WETHERSTONES

Otago Witness, Issue 2524, 30 July 1902, Page 31

WET HERSTONES

July 28. — The rabbits are getting scarce about hero at piesent. One truck could have held all sent away last Friday, but there being two agents each had his own truck, Although they were only half full. If there was- only one agent buying (which would be enough at present) tha rabbiters could get a better price. I wonder the trappers do not see that, by combining and selling to the one agent there would not bo so much expense. There have been some letters in the papers lately advocating poisoning against trapping. The parties who write these letters are either interested in poisoning, or they know nothing at all about rabbits. They must thiuk the rabbit is a simple animal, whereas there is not a more know-ing and cunning little creature about. When poisoning was in vogue in this district, and even when the inspector had men employed at 303 a week, the rabbits were plentiful all the year round. When trapping commenced th-ey got scaroe at the end cf the season, and no wonder, because for one that was poisoned a dozen wefo trapped ; and for one man or boy that was engaged poisoning, there were six trapping. If rabbits get into an orchard they will not interfere with the apple trees if some cuttings or branches are left lying on i,he ground. If not they will bark the trees as high up as they can reach, if not otherwise protected. Weather. — The weather last week, with the exception of a day or two, was fine throughout. Seme of the settlers took advantage^ the few fine days to do a little ploughing. I here were some heavy S.W. showers last Monday, the barometer being at 29.58, falling. The following four days up to Friday evening were hk€ spring days, with frost in the mornings -and strong N. to W.S.W. winds throughout the day. On Friday the barometer was down to 29. Heavy rain set m at night, which turned to snow by Saturday morning. Co.d S.W. showers prevailed "all through that day, the glass rising, and next day being fine; barometer, 29.40. This morning is frosty, barometer failing (29.19). The lowest reading of the thermometer was 32 at 7 a.m. of the 23rd ; highest, 60 at noon of the 26th.