I was reading about Barbet Mistral in Finland, who just a few days ago, bravely caught the mink that had killed some pheasants. We don't have a problem with mink as far as I am aware in London, but we do have other unwanted visitors, the Chinese Mitten Crab. The first time we saw these we could hardly believe it, they were on our road, stuck, they couldn't get up the kerb. Great big massive things with furry mittens, that rear up when you get too close. Scary! We have American Crayfish too, but at least they stay in the water!
Of course, the Barbet and the Crayfish go back an awful long way, to the famous Franciscian Friars in Etampes, France. This Barbet was sent to lie in the river and pretend to be dead, the crayfish came to nibble him and become entangled in his wool, then up he would get and return the goodies to the Friars. He was quite a tourist attraction, even Sir John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall, went to see this incredible Barbet.
Of course, the Barbet and the Crayfish go back an awful long way, to the famous Franciscian Friars in Etampes, France. This Barbet was sent to lie in the river and pretend to be dead, the crayfish came to nibble him and become entangled in his wool, then up he would get and return the goodies to the Friars. He was quite a tourist attraction, even Sir John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall, went to see this incredible Barbet.