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Page 47:-
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sheep
cattle
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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.
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foxes
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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.
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eagles
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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.
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birds
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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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gazetteer links
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-- Martindale
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-- Skiddaw
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Lakes Guides menu.
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