APPENDIX I 
EXTERMINATION OF RATS 
The safest way to exterminate rats and mice is with 
Liverpool Virus, though I cannot pretend it is the most 
efficacious. Experience has taught me that rats will not 
readily eat this paste, but show a marked preference for 
phosphorus pastes spread on bread, and with the latter 
method I have been very successful. However, phos- 
phorus, being very poisonous, is a dangerous agent to 
spread in the vicinity of dogs, and should only be used 
after first making sure that every dog is secure in its 
kennel, counting the pieces of bait laid down at night, 
and collecting in the morning what the rats have not 
touched. Water should be placed near the phosphorus, 
as this aids the quick action of the latter. Liverpool 
Virus can be safely scattered among dogs, as it has no 
pathogenicity for any but rodents. Another efficient 
method of killing rats is to mix dry oatmeal in equal 
proportion with plaster of Paris, and leave it on the floor 
with a basin of water beside it. The rats greedily eat 
the powder, become thirsty, drink, and then die. Need- 
less to add, all access to dog biscuits should be curtailed, 
these being stored preferably in covered zinc bins, for so 
long as rats can feed on good wholesome biscuits, they 
will not choose phosphorus or any other bait. 
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