CHAPTER XV 



STOCK 



THE subject of Grouse stock management is a difficult one on Theman- 

 which to generalise, owing to the varying conditions which affect stock. 6 " 

 the Grouse in different parts of the country. The question is, 

 however, of so much importance that it is necessary to attempt 

 to lay down certain rules that are generally applicable, and 

 at the same time to note the exceptional cases to which these 

 rules do not apply. 



The first question which naturally presents itself is, What The ideal 

 is the ideal stock which good Grouse ground should be capable s )c ' 

 of carrying ? in other words, how many birds can be supported 

 upon a given area of good heather ? Simple though this 

 problem appears, a little consideration will show that no solution 

 can be put forward applicable to all moors. It must be 

 remembered that the number of birds varies with the locality, 

 the heather, the climatic conditions, and migration. Also, 

 that even on any given moor the number is not constant, 

 but alternates in succession with the autumn, winter, and 

 spring seasons. 



Before entering into the conditions which govern and 

 limit the number of birds, and before describing the measures 

 which are recommended to keep the stock on a moor inside 

 the margin of safety, it will be necessary to define the position 

 more accurately by stating 



(1) Exactly what we mean by the word " stock." 



(2) Certain statistics, from which broad general laws can 



be deduced, applicable to specific areas of moorland. 

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