JU{( )\\ N K A'l'— J//Ay Jh'cumanus. 



TiiK RooKNTs, or gnawing animals, derive tlicir name iVom tlie })cculiai 

 structure of tlieir tectli, which are specially titted for «rnawinj,' their way through 

 liard substances. 



The two front teeth of each jaw are edged like chills, and are so formed that 

 as fast as they are worn away in front, they grow from ])ehind. 



Few animals are so well known or so thoroughly detested as the common Brown 

 Rat, or Norway Rat, as it is sometimes erroneously called. 



Wherever they set their feet, the Brown Rats take up their ahode ; and being 

 singularly prolitic aninuds, soon establish themselves in perpetuity. They are 

 marvellous exterminators of other "vermin," and permit none but themselves to 

 be in possession of the domain which tluy have chosen. It is a well-known fact 

 that they have driven away the black English Rat, and established themselves in 

 its place with wonderful rapidity. 



There is scarcely a greater j)lague to the farmer, butcher, sailor, provision 

 merchant, or poultry keeper, than the Rat, whose miiiglcd craft, daring, and 

 perpetual hunger re(|uire the greatest watchfulness and the most elaborate 

 precaution. Tlie havoc which an army of Rats will make among the corn- 

 ricks is almost incredible, while they Ccorry on their depredation with so much 

 secrecy that an unpractised eye would take the stacks to be sound and 

 unharmed. 



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