18 JUNE 1921, Page 14

SWALLOWS. •

[To THE EDITOR or THE " SPECTATOR."]

Sis,—An almost complete absence .of swallows prevails in North Hants, as in Kent. May the explanation be that the Italians, who, even in peace times destroy large numbers of small birds for the table, have now, under the stress of food shortage, brought about something that approaches the exter- mination of our usual summer visitors ?—I am, Sir, &c.,