THE PEST OF RATS 17 
In Europe the rat is the bane of gamekeepers 
who try to preserve broods of pheasants and 
other game. Our wild game-birds are less 
molested and perhaps better able to protect 
themselves; -yet our grouse and quail must: 
suffer, for rats eat the eggs of ground-nesting 
song-birds, but the real offender is seldom even 
suspected. | . 
Rats often gnaw the hoofs.of horses until 
the feet’ bleed. Brushing: the hoofs with dilute 
carbolic acid is a preventive. They have beeni 
known to kill young lambs and pigs, and to at- 
tack very fat hogs and eat holes in their bodies, 
causing death. Farrowing sows: have been 
killed by rats gnawing their’ teats until blood 
poisoning resulted. 
Rats . damage buildings and ce, onda 
Interest in the damage done to stored goods 
and merchandise belongs more to the city ware- 
houseman than to the countryman, but the 
latter is well aware that old harness and gear 
of all sorts with leather about it, any grain- 
bags and similar articles must be protected 
from rats. Damage to houses and. barns is, 
