Ground Vermin Lures for Rats. 407 



and in the inhalation of which the vermin appear to delight. 

 It is difficult to lure them with food in the first instance, 

 and, consequently, if we would put them off their natural 

 caution, something penetrating in its effects and unknown 

 to them, but at the same time agreeable to their sense of 

 smell, must be employed. Two favourite scents of rats are 

 oil of aniseed and essence of musk, both powerful and not 

 objectionable as far as we are concerned. Many others, 

 more or less fanciful, are recommended, as well as mixtures 

 of several essential oils. However, the two mentioned are 

 very efficacious and not at all expensive. A few drops of 

 either should be allowed to fall on some rag or cloth, 

 sacking if possible, in the neighbourhood of the rats' 

 haunts, until it is thoroughly impregnated with the odour, 

 when it should be left in proximity to some good rat holes 

 good as affording a free supply of the vermin. Neither 

 the hands nor any part of the human body should be 

 allowed to come in contact with the lure, except these be 

 first deprived of their scent by rubbing well with oatmeal 

 over which aniseed oil has been previously sprinkled, the 

 repetition of which at intervals obviates any chance of 

 rats discovering the smell. 



The effect of these " draws " is to entice the rats to 

 them night after night, when, after due time, one can com- 

 mence tq^eed them on the same spots, and their becoming 

 familiarised will lead them to the consumption of such 

 delicacies as one may provide in the shape of tallow, cheese, 

 meat, and the like. In time, when these are nightly con- 

 sumed, poison may be substituted, or the dainties may 



furnish the tempting morsel to entice the now unsuspecting 



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