6 JANUARY 1917, Page 24

OWLS AND CATS.

[To TEE Enrroa or S8a " Seseraroa."] SIR, With reference to your note of December 16th, the beet guardians of our grain supply are owls and cats. The owl, though known as " the farmer's best friend," is still scandalously persecuted. Let all see that the law which protects it is enforced. An examination of seven hundred and six " casts " of the barn owl showed the remains of two hundred and thirty-seven mice and six hundred and ninety-three voles, besides, other small creatures. May I be allowed to point out that it is a mistake to suppose that " cats to be good ratters and mousers require to be half starved " P Half-starved cats lose their keen sense of smell, which they need in hunting, and have not sufficient strength for the work. In a corn and meal merchant's shop where two or three cats are kept for business purposes the cats may be seen feeding at will from the open sacks.—I am, Sir, &c.,