button to main menu  Otley's Guide 1823 (5th edn 1834)

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Page 47:-
  sheep
  cattle

are grazed by cattle; the flocks ascend their steeps, and nibble a scanty sustenance from the blades of grass peeping out between the stones on the highest summits. Some of the sheep are annually drawn from the flock, and placed in the inclosures to fatten - and they make excellent mutton; but many remain upon the commons during winter, when, in deep snows, the occupation of the shepherd becomes arduous.
  foxes
Foxes breed in caverns on the mountains, but being accused of the destruction of young lambs and poultry, the shepherds declare war against them whenever they are found. A few Red Deer are still remaining upon the Fells of Martindale.
  eagles
Eagles, which half a century ago were frequently seen in their lofty flights over these mountains, are not now to be met with. Though they build their nests in the most inaccessible rocks, the shepherds were so bent upon their destruction, that they contrived, by the help of ropes, annually to take away or destroy either the eggs or the young; till at length the species has been wholly exterminated from the country.
  birds
A small bird called the Dotterel is found upon Skiddaw, and other high mountains. Grouse breed in parts thickly covered with heath. About the latter end of October, Woodcocks begin to arrive, and are frequently met with in the woods and commons bordering on some of the lakes.
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