A neighbour of mine has this year lost most of
his tulip bulbs to mice or field voles ; and all of us have found the attacks of birds on fruit-tree buds extensive beyond recollec- tion. To begin with the birds, spraying with nicotine is thoroughly effective, but it is a dangerous remedy, and in its stead some of the standard insecticides, such as Abol, prove effective, especially if mixed with a little, a very little paraffin. Rats and mice do not like such sprays or soot, which, of course, is a good manure. Lime also discourages them ; but nothing in general use is specific, and rats are so clever that they may ultimately discover the connexion between the intended deterrent and the congenial food. So some foxes are said to have been made aware of partridge nests by the defensive chemical put round them by a keeper.
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