C. L. Walton 19 



killed on their farms. A liver containing a very considerable number 

 of flukes was sent me from Mid-Pembrokeshire in 1913. 



The distribution of the Polecat {Mustela putorius), which is by no 

 means uncommon in North Cardiganshire, seems to be largely governed 

 by that of the rabbit, upon which it largely preys. The polecat is 

 now and again responsible for some loss to poultry keepers. I conclude 

 therefore that foxes are over abundant in the area, and, as elsewhere, 

 are a needless source of loss to sheep farmers and poultry keepers. 

 In rough country it is always difficult for the hunt, however well in- 

 tentioned, to kill all troublesome foxes, and the more their numbers 

 increase the greater becomes the difficulty of the chase. The present 

 over abundance will doubtless, to some extent, be dealt with by the 

 sufferers. As regards the dog problem, although sheep farmers claim 

 that large numbers are needful in order to work their widely-ranging 

 flocks, I nevertheless consider that a diminution in their number, 

 coupled with a greater control and better feeding and attention in some 

 cases, would result in a reduction of trouble, and also in the number of 

 young sheep suffering from "Gid." There will probably always remain 

 enough foxes to provide sport for the hunting people. 



Rabbits again could with advantage be reduced in numbers in 

 certain districts, and land given up to them utilized to better purposes. 

 On the whole they can usually be readily controlled within the area 

 under consideration. 



A general account of the Mammals of North Cardiganshire will be 

 found in a paper by Mr F. S. Wright, in the Zoologist for September, 1916. 



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