NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21715, 24 February 1936, Page 9

NATIVE BIRD PROTECTION

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,—The catty communication by "J.A.C" recently published in this column has aroused scant comment in this locality, and even "Mirabel," the feline element concerned, has displayed only bare interest in the aspersions cast, against her modp of living. Nevertheless, in defence of an indifferent but much valued member, it would be just as well to point out and correct one or two illusory angles in the statements made by "J.A.C." To begin, "Mirabel's" known family tree dates as far back as 1932, when her grandmother —or was it her greatgrandmcther—came to live with us at Glynn Wye. Since then, the mousecatcher of the moment has, with the inevitable family intact, been safely transported whenever the occasion demanded: across rivers, through creeks, over slips, and up and down miles and miles of road—anywhere, in fact, where the powers that were lightheartedly decreed we had to live. So the question asked, and answered auite erroneously by "J.A.C." in one breath, as to.how many of the furry offspring will be shifted when this camp shifts, can be answered quite satisfactorily: the lot, including the newly arrived half-dozen, which con<stitutes Mirabel's latest concession to nature, and which, fortunately, "J.A.C." did not set eyes on. So much for the "Brighton Cat" simile. As for the bellbird, and the tui, until the day Mirabel decides to sprout wings, thev will be quite safe. Admittedly, she has, with birds of the smaller variety, a decidedly winning v/ay; but not very often in this direction is her mind completely on her job, such game being too trilling for so skilled a huntress Actually, her supreme vice, when mice ai-e jut in season, is rabbit, for she can swing also, as well as a compelling paw, a very sprightly leg which incidentally is more than certain other quadrupeds have attempted to do latelv In conclusion, what right, I ask, has "J.A.C.' to judge and sentence so harshly such a valuable ally? Is our feline Attila the only cat on the road? Well, I hardly think so. Somewhere skulks an unknown and carefree husband . . . but that is another story. Must it be againi the same old tale, the woman always pays. Never!— Y ° UrS - etC ' LEWIS PASS. Lewis Pars, February 20, 1936.