2 FEBRUARY 1929, Page 16

The Oxford enquiry into the mystery of the ups and

downs among rodents is enjoying a wide circulation. 'Correspondents already exceed a thousand, and an amazing amount of infor- mation from all quarters of the country is being acquired. Information is asked for under three special heads :— (1) Any pronounced increase or decrease among field voles, squirrels, or other rodents, together with dates and localities (2) Any disease among-rodents.

(3) Any increase or decrease in numbers of birds of prey, and of stoats and weasels, in particular years.

The amount of information already acquired is very con- siderable ; and some of it is curious. The imported grey squirrel, for example, multiplies extraordinarily in certain definite spots, but disappears from others, apparently not less suitable. * *,