The Rabbit Question. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2250, 15 April 1897, Page 14

The Rabbit Question. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — I have acjdrefssd the enc'osed letter to the Secretary for Agriculture on the hubjecb of the destruction of rabbits, and think the matter is of sufficient public interest to warrant your publishing the report referred to in full. — I am, Dunedio, April 10. Alex. C. Begg. DunediD, April 8. J. D. Ritchie, Esq., Secretary for Agiiculture, Wellington. Sir,— ln the " Australasian Pastoralist Review " of 15th March, page 58, there is an account of expejiments made in Queensland under the auspices of the Government there of infecting rabbits with chick" n cholera, which appear to have been very succe.s-ful and which appear to be more effectual than phosphorus poisoning, and to avoid the dangers to stock attending such poisoning. It is stated that no other animals than rabbits and birds are affected by this disease, and "that half a pint of the bioth culture contains enough material to directly infect with certainty at leaßt 1000 labbits, which means that one bottle of broth culture must be added to sufficient pollard and water to make 1000 pellets iin square of the consistency of dough." I would suggest that your department might procure fuller information from the Queensland Government on the subject, and might arrange for some experiments to be carriel out in this colony. It is unnecessary to point out to you the important bearing the Buccess of this sy3 v em of rabbit destruction might have on the agricultural and pastoral industries of this colony.— l am, &c, Alex. C. Begg.