The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1909-11-05

man. Most species rarely, and many Of them
never, attack poultry. In the Nevada valleys
all species of hawks and owls are distinctly
beneficial, and here rigorous protection cannot
be too strongly advocated.
Among mammals the weasel and the skunk
are especially worthy Of protection. They are
most persistent enemies Of mice, and are less
likely to be driven out by civilization than are
other mammals. When particular individuals
raid poultry houses It may be necessary to
destroy them, though usually 1t is easy to
make such houses proof against their attacks.
Far from being a menace they are generally
most beneficial mammals and, living. are
worth many times the value Of their pelts.
1t is gratifying to note that In many local.
ties the people are learning to appreciate these
natural enemies of rodent pests, for even more
important than legislation for the protection Of
valuable birds and animals is the recognition
of their services by the farmers.
In Nevada it was noticed that hawks and
owls hunted chiefly in fields near the few plan
tations of large trees to be found in the val
leys. Beneath these trees the ground was
fairly carpeted by disgorged pellets of fur and
bones. representing thousands of mice. While
certain species of hawks seldom frequent
trees. others habitually perch in them. notably
the large rough-leg. Swanson, and red-tail.
which were the most abundant and persistent
mousers
1t was estimated that during the height of
the outbreak birds and mammals destroyed
some $4,000 mice daily. Although their COM
bined assaults unaided did not suffice to abate
the plague, yet when the number of mice was
reduced by poison. and long before 1t ap-
preached the normal. they were able not only
to prevent increase. but to cause a rapid de-
cline. which continued until the mice became
SO scarce that the predatory birds and man.
mails were forced to scatter and look else
where for food. 1t is fair to infer that had
these friends of the farmer been protected in
the beginning they would have been able from
the hrst to hold the mice In check. preventing
the abnormal increase that there would
have been no plague.
The mouse which produced the plague in Ne
vada locally known as black mouse" Is the
Carson field mouse (microtus montanus), one
of the numerous species Of shorttaied field
mice or meadow mice, group which has
caused widespread destruction In various parts
of the world. This field mouse is rather Vide
ly distributed in the valleys of Utah. Nevada,
northeastern California and eastern Oregon
In nearly all parts of the United States short.
tailed field mice are among the most abun-
dant of mammals, and a number of species in
widely separated localities have occasionally
exhibited the same tendency to excessive in
crease. indicating that favoring conditions may
produce mouse plaques wherever the mice ex-
list. Even when in small numbers they de-
stroy considerable clover and alfalfa and in.
jure orchards, nurseries and root crops
This is the first recorded instance Of an irrup-
ton of field mice in North America attaining
the proportions of a plague The experience
indicates the probability of future and even
more disastrous outbreaks. In the extensive
reclaimed areas of the west the abundant food
and luxurious cover furnished by alfalf. neid.
and the miles of irrigation bitches. which af
ford these mice suitable homes along their
banks. greatly favor their increase, while sur
rounding desert conditions limit the spread Of
msce bsyood the cultivated arSsA