The position of a gamekeeper in England is a curious one. Admittedly
he is among the most skilled and highly trained workers of the
countryside. His intimate knowledge of wild life commands respect.
Often he is much more than a careful and successful preserver of
game--a thoroughly good sportsman, a fine shot. His work carries heavy
responsibility; as whether a large expenditure on a shooting property
brings good returns--and on him depends the pleasure of many a sporting
party. On large estates he is an important personage--important to
the estate owner, to the hunt, to the farm bailiff, and to a host of
satellites. His value is proved by the many important side-issues of
his work--dog-breeding and dog-breaking, or the breaking of young
gentlemen to gun work. Yet, in spite of the honourable and onerous
nature of his calling, he is paid in cash about the same wage as a
ploughman.
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