96 FERRET FACTS AND FANCIES. 



ever rat signs are most plentiful and you are apt 

 to hear rats squeal. Be on the watch with club 

 or dog and kill as they come out. Rats run for 

 their lives as soon as a ferret approaches but if 

 no other outlet will turn and fight savagely. A 

 single rat is no match for an old or experienced 

 ferret. Rats are very cautious and will not stay 

 about a place where ferrets are kept and worked. 

 Ferrets have a peculiar and strong odor or smell 

 that is very objectionable to rats generally caus- 

 ing them to soon leave. 



The small sized ferrets are best for rat hunt- 

 ing, as the large ones can't get into the holes as 

 readily, and in some not at all. Most of the old 

 rats will get out of the way, unless several fer- 

 rets are being used, but all young will be killed 

 by the ferrets while ^^ferreting" out the dens. 

 Rats are usually found where there are more 

 than one entrance, or way to escape from their 

 den, so that one ferret has difficult work in 

 catching many of the old or full grown. Where 

 rats are numerous it is policy to use several fer- 

 rets for then the rats not caught will be run 

 from their dens and hiding places. Men and 

 good dogs ( not too mau}^ ) can be of much assist- 

 ance in killing and catching as the ferrets chase 

 them out. It is said that a ferret put in a cellar 

 where there are rats will rid the place of the 



