MOORGAME IN MID-AUTUMN 249 



ing developments. But so soon as the drivers show 

 up from the other side, the astute blackcocks will at once 

 (having - fully taken in the situation) fly back in face of 

 the driving- line — assessing" shouts and frantically-waving" 

 flags at precisely their true value. 



Although blackcocks cannot be directly approached 

 with a cart, yet that lumbersome apparatus may some- 

 times afford means for securing a shot. For, by manoeuvr- 

 ing" at a cautious distance (so far, that is, as will not put 

 the game up), a position may be reached whence there is 

 "advantage" for a stalk. The blackcocks will then 

 continue to watch the harmless cart, while the gunner, 

 having" slipped away from its side, is creeping on them 

 under cover of some bank or broken ground — even a tuft 

 of tall rushes is sometimes sufficient. 



Golden plovers are always erratic in disposition. One 

 day they are so careless one can walk almost openly 

 within shot ; or, with a cart, lead round a pack till the 

 greatest possible number fall into line. On other days, 

 they will scarcely remain on the same hill with a human 

 being". On one occasion, after trying in vain to out- 

 manoeuvre a pack of ioo on an open flowe — carting, 

 stalking", driving, all had failed- — we finally left them in 

 disgust. Then, amid a chorus of pipes, the whole pack 

 swept past from behind, within 30 yards ! The advantage 

 they had refused to persistent effort, they now gave away 

 spontaneously, and five of them forfeited their lives to 

 that erratic behaviour. 



Partridges are often met with on the outskirts of the 

 moor; and, if seen, will usually "cart." But as they do 

 not show, preferring to run like rats among" the rough 

 grass, one never troubles them, and I only name them 

 here as illustrative of their habitual instinct in this respect, 



