THE RAT KIND. 157 



THE KANGAROO RAT 



Is a native of the same country, and may be regarded as an 

 epitome of the above-described animal, which it exactly resem- 

 bles in its construction, and differs from it only in size, being no 

 bigger than a rabbit : it lives on vegetables, and burrows in the 

 ground. 



It is worthy of observation, that the Kangaroo is the only quad- 

 ruped that is good for food, yet discovered in the country of which 

 it is a native ; this circumstance, however, may lead us to ob- 

 serve, that such is the diffusive goodness of the Creator, and such 

 his providential care in providing for the support of man, that 

 every country yet known produces some supply of animal, as 

 well as vegetable sustenance. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

 THE RAT KIND. 



..... ........ " The savage rat, 



When tam'd and taught, to gazing crowds is shown." 



WE shall now make a transition from an agreeable and in- 

 offensive species of animals, to another of more noxious propen- 

 sities, which, notwithstanding their diminutive size, are capable 

 of giving us much trouble, and serve to show that the Author of 

 Nature can produce inconveniences as well as benefits to man- 

 kind, by the slenderest means. Of this truth we may find suffi- 

 cient demonstrations in taking a view of the Rat kind. 



THE GREAT RAT 



Is an animal well known in England, although supposed to 

 have come originally from Norway. From whatever country it 

 came, or by whatever means it was introduced, it has been found 

 impossible to expel this formidable invader. Before the arrival 

 of this troublesome stranger, England was infested with the 

 black rat, which was much less injurious than its rival ; but the 

 species is now almost extinct; being nearly extirpated by the 

 Norway rat, which is much superior in strength, voraciousness, 

 and ferocity. The latter, which is now universally diffused 

 throughout the country, is about nine inches long, of a grey co- 

 lour, and the throat and belly of a dirty white : its tail is as long 

 as its body, and nearly destitute of hair. 



Though small, weak, and contemptible in its appearance, it is 

 a more formidable enemy to mankind than those that possess the 



O 



