THE MOOR 165 



and winter, from which fortresses they descend, to the 

 detriment of their younger brethren in the plains. Even 

 where driving is not practised as a general rule, it is as 

 well that one or two drives at least be arranged over 

 these tops. Such drives are not easy to manage, but 

 a competent keeper, keeping in view the general law of 

 driving which refers to the customary flight of birds, 

 and observing the point at which the old cocks come 

 nearest to possible "butts," can select his stations 

 accordingly. This is a matter worthy of the careful 

 consideration of master and keeper, but it is a matter 

 generally neglected on a "dogging" moor. 



It is even to be recommended that the old cocks 

 on the tops be regarded as vermin and trapped. If 

 such trapping were carried out on the very high ground 

 alone, there would not be much danger of harm coming 

 to the younger birds. 



8. Judicious Planting. It is advisable, where there 

 is little cover of the nature of forest growth or shrubbery 

 near to the moor, that there should be a certain amount 

 of planting on the lower parts of the ground to act as 

 cover for the birds in bad weather. This is also 

 beneficial to the sheep and cattle stock on the moor, 

 as not only does it serve as shelter, but it gives a more 

 luxuriant growth of grass and heather. On a wind- 

 swept moor sheep and cattle never do so well, and 

 require more food than on one which has good shelter, 

 so that planting adds considerably to the value of the 

 property and should be encouraged. 



