296 
QUADRUPEDS OF THE MOOR. 
suffered extermination soon after the king took 
part in the more noble field amusements, and when 
punishments were inflicted for interference with the 
game. 
(For the existing quadrupeds of South Devon 
inclusive of' the Moor, see catalogue in the last 
chapter, and the map accompanying this text.) 
The present state of Dartmoor would by no 
means lead to the belief of its supporting more 
than two or three quadrupeds of the smaller kind, 
and indeed upon inquiry into facts we find that the 
barren open portions are frequented only by the 
Rabbit , Mole , Weasel , and perhaps the Stoat. 
How then can this region have maintained those 
other large animals recorded as extirpated ? There is 
undeniable evidence that the central department of 
what we ordinarily term Dartmoor was in former 
years a forest, and that it was set apart for the king’s 
use as a royal chase. With this explanation diffi¬ 
culties vanish. At the present period the woods 
and plantations in the immediate vicinity of the 
Moor harbour the same quadrupeds as those found 
in the southern districts. The Martin and Polecat 
however, are now more peculiarly frequenters of 
the deep woods remote from cultivated parts. The 
Otter is said to confine itself (as respect the Moor) 
to the river Dart, probably from its superior size and 
depth, and from its being better supplied with fish. 
and Red Deer in the soil of a field adjoining the sea. Berry Head 
is known to have been the resort in ancient times of those who 
devoted themselves to the chase of such animals. 
As for the bones of the Elk , of the occurrence of which in 
alluvial or diluvial deposits so much doubt exists, Moore’s asser¬ 
tion of their discovery with us, and in circumstances not diluvial 
in their character, has been lately supported by their disclosure 
in a peat bed at Mevagissey. 
