222 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



lets go the string and the trapdoor closes of its own weight. 

 Then he enters with a light and no rat escapes. A box may 

 be set near the wall and as the rats run behind it it is pushed 

 hard against the wall. This is one of the best traps known. 



Rat Poisons and Poisoning. 

 Poison skillfully and scientifically administered will destroy 

 or drive away rats. Where rats are numerous, poisons are 

 much more economical of time and money than traps, but 

 rarely more effective, and the use of poisons is dangerous and 

 generally cannot be recommended. I have used them only in 

 the experiments conducted by the Massachusetts State Board 

 of Agriculture, never having found poisoning necessary on my 

 own premises. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the dangerous 

 character of rat poisons, people will continue to use them, for 

 scattering poisons involves less trouble and expense than setting 

 traps. Therefore, directions for the use of poisons are given 

 below, but with repeated warnings against carelessness. 



There is always some element of danger to man and domestic 

 animals, and often to wild birds and mammals, when poison is 

 CAUTION used. All poisons should be carefully and con- 

 spicuously labeled (see cut). They should be kept 

 far from the medicine closet or the pantry, and 

 should be locked up or hidden where children, 

 servants and fools cannot get at them. 



It is necessary here to point out in detail many 

 POISON. . , . , • 1 , 1 • • 



ways in which accidental poisoning may occur. 



Cats or dogs may eat poisoned rats, with deplorable results. 



Where poisoned meat, bread, fats or cereals are used, they 



may be eaten by children and dogs, cats, poultry, etc. Where 



poisoned grain is exposed out of doors wild birds and poultry 



may be endangered. Poultry, dogs, cats, pigs and calves have 



been poisoned fatally, while children and adults have been 



poisoned either unintentionally or purposely when rat poison has 



been left incautiously about the house. Wherever poison is used 



about dwellings every care should be observed to cover securely 



water, milk or any beverage. As poison "drives rats to 



drink" after they have partaken of poison they drink whatever 



liquid comes in their way. If nauseated by the poison they 



