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The Agriculture Commission is authorized to facilitate and regulate agriculture and hunting in Schulmania. The commission also maintains two organizations: the Seed Defense Initiative (SDI) and the Catnip Comptroller’s Office (CCO). Maintaining hunting grounds and establishing limits on small animal hunting are essential functions of the Commission to preserve this essential food source for future generations. |
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The Seed Defense Initiative
Zelgadis Junior, head of the Agriculture Commission, has become increasingly concerned over the loss of valuable seeds by squirrel poachers. The seeds are used for crops and for feeding birds, an important component of the Schulminion diet. A troubling uptick in seed losses began to reduce the flocks of birds in Schulmania as well as reduce agricultural yields. A first line of defense came from the installation of “squirrel proof” bird feeders. These lasted for a while before wily squirrels changed their strategy and brought the feeders crashing to the ground. After several attempts at squirrel proof bird feeders had failed, the Agriculture Commission called in technological experts from Robinia College and VAN Enterprises to develop a new, high tech solution to the seed loss and the resulting flock and crop losses. The resulting invention is a new bird feeder which allows birds to feed and will rotate the perch when a squirrel steps on it, spinning him off but not the birds. How can it be? The perch is calibrated to allow the weight of several birds to perch on it but the weight of just a single squirrel will set the gears in motion and start the perch to spinning.
Zelgadis Junior has been very happy with the prototype and has ordered them for use across the nation. Installation started in Schulmanicus and Gran Maru and will continue nationwide until all seed is protected. Catnip Comptroller’s Office
The Catnip Comptroller’s Office (CCO) regulated the production and distribution of catnip in Schulmania. Catnip is used as the basis for most medicines and is also used for teas and food seasoning, in addition to being the national flower of the nation. Over time, though, there have been instances of catnip overuse. To help ensure that the catnip supply is maintained and that it is used properly, the CCO maintains high standards for catnip destined for pharmaceutical use as well as for consumption. |
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A Word About Catnip...
Although the exact nature of the reaction is not yet fully understood, it is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the feline response. Apparently, it kicks off a response in cats that are sensitive to the chemical. Some scientists believe the catnip oil impacts the cat’s chemical receptors for feline pheromones. The catnip reaction is inherited, and some 20-30% of cats are totally unaffected by it. Large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it as well. The reaction to catnip only lasts a few minutes. Then the cat acclimates to it, and it can take an hour or two away from catnip for the cat to "reset." Then, the same reaction can occur again. Very young kittens and older cats seem less likely to have a reaction to catnip.
Catnip is non-addictive and non-toxic. |
