THE PEST OF EATS 29 



filling the space between the sheathing and the 

 lath for about a foot with concrete. 



Bats frequently enter houses from sewers by 

 way of soil-pipes leading into water-closets, but 

 this can be guarded against by care in construc- 

 tion and the use of water-traps. 



"Almost everywhere, in country, village, and city, 

 the wooden floors of sidewalks, areas, and porches 

 are commonly laid upon timbers resting upon the 

 ground. Under these floors rats are safe from most 

 of their enemies. Only municipal action can com- 

 pletely remedy these conditions, but all such rat-har- 

 bors should be destroyed and replaced by cement 

 floors. Considering durability, healthfulness, and 

 other advantages, this material is the cheapest that 

 can be used. The floors of wooden porches should 

 always be well above the ground. Rats often under- 

 mine brick walks or areas. 



"Granaries, corncribs, and poultry-houses may be 

 made rat-proof by a liberal use of concrete in the 

 foundations and floors; or the floors may be of wood 

 resting upon concrete. Objection has been urged 

 against the use of concrete floors for horses, cattle, 

 and poultry, because the material is too good a con- 

 ductor of heat, and the health of the animals suffers 

 from contact with floors of this kind. In poultry- 

 houses, dry soil or sand may be used as a covering 

 for the cement floor; and in stables, a wooden floor 



