The Audubon Societies 123 
a house pet lapses so quickly to the wild that it can never be said that it has 
become perfectly domesticated. 
Allowing for facts—the cat as a rodent catcher, and for sentiment —the com- 
fortable-looking ‘fireside sphinx,’ much can be done in the cat question without 
interfering with pussy’s real or fancied usefulness. 
First, the destruction by local law of ownerless cats, or cats whose owners 
decline the responsibility of feeding them. 
Second, the confinement of pet cats during the time between May 1 and July 1, 
in large and comfortable cages made of slats and wire, like covered chicken runs. 
In fact I know of one clever man who constructed such a run at one side of his 
strawberry bed, thus protecting his crop from the Robins and Catbirds, and 
their young from the cat, at one blow. 
Of course, this caging takes thought and involves considerable extra trouble; 
and there are a lot of us who mean well and wish the birds well, but it begins and 
ends there, for many places besides the one originally mentioned in the proverb 
are paved with good intentions! 
After the nesting season is over, the cat may be released, and the adult birds 
can take their chances. Mind you, I say the cat, not three cats, their kittens, 
and a few more that an irresponsible neighbor has left on your stoop, because she 
was ‘too sensitive’ to have them drowned, and she knew you to be tender- 
hearted. 
Moderation is always a virtue, but moderation in cats may be regarded as 
patriotism, as the domestic cat is really an alien who can never be truly naturalized. 
—M. O. W. 
“On the home grounds from seventy-five toa hundred nests were built 
every spring, and the broods therein successfully reared for the birds were care- . 
fully protected. Cats, Hawks, Crows, Jays and snakes were summarily dealt 
with ; every note of alarm was promptly answered with an efficient rescue, and 
all the spring and early summer the air was filled with the melody of happy 
birds.’’ 
—Minor’s LAND AND GAME BirDs oF NEw ENGLAND, 
EDITED BY WM. BREWSTER 
John Burroughs says that cats probably destroy more birds than all other 
animals combined. 
“We have already introduced into this country a terrible scourge to birds— 
the domestic cat. My statement heretofore published, that the mature cat, in 
good hunting grounds, kills on an average, fifty birds a year, is certainly within 
bounds.” 
—EpDWARD Hower ForsusH. 
