Page:GrouseinHealthVol1.djvu/26

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xxii
INTRODUCTION

replies given at the several examinations of gamekeepers and other experts, which from time to time the Committee held. His correspondence amounted to many thousands of letters. Further, he assisted the Field Observer in many ways, especially in the preparation of statistics and the arrangement of tabular matter.

Mr Leslie wrote the "Notes on the Grouse," and has been in the main responsible for the preparation and seeing through the press both the Interim and the present (Final) Report ; the compiling of the appendices and the index, and the revision of the proofs, were largely his work.

To his knowledge of Scotland and of sport, and his professional training, the Committee owe many valuable suggestions as to the course the investigations have from time to time taken. They feel they cannot speak too highly of the self-sacrificing way he has thrown himself into the work, of his untiring energy, of his powers of organisation or of his adaptability and tact, which has done much to make the labours of not only the Committee but of all in any way associated with the Inquiry not only profitable but pleasurable.

The salary that the Committee have been able to otter to Mr Leslie can only be described as derisory. He has, in fact, received but the scantiest payment for the work he has done, and no compensation of any kind for the time he has taken from his profession and given to the Inquiry. But not only has he, like others, given time, skill and knowledge to further the cause of the investigation, but by his skilful husbandry of the limited resources available he has enabled the Committee to cover a wider area of research, and to prolong the time during which research was carried on to an extent which at first seemed impossible.

R. B. Fraser was appointed Assistant Secretary in October 1907, when it was found that the work of organisation and correspondence could not be conducted single handed by the Secretary. Mr Fraser has given valuable assistance with the general secretarial work, and also with the additional work entailed in connection with the preparation of the Report for the press.

In addition to those already mentioned the following have given the Committee much assistance in the revisal of proofs and in other ways: W. Berry, B.A., LL. B., M.B.O.U., who has been chiefly responsible for the Index; W. R. Ogilvie Grant, M.B.O.U., of the British Museum of Natural History; W. Eagle Clark, F.L.S., F.R.S.E., etc., Keeper of the Natural History Department of the Royal Scottish Museum; L. R. Sutherland, M.B., Professor of Pathology in the