4 SEPTEMBER 1897, Page 18

THE PROTECTION OF SQUIRRELS.

[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " EIP ECT ATOR.1

Sin,—As I also feel great interest in the subject of the "Extermination of Squirrels," will you kindly allow me a little space in which to make a proposal for their protection ? Would it not be possible for those who are interested in the beautiful little creatures to combine together, gather evidence of their harmless nature, and by the distribution of leaflets, spread amongst the ignorant the following facts P—That they live on nuts and fir-cones ; that they are absolutely harmless to man; and that they do not, under any circumstances whatever, destroy either eggs or young birds. Why should they not be included in the "Royal Society for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals " ? or at least have a close season to prevent the horrible starvation of the little ones? Will any one join in the "Society for the Protection of Squirrels" ? —I am, Sir, &c.,

[We have been unable to find space for numerous other letters received on this subject, nor can we continue the correspondence.—En. Spectator.]