From the October 29, 1932, issue
By Science News
THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT RIVALS AT MOUSE-CATCHING
One of the favorite riddles of childhood was, “Spell ‘mousetrap’ in three letters”; and the answer was “C-A-T.” With even more appropriateness, the answer might have been “O-W-L,” for the Owl is an even better mousetrap than the Pussycat, besides being somewhat more restrained in the matter of midnight serenades and not addicted to messing up the place with frequent litters of kittens. Mankind might well look upon owls as special gifts of Providence for the abatement of mice. Owls, on the other hand, might consider men as special gifts of Providence for the building of barns to live in and the cultivation of grain crops to ensure an abundant supply of mice. It all depends on the point of view.