tiguously to the denuded spots more easily become victims of birds of prey, by their opportunities of sheltering themselves when pursued being decreased. On moors where there are many bare places, coveys bred near them will always be found. to be reduced to a very small number by the 12th of August.

A very assiduous and attentive keeper, who had had the charge of extensive moors for many consecutive years, and who was constantly on his ground, told me he had invariably observed this result, notwithstanding his having been as successful as any man I ever met with, during a long experience, in the destruction of vermin of all sorts. This circumstance is partly explained by the fact, that hawks, coming from any contiguous ground, will return to spots day after day, where they have once been successful in taking game: so that a keeper, however much he may be on the alert, may lose several young birds before he may get a favourable opportunity of destroying the enemy. The keeper to whom I have above alluded I have known remain on his ground all night, in order that he might be in concealment at daybreak, when a falcon or hen harrier was in question. His perseverance was sometimes put to the test, but he seldom failed.

FORM OF LEASE FOR SHOOTINGS.

It is contracted and agreed between A. B., Esq., of Grouse Hall, Perthshire, on the one part, and C. D., Esq., of Pall Mall, London, on the other part, in manner following (that is to say): the said A. B. hereby lets to the said C. D. and his heirs, but excluding assignees and subtenants, without the special consent of the proprietor in writing (the proprietor not being bound to assign any reason for withholding such consent), and that for the period of five years, from and after the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, the exclusive right by himself, or others having bis authority, of killing game over the whole of the farms and moors of in the parish of belonging to the said A. B.; for which causes, on the other part, the said C. D. obliges himself and his heirs, executors, and successors, conjunctly and severally, without the benefit of discussion, to pay to the said A. B. or his foresaids, at the Mansion House, Grouse Hall, or at such place as the proprietor may from time to time appoint, the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling of yearly rent; the first year's rent to be payable on the signing of these presents, the second year's rent on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, the third year's rent on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty

seven, the fourth year's rent on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, and the fifth year's rent on the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, with one-fifth part more of each payment in case of failure, and the legal interest of each year's rent, from and after the time when the same becomes due, during the non-payment thereof; and the said C. D. hereby stipulates and engages that he shall care for and protect the game in a fair and proper manner, encourage the different breeds, and in no event shall he be entitled to extirpate or entirely destroy the same; and that he shall not kill more game during the last year of his possession than, having reference to its judicious management, he has killed or ought to have killed in previous years; and in the event of any difference of opinion arising between landlord and tenant in respect of the mode of the management of the game, the same shall be referred to two neutral persons of skill, to be mutually chosen, or their oversman, whose award shall be final; and failing such appointment within ten days after a request to do so is made in writing by one party to the other, it shall be in the power of either party to apply to the judge ordinary to appoint a skilful person to inspect and report on the premises. And both parties bind and oblige themselves to implement the premises to each

other, under the penalty of three hundred pounds sterling, to be paid by the party failing to the party observing or willing to observe the same over and above performances. In witness whereof these presents, written on this and the preceding page, by W. H. of are subscribed to by

us as follows:-Videlicet, by me, D. C., of Pall Mall, London, at the first day of June, 1865, before these witnesses, R. F. D., merchant, &c. &c., and W. T., gentleman,

A. B., at

and by me,

street, London, this first day of June,

1865, before these witnesses, R. F. D., &c. &c. &c.,

I suggest the adoption of the preceding form of lease, as I believe it to be as good a one as can be drawn up the conditions being equally fair to both parties; and in the event of any dispute arising, a reference may be resorted to, to come off within fifteen days, each party having the power to select a referee.

I should never recommend any sportsman to take a moor for only one year; but in the event of circumstances inducing him to do so, I strongly advise him to have an agreement in writing of the

most explicit and intelligible character, so that there can be no mistake as to its terms or meaning; and on no account whatever to be induced to pay the whole amount of rent down at the commencement of the season, as such an indiscretion would place him entirely at the mercy of an unscrupulous and rapacious landlord. I would preferably suggest that half the rent be paid down on the 12th of August, and the other half to be deposited on the same day, in the hands of some responsible person, selected by mutual consent as trustee, to be held by him till the 11th of December, and then to be paid over to the landlord, in the event of no dispute having arisen; but on the other hand, in the case of any disagreement having occurred, the half of the rent to be withheld, till such disagreement be settled. In making the above suggestions, I am not drawing upon my imagination and merely anticipating difficulties which might possibly arise, but am influenced by disagreeable realities of the past, which unfortunately came within my own personal experience.

The facts are as follows, which I relate for the future guidance of the inexperienced, Two friends had taken several moors in the same part of Scotland, contiguous to each other, from three different proprietors. On the largest of the three there was a comfortably furnished lodge, of which the two sportsmen took possession on the 12th of