THE MANAGEMENT OF DEER FORESTS 



Patches "of old strong heather are also very useful 

 both for shelter and as food during severe snowstorms, 

 but these are not likely to be found on ground grazed 

 by sheep unless it has been in the proprietor's own 

 hands. Much of the close growing heather on 

 rounded rolling hills is entirely unsuitable for deer, 

 and, as I have indicated in a former part of this 

 chapter, I have no patience with those who spoil a 

 good grouse moor in order to boast that they are 

 owners of a deer forest. Besides, in such a case the 

 grouse must be exterminated as far as can be done, or 

 stalking will be impossible. You cannot destroy the 

 grouse on your own moor, whether by encouraging 

 vermin or killing all the hens, or by simply not 

 shooting them, which is perhaps the most effective 

 method, without injury to your neighbours. Now, 

 good fellowship, and a perfect understanding between 

 neighbours, is desirable in all forms of sport. Where 

 deer are concerned it is almost essential. It will be 

 seen in a subsequent chapter of this book that per- 

 sonally I go so far as to urge that some sacrifices 

 should be made in order to secure a friendly feeling 

 between brother sportsmen, and that these should be 

 extended even to neighbours who are neither deer- 

 stalkers nor grouse-shooters, but who have other 

 interests in connection with the occupation of land. 



