Letters to the Editor
[In dew of the length of many of the letters which we receive, we would remind correspondents that we often cannot give Space for long tellers" and that short ones are generally read with more attention. The length which we consider most suitable is about that of one of our paragraphs on '` News of the Week."—Ed. Spzersrond FIELD SPORTS AND WILD LIFE -- [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sta,—I read Miss Pitt's article with pleasure. It sums up so sanely the case for British Field Sports. Twenty-odd years :ago I stayed in the New Forest, and delighted in watching the Red Squirrel. At the same time I read a book about the Forest, by Mr. Horace Hutchinson, the name of which I forget. In it lie describes the ancient sport called " Squorling."
The foresters, at a certain season, each armed with a stout baton, called a " squorl," chased the squirrel from tree to tree by throwing the squorl at him. This provided food for the pot, and eliminated the weaklings. However, public opinion condemned the sport as cruel, and it was discontinued, with the result, observes Hutchinson, that the Red Squirrel has declined in numbers.
Last year I stayed in the same place again, and walked a good deal in the pleasant woods, but I saw no squirrels, neither Red nor Grey ! Is it not time that steps were taken to stop the ravages of the Grey Squirrel, and re-stock with the Red ?—I am, Sir, &e.,
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