No. 4.] RATS AND RAT RIDDANCE. 231 



to a cheese scoop, and a piece approximately the size of a hazel- 

 nut is placed in each hole or rat-run, in such manner as to be 

 thoroughly concealed from the observation of any person or 

 animal except the rat which uses the hole or run. 



The glycerine keeps the paste moist and in a fresh condition 

 practically indefinitely, and it was not unusual to learn of dead 

 rats being found in a vicinity where poison had been placed 

 three or four weeks prior to the discovery of the dead animals. 



Probably this is one of the most deadly arsenical mixtures 

 ever invented, but if rats do not take it one of the others least 

 resembling it should be tried. Where they will take no arseni- 

 cal mixture, as is sometimes the case, other poisons may be 

 resorted to. It will be noticed that the percentage of arsenic 

 in the above mixtures varies greatly. My own opinion is that 

 where the quantity of arsenic is less than 8 or 10 per cent of 

 the whole, the arsenic content should be increased to secure the 

 best results. 



Prepared arsenic: sometimes rats appear to be suspicious of 

 arsenic in its ordinary form and will not touch it. John Mayer, 

 an honest old gamekeeper, recommends prepared arsenic, to be 

 used as follows: he takes a pound of fine malt, mixes in three 

 drops of oil of rhodium, two ounces of sugar, eight cloves and 

 a tablespoonful of caraway seeds, beating all fine in a mortar. 

 This is put out in small quantities, until rats take it freely. 

 Then the arsenic is dissolved by pouring muriatic acid upon it 

 and mixed with the bait.^ The effect, of muriatic acid is to 

 reduce the arsenic and make its action quicker. Hence, a 

 large percentage of arsenic should be used, that the rat may be 

 fatally poisoned before the symptoms alarm it. The acid, 

 having dissolved the arsenic, evaporates, leaving the arsenic as a 

 fine powder. 



Strychnine {Strychnia sulyhate) . — Strychnine has given re- 

 sults in practical experiments and is a very effective poison, 

 but should never be used in a dwelling except where the rats 

 cannot get into the walls, as the action of strychnine is very 

 rapid. As compared with arsenic it is expensive, but is so 

 quick and deadly in its action that a very small quantity will 

 do the work of a much larger dose of arsenic. Its great draw- 



> Mayer, John, The Sportsmen's Directory, 1845, p. 148. 



