14 MAY 1948, Page 14

Rooks on the Farm With its usual ignorance of rural

details, the Government has been urging the destruction of rooks. It has been demonstrated again and again that the rook is beneficial. I remember discussing the question with a great old Hungarian farmer (a Mr. Svetozar, I think) who had investigated the bird's feeding habits for years. " They are of great benefit," was his verdict, " Until their numbers become quite excessive." The old method of a little shooting, with gun or rook-rifle, after the young had left the nest was probably the best and least cruel way of dealing with the local population.