CHAPTER XX. 



RED GROUSE : Introduction and Maintenance of a 

 Stock. Feeding. 



THE introduction of Red Grouse upon a moor is a very 

 different matter from that of pheasants into existing 

 coverts. The first obstacle to the establishment of a moor 

 would probably be found in the acquisition of a suitable 

 expanse of land. Nowadays deer-forests, so-called, are 

 very much on a level with sheep-farms, or, at least, it is 

 sought to make them so, and the question is often debated, 

 Which would be the more successful, commercially con- 

 sidered? But, whether rightly or not, grouse-moors are 

 regarded as an expensive luxury, and as affording com- 

 paratively no recompense in rent to the owner of the land. 

 Consequently, it is much easier to acquire a moor than to 

 obtain an expanse of hill land, for the purpose of 

 introducing and maintaining a head of moor game. It is 

 a case of "first catch your hare." First acquire your 

 moor not preserved, but ready and suitable to commence 

 work on. A suitable moor must have two qualifications : 

 first, and of chief importance, a natural adaptability of 

 soil, situation, and general character for the rearing of 

 grouse; and, secondly, unlikelihood of being rendered 

 practically useless by reason of its surroundings. 



The soil of a grouse-moor is the first matter for con- 

 sideration, for unless that be suitable, it is useless seeking 



