THE KEEPER
[To the Editor of the Seacr.vron.] Sin,—Sir W. Beach Thomas in his ridicule of the word " keeper " appears to ignore the fact that it is used by most people as an abbreviation of " gamekeeper," and is therefore more properly written 'keeper. The game which such a man is engaged to keep is most often pheasants and part- ridges—at least in the south of England. And if he keeps it in sufficient quantities, whether to the exclusion of other birds and mammals or not, he does his job."
I venture to suggest that if blackbirds were not killed in great numbers in the strawberry growing districts, Sir William and others who have fewer luxuries would have to pay a greatly enhanced price for their fruit to cover the costs of nets or of the berries eaten by the birds. In some districts the cost of producing milk would become prohibitive if farmers did not kill the rabbits and woodpigeons which eat their grass and forage crops. Vegetarians please note.— I am, Sir, &c.,
G. E. WARD.
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