CHAPTER V 



DOMESTIC RATS AND MICE 



When one considers the proverbial feeling of dislike sup- 

 posed to be harbored, at least by persons of the gentler sex, 

 for rats and mice, it seems strange that they should be so 

 widely kept as pets. It is evident that this curious fear is 

 really superficial, for it quickly disappears once a closer 

 acquaintance with these little creatures is acquired. What 

 domestic artimal is daintier or prettier than a white mouse ? 

 The most prejudiced person is quickly won, if only he can 

 be brought to see these rodents as they really are, without 

 the cloak of traditional repulsion. 



The only objection to rats and mice is the odor which is 

 characteristic of these creatures. It is especially noticeable 

 in mice, but if the cage is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected 

 at frequent intervals, the trouble can be almost entirely 

 overcome. It must be remembered that the animal itself is 

 not only odorless, but most fastidious as to cleanliness. 

 Rats are much less offensive than mice in this respect. 



The keeping of rats and mice has always been popular in 

 this country, but in a rather sporadic fashion. In England, 

 this fancy, like many others, has been taken more seriously, 

 and an association, the National Mouse Club, has been 

 formed by interested persons. It is to their efforts that we 

 owe many of the varieties of both species that exist at 

 present. 



In no domestic animal have so many color phases been 

 ^segregated as in the domestic mouse. For this reason, and 

 also because of their fecundity, mice are in great demand for 

 research in questions of heredity. 



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