130 The Natural Historg 



dry and secure from the violence of the Weather. It has a 

 Cod of Musk that is very valuable, so is it's fine Furr. It is 

 the Opinion of many in these parts, that this Animal lives 

 mostly on Fish. 



The Marsh-Rat, so called from its frequenting the Marshes ; 

 it differs from the former, being less and of a darker colour, 

 but is more Hairy and larger than the common House-Rat. 

 It is a very destructive and mischievous Animal, especially 

 to Corn, and all manner of Fruits ; of vrhat use it may be in 

 Physick, is uncertain. 



The Water-Rat is found here the same as in England, and 

 other parts of Europe, the Water-Snahes frequently devour 

 these Rats, for I have killed several of these Snakes and 

 found these Rats in their Bellies ; they feed upon little small 

 Fish and Water-Insects that they meet with in Rivers and 

 Ponds of fresh Waters. 



The House-Rats are the same here as in Europe, and in 

 great plenty all over this Province, and as mischievous in 

 these parts, as in any part of the World, destroying Corn, 

 Fruit, and many other things. The Tail of this Animal is 

 Poysonous, and frequently kills Cats that eat it: The Urin 

 falling upon the bare Skin, causeth the Flesh to rot even to 

 the Bones, if there be not good care taken to prevent it, by a 

 speedy Cure, yet the Fat is of excellent use against the 

 Palsie. 



The Moles in this Province are of the same sort as those 

 to be met with in England and other Places, but are not 

 plenty here, being destroyed by Snakes, and several other 

 kinds of Vermine, which this Country produces in gToat 

 abundance. Many are the Virtues ascribed to this little 

 Animal, such as curing the King's-Evil, Gout, Leprosic, and 

 Fistulas, the Ashes being outwardly apjilied, and inwardly 

 drank in Wine for several days. Th(» fresli Blood put on 



bald 



