556 



THE MOUSE. 



It is a curious fact that the Rats were all found lying dead in circles round the braziers, 

 heaped thickly upon each other's bodies. They had instinctively run toward the spots 

 which were comparatively free from vapor, as the heat of the burning coals forced the 

 suffocating smoke to rise from the spot where it was generated. 



The BLACK- RAT derives its name from the color of its fur, which is of a grayish-black, 

 instead of the reddish-brown hue which tinges the coat of the brown Rat. The upper jaw 

 projects considerably beyond the lower, and a number of long stiff hairs project through 

 the ordinary fur. In size it is rather less than the above-mentioned animal, and the 

 ears and tail are rather longer in proportion. 



The Black Rat is found in all warm and temperate regions, and in England was in 

 former days extremely numerous, although it has now been gradually driven away from 

 its domains by the larger and more powerful intruder. It is not, however, so rare as is 

 sometimes imagined, and may still be found by those who know where to look for it. 

 According to Mr. Rodwell's theory, the manner in which the brown Rat has supplanted 

 its black relation is not by war, but by love, the stronger males of the brown hue 



BLACK RAT. Mas Rattius. 



carrying off the black females by force of superior strength, and thus by degrees merging 

 the weaker black race into the powerful brown Rats. In France the two varieties for the 

 distinction of species really seems to be but doubtful live together in perfect harmony, 

 mixing freely with each other, and producing a curious kind of parti-colored offspring. 



The skins of these brown-black Rats are considered to be of some value, and they 

 are accordingly pursued by the rat-catchers for the purpose of sale to the furriers. Even 

 the brown Rat is not without its value in commerce, as the prepared skin is said to 

 furnish the most delicate leather for the manufacture of the thumbs of the best kid 

 gloves ; and the fur is used as a substitute for beaver in the composition of hats. 



Albino, or White Rats, are of no very uncommon occurrence ; and when crossed with 

 the black or brown species their offspring is curiously pied with a darker or lighter hue, 

 according to the color of the parent. 



" YE little vulgar MOUSE," as it is quaintly termed by old Topsel, is a truly pretty 

 little creature, with its brown-gray back, gray throat and abdomen, soft velvety fur, its 

 little bright black bead-like eyes, and squirrel-like paws. A detailed description of so 

 familiar an animal would be quite unnecessary, and we will therefore proceed to its habits 

 and manners. 



