Abandoned Grouse
Those who have returned from Scotland, leaving the bulk of the grouse to rest in peace, have had some unusual experi- ences. The birds themselves were incredibly numerous on some moors, and too few to shoot in the ordinary way on neighbouring moors. The shooting was as uneven as the target. Even the best performers found themselves quite robbed of their normal skill: the state of Europe had shattered their powers of concentration. To one of these sportsmen back in the Home Counties a thoughtful suggestion has occurred. The heather or ling, which now flowers as freely on many commons in the Home Counties as the bell heather on Scottish Moors, has nowhere a fresher, greener leaf than where it has been mown—generally for the sake of golfers. It endures repeated mowings for many years in succession. Now, grouse live largely on fresh heather, and on their behoof it is customary to burn stretches of heather, which put out young leaves promptly, and perhaps in the sequel grow more strongly. Burning is not a very easy operation, and it has disadvantages. Is there any reason, except cheapness, why a good cutter should not be substituted for the fire?
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