440 



MAMMALIA. 



their incessant destruction, Eats do not appear to diminish, but 

 rather the reverse. 



In consequence of their disgusting habits, and the damage 

 which they cause, Rats invariably inspire all with repugnance, so 

 that we never think of taming them, and but rarely contemplate 

 the possibility of making pets of them. This, however, would 

 be by no means an impossibility. In the public places of Paris, 

 a mountebank may often be seen exhibiting a troop of performing 

 Eats. Thej' recognise the voice of their master, and execute 

 various tricks at his command, such as jumping in and out of a 

 basket, bowing to the company, &c. ; ultimately, at the call of 

 their owner, they come and nestle in his bosom between his 

 waistcoat and shirt. 



Fig. 178— Black Riit {Mns rattus). 



The Chevalier de Latude, celebrated by his lengthened captivity 

 ni the Bastille, was much inconvenienced in his dungeon by Eats, 

 which, during his sleep, were in the habit of running over his 

 face, and sometimes even biting him. Pin ding himself unable to 

 drive them away, he determined to cultivate the friendship of 

 these troublesome neighbours. He began by enticing one with 

 some bread, taking care not to startle it by any sudden movement. 

 At the end of three days, the animal had become so tame, that 

 it would feed out of his hand. The most difficult part of his 



