PREMATLTRE SPRING.
Premature signs of spring have been very many among animals as among plants ; and one of them is to be commended to the attention of sportsmen. Partridges were pairing on December 20th. The pairs were numerous on January 3rd, and singularly tame. It would have been possible on that day, which was singularly springlike, to shoot a fair number by the simple means of walking them up. To shoot paired birds is a sin against Nature. Good sportsmen are careful to regard their sanctity ; but a good many pairs are shot by young sportsmen who take their last opportunities before the claims of education end their season prematurely. In an open January great care should be taken ; and, indeed, every sportsman should anticipate the legal close season, which might well be legally advanced by ten days to a fortnight in regard to partridges.
BEAcn Thomas.
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