CLASS MAMMALIA. 63 



tion is that common to muddy seashores, and there is no 

 fresh water, even the little pools and puddles being salt. It 

 is possible that the rats may feed on some of the salt plants, 

 on shell-fish and crustaceans, or on animal or fish refuse 

 thrown up by the tide ; but it is difficult to conceive how 

 such a thirsty animal finds a substitute for fresh water. 

 There are also many colonies among the stones covering the 

 face of the sea-walls. These will, of consequence, fare better, 

 as there will be within reach plenty of vegetable products 

 suited to their wants, as well as fresh water in any quantity. 



Rat colonies may often be found also on the sides of 

 ponds and marsh ditches ; for this rat takes to water, swims, 

 and dives almost as freely as the Water Vole. In many 

 instances, where the Water Vole is blamed for the destruc- 

 tion of young ducks, chickens, game, or eggs, the real offender 

 is this waterside Hanoverian Rat. 



Few animals fight more desperately for life when driven into 

 a corner. All fear then seems entirely to forsake the ferocious 

 little beast, which appears determined to sell its life as dearly 

 as possible. Few of its natural enemies will attack the 

 Hanoverian Rat under these circumstances. I have never 

 seen cats even attempt it. They prefer to seize the rat 

 whilst running ; and in doing this, almost every cat has its own 

 peculiar method. One, I remember, always turned the rat 

 over on its back with her foot, caught it by the throat, and at 

 the same time fell on her side, and gave one violent kick. 

 The result was immediate death to the unfortunate rat. 

 Other cats throw them over their heads after having bitten 

 them through the heart ; others, again, simply hold them in 

 their mouths until the rats are dead. But, in whatsoever way 

 the cat seizes them, she always takes care to avoid their 

 formidable incisor teeth, while at the same time she drives 

 her canines into some vital spot. The town rat is very 



