Ground Vermin Rats in Farm Buildings. 403 



There are everywhere a certain number of rats which, 

 it will be noticed, on careful observation, are more daring, 

 crafty, and agile than the rest, and are apparently the 

 first to commence mischief in every direction. Now, before 

 attempting the destruction of any number of rats, we need 

 scarcely point out that if one be not already in possession 

 of one or more good rat dogs, endeavours should be made 

 to obtain a "tyke" of surpassing excellence as far as 

 these vermin are concerned, without reference to outside 

 looks or trueness of breed. Not that there are not good 

 well-bred dogs ; but what we mean is that gameness and 

 an "idea for a rat" should be the first and only 

 consideration. 



The destruction of rats in and about outbuildings, corn- 

 ricks, &c., can be commenced by going round every evening 

 once or twice. Each building may be visited in turn, the 

 door being first of all quietly unfastened, and a dog let 

 in suddenly to take his chance of any being on the 

 ground, while the man should be provided with a stick 

 and also (we should advise, and generally carry) a bullseye 

 lantern, with a strong light, by which one can notice 

 any rats going up the corners of the wall, or which may 

 be lying still, as they often do when suddenly confronted 

 with danger, when they should immediately receive a 

 quietly given, well-directed blow. Rushing about ard 

 'indiscriminate hitting are of no avail. In granaries and 

 barns infested with rats the vermin often liave a regular 

 track up and down the corners of the walls, and, in order 

 to prevent the number escaping which are otherwise 

 certain to do so, some small pieces of board, about a foot 



