154 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



carry nothing but a spade. In fact, it may be laid down 

 as a general rule, that, omitting the pairing and nesting 

 seasons, the spade should be a constant companion of 

 the diligent and skilful keeper. Springs and streams 

 need continual clearing to prevent the moor getting 

 boggy and damp. Streams have to be dammed here 

 and diverted there, so that an equal distribution of water 

 may be supplied to the moor, for there is no greater 

 handicap to the preservation of game than a deficient or 

 an irregular water-supply. Every keeper should re- 

 member that this subject is as important as the burning 

 of heather. It is a question upon which he will have 

 to utilise as much brain as he possesses, for it is a matter 

 that requires the careful application of varied methods 

 to individual cases. Here, for example, is a spring that 

 is absolutely clogged by undergrowth ; there is one that 

 is obscured by heather and other overgrowth ; whilst 

 here again we find a stream that has too free a fall and 

 that requires judicious damming, so as to supply the 

 small pools which experience has taught to be necessary 

 as water-troughs for the birds. It must not be forgotten, 

 too, that a series of well-cleared and generously flowing 

 springs adds much to the pleasures of a shooting party, 

 and often indicates to the sportsman the competency 

 and efficiency of the keeper. 



Not only do the springs require attention and con- 

 sideration, but the condition of the larger streams must 

 be carefully inquired into. It may be necessary to 

 divert the flow of a stream on to a tract of ground that 



