428 SOME FOUR-FOOTED PESTS OF THE FARM 



or other animals from being killed. Early spring, before the breed- 

 ing season, is the best time for poisoning. Hundreds of field mice 

 have been killed by poisoned bait placed in frequented locations. 

 Of all the poisons, strychnine is the best. The solution recom- 

 mended is the following: One ounce of sulfate of strychnia dis- 

 solved in a pint of boiling water. Boil until all the crystals are 

 dissolved. Add an equal quantity of sugar syrup and mix well; 

 a little oil of anise may well be added to make it more attractive. 

 This quantity is sufficient to poison half a bushel of wheat or corn. 

 It is advisable, but not absolutely necessary, to use cracked or 

 crushed grain, since it absorbs the poison better than the uncrushed 

 kernels. This poisoned grain should be allowed to dry. Instead 

 of grain, a poisoned dough made of oatmeal can be made for 

 immediate use. 



Poisoned wheat has been used at the base of fruit trees with 

 telling effect, and the same bait might also be placed along nursery 

 rows. Poisoned grain or other poisoned bait should be placed in 

 protected situations, as under boards, raised an inch from the 

 ground, in burrows, or in tile. This is to prevent birds, poultry, 

 or domestic animals from obtaining it. Strychnine is a deadly 

 poison, and the greatest care should be observed to prevent acci- 

 dents not only with the crystals but with the solution, the utensils 

 used, and the bait itself. 



Fumigation for these pests does not appear to be successful. 



Cultivation to Control Field Mice. In general, mice will be 

 less numerous if neighboring swampy areas are drained, and if 

 thorough plowing and harrowing are resorted to in cultivating 

 crops. This discourages the growth of weeds of all kinds. The 

 longer clover fields and other fields are left undisturbed, the more 

 likely are mice to increase. 



Destroying Field Mice by Burning. Large numbers of field 

 mice have been destroyed by burning fields infested with these 

 animals. In all probability, a large proportion of the adults may 

 escape the burning; but hundreds of nests scorched on the outside 

 contain young, which can be quickly killed after the fire. 



Rats and Mice About the House and Other Farm Buildings. 

 House mice can generally be controlled easily with small and 

 inexpensive traps. Rats, on the other hand, become wary after 

 a few have been killed in this way, and tax one's skill and ingenuity 

 to the utmost. 



The Brown or Norway rat, which is now the common house 



