200 LLOYD S NATURAL HISTORY. 



apart, which was effected by tilting the biscuit. What is equally 

 noteworthy in this case, is the circumstance that after one of 

 these Rats had in vain attempted the task single-handed, he left 

 it, and soon returned accompanied by a comrade, thus showing 

 that these animals have some rapid means of communicating 

 their ideas. 



In addition to the various kinds of provender above 

 mentioned, the Brown Rat will also eat snails — both land and 

 fresh-water; the debris which it leaves of the latter being 

 generally considered as the work of the Water-Vole. An 

 instance is also on record of a Rat entering the water and 

 dragging forth with some difficulty a young Eel. That these 

 animals are likewise chargeable with cannibalism is probably 

 well known to most persons living in the country, as it is a 

 common occurrence for one caught in a trap to be set upon 

 and devoured by its companions. Mr. Trevor-Battye ob- 

 serves : — " When Frogs are spawning, the Rat is fond of 

 catching them, and eating the contents of their insides. A 

 heap of dead Frogs, all treated in this way, may often be found 

 at a Brown Rat's favourite resting-place by the side of a pond." 



With regard to the damage caused by the Rat to game- 

 preservers, Mr. Harting, after many years' practical experience, 

 is of opinion that not only is this animal one of their worst 

 enemies, but is likewise very frequently the means of bringing 

 unoffending creatures to death. " He is a great devourer ot 

 Pheasants' food (to say nothing of young Pheasants), and when 

 the latter are gathered under the foster-hen at sundown, the 

 Rat may be seen issuing stealthily into the grass-ride, where 

 the food has been scattered, helping himself to all he can 

 find. This is the opportunity for the Brown Owl to render 

 important service. Gliding off the low branch of a tree in the 

 direction of the Pheasant-coops, the bird swiftly and noise- 

 lessly approaches, and a Rat is carried off ere he has time to 



