93 



Rats and mice are even more dangerous to birds than is generally 

 supposed. The first especially not only destroy the nests of many 

 birds that breed on the ground, especially water-birds, but they climb 

 the highest trees to reach the nests and nest-boxes, and kill the birds 

 and their broods. A whole family of five rats was found and killed 

 by me in a box hanging thirteen feet high on a tree. 



The usual poisons and traps are an unsatisfactory way of combating 

 this evil. In ratin we have a remedy which offers a sure means of 

 destruction for rats ; and does not injure our domestic animals, while 

 if we spread sufficient it will have a fatal effect on all the rats. Loffler's 

 mouse typhus bacillus is to be specially recommended against mice. 



The weasel is the most harmful of vermin, and the sparrow-hawk 

 of the predatory birds, for he carries on his trade as robber with great 

 boldness and skill. 



The buzzard and the kestrel are quite harmless. The latter breeds 

 in the midst of the shelter- woods at Seebach, the former in a wood 

 which is full of nesting-boxes. 



The jay is particularly harmful because it is thoroughly conscientious 

 in searching every bush and tree for birds and their broods. 

 Unfortunately, the amusing squirrel does the same, and unfortunately 

 also, he likes to attack the larger nesting-boxes. In order to prevent 

 mistaken ideas, I think it advisable to refer once more to what was 

 said on pp. 91, 92. Neither Baron von Berlepsch nor I desire to exter- 

 minate any animal ; but everybody must acknowledge that certain 

 creatures, such as squirrels and jays, can increase to such an extent 

 under favourable circumstances that they fully control a district, 

 and scarcely any singing bird can escape them. Man must interfere 

 and regulate matters. Unfortunately, the influence of civilization is so 

 strong, that Nature is not always able to right matters everywhere. 

 Therefore we must assert that, in order to restore the balance of Nature 

 destroyed by man, we must to a certain extent interfere with the life of 

 animals, always keeping within well-considered and moderate limits. 



As the enemies of birds differ in various localities, in number and 

 species, and hence in importance, the hints given here can merely serve 

 as a guide, and everyone must be governed by the conditions existing 

 in his particular neighbourhood. 



