring Park, pheasants at, 16
Typhus fever, 281

Valerian as a lure for cats, 345

Vent-binding, 101

Vermin, 294-389. See Ground
Vermin and Winged
Vermin.

definition of, 294
" running the posts," 331
trapping, 312-389

Virus for exterminating rats, 363

Vole, water, 350

Warrens, hare, 276, 277

rabbit, 283
Water - courses, trapping along,

329

Water-supply during frost, 88,
89, 261

Water-vole, 350

Weasels, 304-312 (Plate), 313 :
attacking humankind, 306
colour, 304
description, 304
egg-destroyers, 305, 309
eggs as bait, 328, 348

Index

424

Weasels fcont.j :

ermine, 303

foetid smell, 311

habits, 305, 307, 321

haunts, 308

names, 311

nest, 307

packs, 306

trapping, 312-348
Wheat, 74

Whistling birds for feeding, 83
White pheasants, 131
White-throated fitchet, 311
Wild cats, trapping, 342, 347
Wild duck, 242-267 :

coops, 249, 251

crossed birds, 246

custard food, 250

difficulties in retaining, 242,

243> 257
diseases, 267
ducklings, 248, 253, 254
eggs, number of, laid, 245
eggs, obtaining, 246
feeding, 245, 249, ^256, 258
fish, predatory, 255
flapper-shooting, 262
foods, 249, 256, 259
foods, natural, 260
foxes, 266

grain foods, 256, 259
habits, 257, 258, 260
hatching, 246
haunts, 258, 260
ice, clearing, 261
incubation, 247
introduction, 242, 245
ladder, 262

localities, suitable, 242, 243
maintenance, 242
maize, 256
pinioned birds as decoys,

260, 261

protection, 262, 263
rats, 263
rearing-field, 248
runs, 249, 251

Wild duck (cont.) :

shelters, 261

shooting, 262

turning down, 245

vermin, 262

water, 248, 253, 254

weaklings, 252

winter treatment, 261
Wild rabbits, 283-287. (See

Rabbits.)
Winged vermin, 369-389

Brown Owl, 388

Buzzard, Moor, 387

Carrion Crow, 372

Corvidce, 375

crows, 372

Grey or Grey-backed Crow,

Harriers, 387

hawks, 214, 217, 384-389

Hen Harrier, 387

Hooded Crow, 375

jackdaws, 377

jays, 377

Kentish Crow, 375

Kestrel Hawk, 386

Long-eared Owl, 388

magpies, 377

Marsh Harrier, 387

Marsh Hawk, 387

Moor Buzzard, 387

owls, 384, 388

Pigeon Hawk, 386

Puttock, 387

ravens, 369

rooks, 375

Royston Crow, 375

Sparrowhawk, 385

trapping, 369-389
Wire-cage traps, 357, 360, 361
Woodcock, 240
Wood-pigeons, 129, 130, 132
Worms, 92, 102, 149, 212
Wounded game, picking up, 404
Wyandottes as brooders, 42

Yarkand Pheasant, 17

LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS, BAZAAR BUILDINGS, LONDON, W.C.

CATAI9GUE

PRACTICAL

NOTE.— All Books are at Nett Prices.

PRINTING.

Catalogues,
Price List!*,
Magazines,
Circulars, *tc,,
An Produced \Vitti
Excellence,
Economv,
Effect,
Expedition,

I:::::. y^ Worts.

INDEX

To the Practical Handbooks
Published by L. Upcott Gill, London, and

Chas. Scribner's Sons, New York.

ART. PAGE

ANTIQUITIES, ENGLISH 3

GARDENING.

PAGE

ALPINE PLANTS 3

PAGE
POLISHES AND STAINS

CHURCHES, OLD ENG-

BEGONIAS 4

REPOUSSE WORK 13

BOOK OF GARDENING 9

TICKET WRITING .

DKSIGNIXG, HARMONIC 7

BULBS - 5

WOODWORKING 4 1C

PAPER WORK, ORNA-
MENTAL 11

CACTUS _. 5

WORKSHOP MAKE-

SHIFTS 15

PAINTING, DECORATIVE 11
POKER WORK 12

CHRYSANTHEMUMS .... 6

NATURAL HISTORY.

CUCUMBERS 7

AMUSEMENTS.

DICTIONARY OF GAR-

BIRDS' EGGS..

BAZAARS AND FANCY

DENING ~ 8

Tv»»rT« 4 '

FAIRS . 3

FERNS 8

CARD GAMES .. 4, 5, 6, 11,

FRUIT 8

NATURALISTS' DIREC-
TORY 10

14,15

GRAPES 9

CONJURING „.. 6, 14
ENTERTAINMENTS ..5,7,14
FORTUNE TELLING . 8

GREENHOUSE CON-
STRUCTION AND HEAT-
ING 9

VIVARIUM lo
PET-KEEPING

M 4<«c T, * VT«RNS . . - - - 10

GREENHOUSE MANAGE-

BIRDS 4,5,7,3,11

PALMISTRY 11

MENT 9

CATS

HOME GARDENING — 8

DOGS 6, 7, 8. 10, 13, 15

MUSHROOMS 10

PIANOFORTE 11

OPEN-AIR GARDENING 9

MICE 10

POOL 12

ORCHIDS. «.. 11

PIGEONS 12

VAMPING 14

PERENNIALS 9

RABBITS 13

ROSES .«. ... 13

COLLECTING

TOMATOES — 14

SPORTING.

VEGETABLES « — 14

ANGLING 3,13

BOOKS 10 14

HOME

CORK-GRIP EXERCISES 1

BUTTERFLIES 5

CYCLING 7

COINS ....... 6

GARDENING 8, 9

FERRETING - 8

DRAGONFLIES 7

LACE. HAND-MADE 10

GAME PRESERVING 3

SAILING . . 4, 10, 13

MEDICINE 10

HANDWRITING ....«-. 9

NEEDLEWORK 10

HAWK MOTHS 9

LIBRARY

MOTHS .. .59

WRESTLING . 15

PAINTING 11

_ -r _ - —

POSTAGE STAMPS 12

SEAFARING.

POSTMARKS 12

PRESS WORK FOR
WOMEN 12

BOATBUILDING 4

POTTRRY A PQRCILAIN 12

SPORTING BOOKS ILLUS-

BOAT SAILING 4

TRATED 14

WAR MEDALS 15

MECHANICS.

SEA LIFE 15

BOOKBINDING ........ 4

SEA TERMS 1*

FARMING.
BEES 4

CABINET MAKING .... 5
CANE BASKET WORK . . 5

YACHTING YAR>

DAIRY FARMING . 7

CHIP CARVING 6

TOURING.

GOATS ~ 9

FIREWORK MAKING .. 8

FRIKSLAND MERES 3

HORSES 9

FRETWORK , . T , a

ROUTE MAP _

PIGS 11, 12

MAR^USTSRIB 10

SEASIDE WATERING

PT ATK.4 15

POULTRY 10 12

METAL WORKING 4 13 14 15

STOCK RECORDS 4 11 14

MODEL YACHTS ,. 10

LNG ~- 10

C 1,06.

Before trying any other Fountain
Pen, try the Best. . . ,

IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, EXCHANGE
IT. OR HAVE YOUR MONEY BACK.

. THE .
*t

SWAN

HAS NO
EQUAL.

*X 3 Sizes,

106,
16/6,6 25/-

** up to £ 2O Post Free.

rj* Make it your "ripht-hand man," and
your writing will become a pleasure.
The " SWAN " is well named t<>r its i.ipi.l
*", easy movement, and there is no other Koun-
Y?^ tain Fen "Quite as (.:<><xl."

Sati«faction Guaranteed. Write for
Catalogue. Sold by Stationers and Jewellers.

^°' MABIE, TODD & BARD,

79 and So, High Holborn, London, W.C.

93, Cheapside, E.G.; 95:1. I\c^( nt St., W. ; 3. I;.xchange St.,

MatiHir -i

.tin) .it I'.n r, .nn) Ni \v York.

Public Opinion.

F»U

Price 2d., by post 2id.

REGISTERED FOR TRANSMISSION IN UNITED KINGDOM.

CONTAINING

NOTES ON BRITISH AND FOREIGN EVENTS — TOPICS OP THET
WEEK, such as: Season's Politics; Side-lights on the War; The Treaty with
Tibet; The Kaiser's Policy and his Navy ; Protection and Home Rule ; Cnn.i.l.i
and the Mother Country ; Colour Advancing ; British Indians and the Transvaal ^
Russia, England, and Tibet ; Imperialism : Mr. Chamberlain's and Lord Rose-
bery's ; Letters from Italy ; From the German Press ; Motors and the old Roman*
Roads, <fec.— MISCELLANEOUS-MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES-
WOMEN'S WORLD: Our Girls-rCORRESPONDENCE-THE LIGHTER
SIDE— MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC-BOOKS: Farce, Allegory, or S.il in-
Literary and Journalistic Notes— THE CHURCHES— NAVAL AND MILI-
TARY NOTES -OUR £5000 PRIZE SCHEME- LEGAL- FINANCE
AND INSURANCE.

HENRY J. DRANE, Bell's Buildings, Fleet Street, London, E.G.

Catalogue .

Practical Handbooks

Published by

L. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Buildings, London, and
Chas. Scribner's Sons, New York.

Alpine Plants. A Practical Method for Growing the rarer and more difficult
Alpine Flowers. By W. A. CLARK, K.R.H.S. With Illustrations from photo-
graphs by Clarence Elliott. In cloth, price 3/6, by post 3/9.

American Dainties, and How to Prepare Them. By AN AMERICAN LADY.

In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Angler, Book of the All-Round. A Comprehensive Treatise on Angling in
both Fresh and Salt Water. By JOHN BiCKERDYKE. With over 220 Engravings.
In cloth gilt, price 5/6, by post 5/10. Also in Four Divisions as follow :—

Angling for Coarse Fish. Bottom Fishing, according to the Methods in
use on the Thames, Trent, Norfolk Broads, and elsewhere. New Edition,
Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Angling for Pike. The most approved methods of Fishing for Pike or Jack.
Now Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Profusely illustrated. In paper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Angling for Game Fish. The Various Methods of Fishing for Salmon ;
Moorland, Chalk-stream, and Thames Trout ; Grayling and Char. New
Kdition. Well illustrated. In paper, price 1/6, by post 1/9.

Angling in Salt Water. Sea Fishing with Rod and Line, from the Shore,
Piers, Jetties, Rocks, and from Boats ; together with Some Account of
Hand-Lining. Over 50 Engravings. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Angler, The Modern. A Practical Handbook on all Kinds of Angling, both
Fresh Water and Sea. By ' • OTTER." Well illustrated. New Edition. In cloth
gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Antiquities, English. A Popular Guide to the Collection of Curios of the
Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, Anglo-Saxon, and Mediaeval Times, with
a concise Dictionary of Terms, &c., used. By GEORGE CLINCH, F.G.S., Author
of " Old English Churches. " Illustrated. In cloth, price 6/6, by post 6/10.

Aquaria, Book of. A Practical Guide to the Construction, Arrangement, and
Management of Freshwater and Marine Aquaria; containing Full Informa-
tion as to the Plants, Weeds, Fish, Molluscs, Insects, &c. , How mid \\here t<>
Obtain Them, and How to Keep Them in Health. By Ki:v. GRECJOKY
C. BATEMAN, A.K.C., and REGINALD A. R. BENNETT, B.A. Illustrated. In cloth
gilt, price 5/6, by post 5/10.

Aquaria, Freshwater: Their Construction, Arrangement, Stocking, and
Management. Second Edition, revised and enlarged. I'.y l{i:\ <i. C. BATK-
MAN, A.K.C. Fully Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Aquaria, Marine: Their Construction, Arrangement, and Management. By
H. A. R. BENNETT, B.A. Fully Illustrated. In doth gilt, price 2/6, by
post 2/9.

Autograph Collecting: A Practical Manual for Amateurs and Historical
Students, containing ample information on the Selection and Arraimemeni,
of Autographs, the Detection of Forced Specimens, A'c., &c., to which an-
added numerous Facsimiles for Study and Reference, ami an exfc
Valuation Table of Autographs worth Collecting. By HENRY T. SCOTT, M.I),
L.R.C.P., &c. In cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Bazaars and Fanoy Fairs: Their Organization and Management. A
Secretary's Vade Mecum. By JOHN Mum. In paper, price I/-, by post, 1/2.

All Books are Nett.

4 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Bee- Keeping, Book of. A very practical and Complete Manual on the Proper
Management of Bees, especially written for Beginners and Amateurs who have
but a few Hives. By YV. B. WEBSTER, First-class Expert, B.B.K. A. Fully
illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2 ; in doth, price 1/6, by post 1/8.

Bees and Bee-Keeping: Scientific and Practical. By F. R. CHESHIRE,
F.L.S., F.R.M.S., Lecturer on Apiculture at South Kensington. In tu-o volt.,
cloth gilt, price 16s., by post Ids. 6rf.

Vol. I., Scientific. A complete Treatise on the Anatomy and Physi-
ology of the Hive Bee. In cloth gilt, price 7s. f>d., by post It. lOtf.

Vol. II. f Practical Management of Bees. An Exhaustive Treatise
on Advanced Bee Culture. In cloth gilt, price Ss. 6d., by pott 8s. lid.

Begonia Culture, for Amateurs and Professionals. Containing Full Direc-
tions for the Successful Cultivation of the Begonia, under Glass and in the
Open Air. By B. C. RAVENSCROFT. New Edition, Revised and Enlarged.
With New Illustrations. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Bent Iron "Work : A Practical Manual of Instruction for Amateurs in the Art
and Craft of Making and Ornamenting Light Articles in imitation of the
beautiful Mediaeval and Italian Wrought Iron Work. By F. J. ERSKINE.
Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Birds, British, for the Cages and Aviaries. A Handbook relating to
all British Birds which may be kept in Confinement. Illustrated. By DR.
W. T. GREENE. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Birds' Eggs of the British Isles. A comprehensive Guide to the Collector
of British Birds' Eggs, with hints respecting the preparation of specimens for
the cabinet. Collated and compiled by AKTHUR G. BUTLER, Ph.D., F.L.S.,
F.Z.S., F.E.S., from his larger work, "British Birds with their Nests and
Eggs." Beautifully Illustrated with twenty-four full-page plates in colour.
In demy <\to, cloth gilt, price 21/-, by post 21 5.

Birds, Favourite Foreign, for Cages and Aviaries. How to Keep them in
Health. By W.T. GREENE, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S., &c. Fully Illustrated. In
doth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Birds, Wild, Cries and Call Notes of, described at Length, and in many
instances Illustrated by Musical Notation. By C. A. WITCHELL. In paper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Boat Building and Sailing, Practical. Containing Full Instructions for
Designing and Building Punts, Skiffs, Canoes, Sailing Boats, &c. Particulars
of the most suitable Sailing Boats and Yachts for Amateurs, and Instruction!
for their Proper Handling. Fully Illustrated with Designs and Working
Diagrams. By ADRIAN NEISON, C.E., DIXON KEMP. A.I.N.A., and G.
CHRISTOPHER DAVIES. In one vol., cloth gilt, price 7/6, by post 7/10. Also in
separate Vols. as follows :

Boat Building for Amateurs, Practical. Containing Full Instructions
for Designing and Building Punts, Skiffs, Canoes, Sailing Boats, &c. Fully
Illustrated with Working Diagrams. By ADRIAN NEISON, C.E. Second
Edition, Revised and Enlarged by DIXON KEMP, Author of "A Manual of
Yacht and Boat Sailing," &c. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Boat Sailing for Amateurs, Practical. Containing Particulars of the
most Suitable Sailing Boats and Yachts for Amateurs, and Instructions for
their Proper Handling, &c. Illustrated with numerous Diagrams. By G.
CHRISTOPHER DAVIES. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged, and with
several New Plans of Yachts. In cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Bookbinding for Amateurs: Being descriptions of the various Tools and
Appliances Required, and Minute Instructions for their Effective Use. By
W. J. E. CRANE. Illustrated with 156 Engravings. In cloth gilt, price 2/6,
by post 2/9.

Breeders' and Exhibitors' Record, for the Registration of Particulars con-
cerning Pedigree Stock of every Description. By W. K. TAUNTON. In 3
Parts. Part I., The Pedigree Record. Part II., The Stud Record. Part III.,
The Show Record In cloth gilt, price each Part 2/6, or the set 6/-, by post 6/6.

Bridge, How to Win at. A Popular and Practical Guide to the Game. By
" CUT-CAVENDISH." Fourth Edition. In stiff paper cover, price I/-, by post 1/1.

Bridge Whist: Its Whys and Wherefores. The Game taught by Reason
instead of by Rule, on the same popular lines as " Scientific Whist " and
"Solo Whist," and by the same Author, C. J. MELROSE. With Illustrative
Hands in Colours. New and Revised Edition. In doth gilt, price 3/6, by post
3/10 ; in half leather, gilt top, price 5/6, by post 5/10.

All Books are Nctt.

CHAS. SCRIBNEB'S SONS, New York

Bulb Culture, Popular. A Practical and Handy Guide to the Successful
Cultivation of Bulbous Plants, both in the Open and Under Glass. By W. D.
DRURY. Second Edition. Fully illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by pott 1/2.

Bunkum Entertainments: A Collection of Original Laughable Skits on
Conjuring, Physiognomy, Juggling, Performing Fleas, Waxworks, Panorama,
Phrenology, Phonograph, Second Sight, Lightning Calculators, Ventriloquism,
Spiritualism, &c., to which are added Humorous Sketches, Whimsical
Recitals, and Drawing-room Comedies. By ROBERT GANTHONY. Illustrated.
In cloth, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Butterflies, The Book of British : A Practical Manual for Collectors and
Naturalists. Splendidly illustrated throughout with very accurate
Engravings of the Caterpillars, Chrysalids, and Butterflies, both upper and
under sides, from drawings by the Author or direct from Nature. By
W. J. LUCAS, B. A. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Butterfly and Moth Collecting : Being Practical Hints as to Outfit, most
profitable Hunting Grounds, and Best Methods of Capture and Setting, with
brief descriptions of many species. Second Edition, revised, re-arranged, and
enlarged. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Cabinet Making for Amateurs. Being clear Directions How to
Construct many Useful Articles, such as Brackets, Sideboard, Tables,
Cupboards, and other Furniture. Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Cactus Culture for Amateurs: Being Descriptions of the various
Cactuses grown in this country ; with Full and Practical Instructions for
their Successful Cultivation. By W. WATSON, Assistant Curator of the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. New Edition. Profusely illustrated. In cloth
gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Cage Birds, Diseases of: Their Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. A
Handbook for everyone who keeps a Bird. By DR. W. T. GREENE, F.Z.S. In
paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Cage Birds, Notes on. Second Series. Being Practical Hints on the
Management of British and Foreign Cage Birds, Hybrids, and Canaries. By
various Fanciers. Edited by DR. W. T. GREENE. In cloth gilt, price 6/-, by
post 6/6.

Canary Book. The Breeding, Rearing, and Management of all Varieties of
Canaries and Canary Mules, and all other matters connected with this Fancy.
By ROBERT L. WALLACE. Third Edition, with Coloured Frontispiece. In cloth
gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Canaries, General Management of. Cages and Cage-making, Breeding,
Managing, Mule Breeding, Diseases and their Treatment, Moulting, Pests, <fcc.
Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Canaries, Exhibition. Full Particulars of all the different Varieties, their
Points of Excellence, Preparing Birds for Exhibition, Formation and Manage-
ment of Canary Societies and Exhibitions. Illustrated. In doth gilt, price 2/6,
by post 2/9.

Canary-Keeping for Amateurs. A Book for the Average Canary-Keeper.
Plain and Practical Directions for the Successful Management and Breeding
of Canaries as Pets rather than for Exhibition. By DR. W. T. GREENE, F.Z.S.
In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Cane Basket Work: A Practical Manual on Weaving Useful and Fancy
Baskets. By ANNIE FIRTH. Series I. and II. Illustrated. In cloth gilt,
price 1/6, by post 1/8 each.

Card Tricks. By HOWARD THURSTON. A Manual on the Art of Conjuring
with Cards, including many hitherto unpublished Novel and Unique
Experiments, as presented by the Author in the Leading Theatres of the
World. Illustrated. In paper, price 2/6, by post 2/8 ; in cloth, price 3/6, by post 3/9.

Card Tricks, Book of, for Drawing-room and Stage Entertainments by
Amateurs; with an exposure of Tricks as practised by Card Sharpers and
Swindlers. Numerous Illustrations. By PROF. R. KUNARD. In stiff boards,
price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Carnation Culture, for Amateurs. The Culture of Carnations and" Picotees
of all Classes in the Open Ground and in Pots. By B. C. RAVENSCROFT.
Third Edition. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

All Books are Nett.

6 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Cats, Domestic and Fancy. A Practical Treatise on their Varieties,

Breeding, Management, and Diseases. By JOHN JENNINGS. Illustrated.

In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.
Chip-Carving as a Recreation. A Practical Manual for Amateurs, containing

a Full and (JJear Description of the Manipulation and Use of the Tools, with'

a Chapter on the Principles and Construction of Designs. By W. JACKSON

SMITH. Profusely Illustrated with Specially Prepared Illustrations, showing

how the Tools should be Held and Used, and the way to Prepare Designs.

In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.
Chrysanthemum Culture, for Amateurs and Professionals. Containing Full

Directions for the Successful Cultivation of the Chrysanthemum for Exhibition

and the Market. By B. C. RAVENSCROFT. Third Edition. Illustrated In

paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.
Chrysanthemum, The Show, and Its Cultivation. By C. SCOTT, of

the Sheffield Chrysanthemum Society. In paper, price 6d. , by pout 7d.
Churches, Old English : Their Architecture, Furniture, Decorations, Monu-
ments, Vestments, and Plate, &c. Second and Enlarged Edition. By GEO.

CLINCH, F.G.S. Magnificently illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 6/6, by post 6/10.
Chucks and Chucking. Being an Account of Chucks New and Old, and

of How to Use Them, with a Description of Various Methods of Mounting

Work in the Lathe. By H. J. S. CASSAL. Profusely Illustrated. In paper,

price I/-, by post 1/2.
Coffee Stall Management. Practical Hints for the Use of those Interested

in Temperance or Philanthropic Work. In paper, price If-, by post 1/1.
Coins, a Guide to English Pattern, in Gold, Silver, Copper, and Pewter,

from Edward I. to Victoria, with their Value. By the REV. G. F. CROWTHER,

M. A. Illustrated. In silver cloth, with gilt facsimiles of Coi/w, price 5/-, b\>

post 5/3.
Coins of Great Britain and Ireland, a Guide to the, in Gold, Silver,

and Copper, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time, with their Value.

By the late COLONEL W. STEWART THORBURN. Fourth Edition. Revised and

Enlarged by H. A. GRUEBER, F.S.A. With 42 Plates, illustrating over 360

Coins. In cloth gilt, price 10/6, by post 10/10.
Cold Meat Cookery. A Handy Guide to making really tasty and much

appreciated Dishes from Cold Meat. By MRS. J. E. DAVIDSON. In paper,

price I/-, by post 1/2.
Collie, The. As a Show Dog, Companion, and Worker. By HUGH DALZIEL.

Revised by J. MAXTEE, Author of 'Popular Dog Keeping," &c., &c. Third

Edition. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.
Collie Stud Book. Edited by HUGH DALZIEL. In cloth gilt, price 3/6 each,

by post 3/9 each.

Vol. J., containing Pedigrees of 1308 of the best-known Dogs, traced to

their most remote known ancestors ; Show Record to Feb., 1890, &c.
Vol. If. Pedigrees of 795 Dogs, Show Record, &c.
Vol. III. Pedigrees of 786 Dogs, Show Record, &c.
-Conjuring, Book of Modern. A Practical Guide to Drawing-room and

Stage Magic for Amateurs. By PROFESSOR R. KUNARD. Illustrated. In

stiff boards, price 2/6, by post 2/9.
Conjuring and Card Tricks, Book of. By PROF. R. KUNARD. Being

"The Book of Modern Conjuring" and "The Book of Card Tricks " bound in

one vol. Cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.
•Conjuring for Amateurs. A Practical Handbook on How to Perform

a Number of Amusing Tricks, with diagrams, where necessary, to explain

exactly how the trick is carried out. By PROF. ELLIS STAN YON. In paper,

price I/- byposilfi.
Conjuring with Cards: Being Tricks with Cards, and How to Perform Them.

By PROF. ELLIS STANVON. Illustrated. In paper, price I/ -, by post 1/2.
Cookery, The Encyclopaedia of Practical. A complete Dictionary of all

pertaining to the Art of Cookery and Table Service. Edited by THEO. FRANCIS

GARRETT, assisted by eminent Chefs de Cuisine and Confectioners. Profusely

Illustrated with Coloured Plates and Engravings by HAROLD FURNISS, GEO.

CRUIKSHANK, W. MUNN ANDREW, and others. In demy 4<o, half morocco,

cushion edges, 2 vols., price £3 3/-, carriage paid £3/4/6 ; 4 vols., £3/13/6, carriage

paid £3 15/-.

All Books arc Nett.

CHAS. SSCRIBNEB'S SONS, New York.

Cork-Grip Exercises, The Jappy System of. Without Dumb-bells or
Developers. With 24 Illustrations. In paper, price f>d., by post 7 d.

(Cork Grips may be obtained through any Bookseller, or direct from the
Publisher at 1/11 per pair.)

Cucumber Culture for Amateurs. Including also clear Directions for the
Successful Culture of Melons, Vegetable Marrows and Gourds. By W. J. MAY.
New Edition, Revised and Enlarged, with new Illustrations. In paper, price
I/-, by post 1/2.

Cyclist's Route Map of England and Wales. Shows clearly all the Main,
and most of the Cross, Roads, Railroads, and the Distances between the
Chief Towns, as well as the Mileagefrom London. In addition to this, Routes
of Thirty of the Most Interesting Tours are printed in red. Fourth Edition,
thoroughly revised. The map is pi'inted on specially prepared vellum paper,
and is the fullest, handiest, and best up-to-date tourist's map in the market.
In cloth, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Dainties, English and Foreign, and How to Prepare Them. By MRS.
DAVIDSON. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Dairy Farming, Practical. A Handbook for Students, Tenant Farmers, and
Amateurs. Illustrated. By H. L. PUXLEY. \In cloth price 3/6, by post 3/10

[In the press.

Designing, Harmonic and Keyboard. Explaining a System whereby an
endless Variety of Most Beautiful Designs suited to numberless Manufactures
may be obtained by Unskilled Persons from any Printed Music. Illustrated'
by Numerous Explanatory Diagrams and Illustrative Examples. By C. H.
WILKINSON. Cheap Edition. In demy 4to, cloth gilt, price 10/-, by post 10/8.

Dogs, Breaking and Training: Being Concise Directions for the proper
education of Dogs, both for the Field and for Companions. Second Edition.
By " PATHFINDER." With Chapters by HUGH DALZIEL. Many new Illustra.
tions. In cloth gilt, price 6/6, by post 6/10.

Dogs, British. Their Points, Selection, and Show Preparation. Third Edition.
By W. D. DRURY, Kennel Editor of "The Bazaar," assisted by eminent
specialists. Beautifully Illustrated with full-page and other engravings of
typical dogs of the present time, mostly produced from photographs of living
dogs, and numerous smaller illustrations in the text. This is the fullest
work on the various breeds of dogs kept in England. In one volume, demy Bvo,
cloth gilt, price 12/6, by post 13/-.

Dogs, Diseases of: Their Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment ; Modes of
Administering Medicines ; Treatment in cases of Poisoning, <fcc. For the use
of Amateurs. By HUGH DALZIEL. Fourth Edition. Entirely Re-written and
brought up to date. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2 ; in cloth gilt, price 2/-, by
post 2/3.

Dog- Keeping, Popular: Being a Handy Guide to the General Management
and Training of all Kinds of Dogs for Companions and Pets. A New and
Revised Edition. ByJ. MAXTEE. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Dragonflies, British. Being an Exhaustive Treatise on our Native Odonata ;
Their Collection, Classification, and Preservation. By W. J. LUCAS, B.A.
Very fully Illustrated with 27 Plates, Illustrating 39 Species, exquisitely
printed in Colour, and numerous Black-and- White Engravings. In cloth gilt,
price 31/6, by post 31/11.

Egg Dainties. How to Cook Eggs One Hundred and Fifty Different Waya,
English and Foreign. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Eggs Certificate, Fertility of. These are Forma of Guarantee given by the
Sellers to the Buyers of Eggs for Hatching, undertaking to refund value of
any unfertile eggs, or to replace them with good ones. Very valuable to sellers
of eggs, as they induce purchases. In books, with counterfoils, price bd.t by
post Id.

Engravings and their Value. Containing a Dictionary of all the Greatest
Engravers and their Works. By J. H. SLATER. Third Edition. Revised with
an appendix and illustrations, and with latest Prices at Auction, &c. In cloth
gilt, price 15/-, by post 15/5.

Entertainments, Amateur, for Charitable and other Objects:

How to Organise and Work them with Profit and Success. By ROBERT
GANTHONY. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

All Books arc Nett.

8 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Feathered Friends, Old and New. Being the Experience of many years

Observations of the Habits of British and Foreign Cage Birds. By DR. W. T.

GREENE. Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.
Ferns, Choice, for Amateurs: Their Culture and Management in the Open

and Under Glass. Abridged from "The Book of Choice Ferns." By GEO.

SCHNEIDER. With numerous Illustrations. In cloth, price 3/6, by post 3,9.

Ferns, The Book of Choice : for the Garden, Conservatory, and Stove.
Describing the best and most striking Ferns and Selaginellae, and giving ex-
plicit directions for their Cultivation, the formation of Rockeries, the
arrangement of Ferneries, &c. By GEORGE SCHNEIDER. With 87 Coloured and
other Plates and 396 Engravings of considerable artistic beauty. In 3 vols.,
large post 4to, cloth gilt, price £3 3/-, carriage paid £3 5/-.

Ferrets and Ferreting. Containing Instructions for the Breeding, Managing,
Training, and Working of Ferrets. Fourth Edition. Revised and Enlarged.
Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Finches, Beautiful Foreign, and Their Treatment In Captivity. By A. G.
BUTLER, Ph.D. Edited by A. H. MATHEW. Illustrated from Life by F. W.
FROHAWK, with 60 full page plates, beautifully reproduced in colour. In.
Imp. Bvo, cloth gilt, price 25/-, by post 25/6.

Firework Making for Amateurs. A complete, accurate, and easily
understood work on making Simple and High-class Fireworks. By DR. W. H.
BROWNE, M.A. In coloured wrapper, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Fish, Flesh, and Fowl. When in Season, How to Select, Cook, and Serve. By
MARY BARRETT BROWN. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/3.

Fortune Telling by Cards. Describing and Illustrating the Methods by
which the would-be occult Tells Fortunes by Cards. By J. B. PRANGLEY.
Illustrated. In paper, price If-, by post 1/2.

Fox Terrier, The. Its History, Points, Breeding, Rearing, Preparing for
Exhibition, and Coursing. By HUGH DALZIEL. Second Edition, Revised and
brought up to date by J. MAXTEE (Author of " Popular Dog-Keeping "). Fully
illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2 • in cloth, with Coloured Frontispiece
and several extra plates, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Fox Terrier Stud Book. Edited by HUGH DALZIEL. In cloth gilt, price 3/6
each, by post 3/9 each.

Vol. J., containing Pedigrees of over 14COof the best-known Dogs, traced

to their most remote known ancestors.
Vol. II. Pedigrees of 1544 Dogs, Show Record, &c
Vol. III. Pedigrees of 1214 Dogs, Show Record, Ac
Vol. IV. Pedigrees of 1168 Dogs, Show Record, &c.
Vol. V. Pedigrees of 1562 Dogs, Show Record, <fec.

Fretwork and Marquetry. A Practical Manual of Instructions in the Art
of Fret-cutting and Marquetry Work. By D. DENNING. Profusely Illustrated.
In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Friesland Meres, A Cruise on the. By ERNEST R. SUFFLING. Illustrated.
In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Fruit Culture for Amateurs. An illustrated practical hand-book on the
Growing of Fruits in the Open and under Glass. By S. T. WRIGHT. With
Chapters on Insect and other Fruit Pests by W. D. DRURY. Second
Edition. Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Game Preserving, Practical. Containing the fullest Directions for Rearing
and Preserving both Winged and Ground Game, and Destroying Vermin ;
with other information of Value to the Game Preserver. By W. CARNEGIE.
Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price t*prippM*fe*ft 1 A>, '< i>ost 7/lQ,

Gardening, Dictionary of. A Practical Encyclopaedia of Horticulture, for
Amateurs and Professionals. Illustrated with 3150 Engravings. Edited by
G NICHOLSON, Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ; assisted by Prof.
Trail, M.D., Rev. P. W. Myles, B.A., F.L.S., W. Wratson, J. Garrett, and
other Specialists. In 5 vols., large post 4(o. Cloth gilt, price £4, carriage
paid £4/1/6.

Gardening, Home. A Manual for the Amateur, Containing Instructions for
the Laying Out, Stocking, Cultivation, and Management of Small Gardens-
Flower, Fruit, and Vegetable. By W. D. DRURY, F.R.H.S. Illustrated. In
paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

All Books are Nett

CHAS. SCRIBNER'S SONS, New York.

Gardening, Open- Air : The Culture of Hardy Flowers, Fruit, and Vegetables.

Edited by W. D. DRURY, F.E.S. Beautifully Illustrated. In demy Svo, cloth

gilt, price 6/-, by post 6/5.
Gardening, the Book of: A Handbook of Horticulture. By well-known

Specialists, including J. M. Abbott, W. G. Baker, Charles Bennett, H. J.

Chapman, James Douglas, Charles Friedrich, A. Griessen, F. M. Mark,

Trevor Monmouth, G. Schneider, Mortimer Thorn, J. J. Willis, and Alan

Wynne. Edited by W. D. DRURY (Author of " Home Gardening,"
"Insects Injurious to Fruit," "Popular Bulb Culture," <fec.) Very fully
Illustrated. 1 vol., demy 8vo, cloth gilt, about I200pp, price 16/-, by post 16/8.

Glues and Cements. A Practical Book on Making and Using Glues,
Cements aud Fillings. Invaluabte in every Workshop. By H. J. S. CASSAL.
(Author of "Chucks and Chucking,'* Ac.). Illustrated. In paper, price I/-,
by post 1/2.

Goat, Book of the. Containing Full Particulars of the Various Breeds of
Goats, and their Profitable Management. With many Plates. By H. STEPHEN
HOLMES PEGLER. New Edition, with Engravings and Coloured Frontispiece.
In cloth gilt, price 4/6, by post 4/10.

Goat-Keeping for Amateurs : Being the Practical Management of Goats
for Milking Purposes. Abridged from " The Book of the Goat." Illustrated.
In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Grape Growing for Amateurs. A Thoroughly Practical Book on Successful
Vine Culture. By E. MOLYNEUX. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Greenhouse Construction and Heating. Containing Full Descriptions
of the Various Kinds of Greenhouses, Stove Houses, Forcing Houses, Pits and
Frames, with Directions for their Construction ; and also Descriptions of the
Different types of Boilers, Pipes, and Heating Apparatus generally, with
Instructions for Fixing the Same. By B. C. RAVENSCROFT. Illustrated. In
cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/9.

Greenhouse Management for Amateurs. The Best Greenhouses and
Frames, and How to Build and Heat them, Illustrated Descriptions of the
most suitable Plants, with general and Special Cultural Directions, and all
necessary information for the Guidance of the Amateur. By W. J. MAY.
Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Magnificently illustrated. In cloth
gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Guinea Pig, The, for Food, Fur, and Fancy. Its Varieties and its Manage-
ment. By C. CUMBERLAND, F.Z.S. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post
1/2. In cloth gilt, urith coloured frontispiece, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Handwriting, Character Indicated by. With Illustrations in Support of
the Theories advanced, taken from Autograph Letters, of Statesmen, Lawyers,
Soldiers, Ecclesiastics, Authors, Poets, Musicians, Actors, and other persons.
Second Edition By R. BAUGHAN. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Hardy Perennials and Old-fashioned Garden Flowers. Descriptions,
alpnabetically arranged, of the most desirable Plants for Borders, Rockeries,
and Shrubberies, including Foliage, as well as Flowering Plants. By J. WOOD.
Profusely Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Hawk Moths, Book of British. A Popular and Practical Manual for all
Lepidopterists. Copiously illustrated in black and white from the Author's
own exquisite Drawings from Nature. By W. J. LUCAS, B.A. In cloth gilt,
price 3/6, by post 3/9.

Horse Buying and Management. A Practical Handbook for the
Guidance of Amateurs in Buying a Horse, with Instructions as to its after-
management. By HENRY E. FAWCUS. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by
pott 1/2.

Horse-Keeper, The Practical. By GEORGE FLEMING, C.B., LL.D.»
F.R.C.V.S., late Principal Veterinary Surgeon to the British Army, and
Ex-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In cloth gilt,
price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Horse-Keeping for Amateurs. A Practical Manual on the Management
of Horses, for the guidance of those who keep one or two for their personal use.
By Fox RUSSELL. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2 ; cloth gilt, price 2/-, by post 2/3.

Horses, Diseases of: Their Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. For the
use of Amateurs. By HUGH DALZIEL. In paper, price If-, by post 1/2 cloth
gilt, price 2/-, by post 2/2.

All Books are Nett.

10 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Incubators and their Management. By J. H. SUTCLIFFE. Fifth Edition,

Revised. Illustrated. In paper, pricel/-, by post 1/2.
Jack All Alone. Being a Collection of Descriptive Yachting Reminiscences.

By FRANK COWPER, B.A., Author of "Sailing Tours." Illustrated. In

doth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/lQ.
Jiu-Jitsu and other Methods of Self-Defence. Describing and Illustrating

the Japanese Art of Jiu-Jitsu, with a section specially adapted to Ladies,

together with a description of a number of Tricks of Self-Defence, well

within the capacity of anyone. By PERCY LONGHURST, Author of " Wrestling

in the Catch-Hold and Grseco-Roman Styles." Profusely Illustrated. In

paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.
Journalism, Practical. How to Enter Thereon and Succeed. A Book for

all who think of "Writing for the Press." By JOHN DAWSON. A New and

Revised Cheap Edition. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Kennel Management, Practical. A Complete Treatise on the Proper

Management of Dogs for the Show Bench, the Field, or as Companions, with a
chapter on Diseases— their Causes and Treatment. By W. D. DRURY,
assisted by well-known Specialists. Illustrated. In cloth, price 10/6, by post ll/-.

iLace, A History of Hand-Made. By MRS. F. NRTILL JACKSON.
With Supplementary Remarks by SIGNOR ERNESTO JESURUM. Exquisitely
Illustrated, with over 200 high-class Engravings of Old and Valuable Laces and
their application to Dress as shown in numerous Portraits and Monochrome
and Sepia Plates of great beauty. In crown 4<o, cloth gilt, price 18/-, by post
18/6. Edition de Luxe, on large paper, containing 12 specimens of Real Lace,
handsomely bound in full leather, gilt, price £4 4/-, by post £4 5/-. (A few
copies only left at this price, after which there are 60 at £5 5/-, when the entire
stock will be exhausted.)

Laying Hens, How to Keep, and to Rear Chickens in Large or Small
Numbers, in Absolute Confinement, with perfect Success. By MAJOR G. F.
MORANT. In paper, price bd., by post Id.

Library Manual, The. A Guide to the Formation of a Library, and the Values
of Rare and Standard Books. By J. H. SLATER, Barrister-at-Law. Third Edition.
Revised and Greatly Enlarged. In cloth gilt, price 716, by post 7/10.

Magic Lanterns, Modern. A Guide to the Management of the Optical
Lantern, for the Use of Entertainers, Lecturers, Photographers, Teachers, and
others. By R. CHILD BAYLEY. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Marqueterie Wood- Staining for Amateurs. A Practical Handbook
to Marqueterie Wood-staining, and Kindred Arts. By ELIZA TURCK. Pro-
fusely Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 12.

Medicine and Surgery, Home. A Dictionary of Diseases and Accidents,
and their Proper Home Treatment. For Family Use. By W. J. MACKENZIE,
M.D. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Mice, Fancy: Their Varieties, Management, and Breeding. Third Edition,
with additional matter and Illustrations. In coloured wrapper representing
different varieties, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Model Yachts and Boats: Their Designing, Making, and Sailing. Illustrated
with 118 Designs and Working Diagrams. By J. DU V. GROSVENOR. Cheap
Edition. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Mountaineering, Welsh. A Complete and Handy Guide to all the Best Roads
and Bye-Paths by which the Tourist should Ascend the Welsh Mountains. By'
A. W. PERRY. With Numerous Maps. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Mushroom Culture for Amateurs. With Full Directions for Successful
Growth in Houses, Sheds, Cellars, and Pots, on Shelves, a.nd Out of Doors,
including Pasture Lands. By W. J. MAY. New Edition, thoroughly revised
and with New Illustrations. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Naturalists' Directory, The. Invaluable to all Students and Collectors.
In paper, price 1/6, by post 1/9. In cloth 2/-, by pout 2/3.

Needlework, Dictionary of. An Encyclopfedia of Artistic, Plain, and Fancy
Needlework. By S. F. A. CAULFEILD and B. C. SAWARD. Magnificently
Illustrated with 41 Embossed and Coloured Plates of Lace, Raised, and other
Needlework, besides a large number of Wood Engravings. 528pp. A cheap
re-issue. In demy <\to, with satin brocade, price 21/-, postage lOd. extra.

Alt Books are Nett.

CHAS. SCRIBNER'S SONS, New York. 11

Orchids: Their Culture and Management. By W. WATSON (Curator, Eoyal
Botanic Gardens, Kew). New Edition, thoroughly Revised and Enlarged.'
Contains Full Descriptions of all Species and Varieties that are in General
Cultivation, a List of Hybrids and their Recorded Parentage, and Detailed
Cultural Directions. By HENRY J. CHAPMAN, one of the finest growers and
judges in the kingdom (member of the Orchid and Scientific Committees of the
Royal Horticultural Society). Beautifully Illustrated with 180 Engravings
and 20 Coloured Plates. In demy Bvo, cloth gilt extra, price 25/-, by post 25/6.

Painting, Decorative. A practical Handbook on Painting and Etching upon
Textiles, Pottery, Porcelain, Paper, Vellum, Leather, Glass, Wood, Stone,
Metals, and Plaster, for the Decoration of our Homes. By B. C. SAWARD. In
cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Palmistry, Life Studies in. The hands of Notable Persons read according
to the practice of Modern Palmistry. By I. OXENFORD. Illustrated with 41
Full-Page Plates. In crown 4«o, cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Palmistry, Modern. By I. OXENFORD, Author of Life Studies in Palmistry.
Numerous Original Illustrations by L. WILKINS. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by
post 2/9.

Paper Work, Instructive and Ornamental. A practical book on the
making of flowers and many other articles for artistic decoration, including
a graduated course of Paper Folding and Cutting for children five to twelve
years of age. Especially useful as preparatory exercises to the making of
artificial flowers in silk and velvet, increasing that dexterity of hand and
niceness of finish so necessary to that work. By MRS. L. WALKER. Fully
Illustrated. In crown 4<o, cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/11.

Parcel Post Dispatch Book (registered). An invaluable book for all who
send parcels by post. Provides 99 Address Labels, Certificates of Posting, and
Records of Parcels Dispatched. By the use of this book parcels are insured
against loss or damage to the extent of £2. Authorised by the Post Office.
Price I/-, by post 1/2 ; larger sizes if required.

Parrakeets, Popular. How to Keep and Breed Them. By W. T.
GREENE, M.D., M.A., F.Z.S., &c. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Parrot, The Grey, and How to Treat it. By W* T. GREENE, M.D., M A.,
F. Z. S. , <fec. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Patience, Games of, for one or more Players. How to Play 173 different
Games of Patience. By M. WHITMORE JONES. Illustrated. Series L, 39
games; Series II., 34 games; Series III., 33 games ; Series IV., 37 games ;
Series V., 30 games. Each, in paper, I/-, by post 1/2. The five bound together,
in cloth gilt, price 6/-, by post 6/4. In full leather, solid gilt edges, price 10/6,
by post 10/11.

Pedigree Record, The. Being Part I. of "The Breeders' and Exhibitors'
Record," for the Registration of Particulars concerning Pedigrees of Stock of
every Description. By W. K. TAUNTON. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Photo Printing. A Practical Guide to Popular Photographic Printing Papers
and their Treatment, dealing with the leading Kinds of P.O. P., Bromide,
Platinotype, Carbon, Self-Toning, and Gas-light Papers. By HECTOR
MACLEAN, F.R. P. S. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Photography, Modern, for Amateurs. By J. EATON FEARN. A
Practical Handbook for all Photographers except those advanced in the
Art. Fifth Edition. Revised and Enlarged by J. MACINTOSH, Secretary to
The Royal Photographic Society. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Pianofortes, Tuning and Repairing. The Amateur's Guide, without the
intervention of a professional. New Edition. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Picture-Frame Making for Amateurs. Being Practical Instructions
in the Making of various kinds of Frames for Paintings, Drawings, Photo-
graphs, and Engravings. By the REV. J. LUKIN. Illustrated. In paper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Pi

g, Book of the. The Selection, Breeding, Feeding, and Management of the
Pig; the Treatment of its Diseases; The Curing and Preserving of Hams,
Bacon, and other Pork Foods ; and other information appertaining to Pork
Fanning. By PROFESSOR JAMES LONG. Fully Illustrated with Portraits of
Prize Pigs, Plans of Model Piggeries, &c. New and Revised Edition. In
cloth gilt, price 6/6; by post 6/10.

All Books are Nett.

12 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Pig-Keeping, Practical: A Manual for Amateurs, based on personal
Experience in Breeding, Feeding, and Fattening ; also in Buying and Selling
Pigs at Market Prices. By R. D. GARRATT. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Pigeon-Keeping for Amateurs. A Complete Guide to the Amateur
Breeder of Domestic and Fancy Pigeons. By J. C. LYELL. Illustrated. In
cloth gilt, with coloured plate, price 2/6, by post 2/9 ; in paper, price I/-, by
post 1/2.

Poker Work, A Guide to, including Coloured Poker Work and Relief Burning.
A Practical Manual for Amateurs, containing a full Description of the
necessary Tools, and Instructions for their use, By W. D. THOMPSON.
Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Polishes and Stains for Woods : A Complete Guide to Polishing Wood-
work, with Directions for Staining, and Full Information for Making the
Stains, Polishes, &c., in the simplest and most satisfactory manner. By
DAVID DENNING. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Fool, Games of. Describing Various English and American Pool Games, and
giving the Rules in full. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Portraiture, Home, for Amateur Photographers. Being the result of many
years' incessant work in the production of Portraits " at home." By P. R.
SALMON (RICHARD PENLAKE), Editor of The Photographic News, Fully Illus-
trated. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Postage Stamps, and their Collection. A Practical Handbook for Collectors
of Postal Stamps, Envelopes, Wrappers, and Cards. By OLIVER FIRTH,
Member of the Philatelic Societies of London, Leeds, and Bradford. Pro-
fusely Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/10.

Postage Stamps of Europe, The Adhesive : A Practical Guide to their
Collection, Identification, and Classification. Especially designed for the use
of those commencing the Study. By W. A. S. WESTOBY. Beautifully
Illustrated. Cheap and Revised Edition. In 2 vols., cloth gilt, price 7/6, by
post 8/-.

In connection with these Publications on Postage Stamps we have arranged
to supply Gauges for Measuring Perforations. These Stamp Gauges are made
in brass, and can be carried in the waistcoat pocket. Price I/-, by post 1/1.

Postmarks, History of British. With 350 Illustrations and a List of
Numbers used in Obliterations. By J. H. DANIELS. In cloth gilt, price 2/6,
by post 2/9.

Postmarks of the British Isles, the History of the Early. From
their Introduction down to 1840, with Special Remarks on and Reference to the
Sections of the Postal Service to which they particularly applied. Compiled
chiefly from Official Records by JOHN G. HENDY, Curator of the Record
Room, General Post Office. Illustrated. In cloth, price 3/6, by post 3/9.

Pottery and Porcelain, English. A Guide for Collectors. Handsomely
Illustrated with Engravings of Specimen Pieces and the Marks used by the
different Makers. With some account of the latest values realised. By the
REV. E. A. DOWNMAN. New Edition, Revised and Enlarged, by AUBREY
GUNN, Expert in old Pottery and Porcelain to the Bazaar. In cloth gilt, price
6/-, by post 6/4.

Poultry and Egg Raising at Home. A Practical Work, showing how
Eggs and Poultry may be produced for Home Consumption with little expendi-
ture of time or money. By W. M. ELKINGTON. Illustrated. In paper, price
I/., by post 1/2.

Poultry-Farming, Profitable. Describing in Detail the Methods that Give
the Best Results, and pointing out the Mistakes to be Avoided. By J. H.
SUTCLIFFE. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Poultry-Keeping, Popular. A Practical and Complete Guide to Breeding
and Keeping Poultry for Eggs or for the Table. Second Edition, with
Additional Matter and Illustrations. By W. M. ELKINGTOW. In paper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Press Work for Women. A Practical Guide to the Beginner. What to
Write, How to Write it, and Where to Send it. By FRANCES H. Low. In-
paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Rabbit, Book of the. A Complete Work on Breeding and Rearing all Varieties
of Fancy Rabbits, giving their History, Variations, Uses, Points, Selection,
Mating, Management, &c., &c. SECOND EDITION. Edited by KEMPSIER
W. KNIGHT. Illustrated with Coloured and other Plates. In cloth gilt, price
10/6, by post 10/11.

All Books are Net t.

CHAS. SCRIBNER'S SONS, New York. 13

Rabbits, Diseases of: Their Causes, Symptoms, and Cure. With a Chapter
on THE DISEASES OF CAVIES. Reprinted from "The Book of the Rabbit " and
" The Guinea Pig for Food, Fur, and Fancy." In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Rabbits for Prizes and Profit. The Proper Management of Fancy Rabbits
in Health and Disease, for Pets or the Market, and Descriptions of every
known Variety, with Instructions for Breeding Good Specimens. By CHARLES
RAYSON. Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9. Also in Sections, as
follow :

Rabbits, General Management of. Including Hutches, Breeding, Feeding,

Diseases and their Treatment, Rabbit Courts, &c. Fully Illustrated. In paper,

price I/-, by post 1/2.
Rabbits, Exhibition. Being descriptions of all Varieties of Fancy Rabbits,

their Points of Excellence, and how to obtain them. Illustrated. In paper,

price I/-, by post 1/2.

Repousse Work for Amateurs. Being the Art of Ornamenting Thin
Metal with Raised Figures. By L. L. HASLOPE. Illustrated. In paper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Roses for Amateurs. A Practical Guide to the Selection and Cultivation of
the best Roses. Second Edition, with Sixteen Plates. By the REV. J. HONY-
WOOD D'OMBKAIN, Hon. Sec. Nat. Rose Soc. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Sailing Tours. The Yachtman's Guide to the Cruising Waters of the English
and Adjacent Coasts. With Descriptions of every Creek, Harbour, and Road-
stead on the Course. With numerous Charts printed in Colours, showing Deep
water, Shoals, and Sands exposed at low water, with sounding. By FRANK
COWPER, B.A. In crown. Bvo, cloth gilt.

Vol. I. The Coasts of Essex and Suffolk, from the Thames to Aldborough.
Six Charts. Price 5/-, by post 5/3.

Vol. II. The South Coast, from the Thames to the Scilly Islands. Twenty-
five Charts. New and Revised Edition. Price 7/6, by post 7/10.

Vol. III. The Coast of Brittany, from L'Abervrach to St. Nazaire, and
an account of the Loire. Twelve Charts. Price 7/6, by post 7/10.

Vol. IV. The West Coast, from Land's End to Mull of Galloway, in-
cluding the East Coast of Ireland. Thirty Charts. Price 10/6, by post 10/10.

Vol. V. The Coasts of Scotland and the N.E. of England down to Aid-
borough. Forty Charts. Price 10/6, by post 10/10.

St. Bernard Stud Book. Edited by HUGH DALZIEL. 2 Vols., containing
Pedigrees of over 1800 Dogs up to 1891. In cloth gilt, price 3/6 each, by post 3/9 each.

Sea-Fishing for Amateurs. A Practical Book on Fishing from Shore, Rocks,
or Piers, with a Directory of Fishing Stations on the English and Welsh Coasts.
Illustrated by numerous Charts, shewing the best spots for the various kincU
of fish, position of rocks, <6c. Second Edition, revised, enlarged, and
copiously illustrated. By FRANK HUDSON. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Sea Fishing, Practical. A Comprehensive Handbook for all Sea Anglers,
on the Best Tackle, and most Successful Methods of Sea Angling on our Coasts.
By P. L. HASLOPE. Fully Illustrated. In cloth, price 3/6, by post 3/9.

Sea-Life, Realities of. Describing the Duties, Prospects, and Pleasures of
a Young Sailor in the Mercantile Marine. By H. E. ACRAMAN COATE. With
a Preface by J. R. DIGGLE, M.A. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10.

Seaside Watering Places. A description of the Holiday Resorts on our
Coasts, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, giving full particulars
of them and their attractions, and all information likely to assist persons
in selecting places in which to spend their Holidays, according to their
individual tastes. Profusely Illustrated Twenty-ninth Year of Publication.
In one vol., cloth, price 2/6, by post 2/10. Also in three Sections as
under, price I/-, by vost 1/2: THE EAST COAST.— Embracing the Resorts
on the Coasts of Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire,
Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent. With 40 Illustrations. 92 Places to
choose from. THE SOUTH COAST.— Embracing the Resorts on the Coasts of
Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorsetshire, South Devon, South Cornwall,
Channel and Scilly Islands. 51 Illustrations. 86 Places to choose from.
THE WEST COAST.— Embracing the Resorts on the Coasts of North Cornwall,
North Devon, Somersetshire, Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Westmoreland,
Cumberland, Isle of Man. 62 Illustrations. 125 Places to choose from.

[New Edition in May.

All Books mrc Nett

14 Published by L. UPCOTT GILL, London, and

Sea Terms, a Dictionary of. For the use of Yachtsmen, Voyagers, and
all who go down to the sea in big or little ships. By A. ANSTED. Fully Illus-
trated. In cloth gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Shadow Entertainments, and How to Work them : being Something about
Shadows, and the way to make them Profitable and Funny. By A, PATTER-
SON. Illustrated. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Sheet Metal, Working in: Being Practical Instructions for Making and!
Mending Small Articles in Tin. Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Brass. By the Rev.
J. LUKIN, B.A. Illustrated Third Edition. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/1.

Show Record, The. Being Part III. of "The Breeders' and Exhibitors'
Record," for the Registration of Particulars concerning the Exhibition of
Pedigree stock of every Description. By W. K. TAUNTON. In cloth gilt, price
2/6, by post 2/9.

Skating Cards : An Easy Method of Learning Figure Skating, as the Cards
can be used on the Ice. In cloth case, price 2/6, by post 2/9. A cheap
form is issued printed on paper and made up as a small book, price I/-, by
post 1/1.

Sleight of Hand. A Practical Manual of Legerdemain for Amateurs and
Others. New Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Illustrated. By E. SACHS.
In cloth gilt, price 6/6, by post 6/10.

Solo "Whist. Its Whys and Wherefores. A Progressive and Clear Method
of Explanation and Illustration of the Game, and how to Play it Successfully.
With Illustrative Hands printed in Colours. By. C. J. MELROSE. In cloth
gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10 ; in half leather, gilt top, price 5/6, by post 6/-.

Sporting Books, Illustrated. And their Values. Dealing with English
Illustrated Works of a Sporting and Racy Character, and Prints relating to
Sports of the Field. A very valuable book to all Owners or Collectors of
old Sporting Books or Prints. Many a valuable old print has been thrown
away for want of just such information as this book gives. By J. H. SLATER,
Author of "Library Manual," " Engravings and Their Value," &c. In cloth
gilt, price 5/-, by post 5/4.

Stud Record, The. Being Part II. of "The Breeders' and Exhibitors'
Record," for the Registration of Particulars concerning Pedigree Stock of
every Description. By W. K. TAUNTON. In cloth gilt, price 2/6, by post 2/9.

Taxidermy, Practical. A Manual of Instruction to the Amateur in Collect-
ing, Preserving, and Setting-up Natural History Specimens of all kinds. With
Examples and Working Diagrams. By MONTAGU BROWNE, F.Z.S., Curator of
Leicester Museum. Second Edition. In cloth gilt, price 7/6, by post 7/10.

Tomato Culture for Amateurs. A Practical and very Complete Manual on
the subject. By B. C. RAVENSCROFT. New Edition. Illustrated. Inpaper,
price I/-, by post 1/2.

Trapping, Practical : Being some Papers on Traps and Trapping for
Vermin, with a Chapter on General Bird Trapping and Snaring. By W.
CARNEGIE. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Vamp, How to. A Practical Guide to the Accompaniment of Songs by the
Unskilled Musician. With Examples. In paper, price 9d., by post IQd.

Vegetable Culture for Amateurs. Containing Concise Directions for the
Cultivation of Vegetables in small Gardens so as to insure Good Crops.
With Lists of the Best Varieties of each Sort. By W. J. MAY. Illustrated.
In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2

Ventriloquism, Practical. A thoroughly reliable Guide to the Art of
Voice Throwing and Vocal Mimicry, Vocal Instrumentation, Ventnloquial
Figures, Entertaining, &c. By ROBERT GANTHONY. Numerous Illustrations.
In cloth gilt, price 2/-, by post 2/4. Cheap Edition. In paper, price I/-, by pott
1/2.

Violin School, Practical, for Home Students. Instructions and Exercises
in Violin Playing, for the use of Amateurs, Self -Learners, Teachers, and
others. By J. M. FLEMING. In demy 4£o, price 5/-, by post 5/6.

AH Books are Nett

CHAS. SCRIBNER'S SONS, New York. 15

Vivarium, The. Being a Full Description of the most Interesting Snakes,
Lizards, and other Reptiles, and How to Keep Them Satisfactorily in Confine-
ment. By REV. G. C. BATEMAN. Beautifully Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price
7/6, by post 7/10

War Medals and Decorations. A Manual for Collectors, with some
account of Civil Rewards for Valour. By D. HASTINGS IRWIN. Third Edition,
Revised and Enlarged, containing a Supplement that includes Particulars of
the Medals, Clasps, and other Decorations in connection with various Wars
and Events up to November, 1903. Beautifully Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price
15/-, by post 15/4.

Whippet and Race-Dog, The: How to Breed, Rear, Train, Race, and
Exhibit the Whippet, the Management of Race Meetings, and Original Plans*
of Courses. By FREEMAN LLOYD. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Whist, Bridget Its Whys and Wherefores. The Game taught by Reason
instead of by Rule, on the same popular lines as ", Scientific Whist" and
" Solo , Whist,"' and by the same author, C. J. MfiLROSE. With Illustrative?
Hands printed in Colours. New and Revised Edition. In cloth gilt, price 3/6,
by post 3/10 ; in half leather, gilt .top, 5/6, by post 5/10.

Whist, Solo: Its Whys and Wherefores. A Progressive and Clear Method
of Explanation and Illustration of the Game, and how to Play it Success-
fully. With Illustrative Hands printed in Colours. By C. J. MELROSE. In
cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10 ; in half leather, gilt top, 5/6, by post 5/10.

Whist, Scientific: Its Whys and Wherefores. The Reader being taught by
Reason rather than by arbitrary Rules. With Illustrative Hands printed m
Colours. By C. J. MELROSE. In cloth gilt, price 3/6, by post 3/10 ; in half
leather, gilt top, 5/6, by post 5/10.

Wild Sports in Ireland. Being Picturesque and Entertaining Descriptions of
several visits paid to Ireland, with Practical Hints likely to be of service to the-
Angler, Wildfowler, and Yachtsman. Bv JOHN BICKERDYKE, Author of "The-
Book of the All-Round Angler," &c. Beautifully illustrated from Photograph*
taken by the Author. In cloth gilt, price 6/-, by post 6/4.

Window Ticket Writing. Containing full instructions on; the Method of
Mixing and using the Various Inks, &c., required, Hints on Stencilling as.
applied to Ticket Writing, together with Lessons on Glass Writing, Japanning;
on Tin', &c. Especially written for the use of Learners and Shop Assistants.
By WM. C. SCOTT. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Wire and Sheet Gauges of the World. Compared and Compiled by
C. A. B. PFEILSCHMIDT, of Sheffield. In paper, price I/-, by post 1/1.

Wood Carving for Amateurs. Full instructions for producing all the*
different varieties of Carvings. SECOND EDITION. Edited by D. DENNING.
In paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Workshop Makeshifts. Being a Collection of Practical Hints and
Suggestions for the use of Amateur Workers in Wood and Metal. By
H. J. S. CASSAL. Fully Illustrated. -In cloth gilt, pi-ice 2/6, fy post 2/9.

Wrestling. A Practical Handbook upon the Catch-hold and Grseco-Roman
Styles of Wrestling ; a splendid system of Athletic Training. By PERCY LONG-
HURST, winner in the Light-weight Competition, G.G.S., 1899. Author of
"Jiu-Jitsu and other Methods of Self -De fence." Profusely Illustrated. In
paper, price I/-, by post 1/2.

Wrestling. See " Jiu-Jitsu," page 10.

All Books are Nett.

You can turn into GOOD MONEY any of

the 1001 things in the house that you no
longer want.

Things that are useless to you are WANTED
by somebody else.

You can save MUCH MONEY by getting
any of the 1001 things which you want
from those persons who want to get rid
of them.

Things are to be had CHEAPLY ; better a
good second-hand article than a trashy
new one.

You can do ALL THIS and more by reading
the pages of that very popular and enter-
taining Journal "The Bazaar, Exchange
and Mart."

There is NO BETTER PAPER for Private
Buying, Selling, or Exchanging than
"The Bazaar."

These FMI.CTS Are Testified By

its 38 years of success. Beg, borrow, or
buy a copy and see for yourself.

The paper is ON SALE at every Bookstall
and Newsagent's, price 2dM or a specimen
copy will be sent you direct from the office
for two penny stamps.

Office of "THE BAZAAR"—
BAZAAR BUILDINGS, Drury Lane, London, W.C.

Telegrams : Bazaar, London. Telephone : yfSQ Central.

HORSE AND HOUND,

A Journal for Bvery Sportsman.

"I freely confess that the best of my fun
I owe it to Horse and Hound." — WHYTE-MBLVILLB

PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY*
Price 2d., by post

CONTENTS :

Flat and Hurdle Race Fixtures. Show Fixtures for the Year.
Turf and Stud Gossip. Sires of the Period.

Town and Country Gossip. Winning Sires.

Race Meetings. Foal Register.

Polo Gossip. Horse Sales. Hunting Notes.

Published at

IS, YORK ST., COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, W,C.

S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE

An International Record of Electrical
Progress.

EDITED BY THEO. FEILDEN.

Published Monthly. Price 6d. Well Illustrated.

A TECHNICAL, Journal of the highest value to
the Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineer,
Manufacturer, Student, Wireman, Artisan, and all
others whose business or inclination obliges them to
" move with the times " and keep abreast of the ever-
advancing requirements in Electricity as a motive
power, for lighting, heating, or numerous other uses
to which it is or can be adapted.

The literary contents of each issue of " The Elec-
trical Magazine" contains articles or notes on such
points of absorbing interest as :— The World's Electric
Progress ; Power ; Traction and Transport ; Lighting
and Heating; Telegraphy and Telephony; Electro-
chemistry, Physics, and Metallurgy ; Designs and
Manufactures ; Students' and Wiremen's Section ;
Electrical Literature; &c., &c.

THE ELECTRICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. LTD.,

4, Southampton Row, Holborn, London, W.C.

For Feathered Songsters.

SPRAXX'S

—MIXED—

BEST
QUALITY.

X

n~i~ t^.Liii LW

BIRD SEEDS.

Sold Everywhere in Packets.

SEND POSTCARD for sample, also post-
free Booklet on Rearing of Canaries and
of British Hard or Soft-billed Birds.

SPRATT'S PATENT, Ltd

24, Fenchurch St., London, E.<3.

Try the New Method of Rearing: Pheasants and Partridges

with a Minimum of Loss and Trouble. No Cooking: of Food

to ferment and cause Disease.

Samples and full particulars of the Inventors —

ARMITAGE BROS., LTD.,

NOTTINGHAM.

ARMITAGE'S

Pheasant Rearing: Foods

No. I.— The "ALPHA" (ist Feed) is a rich and nutritious food, to be used
exclusively for the first 14 or 21 days. In bags, 2/6, 5/-, and IO/- ; per cwt. 40/-.

No. 2.— The "PERFECT"

(and Feed), contains Ants'
Eggs, Flies, Small Seeds,
Broken Grain, etc. Follow
on with this food alternately
with the "Alpha" for further
14 or 21 days, then gradually
discontinue the "Alpha."

This food is also excellent
for Partridge rearing. Sold
in i4lb., 281b., s61b., and ii2lb.
bags. Per cwt. 22/-.

No. 3.-SMALL PHEASANT CORN, for Aviary Pheasants and Cover
Feeding. Per cwt. I2/-.

A FACT

But a Fact that is not always recognised !

EVERYONE MS SOMETHING

i

that is of no vi

WORTH

: to him but is

MONEY

else.

Private Buyers and Sellers are brought together by the
•• Bazaar, Exchange and Mart" Newspaper, through which they
can Buy, Sell, or Exchange anything easily and to the best
advantage. The most useful and interesting journal published.
Beer, Borrow, or Bay a Copy and judge for yourself.
At all Bookstalls and Newsagents . Price ad., or Specimen
Copy from Office for two stamps : Bazaar Buildings, Drury
Lane, London.

FARM and FIELD.

Practical Trapping.

Being some Papers on Traps and Trapping for Vermin, with a Chapter on
General Rird Trapping and Snaring. By W. CARNEGIE. Price I/- nett,
by post 1/2.

Practical Dairy Farming.

A Handbook for Students, Tenant Farmers, and Amateurs. A Practical
Manual on all relating to Dairy Farming, beautifully Illustrated with many
High-class Plates of Typical Animals of Different Breeds. By H. L. PUXLEY.
In cloth, price 3/6 nett, by post 3/10.

Book of the Pig.

The Selection, Breeding, Feeding, and Management of the Pig; the
Treatment of its Diseases ; the Curing and Preserving of Hams, Bacon, ana
other Pork Foods; and other information appertaining to Pork Farming.
By PROFESSOR JAMES LONG. Fully Illustrated. In cloth gilt, price 6/6
nett, by post 6/10.

The Practical Horse-keeper.

By GEORGE FLEMING, C.B., LL.D., F.R.C.V.S., late Principal Veterinary
Surgeon to the British Army, and Ex-President of the Royal College of
Veterinary Surgeons. In Cloth gilt, price 3/6 nett, by post 3/10.

Practical Taxidermy.

A Manual of Instruction to the Amateur in Collecting, Preserving, and
Setting-up Natural History Specimens of all kinds. With Examples ami
Working Diagrams. By MONTAGU BROWNE, F.Z.S., Curator of Leicester
Museum. In cloth gilt, price 7/6 nett , by post 7/10.

Goat-keeping for Amateurs.

Being the Practical Management of Goats for Milking Purposes. Illustrated.
Price I/- nett, by post 1/2.

Profitable Poultry-Farming.

Describing in Detail the Methods that give the Best Results, and pointing
out the Mistakes to be avoided. By J. H. SUTCLIFFE. lilustrateu. Price
I/- nttt, by post 1/2.

Popular Poultry Keeping.

A Practical and Complete Guide to Breeding and Keeping Poultry for Egg»
or for the Table. By W. M. ELKINGTON. Price I/- nett, uy post 1/2.

Breaking and Training Dogs.

Being Concise Directions for the proper education of Dogs, both for the
Field and for Companions. By " PATHFINDER." With Chapters by
HUGH DALZIKL. Many new Illustrations. In cloth gilt, price 6/6 nett, by
post 6/10.

Bees and Bee-Keeping.

ScientiEc and Practical. By F. R. CHESHIRE, F.L.S., F.R.M S., Lecturer
on Apiculture at South Kensington. In two vols., cloth gilt, price 16/-
nett, by post 16/6.

LONDON :
L. UPCOTT GILL, Bazaar Buildings, Drury Lane, W.C.

<:C 15941'

• Al

M3122S7

No. 22.
No. 23.
No. 24.
No. 2x
No. 26.
No. 27.
No. 29.
No. 30.

_^__

Name and Address of nearest L,ocai /\xcm, «/
other details, post free on application to

Managing Director.

WHOLESALE SEED WAREHOUSES,
92, LONG ACRE, LONDON, W.C.

ONE & ALL FERTILISERS