17 FEBRUARY 1950, Page 14

Protective Man A pretty little story of an animal seeking

sanctuary comes to me from a country rectory. The rector, standing by the front door of his Sussex house, heard his terrier giving tongue, and presently round a corner of the drive appeared a small rabbit closely followed by the dog. The rabbit was in a dilemma but quickly made up its mind, and running straight to the rector, stood up between his feet. He at once picked it up and eventually enlarged it in a safe place. This acceptance of man as a last resort in time of trouble has been witnessed to, most surprisingly, by many mammals and not a few birds ; and, considering our reputation, is not easily explained.