THE PEST OF RATS 17 



In Europe the rat is the bane of gamekeepers 

 who try to preserve broods of pheasants and 

 other game. Our wild game-birds are less 

 molested and perhaps better able to protect 

 themselves; yet our grouse and quail must 

 suffer, for rats eat the eggs of ground-nesting 

 song-birds, but the real offender is seldom even 

 suspected. 



Bats often gnaw the hoofs of horses until 

 the feet bleed. Brushing -the hoofs with dilute- 

 carbolic acid is a preventive. They have been 

 known to kill young lambs and pigs, and to at- 

 tack very fat hogs and eat holes in their bodies, 

 causing death. Farrowing sows have been 

 killed by rats gnawing their teats until blood 

 poisoning resulted. 



Rats damage buildings and stored goods. 

 Interest in the damage done to stored goods 

 and merchandise belongs more to the city ware- 

 houseman than to the countryman, but the 

 latter is well aware that old harness and gear 

 of all sorts with leather about it, any grain- 

 bags and similar articles must be protected 

 from rats. Damage to houses and barns is, 



