A BOOM IN ANIMAL LIFE 273 



to keep out the sea. These banks were, last month, 

 cut through in several places, and the apertures 

 made were fitted with sluices to retain the tide on 

 the island, which was then completely flooded. It 

 was hoped, through this drastic measure, the rats 

 would be drowned. The animals are, however, at 

 present, masters of the situation, as though a few 

 thousands, a trifle only of their numbers, have 

 doubtless succumbed, the great majority have taken 

 refuge in the broad banks, which, for their entire 

 length of several miles, are so riddled with holes that 

 they are like sieves. As the animals are the common 

 water rat, I fear that the idea of drowning them is 

 akin to trying to drown a fish. Starvation may 

 eventually have some effect if their burrows and the 

 ample store of roots to be seen laid up therein are 

 covered with water ; but, rather than starve, the 

 rats are sure to escape by swimming to the main- 

 land, as many have done already, and we shall be no 

 nearer an extirpation than now. 



* Perhaps some of your readers can suggest an 

 effective system of destruction. From more than 

 one personal inspection, I consider that ferrets, 

 trapping, smoking out, and terriers would be mere 

 child's play, and make no impression on the myriads 

 that are now on the island. 



'As the burrows and underground runs are only 



OF THK 



UNIVERS] 



