CHAPTER IX 



THE MOOR 



GROUSE BLACK GAME PTARMIGAN 

 By P. JEFFREY MACKIE 



IT is as well for the gamekeeper never to lose sight of 

 the fact that upon his diligence and skill in attending 

 to the moor depend to a large extent the success of the 

 shooting season, in as far as it is affected by the amount 

 and the condition of the stock of birds. So clearly is 

 this recognised by all sportsmen, that a well-known 

 authority 1 has laid down the following dictum: "I 

 have always observed that where there are really first- 

 rate and honest keepers, there is always a pretty good 

 stock of game. Of course seasons will vary, and any 

 one used to the moors will know pretty well when to 

 make the allowance for bad weather, etc., but it is 

 astonishing how lightly moors will suffer from this cause 

 or from disease when the keeper and his subordinates 

 are thoroughly trustworthy. Of course you cannot grow 

 figs on thistles ; and when you have a bare, grassy, water- 

 less, or rank heathery moor, it is useless to look for 

 birds in any amount, but in an average case, with average 



1 Mr. A. Stuart Wortley. 

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