Just a couple of notes...

There has been talk of curses... mostly from me. For those who didn't get it,
this was meant to be humorous. Not to say that I have no intention of placing
the poem on some (but not all) of my letterboxes. However, it will be placed
there in the spirit of fun and laughter, not as a serious threat. I will not
be reciting any incantaions or invoking any spirits near my letterboxes.

If I choose to place this verse, or any other light-hearted messages inside my
boxes, they will be in addition to a label which I have been including in all
my boxes which explains that the box was placed for all to enjoy and pleads
for the finder not to 'remove or deface this landmark'. The label also gives
my phone number and email address, for contact.

Another idea I wish to address is the notion of 'plugging'. Please remember
that the informal rules we have inherited from Dartmoor require us to respect
the land. These rules discourage the disturbance of natural surroundings and
the breaking of sod.

I'm not saying that I totally oppose plugging -- just that it must be done
with taste and respect. It should probably not be attempted in areas where
the grass dies and the ground freezes. When you do make a plug, make it deep
enough that the roots stay intact so the grass will survive. Also, plugs
should be visited regularly, so that grass roots do not bind the opening shut
again.

If you cover your hiding place with a grass plug, or even whith a rock or
piece of wood, you need to be very specific in your clues. Make sure your
clues lead exactly to the location in question, so that its seekers will have
no trouble determining which rock to move, or where to look for the plug. We
can't encourage people to go around randomly disturbing rock formations or
tearing up the turf. If your box is covered with a grass plug, please state
this fact in your clues.

'Der Mad Stamper'

------------------------------------------------------------------------
eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/letterbox-usa
Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com