THE MOOR 171 



in the line of flight should be " bushed " with heather, 

 care being taken to see that the bushing is not removed. 

 We have known instances of its removal by shepherds, 

 one confessing to having picked up sixty grouse in one 

 season along a line of several hundred yards. Notice 

 should also be given to the Post Office authorities if it 

 be found that birds have been killed by coming in 

 contact with their telegraph wires. The authorities 

 named will meet the wishes of the sportsman in having 

 discs of metal put at intervals along the wires to warn 

 the birds of their danger. I n driving along a moor road 

 in Argyllshire this spring, the present writer observed 

 within half a mile three or four dead grouse and black 

 game lying in the ditch side in the line of the telegraph 

 wires, and on examination there could be no doubt as 

 to the cause of death. 



1 3. The keeping down of Bracken. The increase of 

 bracken is a serious matter in many moors. The best 

 way to get rid of this pest is to cut the bracken down 

 twice yearly with the scythe, when it is about a foot 

 high, and before it seeds. If this is continued for some 

 years it will die down, but if left alone it is certain to 

 spread, and ruin the hill both for sheep and game. 

 Another suggestion, but one which we have not had 

 tried, is that of fencing a bracken area with grazing pigs, 

 as it is said that they eat the roots. It might be worth 

 while trying this experiment, as the bracken curse is a 

 serious one. Constant cutting we think weakens the 

 plant, and it is certainly thinner in districts under our 



