394 Practical Game Preserving. 



ingly plentiful, and although rarely noticed, it is still occa- 

 sionally found in odd places. Its name is due to the difference 

 in colour from the common one, its fur "being of a uniform 

 greyish black. In appearance it bears some resemblance 

 to the mouse, the nose being long and taper, while the 

 upper jaw projects considerably above the lower one, 

 and is provided with a large number of long black hairs, 

 which protrude through the regular fur. In size it is 

 about one-third less than the better known rat, and although 

 fierce and daring enough in its nature, it stands but a 

 poor chance against the greater strength of its con- 

 geners. Various opinions have been given as to the 

 probable source whence this scourge came to these islands, 

 but the question remains at much the same point as 

 when first broached, authorities agreeing only that it is not 

 indigenous. 



The black rat breeds many times a year, the number 

 differing in individuals, while from six to ten are brought 

 forth at a birth. During the breeding season very violent 

 combats, often ending in death, take place between the 

 males, and the noise made by the little animals when thus 

 engaged is very surprising. The young are born with 

 closed eyes and totally devoid of any hair or covering. 

 The habits of the black rat are similar to those of the 

 brown rat, and being very nearly extinct, they need no 

 more than a cursory notice. The skins are considered 

 of some value, and rat-catchers accordingly make short 

 work of any colony which they may come across. Although 

 it has nearly died out in this country, it still swarms in 

 many others ; but wherever the brown one is introduced, 



