As a matter of fact, the great bulk of the birds which are annually killed reach the markets before the close of the month named; and we regret to say that despite of every care being exercised, poached birds are still plentiful—so plentiful that they hurt the market. The ingenuity of the poachers is notorious; they will sweep a moor a few days before ‘the Twelfth,’ and then manage to place the spoil in the hands of such dealers as will purchase, in spite of all the watchfulness of the authorities. This pernicious system often accounts for grouse being exposed for sale on the morning of the Twelfth.
The amount of money which is annually expended in grouse-shooting and deer-stalking cannot be less than from one to two millions sterling. The sporting rental of Scotland has been estimated to be not less than half a million per annum; and the amount of money paid for living, and for the wages of servants, entertainment of guests, as well as what is expended in travel, must be at least four times the sum named. It has been said that Sir Walter Scott made Scotland, in the sense of conferring upon it that celebrity which caused it to become a profitable show. Not only did he describe its scenery of cloud-capt mountain and placid lake, but he made classic its sports and pastimes, and sent thousands from all parts of the world to stalk its deer, kill its salmon, and shoot its moorfowl.
BY MEAD AND STREAM.
CHAPTER XLIII.—OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY.
At an early hour Wrentham was with him again, as smartly dressed and hat as glossy as if he had been on his way to a garden-party, or Ascot, which was the more probable expedition for him to be intent on. Whatever he thought of Philip’s haggard looks and ruffled dress, which indicated that he had been up all night, he affected not to perceive these signs of a mind perturbed.
‘Any letter this morning?’ he inquired after a cheerful greeting.
‘No letter from Mr Shield,’ answered Philip, comprehending the real meaning of the question.
‘Droll,’ muttered Wrentham, for an instant allowing his disappointment to appear. ‘Should have thought he would not have failed to write last night, knowing what a corner you are in. Never mind. I daresay he means to send the answer by messenger, and he can’t back out of giving you a lift, seeing that he is pledged to do so.’
‘He may be annoyed—he has reason enough to be so—and may refuse. What then?’
Wrentham shrugged his shoulders and smiled complacently.