[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] Sut,—Dog equilibrium upset? Of
all things and beings only a certain quantity is wanted. This applies to dogs as well as to human beings, whatever their race or quality. If one had to meet at every street corner a talkative or impetuous prophet—say H. G. Wells or Bernard Shaw—the number of murders would increase rapidly, and the Dean of St. Paul' might classify the phenomenon as a just or even a holy war.
Undoubtedly some areas are overstocked with dogs. An alteration in the machinery of dog licensing may prove help- ful. The problem is a local one, not national. In Finland dog licences are issued by the municipal authorities, and the fee varies. In Viipuri (Viborg), a town of about roo,000 in- habitants, they charge as., which is a good deal compared with the 7s. 6d. in England. The dog is registered and provided with a brass number, reminding one of the Tail- Waggers Club. No distinction is made between luxury dogs and watch dogs. Considering the wide expanse of the place and the long winter nights, this seems unjustified.
There can be no doubt that the idea that every pram needs a dog will some day have to be fought in some way or other.
[We cannot continue this correspondence.—En.. The Spectator.]
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