12 PUFFINS AND RATS 



representing the numbers of mutton-birds landed in 

 that port during the last five seasons, namely : 



1904, . . 379,804 



1905, . . 459,094 



1907, . . 572,671 



1908, , . 636,592 



1906, . . 493,777 



It will be noted how rapidly progressive these figures 

 are, and how impossible it is that any species, however 

 prolific, can survive long such wholesale destruction at 

 the most critical period of their existence. Luckily, 

 the Tasmanian Government is fully apprised of the 

 commercial importance of mutton-birds. Reserves 

 have already been established; licences have been 

 imposed for killing the birds, and further measures of 

 restriction are in contemplation. It is said, also, that 

 probably an attempt will be made to restore the old 

 and exhausted colonies in Bass's Strait. 



Seeing how practicable it is for man to wipe out 

 whole races of innocuous and desirable creatures, it is 

 surely greatly to be wished that efforts should be concen- 

 trated upon the extermination of hurtful and unclean 

 animals. Sir James Crichton Browne and others have 

 proclaimed (1909), and are endeavouring to organise, a 

 most laudable crusade against rats. More power to 

 them ! Our insular position gives us an advantage 

 against these most undesirable aliens; and although 

 homeward-bound ships will continue to replenish the 

 race, it should be quite possible to rid ourselves, at all 

 events, of the unclean hordes which we have allowed to 

 pollute our dwellings and impoverish our stores. 



We have grown so accustomed to the presence of 

 these detestable rodents that most people, if they ever 



