In my recent post about training ferrets to be mine-sniffers and diggers, I should have mentioned the un-totaled number of mines still buried in lands ravaged by earlier wars Uncleared mine fields render the land useless for agriculture and other uses, as if it were fallow, but with a bang ... or two ... or three, etc, etc, etc. I was reminded of this from a gracious reader as follows: I never know when you are serious or joking, but your idea for mine-sniffing ferrets sounds intriguing. Everyone knows (or at least the media tells us) that there are still unexploded mines in several countries long after the wars have ended. It would be great to start in those countries to get rid of the existing mines before moving to active military zones. That might make an interesting story element, if I were to ever write a war story. I'll have to give it some thought. I wonder if it has already been used somewhere? Thanks to the reader for the added reminder. Edward Lipinski I know you believe you understood what you think I said; however, I'm not sure you realize that what I think you read is not what I meant. Lottie Calvert Matson [Posted in FML 6467]