WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 



great genera and an endless number of species widely 

 distributed in every part of the world. Most or all of 

 them serve as food if not for man for other animals. No 

 known rodent has been found unwholesome. Independ- 

 ently of the value of the flesh as food, their skins are of 

 incalculable importance in our manufactures. Many species 

 multiply so rapidly that if it were not for their numerous 

 enemies they would probably in a short time oveiTun the 

 earth and render it barely habitable. 



These facts lead us to consider the great importance 

 that should be attached to their existence, and to wonder 

 what great end they tend to serve. However, a,s to most 

 good things there are a few exceptions to be taken for our 

 well-being, by there being too much or too many of them, 

 so in this case is it exemplified in some parts of Australia 

 by the introduction of rabbits in a part of the country not 

 sufficiently populated to keep their numbers down. Great 

 fear is entertained that they may, if not checked, cause 

 the extinction of almost all other animals, not even sparing 

 the sheep, by not only devouring their food but by so 

 tainting the ground that the sheep and cattle will pro- 

 bably be starved or driven from places that have become 

 infested by rabbits. 



The common rat is as widely, or probably more widely, 

 distributed than any other animal ; this is not at all to be 

 wondered at when we know that the rascal is quite at 

 homo on board ship, and is thus taken into distant 

 countries, and is consequently found to live and thrive 

 upon any soil and feed upon almost any kind of substance. 

 Our common rat is certainly a fine example of an animal 

 capable of acclimatization ; he makes himself at home 

 anywhere and everywhere, and sorely tries the patience 

 of all that have to contend against him ; the skilful and 

 cunning devices invented, in every conceivable form, for 



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