27 JUNE 1931, Page 14

THE PROLIFIC OTrER.

On the subject of sport, Lady Warwick's refusal to permit otter hunting on her property is interesting in itself and for its popular reception. Personally, I believe that the otter (which grows rarer) is worth preservation even from the fisherman's angle, with apologies for the word. It destroys the greedy eel, the bane of many waters, and the diseased fish. It is usually urged by humanitarians that the hunting is especially offensive because it is timed for the close season. This is so ; but a slight qualification must be made in the interests of truth. The otter is perhaps less regular in its breeding season than any other creature, except perhaps the rabbit ; and births may take place in almost any month