METHODS OF KAT DESTRUCT10>\ 



233 



animals were killed in addition to the rats as a result of treat- 

 ment with phosphorus, arsenic, and strychnine. As to tlie 

 second objection, in the course of our numerous tests, conducted 

 both in urban as well ns rural districts, we did not receive a 

 single complaint with respect to rats dying under the floorings of 

 buildings, and the possibility of this occurring appears to be 

 more remote tlian has been suggested. 



We spent some time experimenting with both Phosphojus and 

 Arsenic, but it was realized from the first that the dangerous 

 nature of these poisons, unless they proved of very exceptional 

 value, precluded their being recommended for general use. 

 Phosphorus, although obviously easy to detect, proved to be an 

 attractive bait, and far more so than arsenic ; iinlike the latter, 

 liowevei', it does not, especially in summer, retain iis toxic 

 properties for more than a few days. 



Below are given tables showing the results of our tests and 

 investigations with phosphorus and ai'senic preparations of 

 various kinds. In these, and in our tests and investigations 

 with other poisons, we have termed the result a "Success"' 

 where a definite reduction in the number of rats was recorded. 

 In the cases mai'ked with an asterisk we Avere not present at 

 the test, but the facts were ascertained from reliable witnesses. 



Phos2Jhortts. 



