MANAGEMENT OF MOORS 45 



along it. Failing clearance of the heather 

 by this or other means, some modified 

 form of artificial feeding must be resorted 

 to, otherwise extensive migrations of birds 

 may be looked for, and many of these 

 migrants do not return to their original 

 quarters. At such times, or indeed at any 

 time, grouse do not disdain to partake of 

 an occasional banquet of grain, and visit 

 the nearest cornfields sometimes in incon- 

 venient numbers and with unwelcome 

 frequency. But more generally they find 

 on the lower ranges of heath the food and 

 comfort they are temporarily denied on 

 the highest ground. 



Vermin killing. — Our feathered favour- 

 ite is, it is hardly necessary to say, exposed 

 to attacks from many enemies. Of all 

 these none is so deadly as the hitherto 

 mysterious ailment which periodically 

 decimates the grouse family. What 

 " Grouse Disease " is, and what may be 

 done for its prevention or cure, we may 

 hope shortly to know from an expert and 

 scientific Commission which has for 



