[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—It is possible for
the public to lessen the use of steel traps by refusing absolutely to buy any rabbits that have been trapped.
Years ago, near the river Wye, I came upon about two dozen traps set just outside a wood, and never shall I forget the sight and sound of the poor rabbits caught in them, struggling and screaming, limbs torn, legs broken and bleeding and flesh *hanging from the bone.
Had I known how to kill them quickly I would have done so. I liberated them and the traps went into the river.
From that day to this I have but once eaten a trapped rabbit. That once was during a stay in the depths of the country. We had no meat and a cottager offered us a rabbit just caught in her garden, but I regretted it—at night I dreamt I was in a fishmonger's waiting to be served and my eyes wandered- round-the walls which were lined with rabbits suspended in the usual fashion ; their legs were broken and
bore the teeth marks of the trap, and while I, watched I saw to my horror they were not dead but alive : none moved, only their eyes turned and looked at me and their eyes were the eyes Peter saw when he went out and wept bitterly."--• I am, Sir, &c., 26 Kingsnorth Gardens, Folkestone.
W. WORTHINGTON.
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