THE MOUSE. 



87 



The " Mus " genus forms a very numerous tribe of ani- 

 mals, which multiply very fast, and are very destructive. In 

 our island, the common and field mice, and the rat, are the 

 principal destroyers; but in other parts of the world, other 

 species, still more formidable, are found. Some confine them- 

 selves wholly to vegetable food ; while others are polyphagous, 

 and destroy indiscriminately any animal or vegetable sub- 

 stance which they can get. Their pace is, in general, rather 

 quick, and their residence is chiefly in obscure subterraneous 

 retreats, from which they emerge chiefly by night. They are 

 of a prolific nature, and the females are furnished with nu- 

 merous teats. Some species are migratory ; others are local, 

 and attached to the same residence. 



Rats and mice inhabit dwelling-houses, granaries, and 

 corn ricks, where they commit very extensive depredations, 

 devouring any cooked food, animal flesh, and grain. They 

 make holes in walls, and below floors, and are destructive in 

 various ways. Various methods have been recommended 

 and used for the extirpation of these vermin. Poison is given 

 in mixed lumps of some sweet and attractive le aven ; but it 

 is dangerous for other animals, as dogs and cats. Traps are 

 used, but they require a troublesome attention. Cats are 

 useful for killing them ; but cats in a granary distribute a most 

 offensive excrement, which is a greater nuisance than rats 

 and mice. But the most effectual mode is to keepf some tame 

 weasels, which can enter the holes of the rats and mice, and 

 thus reach them in their abodes. The carnivorous voracity of 

 the weasel is so very great, that it will not suffer a single ani- 

 mal to escape. 



When new houses are erected, the foundations and corners 

 should be carefully secured against the entrance of vermin, by 

 mixing the mortar with gratings of iron and broken glass. 

 The upper part of laid floors should be guarded with similar 

 materials, in order to prevent the entrance of these burrow- 

 ing animals, which destroy walls and floors as much as grains 

 and cloths. Thatched roofs are very objectionable in lodging 

 rats and mice. 



