POISONED BAITS FOR RATS 81 



mixture is tasteless and odourless. When used in 

 small quantities sufficient to kill rats it is not injurious 

 to larger animals. Its action on rodents is slow but 

 fairly sure, and possesses advantages over many similar 

 poisons in that the rats, dying from its effects, almost 

 invariably leave buildings in search of water. 



Strychnine is also recommended as a rat poison. Half 

 an ounce of strychnine sulphate should be dissolved in 

 a pint of boiling water, to which should be added and 

 mixed a pint of thick sugary syrup. Owing to its viru- 

 lence as a poison to man and all animals its employment 

 involves considerable risks. Oatmeal dough should be 

 thoroughly moistened with this mixture, or wheat should 

 be soaked in it to form a bait. 



When a bait likely to be injurious to dogs, cats, or 

 poultry is employed it should be placed in a section of 

 bamboo pole, open at each end but with a joint in the 

 centre. 



Phosphorus preparations should be avoided, as they 

 may be carried by rats near inflammable materials and 

 cause fire. 



The under-mentioned poisoned baits for the destruction 

 of rats are recommended in the Philippine Agricultural 

 Review, September 1908 : 



lb. 



I. Arsenic . . . . . 2J 



Cooked rice . . . . .6 

 Powdered glass . . . .2 

 Toasted cocoa-nut . . .2 



II. Arsenic ...... 2^ 



Cooked rice . . . . .6 



Brown sugar . . . . .2 



Powdered glass . . . .2 



Toasted cocoa-nut . . . 2 



The mongoose was introduced with a view to destroy- 

 ing rats in Martinique, but this animal has now increased 

 to such an extent that a destroyer of the mongoose is 

 required. 



Rats cause serious damage in maize farms in Mozam- 

 bique, where they attack the seed sown in the field, the 

 "cobs" in the field previous to harvesting, and also 



6 



