16 DECEMBER 1916, Page 12

" RATS AND MICE AND SUCH SMALL DEER." [To THE

EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOL."]

SIR,—I read with interest your article on the food problem. Might I suggest for your consideration the advisability of calling attention to the great waste in home-grown grain by vermin? I understand that in many places at least eight per cent. of the crops are so consumed. Would a crusade against these pests not be worth agitating for? Perhaps you would be able to give advice to your readers as to the best way to set about it.—I am, Sir, die., S. C.

[" More cats," seems to be the natural answer; but unfortu- nately cats don't trouble about rats and mice if they can obtain a diet of sardines and milk. Cats to be good ratters and mousers require to be half starved, and those who love the race naturally dislike to see them in that condition. Seriously, there should be this winter a determined attempt to destroy as many rats and mice as possible. Doubtless some of our readers may advise shortly on this point. —ED. Spectator.]