284 FACT AGAINST FICTION. 



as I do not regard that bird as an object for 

 charity. The sparrows know this, and when, from 

 my breakfast-table, I objurgate their presence on 

 the window-sill, they fly off, but always with 

 their mouth full, while not one of the other guests 

 are the least daunted by the gruffness of the tone 

 of voice. The thrushes and the blackbirds, during 

 that cold spring, for a time left off singing; but 

 as soon as a more genial warmth came, and they 

 left the window, they sang more than ever, and 

 had nests full of young, their restful or brilliant 

 harmony received by me as thanks for my kind- 

 ness, or as payment for the fruit they intended 

 to take from my garden in the time to come. 

 • In regard to pheasants and partridges, there is 

 much to be inquired into. In years gone by, a 

 bad pheasant season was rare, and a very bad 

 partridge season a thing that did not often vex 

 us; but now, with the change in the seasons, and 

 the introduction of artificial manures, breech- 

 loaders, &c., bad seasons for game are consecu- 

 tive, while, at the same time, the numbers of game 

 certificated men increase, — I will not call them all 

 sportsmen, — and the method of the discharge of 

 the gun, as well as the charging of it, [is fifty 



