THE PEST OF RATS 27 
ture a great many. The old-fashioned figure-4 
trap, dropping a box, or better, a deadfall, is 
often highly effective. Several sorts of steel 
traps may be used to advantage; and in the 
last chapter of this book will be found descrip- 
tions of various forms and directions for bait- 
ing and setting them. 
Poisoning will clear out the creatures more 
rapidly and effectively but can hardly be used 
except about barns and out-buildings, and even 
there should be done intelligently and with cer- 
tain precautions. Therefore instructions as to 
the best means and methods of poisoning will 
also be found in the last chapter. 
While endeavoring to kill off the rats by 
these various methods, precautions should be 
taken against their return. Their runways 
and harboring places must be sought out and 
made untenable. ‘The wisdom of stopping up 
all holes by which they enter houses, barns or 
cellars, need hardly be mentioned to common- 
sense readers. Freshly slaked lime placed in 
their dry burrows and runs is effective; or 
fresh thin whitewash to be poured into them. 
A strong solution of copperas is good, and gas- 
