MOOR MANAGEMENT 337 



(2) Although the moor is relatively a small one, and is burnt 



in large patches, yet the total acreage burnt is only 

 with difficulty maintained at one-twelfth of the moor 

 per annum. 



(3) The management of the stock and methods of driving 1 



have undoubtedly much to do with the health of the 

 birds on the moor. 



(4) The moor is all above the 1,000 feet line. 



(5) The climate is dry, the average annual rainfall being 



about 30 inches. 



(6) Beautiful white quartz grit is found all over the moor. 



(7) There are about a dozen good springs, and a deep burn 



runs through the centre of the moor. 



A chart is given on p. 336 showing the gradual improvement 

 in results which has followed improved methods of manage- 

 ment. It should be mentioned that the steady increase in 

 the stock commenced about 1872, and that it was just before 

 that date that close and constant heather - burning was first 

 introduced. 



Carron Moor, Morayshire. 



A moor of about 3,000 acres, of which about 1,000 are flow 

 ground, and the rest heather. The altitude ranges from 700 

 to 1,300 feet. Previous to 1897 the heather-burning had been 

 neglected, in many parts the heather had grown to a height of 

 3 feet or more ; since that year the burning ' has been most 

 carefully and thoroughly done, when possible. The heather all 

 over the moor should continue to improve, for it has only been 

 regularly burnt for the last fourteen years, and during some of 

 that time, owing to bad weather, little or no heather could be 

 burnt. A considerable quantity of old heather still remains 

 to be burnt, and much that has been burnt has not yet reached 

 the most valuable stage. Good grit is abundant, and great 

 attention has been paid to drainage. A moderate stock of 

 sheep is carried on the ground. 



1 Fide pp. 415 et seq. and p. 446. 



