4 APRIL 1925, Page 31

SPRING AND AUTUMN CATS

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—When I was talking to my gardener this morning as to the inactivity of a cat in catching mice he said, " Oh, well, sir, that's an autumn kitten, so, of course, it's no good, but this one is a spring kitten and will soon clear them out when she gets bigger." Can any of your readers say if they have ever heard of this belief before ? My gardener is certain that it is a fact ! Does the same belief apply to dog puppies and rats ?—I am, Sir, &c., PIIILIP DUMAS,

Vice-Admiral.

Buckland Cop, Betchzvorth, Surrey, March 28th.