6 APRIL 1929, Page 14

THE MUNTJAC.

The mystery of an unidentified animal seen from time to time on a Hertfordshire estate has been solved, at least in all probability. The " fox with kind eyes " is thought to be a muntjac, or small Eastern deer escaped from a great park in the next county. The furtive skill of such an animal which can avoid detection for months at a time in a populous county with no large woods is altogether amazing. The country contains perhaps more mammals than is generally believed. The wild eat, thought to be extinct, has returned in some force. The black rat, according to evidence of the last few weeks, is quite common on some small streams. Is it possible that after all the extermination of the pole cat and ermine has been " much exaggerated " ?