THE PEST OF RATS 29 
filling the space between the sheathing. and the 
lath for about a foot’ with concrete. 
Rats frequently enter houses from sewers by 
way of soil-pipes leading into water-closets, but 
this can be guarded against by care-in construc- 
tion and the use of water-traps. 
‘“* Almost everywhere, in country, village, and city, 
the wooden floors of sidewalks, areas, and porches 
are commonly laid upon timbers resting upon. the 
ground. Under these floors rats are safe from most 
of their enemies. Only municipal action can com- 
pletely remedy these conditions, but all such rat-har- 
bors should be destroyed and replaced by cement 
floors. Considering durability, healthfulness, and 
other advantages, this material is the cheapest that 
can be used. The floors of wooden porches should. 
always ‘be well above the ground. Rats often under- 
mine brick walks or areas. 
“*Granaries, corncribs, and poultry-houses. may be 
made rat-proof by a liberal use of concrete in the 
foundations and floors; or the floors may be of wood 
resting upon concrete. Objection has been urged 
against the use of concrete floors for’ horses, cattle, 
and poultry, because the material is too good a con- 
ductor of heat, and the health of the animals suffers 
from contact with floors of this kind. In poultry- 
houses, dry soil or sand may be used as a covering 
for the cement floor; and in stables, a wooden floor 
