RODENTS 



his destruction and extermination would fill a volume, and 

 yet we have to continue the war against Mr. Rat, a war 

 without end. 



Many of the means adopted to reduce these pests have 

 doubtless succeeded to a great extent, and a collection of 

 facts upon the subject would be of considerable value, 

 because the circumstances vary, and require accordingly 

 a different mode of treatment, as that which answers 

 perfectly in one place is inapplicable to another. 



The patience of a Chinaman would be understood if 

 .seen watching like a cat over a rat's hole, his lantern set 

 about a foot from the hole, and a sharp instrument like a 

 fork held in his hand immediately over the spot, the light 

 of the lantern being sufficient to enable the Chinaman to 

 see the rat, who generally comes slowly out, smelling 

 cautiously at the lantern ; the sudden dart of the fork 

 do^vn\vards upon the victim seldom fails to secure to the 

 Celestial his dainty relish. 



We shudder at the thought, simply because we have 

 not the inclination or courage to try the flavour of a well- 

 fed rat ; those who have tried squirrels know better than 

 to remain hungry when a well -grilled squirrel is to be 

 met with. The common guinea-pigs are kept by the 

 Indians of South America as pets to be eaten when other 

 food runs short. 



GROWTH OF TEETH, PARTICULARLY IX RODENTS. 



The growth of the teeth in most animals is a very 

 interesting study. In some animals the teeth continue to 

 grow during their whole life, and this state of dentition is 

 universal with the numerous class of Bodentia, most of 

 which live upon hard and dry food, consequently the teeth 



105 



