EXTRACTS FEOM JOUKNAL. 261 



March 1st. — A most beautiful morning. Spring is 

 coming fast. The warm sun has had considerable 

 effect on the snow, which has disappeared a great deal. 

 Shot a stag ; saw three woodcock, and several phea- 

 sants. A little of this spring weather, and no more 

 woo(l,cock will be seen. 



3d. — Thermometer 46°. A great change in the tem- 

 perature. 



ith. — A heavy fall of snow last night. Shot a very 

 old stag. 



9th. — Spring has decidedly come. Birds pairing, 

 and the larks singing merrily. I can see no difference 

 between this bird and our own Alauda arvensis. Their 

 habits are exactly the same, and the bird itself appears 

 in every respect identical, yet, if I mistake not, it is 

 called A. japonicus. I think some people are much too 

 ready to make distinct species. Making new species of 

 birds varying in plumage, or a little in size, is a mistake. 



20th. — Snow again last night on the hills. They 

 are all white. Down here it fell as rain. 



2lst. — Mallard and teal are still about, but the 

 widgeon have left for the northward. The provision 

 shops are now full of game, particularly hares and 

 pheasants. The cock birds are easily found by their 

 constant crowing. The Japanese huntsmen know this, 



