CHAPTER XI . 
SUPPRESSION OF RODENTS AS PESTS 
InTEREsTING and beautiful as most of the 
rodents may be regarded, and beneficial to 
mankind in much of their work, there are un- 
doubtedly many times and places when, owing 
to their excessive numbers and activity, they 
constitute a serious nuisance and must be sup- 
pressed. 
Foolish destruction of rodents’ enemies. 
Prominent among the recognized causes for the 
great increase of rodent pests in recent years 
is the persistent destruction of the birds, mam- 
mals, and snakes that habitually prey upon 
them. Even farmers have joined in the war- 
fare against the so-called ‘‘vermin,’’ and too 
often have sought to get ill-advised legislation 
against mammals and birds that are beneficial. 
Among the wild mammals of North Amer- 
ica known to feed upon field-mice and their 
burrowing relatives are bears, wolves, foxes, 
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