ORDEE OF EODENTIA. 441 



task was now over. The first Rat brought others, which did not 

 manifest any more timidity than their leader ; and in less than 

 fifteen days the company consisted of ten Eats, each of which 

 received a name. When Latude called to them, they would run 

 after him and allow themselves to be handled without fear, 

 appearing to be pleased when scratched under the neck ; but they 

 always objected to be touched upon the back. " They used to 

 come and eat out of my plate," said the unfortunate captive ; 

 "but I found that this licence was inadmissible, so, in order to 

 avoid their uncleanly habits, I was forced to lay another cover 

 at table for them." At the end of a year this family of Eats 

 reckoned twenty-six members. 



Both Cats and Dogs are natural enemies of the Eat ; yet these 

 animals, apparently so irreconcilable, may be trained to live 

 together. 



Dr. Franklin was in possession of a White Eat, which was much 

 attached to him, and kept on very good terms with a Dog of the 

 terrier breed. The Dog and Eat were in the habit of amusing 

 themselves together in the garden ; they would drink milk side by 

 side from the same saucer, and share like brothers any tit-bits 

 that fell in their way, either from the liberality of their master 

 or the plunderings of the Eat, which never scrupled to climb 

 upon the table and carry off, unless prevented, sugar, pastry, 

 or cheese. If a stranger entered the room, Scugg (which was the 

 name of the Eat) used to retire into a corner, and place itself 

 under the protection of friend Floi'a, the Dog, tvho would bark 

 furiously until the pacific intentions of the newcomer had become 

 evident. It was curious to see Scugg sleeping in front of the tire 

 between Flora's paws. In consequence of vexation at being sepa- 

 rated from its master, the Eat became ill. At length the Doctor 

 returned. He caressed the afi'ectionate animal, and having with 

 some difficulty withdrawn it from his bosom, put it back into its 

 caffe. The next morning it was found dead. In Eats as well as 

 men, joy sometimes kills. 



The Eat tribe are distributed all over the earth. They seem to 

 adapt themselves to all climates, and many of the species are 

 cosmopolitan. This may be easily explained, by the fact that 

 all vessels have a number on board, and that thus they pass from 

 one hemisphere to another. 



