4O2 Practical Game Preserving. 



great slope, and even perpendicular walls, it has a peculiar 

 construction of its hinder feet, which it can at will reverse 

 from their ordinary position, and thus be capable of laying 

 hold of any inequalities which may exist, and it can support 

 itself until the fore legs have again obtained a purchase. 

 The reverse of this movement takes place when the rat 

 ascends a perpendicular wall sufficiently uneven to admit 

 of it. Its fleetness, too, when endeavouring to escape, 

 and the consummate agility with which it traverses narrow 

 ridges, and dodges from one spot to another, are great 

 aids to it when attacked by a dog ; while the brave manner 

 in which it defends itself to the very last moment, whether 

 against its canine enemy when captured, or the ferret 

 seeking its destruction within the intricacies of its ramified 

 dwelling, is always worthy of admiration. True, there are 

 rats to be found of cowardly disposition, but they are 

 very few. 



Before considering the means by which rats can be 

 caught and killed, it may be well to remark upon the 

 great advantage the vermin have in a sense of smell of 

 exceeding acuteness, and, moreover, like nearly all other 

 vermin, a great fear of the scent of human beings. In 

 the war of extermination against rats we would, therefore, 

 impress upon anyone so intent the absolute necessity of 

 employing the utmost care. As soon as instinct tells of 

 operations of extent and determination against them, 

 rats become extremely wary, and, before commencing 

 the employment of traps and poisons, some means should be 

 adopted at short intervals to clear off the ringleaders, 

 and thus leave the rabble without guides or advisers. 



