RATS AND MICE 43 



This rodent is still common in a good many parts of England, but is 

 practically unknown in Scotland, and altogether in Ireland. 



6. The Brown Rat (Mus decumanus). If any of our mammals deserve 

 extinction, it is the Brown Rat, which is a loathsome and repulsive as well 

 as a savage creature. Yet it is cleanly in its habits, though it is found 

 in the foulest places. What is more, it is an alien, coming originally from 

 Central Asia. It is said to have migrated into Russia in the early part of the 

 eighteenth century, and to have been brought to England by ships from the 

 Baltic. Now British vessels have carried it to all parts of the world. Apart 

 from its ferocity (it has been known to attack man), it is a disease carrier. 

 In India it spreads the plague ; in England, owing to the garbage on which 

 it feeds, its bite is dangerous I have known cases of severe blood-poisoning 

 as a result. 



Its colour is a grey-brown, lighter underneath ; but in Ireland a variety 

 is met with which is much darker, almost black, and has a white patch on 

 the chest and white feet. 



It multiplies fast, being capable of breeding when three or four months old, 

 and having several litters in the year. As for food, it eats anything ; and does 

 not stop at killing small birds and mammals. It can eat its way anywhere 

 can burrow easily, can swim, can climb so that its presence is ubiquitous. 



7. The Black Rat (Mus rattus) is smaller than the former, but it has, in 

 proportion, longer ears and tail, and much bolder eyes. This species is also 

 alien in origin, and is said to have come to this country with William the Con- 

 queror, and was once known as the " French Mouse." It has been almost 

 exterminated by the Brown Rat; but is still found in various parts of the 

 British Isles, and of late years has apparently increased in numbers. Rats 

 have become a " fancy " of recent years, and it is by no means uncommon 

 to see tame specimens in cages at shows. 



The Black Rat is undoubtedly a more graceful and pretty creature than 

 its brown cousin, and makes an interesting pet ; but it is very shy. It is 

 the ancestor of the common " White " Rat, which has been kept as a pet for 

 at least 200 years. The Black Rat's fur is very fine, and used to be of some 

 value ; the White Rat's fur is still largely used by furriers. 



Its food is very much of the same varied nature as the Brown Rat's ; but 

 it is not so ferocious in disposition, and therefore is less carnivorous. 



8. The Common Mouse (Mus muscutus). This little rodent needs no 

 description ; it is a pity that so pretty and captivating a creature should be 

 such a nuisance. It varies in size and colour, but is generally about 3 inches 

 long, and of uniform grey-brown, lighter underneath, its fur being beautifully 

 kept and very glossy. It breeds all the year round, and the young are capable 

 of breeding when two months old. Occasionally one hears strange accounts 

 of " singing " mice ; but any one who has kept " white " mice knows that the 

 curious twittering or chirping which some mice emit is only the result of some 

 form of asthma or bronchial trouble. 



